by admin | Aug 21, 2025 | gaza israel conflict, humanitarian aid, international aid, news, tragedies
Dhaka, August 19 – The United Nations reported that a historic number of 383 humanitarian workers lost their lives globally in 2024, with almost half of them dying in Gaza amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as the organization observed World Humanitarian Day with a somber message regarding increasing dangers faced by individuals providing critical assistance.
The U.N.’s top humanitarian official, Tom Fletcher, stated that the increase in deaths should act as a “wake-up call” to safeguard civilians and individuals providing aid.
Fletcher stated, ‘Such large-scale attacks, without any consequences, represent a disgraceful criticism of global passivity and lack of action.’ He added, ‘We urge decision-makers to safeguard citizens and relief personnel, as well as ensure those responsible face justice.’
As per the Aid Worker Security Database, deaths increased from 293 in 2023 to 383 in 2024 – with over 180 incidents recorded in Gaza. The majority of those who lost their lives were local employees working to support their own communities, frequently dying either while on duty or within their residences, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The database documented 599 significant assaults against humanitarian personnel during the previous year, marking a substantial increase compared to 420 cases reported in 2023. These events resulted in 308 injuries, 125 abductions, and 45 detentions. So far this year, 2025 has seen 245 notable attacks registered, leading to 265 fatalities.
A particularly severe event occurred on March 23 in Rafah, southern Gaza, where Israeli forces allegedly targeted medical personnel and rescuers operating in clearly identified vehicles, resulting in 15 deaths and subsequently burying the corpses in a collective grave using heavy machinery.
Palestinian health officials report that the number of deaths in Gaza has exceeded 62,000
Sudan ranked as the second most dangerous nation for aid personnel following Gaza and the West Bank, where 60 humanitarian staff were murdered in 2024—more than twice the number recorded in the prior year. Additional areas of concern featured Lebanon (20 fatalities, an increase from zero in 2023), Ethiopia and Syria (each reporting 14 deaths), and Ukraine (13 casualties, up from six in the preceding year).
An assault on a humanitarian worker is an attack on everyone,” Fletcher emphasized. “Hostility toward relief personnel is not unavoidable—it needs to stop.
Source: Agency
by admin | Aug 15, 2025 | disasters, greece, incident, natural disasters, tragedies
Three individuals, among them two visitors from Vietnam, lost their lives in Greece on Friday when strong winds fueled wildfires and caused disruptions to ferry services affecting tens of thousands of vacationers during the summer season.
Over 200 firefighters, supported by 11 aerial water tankers and seven helicopters, were fighting a fire near Keratea, south of Athens, according to Costas Tsigkas, president of the association of Greek firefighting officials.
ERT
state television.
“He mentioned it was a challenging blaze,” he stated, referring to strong winds and noting that multiple areas had been vacated.
Firefighters found the remains of an older individual within their scorched house in Keratea, with strong winds affecting the operation of aerial firefighting units, according to Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the fire department, during a media update.
An
AFP
A journalist from the neighboring town of Palaia Fokaia, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of Athens, witnessed flames engulfing a home and dense smoke filling the atmosphere.
Emergency responders were running quickly to position hoses and extinguish the fire, as a helicopter flew above to release water.
Previously, another fire on the island of Cephalonia had been contained, according to local authorities, whereas Vathrakogiannis stated that conditions “have improved” on the Peloponnese peninsula located west of Athens.
The Ministry of Civil Protection stated that wind speeds could peak at 88 kilometers per hour, particularly in the southern Aegean region and the Sea of Crete.
The National Weather Service EMY stated that the wind speeds would decrease after midnight, yet the Civil Protection Ministry issued the highest wildfire alerts for multiple regions on Saturday, such as the Attica area, which encompasses Athens.
Earlier, the coast guard reported that a Vietnamese man and woman from a cruise ship tour group had passed away at Sarakiniko Beach on the tourist island of Milos in the Cyclades.
“A man and a woman were discovered lying unconsciously in the water and were transported to the nearby medical facility,” stated a spokesperson from the coast guard.
A woman slipped into the water, and the man seemingly attempted to rescue her.
‘Left stranded’
Strong winds forced numerous ferries to remain in port, disrupting the primary means of transportation that links thousands of islands and supports their vital tourism industry.
The coastguard stated that the majority of ferry services could not leave on time from Piraeus and other Athenian harbors, particularly heading towards the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands. Some trips were cancelled while others were delayed.
In Piraeus, many passengers gathered outside a boat heading towards the Cyclades’ islands of Paros and Naxos, hoping for updates about an upcoming sail.
Close by, travelers who were stuck gathered around backpacks and luggage, forming a long line outside a ticket counter, making urgent phone calls in an attempt to change their plans and salvage their trips.
“there are long queues, lots of chaos, everyone is waiting under the sun and it’s a really difficult situation,” said Philip Elias, an American visitor.
Maritime links with the Saronic islands close to Athens, such as Aegina, Hydra, Poros, and Spetses, along with the Ionian Sea remained undisturbed, according to the coastguard.
Greece typically experiences strong winds during this season, with fire crews having dealt with multiple significant fires this summer, such as those on the islands of Evia and Chios, along with incidents in the western part of the Peloponnese.
by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | crime, crimes, news, police reports, tragedies
Anger followed the mob attack that resulted in the deaths of 16 travelers from the north in Uromi, Edo State. These individuals were passing through from Port Harcourt in Rivers State en route to Kano State. It was reported by Weekend Trust that those killed were hunters heading back home for the Sallah festivities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu denounced the killing of the hunters, instructing state security forces to pursue the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. He emphasized that a comprehensive inquiry must be carried out to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The Northern Governors Forum and Amnesty International, along with other organizations, have likewise denounced the killings of the individuals.
The attack
The individuals who claimed to be hunters were traveling to Kano for the Sallah festivities when a group confronted and killed them out of suspicion that they might have been kidnappers.
Over the weekend, Weekend Trust discovered that local vigilantes intercepted the vehicle carrying the victims. During their search, they uncovered Dane guns being used by the hunters. This discovery prompted a crowd to assemble, and they ultimately decided that the travelers were kidnappers, resulting in the unfortunate burning of the individuals alive.
In a widely shared clip viewed by our correspondent, young individuals can be seen gathering the departed before ultimately setting fire to them.
The assailants bound the victims to discarded tires, doused them with gasoline, and lit them on fire.
Police confirm incident
The Edo State Police Command stated that they have apprehended 14 individuals suspected of being involved in the incident.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, on March 27, 2025, a truck bearing registration number KKF 225 XA, which originated from Port Harcourt and was carrying 25 passengers from Elele—a suburb within Rivers State—was stopped by members of a vigilante group near Uromi.
Some travelers caught with locally produced Dane guns were detained.
During this time, certain vigilantes triggered an alert claiming they were thought to be kidnappers, causing several group members and bystanders within the neighborhood to assault and lynch 16 of those inside the vehicle. Additionally, the truck transporting them was also set ablaze.
He mentioned that the police arrived at the location where 10 travelers were saved, whereas the two individuals with varying levels of injuries were quickly taken to a hospital and are currently receiving medical care.
He mentioned that members of the Police Mobile Force, along with other specialized tactical units, were dispatched to the region to prevent any potential disruption to public order.
The Police Commissioner emphasized the importance of harmony between different communities and asked citizens to stay composed and work together with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation, according to him.
He similarly warned against retaliatory assaults or illegal assemblies that could heighten the situation even more.
Survivors recount ordeal
A survivor named Dayyabu Yahya described their escape after the attack. He stated: “The trip was calm from Port Harcourt until we arrived at Uromi, where problems started. The vigilantes intercepted us. I was sitting upfront. They instructed our driver to exit the car, but he declined. As a result, they whipped him. Additionally, they demanded that all passengers leave the vehicle; during this process, they assaulted us and then gathered us collectively.”
They examined our possessions but discovered nothing suspicious—only some authorized Dane firearms. The vehicle contained roughly 27 passengers. I am unable to specify the number of individuals who are unaccounted for, however, I do know that two passengers required hospitalization.
A fellow survivor, Mustafa Ali Kassim, recounted: “As soon as we got off the vehicle, the vigilantes began assaulting us. They then herded us into one spot where the local residents took over and carried on with the attack. The vigilantes eventually withdrew, allowing the locals to continue their beating while they merely observed from afar. Understanding that our situation was dire and fearing for our lives, several individuals decided to flee—I was among those who ran. During my escape, I met compassionate Hausa people who provided me with funds so I could seek help from the local Hausa community leader.”
The village of Torankawa in Kano is in mourning.
Weekend Trust discovered that all the victims come from Torankawa village located within the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to our correspondent, the village has fallen into deep sorrow due to recent events. A local informant revealed that the identities of three deceased individuals have been established, yet multiple families remain anxious about the fate of their loved ones—whether they are still alive or among the departed.
It was learned that each year, a band of hunters from the village goes on hunting trips across different regions of the country. According to the report, around 30 individuals departed from the village for this year’s hunting venture. It was also mentioned that these hunters claimed the casualties occurred as the targets were returning home at the time of the event.
“Our community is grieving; each household is filled with anxiety as they remain uncertain about their loved ones’ wellbeing—whether they are among the living or deceased. The information regarding this event reached us recently. Such occurrences were unheard of previously. According to reports we’ve gathered, three victims have been identified,” stated an individual from within the village.
Another villager living in Rano Malam, Alasan Ubale, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that this practice had been ongoing for a considerable time but they had never encountered an incident like this before.
Okpebholo assures of justice
At the same time, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo characterized the action as barbaric and unacceptable, pledging that those responsible would face legal consequences.
While speaking at Uromi, the governor conveyed his message via the Chief Security Officer (CSO) from the Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale. He expressed his intention to assess the extent of the damages incurred and emphasized the necessity for an investigation to be conducted. This approach aims to secure justice and prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
He cautioned that no one had the authority to end another person’s life, emphasizing that the manner of the killing was troubling for the governor.
I can guarantee you that those responsible for this unjustified attack will face consequences, as His Excellency has instructed the Commissioner of Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“As I speak now, four individuals have been detained due to their involvement in this unfortunate incident,” he stated.
He appealed for tranquility and encouraged the law-abiding citizens of Uromi, particularly the Hausa community, to continue with their regular routines. He assured them that members of the Nigerian police force along with other security personnel have been dispatched to help reinstate peace and normality in the region.
Tinubu calls for investigation and a search for the assailants.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded by denouncing the event.
The president has urged security personnel within the state to pursue the assailants and ensure they face justice, emphasizing that an extensive inquiry must be carried out.
Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated in an official announcement that the president was shocked by the heinous incident. The president also instructed the police and other security organizations to carry out prompt and comprehensive inquiries, followed by punitive actions against those believed to be responsible.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that perpetrators will not be permitted to continue harming innocent Nigerians.
The president stated that vigilante actions have no role in Nigeria, and every Nigerian citizen enjoys the right to travel unrestricted throughout the nation.
Northern govs condemn killing
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has likewise denounced the killings.
Yesterday, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahawa, who also serves as the chairperson of the Forum and governs Gombe State, released a statement condemning the assault as a severe breach of human rights. He firmly stated that such unauthorized use of force is “totally impermissible and should be denounced with unambiguous intensity.”
He stated that the forum conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and everyone impacted by the event.
We are profoundly troubled by the deaths of innocent people and the appalling way in which these individuals were assaulted.
This deplorable action erodes the principles of the legal system and tears apart the social structure we uphold. It is crucial for the appropriate agencies to carry out a comprehensive and meticulous inquiry into this irrational deed. The individuals responsible must be located, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay,” he stated.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, must have the ability to move around effortlessly and securely without worrying about being harassed, attacked, or coerced.
Atiku, Kwankwaso speak
Similarly, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar responded to the situation with deep sorrow over the incident and urged for a comprehensive inquiry.
“I am profoundly distressed by the news of the unfortunate murder of several hunters in Edo State. I extend my sincere sympathies to their families and close relatives,” Atiku posted on his Facebook page.
He demanded an open and unbiased inquiry to guarantee justice and stop any further incidents of mob violence from happening.
“The safeguarding of innocent lives should take precedence, and I encourage the authorities to move quickly and resolutely to stop the repetition of mob rule. It is essential that justice not just be administered but also visibly enforced to rebuild trust in our law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, also condemned the mob action.
In his Facebook post, he characterized the event as barbaric and underscored the right of every Nigerian to move around freely without fearing harassment or intimidation.
Barau urges security agencies to pursue the killers.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I Jibrin called for immediate action against those responsible, urging security forces to pursue the culprits.
Characterizing the murders as brutal, inhumane, and demonic, the Deputy Senate President urged the Edo State Police Command and other security organizations to take firm actions to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Senator Barau, as stated by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged for tranquility and guaranteed that those responsible would face consequences.
He revealed his plan to propose a motion in the Senate aimed at ensuring accountability for those who carried out the killings.
‘I have been inundated with calls by my constituents and other Nigerians on the horrific murder of innocent individuals in Edo State. I condemn in totality the barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians.
I am urgently calling upon our security organizations to promptly take action to apprehend these wrongdoers and make sure that they face consequences befitting the severity of their crimes.
Amnesty International too
Additionally, Amnesty International issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Country Director, Isa Sanusi, denouncing the event.
“The Nigerian authorities should not only condemn the incident but also guarantee that the alleged perpetrators are arrested and undergo a just legal process,” the statement said.
Mr. Sanusi stated that the continuous inability of the Nigerian government to penalize acts of mob violence has fostered a situation where aggressive crowds feel justified in assuming legal authority for themselves.
Amnesty International characterized the lynching as indicative of an increasing pattern where vigilante organizations are illegally obstructing roads and carrying out violent actions without facing consequences.
The disturbing riotous behavior witnessed in Uromi is indicative of an increasing pattern where local militias from communities situated near roadways are obstructing traffic and engaging in illegal acts without facing consequences.
Mr. Sanusi stated that “The persistence of these murders over an extended period, coupled with the minimal investigation and prosecution of such cases, underscores the alarming inadequacy of the authorities in fulfilling their duty to safeguard individuals from injury and criminal acts.”
AYCF reacts
Additionally, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), as stated in a press release signed by their President General, Yerima Shetima, commented, “Following the baseless allegations of abduction, which enraged the public, a horrific and savage incident occurred, causing great sorrow and disapproval. This unfortunate event claimed 16 valuable lives, with several individuals’ remains unfortunately still enclosed within the burning vehicle.”
As eyewitnesses describe, the horrific sight involved alleged victims being transported away using wheelbarrows before reportedly being cast into the fire, serving as a grim reminder of the disturbing prevalence of mob justice within many Southern Nigerian towns,” he stated.
He voiced his worry about the incident of mob violence and demanded prompt and comprehensive inquiries into the tragic event.
Arewa groups in the South-South denounce murders and call for justice.
The Southern Coordinator of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has likewise denounced the killings.
Alhaji Musa Saidu, speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, stated
The victims were innocent individuals who were diligently striving to make ends meet.
He stated, “The Arewa people along with the whole Hausa community in Rivers State and throughout the entire South-South region strongly condemn the killings and
urge the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 5, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Edo State, and the federal government to probe the events leading to the deaths of these unarmed individuals. It is essential that this matter be fully examined with severe consequences for anyone deemed responsible.’
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | aviation accidents, flying, incident, news, tragedies
Crowds assembled in France and Germany to commemorate ten years since a Lufthansa aircraft was intentionally crashed into a mountain in France, resulting in the tragic deaths of all 150 people aboard.
On Monday, French, German, and Spanish officials placed wreaths at the location where an incident occurred in 2015.
an airline disaster that stunned the continent,
As families and friends of the victims maintained a moment of silence at 10:41 a.m. (0941 GMT), precisely ten years following the crash of Germanwings Flight 4U 9525 traveling from Barcelona, Spain, to Düsseldorf, Germany, which occurred in Le Vernet, France, resulting in the deaths of all 144 passengers and six crew members aboard.
Altogether, victims from 20 distinct nations perished in the event, with the majority being from Germany (72) and Spain (50).
GermanwINGS was a budget offshoot of Lufthansa, with Lufthansa’s CEO Carsten SPHOR present in Le Vernet on Monday. He stated his thoughts on the tragic occurrence during this event.
still haunts the company
.
The impact of the GermanwINGS crash was intensified by the horrifying realization that it was intentional.
The
The impact of the news about the accident was intensified.
due to the terror induced by the realization that investigators speculated
the co-pilot, battling with depression
, had
deliberately slammed the aircraft into a mountain slope
After the pilot exited the cockpit to use the restroom,
Upon his return, the pilot discovered that the co-pilot had locked him out of the cockpit and had started an automatic descent sequence for the Airbus A320.
The sound of banging is captured in the cockpit voice recordings as the pilot frantically tries to force entry into the cockpit. The copilot remains unresponsive to calls from air traffic control, with just their breath audible.
Germanwings tragedy: enduring pain and unresolved questions a decade later
Ceremonies were also held in Barcelona and Dusseldorf, as well as in the western
The German city of Haltern am See
, which was home to 16 exchange students and two teachers who lost their lives during their flight back from Spain.
The mayor of Haltern, Andreas Stegemann, informed DPA News Agency, “We continue to feel this sense of disbelief, deep empathy from everyone towards the affected families, and we’re still asking ourselves why this occurred. The Germanwings tragedy remains an enduring chapter in our city’s history.”
Bertrand Bartolini, who served as the mayor of Le Vernet during the incident, mentioned that upon arriving at the scene to assess the situation, he encountered “an absolutely horrifying location,” and went on to say, “There were scenes there that I won’t ever be capable of discussing.”
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Author: Jon Shelton (with AFP, dpa)
