oleh admin | Apr 7, 2025 | General
On Thursday, foreign amateur athletes departed from Beijing to participate in the inaugural Pyongyang Marathon in North Korea after a hiatus of six years, according to an official travel agency.
The marathon is included in the festivities commemorating the birth of North Korea’s founding leader, Kim Il Sung, who was born in 1912. It stands as the biggest international sports event held within the isolated nation.
The event is set for Sunday, providing a unique chance to race through the streets of this normally highly regulated city.
The most recent edition of the Pyongyang Marathon took place in 2019 before being halted due to the pandemic. This led North Korea, a nuclear-weapon-state, to close its borders as part of measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
As North Korea cautiously reopened, foreign attendees concluded their six-day trip arranged by Koryo Tours as they left Beijing, the Chinese capital.
The travel agency focuses on journeys to North Korea and bills itself as the sole travel collaborator for the marathon.
An agency representative stated that participants left earlier today.
AFP
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A clip shared on Air Koryo’s Instagram page showed several non-residents getting onboard a commercial flight operated by the airline, traveling from Beijing to Pyongyang.
“As it offers a chance to engage with local residents, the Pyongyang Marathon presents an exceptionally distinctive experience,” stated the Beijing-based company on their website.
A completely unparalleled experience.
The marathon is featured on the Global Governing Body World Athletics’ website.
In 2019, approximately 950 people from the West participated in the event, an increase from around 450 participants noted the prior year.
Earlier this year, around 200 international athletes were anticipated to participate alongside over 200 North Korean participants, according to Simon Cockerell, the general manager at Koryo Tours, who spoke recently with an Australian media outlet.
SBS
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“North Korea is a intriguing and multifaceted destination that captivates numerous individuals. Although it might not be appealing to all, it undoubtedly attracts those who are eager to explore and understand the experience of traveling through such a nation and witnessing its uniqueness firsthand,” he stated.
oleh admin | Apr 7, 2025 | economics, economy of china, energy consumption, energy sector, hong kong
The supplier anticipates that this trend will continue, whereas economists link reduced consumption to evolving lifestyles, such as greater travel to the mainland.
In 2024, gas consumption in Hong Kong remained under the pre-pandemic levels for an uninterrupted six years. The provider anticipates this trend will continue, as economists attribute this phenomenon to a “structural reduction” in use attributed to shifts in living habits, such as more frequent trips to mainland China.
The city’s only gas provider, the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, commonly referred to as Towngas, connected their prediction with the anticipated mild temperatures for this year.
Professor Lee Shu-kam, who leads the Department of Economics and Finance at Shue Yan University, highlighted a “structural decrease in gasoline sales” within the city.
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An essential aspect is the weak economy. With a decrease in tourism, stores will utilize less fuel,” Lee explained. “However, what matters most is that following the pandemic, numerous individuals have started spending more within their own country.
For example, individuals who are 60 years old or older can use railway services for free in Shenzhen by showing their Home Return Permits, passports, or other identification documents provided by the local government, as stated on a site from the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.
The free transportation rates were “highly appealing,” according to Lee. “However, once you’re there, having meals is essential.”
In 2024, gas sales in Hong Kong amounted to 27,159 terajoules, which represents an 8.1 percent decrease compared to the figures from 2018. This outcome comes after a 0.1 percent yearly growth managed to reverse a continuous decline over the past five years, as reported by Towngas.
The firm projected that natural gas sales were expected to increase marginally to 27,200 terajoules in 2025, which represents an 8 percent decrease from the 29,550 terajoules sold in 2018 prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A representative from the gas firm stated to the Post that they anticipate the gas usage in 2025 to stay steady at approximately 27,200 terajoules, assuming there’s no major shift in how residents of Hong Kong live and considering the mild climate projected for 2025,
The gas firm highlighted several elements impacting gas sales in Hong Kong throughout recent years, encompassing periods of pandemic, post-pandemic challenges, along with subsequent recovery phases.
“Overall, we are witnessing severe effects of climate change, with temperature records in Hong Kong showing increases compared to earlier years from 2021 through 2023,” stated the spokesperson.
Consequently, the usage of gas dropped because lesser amounts of hot water were consumed.
Home gas consumption has decreased continuously over the past four years, dropping to 14,437 terajoules in 2024. This figure represents 53 percent of overall usage, as reported by the gas firm and highlighted in their investment briefing for fiscal year-end 2024 results.
The spokesperson stated that residential gas usage was impacted by “unprecedented worldwide temperature records” in the previous year and the tendency of residents of Hong Kong traveling to Mainland China, resulting in a “minor reduction of 1.4 percent.”
The spokesperson pointed out that gas usage in homes rose by 11 percent compared to the previous year, totaling 16,685 terajoules in 2020 because of pandemic-related limitations.
However, by 2023, once these restrictions had been eased and individuals could resume their international trips, natural gas consumption within households dropped by 8.4 percent compared to the previous year, totaling 14,648 terajoules.
Professor Lee from Shue Yan University further noted that the increase in food delivery services and the prevalence of smaller households, often consisting of only two individuals, who may opt for dining out rather than cooking at home, has led to persistently reduced consumption of gas.
Lee further pointed out that the migration of numerous households with children, significant consumers of natural gas for culinary purposes and personal hygiene, has also contributed to this decrease.
In the meantime, Vera Yuen Wing-han, an economics lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, noted that there has been “a move toward electrical devices.”
“As modern housing designs evolve with features like open kitchens and studio apartments, there has been an increase in the use of electric heaters and stoves,” Yuen explained.
Such designs usually comply with fire safety rules that restrict or prohibit the usage of open flames.
In 2024, industrial consumption represented 7 percent of the overall usage, marking a significant increase of 107 terajoules attributed to heightened activity in aviation catering and laundry facilities, as reported by the gas company.
Significantly, the commercial utilization of gas varied alongside the nominal GDP, increasing in 2021, 2023, and 2024, whereas it declined in 2020 and 2022.
In 2024, commercial gas usage represented 40 percent of the overall consumption and kept increasing.
This improvement was due to a rebound in tourism-associated industries, marked by hikes of 66 terajoules and 20 terajoules in natural gas consumption for hotels and amusement parks, along with hospitals and social service organizations experiencing an upsurge of 137 terajoules.
The spokesperson stated that the increase in usage observed in 2021 was associated with the city’s voucher program implemented during the pandemic, aimed at boosting local expenditures.
However, in 2020, commercial use declined by 17.7 percent to reach 11,262 terajoules.
“The catering sector was considerably impacted during the pandemic era and throughout the recovery phase,” stated the spokesperson from the gas company.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
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oleh 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.’
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