THE HEADLINES

Thieves Raid FG Staff Buses at Niger LG Secretariat
NASU rejects FG’s 30% offer, threatens nationwide strike May 1
Kidnapped UNIJOS graduate regains freedom
Boko Haram has killed more Muslims than Christians, no genocide in Nigeria — Lai Mohammed
Trump looks for way out on war, but Iran may not oblige
Barca edge Celta but lose match-winner Yamal to injury

DETAILS

The buses of members of staff of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have allegedly been burgled by thieves at the Suleja Local Government Area secretariat.
Brain boxes of seven of the buses were stolen on Sunday by yet-to-be-identified thieves. The incident was reported at the Suleja Divisional Police Headquarters on Monday.
The buses affected include those of the Federal Ministries of Agriculture, Budget and National Planning, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Others are the Sharia Court of Appeal (FCT), Office of the Head of Service, and the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. Most federal government staff buses conveying workers from Suleja to Abuja are usually parked at the secretariat for safety.

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has rejected Federal Government’s offer of 30 per cent increase in its members’ Consolidated Academic Allowance.
The association described the increment as inadequate and threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the government would not offer it 40 per cent increment before May 1.
The General Secretary of NASU, Mr Peters Adeyemi, made this known while speaking with journalists at the Regular Meeting of Universities and Inter-University Centres Trade Group Council. The meeting held at the Aderemi Makanjula Theatre Hall, Lagos State University.

A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum, who was kidnapped by terrorists about two weeks ago, has regained his freedom.
Arum was severely tortured in viral videos by his abductors after he was taken into custody by suspected kidnappers along the Jos–Kaduna highway.
He was reportedly kidnapped alongside six other passengers while travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Kaduna State. His release was confirmed on Wednesday by the Global President of the University of Jos Alumni Association, Gad Shamaki, who described the development as a moment of thanksgiving.

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has dismissed claims of a targeted genocide against Christians in Nigeria, stating that insurgent groups, particularly Boko Haram, have killed more Muslims than Christians.
Mohammed made the remarks on Wednesday in the United Kingdom while engaging with students of Abbey College Cambridge during an interactive session focused on governance and youth participation in Nigeria.
Responding to questions on alleged religious persecution, the former minister described the narrative of a “Christian genocide” as false and misleading.

FOREIGN AND SPORTS REPORTS.

By extending a ceasefire indefinitely with Iran, President Donald Trump appears to be searching for a way out of a costly war, but Tehran may be unwilling to give him a win.
Trump has insisted on maintaining a naval blockade, which Iran is demanding must end before it can consider any agreement to end the conflict launched on February 28 by Israel and the United States.
For Trump, who boasts of his prowess to secure big deals quickly through his team of business buddies, negotiating with Iran’s Islamic republic presents an ultimate contrast — methodical, unyielding diplomats ready to fight for the long haul against what they see as a deceitful enemy.

SPORT NEWS

Barcelona moved a step closer to winning La Liga with a tight 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Wednesday but lost their goalscorer Lamine Yamal to an apparent hamstring injury.
The teenage Spain star won and converted a penalty to clinch a narrow triumph but hurt himself as he took it and was replaced before half-time.
Joao Cancelo also went off injured for a Barca team who moved nine points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table with six matches remaining, including a Clasico on May 10.