Nollywood actress narrowly escapes from kidnappers

Fast rising Nollywood actress Bewaji Folashade recently escaped from dangerous kidnappers in Ibadan.

  Nollywood actress Bewaji Folashade was almost kidnapped recently. Reports reaching NAIJ.com say the actress escaped from impending doom last night around Akobo in Ibadan.

She was said to be on location for an upcoming film and she innocently took an okada for transportation. Rising actress Bewaji Folashade. She noticed that something was off with the okada man but was. instructed to cooperate as they went on their journey. Though she sustained minor injuries, she escaped with her life.

   Bewaji decided to fight back which resulted in her falling from the motorcycle and she screamed for help. Luckily, her cries were heard by people nearby and she was immediately helped while the kidnappers fled. She sustained some minor injuries but at least she still has her life.

Meet student who presents rap album as thesis at world's most prestigious university

This student presents rap album as thesis at world's most prestigious university

-A Harvard graduate presented a very original thesis

- He decided to record a rap album

- The young African American was awarded the second highest grade for his work

  A student at one of the world’s most elite university decided to present a rap song as his final year thesis. This audacious move got him a summa сum laude minus mark!

  Obasi Shaw will graduate from Harvard next week. This prestigious university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, hosts some of the most talented youngsters from around the world, even if their ideas are controversial or atypical.

  This Harvard graduate is also an accomplished rapper! By submitting a rap album as thesis, Shaw has opened new boundaries. He is the first student ever to use rapmusic as investigation material for graduation.

The standard choice for most students is the submission of short stories, poems or even complete novels –but Shaw wanted to break that mold. He did use highly intellectual inspiration for the pieces he put together in his “Liminal Minds” compilation, whichcontains 10 tracks.

Shaw was inspired by Chaucer's Canterbury Tales , which he mixed with modern XXI-century race issues.

"[African-Americans are] free, but the effects of slavery still exist," Shaw said in an interview for one of Harvard’s publications. He tried to convey the idea that “each song is an exploration of that state between slavery and freedom.”

Both of Shaw’s parents are also Harvard graduates. He is very familiar with Christian rap, which he often listened to while growing up. His mother came up with the original idea of using this music genre as a thesis subject matter.

"Just watch the thrones, our people are known. For making history of the impossible. From rap to White House, we unstoppable. Jumping Jim Crow to playing Oscar roles,” he raps in one of his songs, titled Open Your Eyes. Shaw’s plans after graduation do not include a career in music, though. He will start doing an internship at a software engineering firm –quite a separate world!

University of Ibadan’s VC visits America for son’s convocation, shuts down school in Nigeria

UI vice chancellor whose son graduates from American university shuts down school (photos)

- The management of University of Ibadan has ordered all students to vacate the school premises before 6:00 pm on Monday, May 29 after a protest erupted

- The students were asked to vacate school premises following a protest embarked upon by the students

- Amid this misunderstanding, the son of the Vice Chancellor (VC) graduated in the United States (US)

On Monday, May 29, students of the University of Ibadan were amazed as the school authorities ordered them to vacate the school premises until further notice.

  Earlier reported that the students were made to vacate the school premises before 6:00 pm based on a protest they staged over the weekend because they have not been given their identity cards (ID cards).

  However, few days before shutting down the school, the VC, Prof Idowu Olayinka was reported to have travelled out to America to attend his son’s convocation ceremony. This made students of UI call him out on social media.

  According to Akpan Udeme on Facebook, he posted Prof Olayinka's picture with his family in America and
caption them: “ University of Ibadan, Vice-chancellor attended his son's convocation in the US last week. Today, May 29, 2017,

he ordered the students of UI to vacate the hotels and locked down the school. If a petty issue like not providing ID CARD to students is still making a University like UI to be locked down. I can say Nigeria is not moving forward.”

  University of Ibadan, Vice-chancellor attended his son's  convocation in the US last week.

  Today, 29,May, 2017, he ordered the students of UI to vacate the hotels and locked down the school. If a petty issue like not providing ID CARD to students is still making a University like UI to be locked down. I can say Nigeria is not moving forward....

Young Military Officer ‘ mistaken’ For Armed Robber Lynched And Burnt To Death By Mob In Ghana [Graphic Photos]

  A military officer with the (5BN) at Burma Camp in Accra was on Monday, May 29th, lynched by residents of Denkyira Boaso of the Central region who mistook him for an armed robber.

   Captain Maxwell Mahama who is commander of a military detachment in the area was jogging along the Denkyira Boaso-Diaso road when he asked some women for direction. He was not in a uniform. The women reportedly called the Assembly man who organized the youths of the town to lynch him. They later burnt his body.

  Meanwhile, Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the murder. The incident has sent heightened anxiety within the town after the perpetrators of the heinous crime realised the deceased was a military man on official duty.

  The Armed Forces in a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations, Col. Aggrey-Quarshie said a fact- finding team led by the Chief of Army Staff is proceeding to the area to gather more information about the development.

“A high-powered fact-finding team led by the Chief of the Army Staff is proceeding to the scene of the incident to ascertain the facts of the case.”
He said they were collaborating with the police and other security agencies to bring perpetrators to book. “GAF is working closely with the police and other security agencies to unravel the full facts of the case.”

  According to the Armed Forces, its “Initial report indicates the officer was lynched by locals of Denkyira- Obuasi in the Central Region whilst he was jogging at about 08.30 am on Monday 29 May 2017, under circumstances yet to be verified.”

“The officer was the detachment commander of our troops on operational duties in the general area.” The Armed Forces has also urged its personnel to remain calm as the due procedure is taken to bring the perpetrators to book.

More photos below…

This 6-year-old boy touching message for people to end violence in viral video

- A six-year-old US boy has called for an end to violence

- His mother recorded him in a video that has gone viral

- He called for people in his community to "just act good"

  The violence and shootings in the inner city communities of the United States are almost a daily occurrence.

  In St. Louis, a six-year-old boy grew so concerned that he sent out an appeal for an end to the violence in a Facebook video that has now gone viral.
In the video his mother, Leandra Cheatham shared on Saturday, May 20, young Jeffrey Lane implored on his St. Louis community to "just act good."

Jeffrey said: "A lot of people need to stop killing each other around here because this is just making me feel
bad."
He went on to urge his community members to shun violence and turn to God and religion instead.

  In an interview, his mother Leandra said she hoped his message would make a difference in the community. She said a man had informed her that he changed his
mind about exacting revenge on someone after watching Jeffrey's video.

Jeffrey's video has since been viewed more than 80,000 times. Many commenters praised his message and said kids shouldn't be worrying about violence. A commenter, Angie Mosby, said: " God is speaking through this baby boy ."

Nigerian celebrities agree to bath outside for $10m

Omoni Oboli asks a million dollar question

There are some questions that need no answers

- Simply because the answers are very obvious

- Like this one – Would you bath in public for $10
million?

If you are frequent on social media, then you must have come across this million dollar question. Would you bath in public for the princely sum of $10 million?

The answer to this question is so obvious that any contrary answer would be seen as plain foolishness. Popular actress Omoni Oboli took to her Instagram page to ask the questions and some of the answers she got were quite hilarious.

What kind of question is this? Didn't we all come to this world naked? I just posed this question in the car now. @tomesadeoye said it depends on what kind of public and do you get to choose the time of day My driver said he won't even think about it, that even if it's
market! #Dead #JustForLaffs #LifeIsTooShortToWasteItBeingSad Tag your peeps to find out what their answers will be #LiveLoveLaugh

  She herself answered that she was born naked so bathing outside wouldn’t be a problem. Her driver and her production assistant answered in the same light. Her colleague Rita Dominic and record label executive Ubi Franklin gave even more hilarious replies.

Ubi said: My sister any kind of public I am game Rita Dominic: Whaaat?! I will bath outside without blinking and ask to bath a second time. Hian

What about you? Would you take your bath outside for the amount mentioned?

From Facebook to the altar! Tosin and Hanatu’s love story is so touching (photos)

Man shares how social media helped him get the wife of his dreams

  If 2017 has taught one any lessons, it’s that love can be found anywhere. This is very true in the case of newly married couple Tosin and Hanatu Aruna. Taking to his Instagram account, Tosin detailed how their relationship started from a friend request Hanatu sent him, how he was scared when she did not reply his DM after a week and how their relationship blossomed from there. He also mentioned that even though they attended the same school, a three year difference in their classes made it difficult for them to relate.

Read their touching story below:

“So it all started in Oct 2011, got this friend request from Facebook and as a normal sharp guy, I saw a fine profile pic and clicked on ACCEPT straight up... I didn't
even look up the profile b4 accepting. Lol. Maybe fate knew what it was doing from the very beginning.. on the night of that day i sent her a direct message what my people now call SLIDING INTO THE DM... this fine lady didn't reply my messages o. I became uneasy, always checking my box every min.

  After almost a week + a reply came through telling me how her modem went bad and then I got to know we went to same uni but a brother was in his finals when this sister was in her 1st year. Never knew we went to same uni::. Fast forward to 2014, I popped the question. It was definitely a YES (am bad like that)... Then she had to go for her masters abroad, funny thing is everyone thought I proposed cos I was trying to pin her,
but hell Na. it was just an anniversary gift from me to her, Lord knows if I hadn’t, I was so sure she did still come back to me cos i knew we was made for each other.

  6 years strong and now I can call you my wife, I can now go and pick you out of your father's house without the fear of Late Chief Abubakar (RIP sir) , you were a
great man who imbibed a lot of discipline in your kids..Gatta write this is Bolds. I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME A VIRTUOUS LADY,A LADY WITH A HEART
OF GOLD,A HOUSE KEEPER,A CARING,LOVING,UNDERSTANDING BEING,A GREAT COOK,SOMEONE WHO WOULD GO WAY BEYOND HER COMFORTABILITY TO MAKE OUTSIDERS FEEL COMFORTABLE.

I LOVE YOU UFEDO MI❤️❤️(Bro has got some igala skills in him already ) COUNTDOWN TO #HATlovestory17 . It's gonna be litty. N.B: Moral of the story. BROTHERS, SLIDE INTO THAT DM TODAY. who knows � �" There you have it folks, slide into that DM today!

Lady rescues newborn baby abandoned under Coker bridge, Lagos (photos)

Lady rescues newborn baby abandoned under Coker bridge, Lagos (photos)

  A facebook user, Juliet Chime shared these photos of a newborn baby she rescued from under Coker bridge, Lagos state. The baby was already beaten by rain. before she found her. Luckily, she is alive and receiving
treatment at the hospital. Juliet wrote; “I just picked a baby girl frm under coker bridge beating by d rain. How wicked can a mother be after hard labour pain and sleepless nights. And trows her own child away. KIA dis is d height of wickedness….”

JAMB releases official statement concerning cut-off mark

- JAMB released a statement insisting it has not released the cut-off mark for the 2017 examination.

- The exam body said its officials would meet to deliberate on it.

- It indicated that CCTV used in exam centres captures malpractice perpetuated by some school officials.

  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board says it has yet to release cut-off marks for placements into tertiary institutions for the 2017 academic year, contrary to speculations by some Nigerians. NAN reports that the Head, Media and Information, JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, made the clarification in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Tuesday. He said that the policy committee meeting responsible for the determination of cut-off marks had not met.

  According to him, it is in the best interest of candidates and other critical stakeholders to jettison cut-off marks for the various courses that are currently being paraded.

“We want to appeal to all candidates to jettison such speculations and engage themselves in more meaningful ventures that would add value to their future,’’ he said. Benjamin said results of the just concluded 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination had since been released, with a few others still being previewed.

“We want to appeal to Nigerians to understand that such candidates whose results are being previewed may not necessarily have participated in any malpractice.

“But rather, centres where they sat for the examination had issues during the conduct of examination.

“”These issues were reflected on the CCTV footage and this suggests why they must be carefully investigated
before releasing such results,” he said. According to him, a very disturbing and unfortunate case is that of a school in Abia where cables were seen to have been connected secretly to a distant hall for hired mercenaries to write for candidates.

“This is very unfortunate given the fact that the school is a missionary school and supposed to be a leading light against such vices.

“But, rather, it was conniving, supporting and indeed championing the evil course of examination malpractice,’ ’ Benjamin said in the statement. He said such results would be treated in accordance with the provision of the law.

  According to him, a task force has been inaugurated by the Registrar of the board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, to look into all such issues and has since concluded the review of the CCTV footages and other evidences presented. He said that the task force would forward its reports to the appropriate quarters for the scrutiny and onward release of all remaining results.

“We urge candidates to note that no result will be withheld without a cogent reason as this explains why we are taking time to ensure that those who are innocent are exonerated.

“Again, candidates are advised not to patronise any centre, office or shop for any service; please visit our offices in all the 36 states of the Federation and FCT for any complaint, enquiry or assistance.

“This is also because our attention has also been drawn to an illegal centre being operated near our Ikoyi Office
in Lagos with the aim of defrauding innocent candidates.

“This centre collects all kinds of fees in cash for services that are even free. The general public should note that payments for any of our services are done via our TSA account with CBN and not cash.

Police arrests Midwife who allegedly swapped newborn baby with a dead one in Ogun state

This reportedly happened at a hospital in Ifo, Ogun state. A midwife is being accused of exchanging a newborn baby with a dead one, and has refused to own up to her action seven after the Police and community elders got involved. A friend of the new mother cried out via Instagram, narrating what happened. She wrote;

"My family friend delivered her baby by around 5pm. The mother in law was asked to go home to get cloths. When she returned with her son the doctor/midwife had left the hospital immediately after her delivery ask informed them by d two nurses on ground. The nurses wouldn't account for d whereabout of d newly born. The husband raised alarm. Community chairman, elders with the youth went to Ifo police, visited the place of delivery and only found the placenta and only one of d room was locked. The midwife was spoken with around 10pm after several calls and she admitted d baby was fine and alive.

"The search team left the place around 11.30pm after waiting for d midwife who didn't show up. The next morning 28th, they went back to that police station, that was when i was contacted. Then the woman was around there. We all went back to d hospital and in one of the rooms already searched, a dead baby was found which she claimed have been in d building all thru 27th. She said the baby was dead at birth.

"The locked room was opened and money of different denominations were found she also has d building construction going on behind the clinic. The elders within her community claimed she came back to d clinic by 1am and showed them the dead baby. D DCO Ifo said while he and his team searched d clinic no baby was found. The dead body have been taken to mortuary for autopsy, the wicked must not go unpunished."

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Arsenal transfer news: The latest & LIVE player rumours from the Emirates Stadium

WENGER WARNED OVER TRANSFERS

  Arsene Wenger will be warned to stop "dithering" over transfers by Arsenal's board today ahead of expected confirmation of his contract extension at the club, according to the Daily Mail .

Missing out on Gonzalo Higuain in 2013 will be highlighted as an example when the Arsenal manager failed to act decisively on transfers. Malaga pair Sandro Ramirez and Pablo Fornals are reportedly two of the Gunners' targets this summer, plus Wenger must deal with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez having just 12 months left on their lucrative contracts.

ARSENAL PUSH FOR ALEXIS & OZIL

  Arsenal will make a final push to keep Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, The Mirror reports . The Gunners hope the FA Cup triumph and improved salaries will convince the star duo to say, with the club prepared to offer them wages totalling more than £30 million combined.

WENGER PROMISED £100M

  Arsene Wenger will be handed at least £100 million to spend in the summer transfer window if he signs a new
contract at Arsenal, reports the Daily Star. The Frenchman is yet to reveal what his future holds, but is expected to stay on and push for new recruits after missing out on Champions League qualification this season.

WENGER TO SIGN FOR TWO YEARS

  Arsene Wenger will put pen to paper on a new two year
deal with Arsenal, The Times reports. It is said that the club's board are meeting on Monday to finalise the contract offer and Wenger's extension should be announced before the end of the week.

ARSENAL LEADING BELOTTI PACK

  Arsenal are interested in signing Andrea Belotti from Torino, according to The Sun , but will face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The report claims the Gunners have registered the most interest in the 23-year-old goal machine, but with Man Utd and Chelsea also both hopeful of landing Romelu Lukaku, Arsenal could face a last-ditch battle for Belotti with whoever misses out on the Belgian.

ARSENAL MAKE HUGE ALEXIS OFFER

  Arsenal have offered Alexis Sanchez a new contract worth £270,000 a week amid interest from Bayern Munich, according to the Daily Mail .
  The proposal is still short of the £300,000 package Alexis wants but is said to feature incentives which are likely to bring his weekly earnings close to that total.

ARSENAL EYE HAZARD

  Arsenal are eyeing a move for Borussia Monchengladbach winger Thorgan Hazard, according to
Jeunes Footeux . The Belgium international, who is the brother of Chelsea's Eden, has come to the attention of Arsene Wenger following some impressive performances. But the Gunners are likely to face competition from Everton, with the player valued at around €18 million.

BAYERN WON'T MATCH ALEXIS' WAGE

  Bayern Munich are ready to pull out of the race to sign Alexis Sanchez as the Arsenal attacker's wages are too high for them, Bild reports. The German giants were willing to offer a maximum of €16 million per season to the Chile star, but he already earns €20m at the Emirates Stadium.

CITY CONFIDENT OF ALEXIS & WALKER

  Manchester City's players believe Alexis Sanchez and Kyle Walker will be joining them next season for a combined £100 million, according to the Daily Mirror . The Arsenal star has been linked to City as his contract continues to run down at the Emirates Stadium while Walker looks set to exit Spurs after an apparent falling out with Mauricio Pochettino.

BAYERN AHEAD IN ALEXIS RACE

  Alexis Sanchez's agent is in talks with Bayern Munich after the German champions agreed to meet both the player and Arsenal's financial demands, according El Mercurio .
  Bayern are prepared to pay $65 million (£50m) to sign the Chilean and hand him a $14.5m-a-year (£11.2m) contract but Manchester City also remain interested.

UTD OPEN TO SMALLING OFFERS

  Manchester United will entertain summer transfer bid for centre-back Chris Smalling, ESPN reports. The article claims Smalling has fallen behind Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Eric Bailly in the centre-back pecking order, and with Michael Keane looking likely to join in the summer Smalling looks to be first for the chopping block.
Arsenal have shown interest in Smalling in the past, with Arsene Wenger said to be an admirer.

ARSENAL PLOT HULK SWOOP
  Arsenal will look to bring Hulk back to Europe from Shanghai SIPG if Alexis Sanchez leaves the club this summer, reports Don Balon .
The Brazilian has been in China since June 2016, but the Gunners see him as an ideal replacement for a man who could move on as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

ARSENAL OPEN ONYEKURU TALKS

  Arsenal have opened talks regarding a move for KAS Eupen striker Henry Onyekuru, according to Sky Sports . The 19-year-old is the top scorer in the Belgian top-flight this season having found the net on 20 occasions and though the Gunners are in the driving seat to bring
him to the Premier League, Everton and Southampton are also interested.

OSPINA IN FENER TALKS

  Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina is in talks with Turkish side Fenerbahce, according to the Mirror . The Colombia goalkeeper is growing frustrated at the lack of playing time at the Emirates, with Petr Cech preferred at the club's first choice.

KOSCIELNY IN EXIT TALKS

  Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny is in talks with Marseille over a potential summer switch to Ligue 1, according to a report from Canal Plus cited by GFFN . The Gunners centre-back has made 32 Premier League appearances for Arsene Wenger's side and has three
years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates. With the future of Arsenal boss Wenger uncertain, however, the French publication claims Koscielny is keeping his options open ahead of next season.

USMANOV ATTEMPTS ARSENAL TAKEOVER

  Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov has attempted to take control of Arsenal from major shareholder Stan Kroenke, according to the Financial Times . The metal magnate currently owns 30 per cent of the London club, and has offered Kroenke £1 billion to buy the American's 67 per cent stake. Kroenke has been involved with Arsenal since 2007 and is unwilling to sell his share to Usmanov.

GIROUD EYES ARSENAL EXIT

  Olivier Giroud is ready to quit Arsenal this summer in order to keep his 2018 World Cup dream alive, reports
the Daily Mirror . The France international has struggled for starts at times this season and will push for a move if further striking reinforcements are brought in when the transfer window re-opens.

MAHREZ WANTS LEICESTER EXIT

  Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez wants to leave the King Power Stadium this summer, according to the Daily Telegraph . The Algeria international vowed to remain with the Foxes this season, but believes he has now honoured an agreement made last summer and should be allowed to move on. Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are likely to be interested in the 2016 PFA Player of the Year.

Is it time we stopped taking our children to zoos?

  This week, a keeper was killed at Hamerton Zoo Park in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire in a "freak accident" after a tiger entered the enclosure she was in.

  South Lakes Safari Zoo in Dalton-in-Furness , Cumbria, was recently refused a new licence after nearly 500 of its animals died over a four-year period. And just under a year ago, Harambe, a gorilla, was shot at Cincinnati Zoo after it picked up a three-year-old
child who had climbed into its enclosure. Responsible Travel has responded to these incidents, and general animal welfare concerns, by breaking all ties with zoos. It is the first British travel company to take such a strong stand, arguing that there is no justification for keeping animals in captivity. The operator explained its decision by citing welfare fears, low investment from zoos in conservation (they claim most zoos spend only three per cent of their budgets on this), and the fact that 90 per cent of animals in zoos are not endangered.

“It is fabulous to see a travel company being brave, sticking their heads above the parapet and saying that in 2017 keeping animals in captivity purely for our entertainment is just not acceptable,” said Joanna Lumley, the animal welfare campaigner and actress.

  In 2017 keeping animals in captivity purely for our entertainment is just not acceptable Joanna Lumley “There are so many superb ways to learn about and appreciate animals in the wild; we should be encouraging people to get out into nature, not watching wildlife behind bars. I hope that more companies will
follow this excellent example.”

Has the public lost its appetite for zoos?

  Some of my fondest childhood memories involve trips to the zoo. My parents held my fourth birthday party at the Bronx Zoo, and there are photos of me and my friends riding an elephant.

  Over the past three decades, zoos have evolved, but there remains this fundamental problem: these are
institutions that display animals in ways that prevent them from engaging in their natural behaviour - in
particular, breeding, hunting and moving across large areas.
“Zoos cannot meet the unique environmental, nutritional, climate and social needs of the species they hold captive,” says Elisa Allen, director of Peta UK .
“Consequently, an informed populace is now turning away from what are essentially animal prisons that cannot even guarantee their inmates' safety.”

But are zoos actually so bad?

  My friend, who regularly brings her children to British zoos, dismissed my unease: “I think the animals [in zoos] live like royalty: they get the best food, they are isolated from all danger and that’s why they live so
much longer,” she says.
  Other fans of zoos say they remain relevant because they educate and contribute to conservation and research. And, if we’re allowed to prioritise one type of
animal over another, they perform the often difficult task of getting human beings - particularly young ones - off the sofa, away from gadgets, and into a live experience.
Professor David Field, zoological director at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos , highlights the significant contribution his institutions have made to the
conservation of endangered species and their habitats around the world.

“We carry out research on animal ecology, physiology and behaviour, we develop groundbreaking veterinary techniques that are applied in the wild by our field veterinary teams, and we engage huge audiences with wildlife, and inspire the conservationists of tomorrow.”

He cites two particular recent triumphs of ZSL: the release of scimitar-horned oryx (once declared extinct in their native habitat), including some bred at Whipsnade, back to the wild, where they are already rearing young. Inside Gir Lion Lodge at London Zoo, where guests are guaranteed a really wild time. He argues also that money raised and research done through Land of the Lions , ZSL London Zoo’s flagship
exhibit, has offered game-changing support to Sasan Gir in India, the Asiatic lion’s last stronghold, protecting
their habitat and increasing the lion population there from 2015 to 2016 by approximately 100 individuals - taking the population to 500.
“We know not all zoos are the same. We’re members of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) whose high standards we uphold,” says
Professor Field, who advises parents to seek out members of this group. “Our conservation focus is very much about protecting both species and their habitats – it’s a key part of what we do.”

The 'Disneyfication' of animals

  Three years ago, staff members at Copenhagen Zoo sparked international outrage when they shot a healthy young giraffe , called Marius, and dissected it in public,
in front of children, before feeding its remains to the zoo’s lions. Danish zoos routinely cull animals they deem surplus to their requirements, and use the remains as teaching tools for veterinary students and members of the public (with videos of the dissections posted on YouTube).
  This practice plays better in a country whose abattoirs have public viewing platforms than in squeamish Britain or America.

Euthanising animals for population control is not an exclusively Danish practice (read Ian Parker’s excellent article, “Killing animals at the zoo” , to learn more) - but culling (an estimated 3,000-5,000 animals each year in European zoos) tends to be hidden elsewhere.

  But there is hypocrisy in our squeamishness. Fewer than five per cent of Britons are vegetarians. In a country that raises animals for slaughter, is it so illogical to raise animals for education and as food for other animals? Does a giraffe deserve a better quality of life than a pig? Is this not, as the Danes claim, just the Disneyfication of animals?

What can a responsible parent do?

  First, be honest - as a family - about how we treat animals. The zoo debate is an emotive one, but our meat-eating habits have a bigger impact on animal welfare. I’m with the Danes when it comes to the issue of 'Disneyfication'. It’s hypocritical to prioritise the rights of an elephant over a chicken. So either become a vegetarian - discuss this with your children: do they
want to? - or bring them to farms and proper butchers and really consider the body your steak and chicken nuggets come from. Make sure you’re buying free range
meat and make sure your children know which animals “beef” and “pork” come from. We need to clarify the mission of zoos in 2017 Are they really raising money for conservation? How much? And what is that “ But there is hypocrisy in our squeamishness. Fewer
than five per cent of Britons are vegetarians. In a
country that raises animals for slaughter, is it so
illogical to raise animals for education and as food for
other animals? Does a giraffe deserve a better quality of
life than a pig? Is this not, as the Danes claim, just the
Disneyfication of animals?
What can a responsible parent do?
First, be honest - as a family - about how we treat
animals.
The zoo debate is an emotive one, but our meat-eating
habits have a bigger impact on animal welfare. I’m with
the Danes when it comes to the issue of
'Disneyfication'. It’s hypocritical to prioritise the rights
of an elephant over a chicken. So either become a
vegetarian - discuss this with your children: do they
want to? - or bring them to farms and proper butchers
and really consider the body your steak and chicken
nuggets come from. Make sure you’re buying free range
meat and make sure your children know which animals
“beef” and “pork” come from.
We need to clarify the mission of zoos in 2017
Are they really raising money for conservation? How
much? And what is that “conservation” money doing to?
It will have to include habitats as much as individual
animals.
As animals rightly get more space to roam around in
parks, they become more difficult for children to see -
making exhibitions like Monkey Business , which
features a few dozen taxidermied primates in typical
poses, incredibly useful. Don’t dismiss the static poses
of taxidermied animals; a close-up look with
accompanying videos, like you get at the Natural
History Museum, has greater educational value than
craning to see a distressed animal hiding in the corner
of an enclosure.
Virtual reality offers a whole new area of experience for
kids. Elisa Allen, director of PETA UK, highlights the
success of Sea Life London Aquarium’s recent
collaboration with the BBC – Frozen Planet: Face to
Face, which sees visitors interact with virtual reality
animals, including polar bears and an orca. “It’s
popularity demonstrates that aquaria and zoos no
longer need to imprison animals for human
entertainment,” Ms Allen says.
Zoos had their height in the pre-television age. With the
wealth of technology available to us today, it’s
increasingly difficult to justify the case for keeping
animals in captivity purely for the spectacle of it. ” money doing to? It will have to include habitats as much as individual animals.

  As animals rightly get more space to roam around in parks, they become more difficult for children to see - making exhibitions like Monkey Business , which features a few dozen taxidermied primates in typical poses, incredibly useful. Don’t dismiss the static poses of taxidermied animals; a close-up look with accompanying videos, like you get at the Natural History Museum, has greater educational value than craning to see a distressed animal hiding in the corner
of an enclosure.

  Virtual reality offers a whole new area of experience for kids. Elisa Allen, director of PETA UK, highlights the success of Sea Life London Aquarium’s recent collaboration with the BBC – Frozen Planet: Face to Face, which sees visitors interact with virtual reality animals, including polar bears and an orca. “It’s popularity demonstrates that aquaria and zoos no longer need to imprison animals for human entertainment,” Ms Allen says.

   Zoos had their height in the pre-television age. With the wealth of technology available to us today, it’s increasingly difficult to justify the case for keeping animals in captivity purely for the spectacle of it.

BREAKING: Barcelona confirm signing of new head coach

Barcelona name Ernesto Valverde as new head coach

- The Catalan giants have announced the signing of new manager Valverde.

- The 53-year-old has managed top Spanish clubs including Atletic Bilbao and Espanyol.

- Valverde will be unveiled on Thursday, June 1, as he is expected to sign a two-year contract Spanish giants.

  Barcelona have appointed Ernesto Valverde as their new head coach ahead of the coming  season. Ernesto Valverde Tejedor is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a forward for Barcelona and other top La Liga clubs including Espanyol and Mallorca. Recall that outgoing manager Luis Enrique announced that he will no longer continue as the coach of the Catalan giants, saying he will leave at the end of the current season.

  Enrique was heavily criticized after his side's embarrassing 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League round of 16 first leg tie on Valentines Day, but Barcelona unbelievably won the reverse fixture 6-1.

  New manager Valverde is expected to fortify the squad ahead of the coming season with a hope to claim the La Liga title from Real Madrid. The 53-year-old manager was a player at the club between 1988 and 1990 where he had 22 caps scoring 8 goals.

  Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu hints that the new manager who will be unveiled at the club on Thursday, June 1, will sign for two years, with an option for a third.

"Ernesto Valverde will sign for two seasons with an option for a third," he started. "Ernesto Valverde's presentation as the new FC Barcelona coach will be this
Thursday." The club owner also described the new manager as hard worker, an a man with vast experience with the application of technology. "He is a hard worker and he is a fan of using technology in training and in managing matches.
"Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Barça way," Bartomeu concluded.

Primary school in Ondo where pupils' blood is drawn for ritual purpose

Primary school teacher draws pupils' blood, cut their nails for ritual purpose in Ondo

A private school teacher in Ondo state, Blessing Omowera, has been convicted and jailed for drawing her pupils’ blood for ritual.

  New Telegraph reports that the incident happened May 16 at the God Heritage Nursery and Primary School,
Ondo town in Ondo West local government area. It was however reported to the police the next day.

  Blessing Omowera, a National Certificate in Education (NCE) holder, was arrested alongside her accomplice, Sola Kalejaiye, who is a teacher at Saint Monica Girls Grammar, and a traditionalist. They were both arrested for allegedly cutting the finger nails of the students and extracting blood from them for ritual purposes.

  According to the report at the Ondo Police Area Command, Omowera was said to have cut the finger nails and extracted blood of two pupils of God’s Heritage Nursery and Primary School, Ondo and kept it inside her bag. The pupils, whose names were given as Marvelous and Dominion (surnames withheld), were said to be pupils of primary three of the school. One of the pupils was said to have complained of the pains to her father after the closing hours, which made one of the parents to have gone with her to the school. He later reported the incident at the Ondo Area Command in Ondo town. Shortly after Omowera was arrested, she made a confessional statement at the station and mentioned her alleged sponsor, Kalejaiye. When the news of the incident broke, parents rushed to the school and other private schools to withdraw their children.

  Kalejaiye, who was subsequently arrested by the police, was accompanied to the station by his lawyer. Members of his family and friends intervened. He was immediately granted bail on self-recognition. Joseph said the two teachers initially confessed to the crime but Kalejaiye later withdrew his confessional statement.

  The PPRO said the culprits had been charged to court. He said Omowera, who pleaded guilty, had been convicted and sentenced to prison while Kalejaye’s case was pending in court.

Newborn baby 'starts walking' minutes after being born in a Brazil hospital

 A viral video has shown the incredible moment a newborn baby girl shocks nurses by appearing to walk just minutes after she was born.
  According to The Sun UK, the baby was born at a hospital in Brazil. The video, which was uploaded to social media on Friday has stunned viewers who declare the tiny tot’s attempt to walk is nothing short of a miracle. The midwife cradling the little mite across the chest and supporting her weight with one arm can’t believe what she is seeing, as the amazing infant wrestles to walk on her own. The nurse, who is dressed in surgical robes with a clinical mask over her mouth, is heard crying out in amazement: “Oh my gosh, the girl is walking. Good gracious!”
  Another person in the room who is capturing the moment on camera declares: “Wait let me film this.” They then shout for another colleague called Ju, probably short for Julia, to come to witness the unbelievable moment.
“Ju, Ju come and see this,” they cry.

  The midwife seen in the video, explains she has been trying to give the baby a bath but the child just wants to
get up and walk. “Merciful father. I was trying to wash her here and she keeps getting up to walk,” she explains pointing with one hand to where she initially tried to lay the baby down to give the child her first bath. “She has walked from here to here,” she adds indicting the area the child has already covered. The midwife then lifts the baby up and returns the infant back to the original position and in an astounding burst of strength, the little nipper refuses to lie down on her front, pushes up onto her legs and resumes her astonishing journey across the neonatal table once again.

  A gob-smacked onlooker declares: “Wow, she is so cute it’s amazing. If she’s like this now, I can just imagine how precocious she is going to be as she grows up.” To which the midwife holding the baby girl says: “Heavens above. If you told people what has just
happened no one would believe it unless they saw it with their own eyes.”
  The video has gone viral with over 50 million views and 1.3 million shares on Facebook. Few details are available to identify whose baby it is and where the incident happened. But the insignia on the midwife’s robes suggest she works at a Santa Cruz Hospital, in a city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, south Brazil.
A newborn normally takes up to 12 months to learn to walk and that usually comes only after they have achieved and passed other major miles-stones in their development such as hand to eye coordination, sitting
up and crawling.

  Meanwhile, there have been several reports of babies as young as six months old walking on their own,

unaided. But this newborn appears to have incredible determination and it looks as though there will be no stopping her.

 

Messi magic helps Barcelona win Copa Del Rey in Luis Enrique's final game in charge

Magical Messi leads Barcelona to Copa Del Rey glory

  Barcelona have won the 2017 Copa Del Rey after a 3 - 1 win over Alaves on Saturday night.

  Lionel Messi was the star man as Barca ended Luis Enrique's reign at the Catalan club in style with a Cipa Del Rey title.
  Barca fell short of rivals Real Madrid in La Liga and Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals. Messi scored the opener after wriggling through a swarm of players to score the opener but Theo Hernandez equalized through a free-kick. Neymar scored Barca's second goal and Messi did well to set up Paco Alcacer to put Barca out of sight at 3 - 1.

  Although Alaves kept the score down after the break, they rarely looked likely to trouble the commanding lead built by Messi and Barca, who will now turn their focus to a board meeting on Monday, after which the club are set to announce Luis Enrique's replacement.

Furious Bash Ali blasts Lagos state government for doing THIS -

- Nigerian boxing legend Bash Ali has blasted Lagos state governor for not inviting him for the exhibition fight in Lagos.

- American boxer Evander Holyfield was invited to Lagos to battle former state governor Bola Tinubu in an exhibition match.

- The exhibition bout was to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the creation of Lagos State.

  Former world heavyweight boxing Champion Evander Holyfield was invited to Lagos to battle former Lagos state governor Bola Tinubu in a fight tagged 'Rumble in Lagos'.

  The 54-year-old was set to fight the 'Jagaban' in the ring in Lagos exhibition match on Thursday, 25th of May at the landmark Event center, Oniru, Lagos. Tinubu was absent from the event which he was billed to fight the former world heavyweight champion.
  Former boxing champion has reacted to inviting the American boxer instead of him for the exhibition match. The Nigerian boxing icon went to his Facebook and blasted the Lagos state governor for not inviting him for the exhibition bout to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of the creation of Lagos State.

He posted: “I was born and raised in Lagos. I am a world boxing champion, I have contributed to the economic growth of Nigeria through sport and I was rewarded with the highest national honour ever given to a Nigerian athlete, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)."

“American former world boxing champion, Evander Holyfield is in Lagos as a special guest of the government to celebrate Lagos at 50 and I am not invited. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” he added.

5 Effective Ways To Read And Remember Everything

  It is one thing to read a book and another to remember everything you read. A lot of motivation is lost when you read a book only to find out that you cannot recall
what you read even at the shortest period of time. It is a common event among many students and this has led
to the conclusion, “If I read, I’ll forget because I have low retentive memory”.
This statement is however not true! Yes, no one has low retentive memory. While some forget everything they read, others can recall it easily. Have you ever wondered why this happens? A lot of students who fail examinations have reported they do read but forget everything they read which is why I have decided to write this article. Trust me, if you can follow this article to the end and put the guidelines into action, your retentive power will surely increase.

1. READ TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND
  Your mindset when reading speaks on whether you will remember or forget what you are reading. A question you should ask is, “What should my mindset be while reading? “.
  The answer to this question is the key to unlock your hidden power of remembrance. Your aim of reading should be to gain knowledge. You may want to ask,
“Am I not aiming to gain knowledge while reading? Of course you are!. But, you are gaining knowledge only to
pass examination!
  Many reader who are yet to discover their hidden power of remembrance have the mindset of reading in order to pass their examination which makes them to cram rather than understand the content of the book. As a result, they forget everything they read immediately after the examination which has led to a common saying among students when you ask them questions, “I was taught last term/session, I have forgotten”. “Therefore, change your mindset while reading. Read to gain knowledge, make sure you understand the concept of what you are reading and don’t just read to pass an examination”

2. DO NOT SKIP A SENTENCE
  Students regard some of the information in a book as “story” and decide to skip them. This is common especially when reading for examination. Before you can understand and remember what you read, just have to read enough. The secret is, “The more you read, the more you understand and the more you remember” . You cannot read four sentences and expect to know five. So, neglect the belief of regarding some of the content of a book as story because there are hidden secrets in every sentence!

3. WRITE IT DOWN
  Research has proven that writing down what you are reading helps you to remember more. After reading for several minutes, try to write down everything you have
read without looking at it(Writing it in your own word is allowed). This will help you to know the part you don’t understand, so you can go over it again. This is a very effective method which I have been using for quite along time and I am sure it will work for you!.

4. EXPLAIN IT TO YOURSELF
  If you have been forgetting what you read, it is because you either crammed it or you did not understand. After reading for a while, try to explain to yourself, it will help you to know if you really understand the concept of what you are reading.

5. TAKE A BREAK
  Readings for 10hours without taking a break does not make you a bookworm but I’ll rather call it a waste of time. Yes, a waste of time!. Your brain is a biological organ and not a machine, it also gets tired. Effective reading habit should be cultivated as it is more yielding. When I say effective reading, after reading for 1-2hours, you tend to lose concentration when your brain gets stressed. Don’t force yourself to continue reading but just take reading but just take a 10-30minutes break depending on you until you feel relaxed and good to go again. After the break, try to recall everything you have read before the break, then you can proceed with your reading.

Meet 6-year-old swimmer with no ARMS has one of the most inspirational stories you will read in a long time

6-year-old swimmer with no arms has one of the most inspirational stories

- A boy with no arms was also afraid of the water
- Yet he found a caring instructor, who taught him how to swim
- He has gone on to win competitions! A six-year-old Bosnian boy who was born with no arms, has managed to go beyond his limitations, and become an inspiration for many.

  Ismail Zulfic also has a foot deformity, and developed a fear of water after he had a scare at a rubber pool when he was younger. This incident made him resist a water therapy that had been recommended for him.

  This situation completely changed when he met Kapo. This man had set up the “Spid swimming club” for disabled kids. He had been worried that many of these youngsters did not have any professional supervision while at the pool. Kapo taught Ismail to swim. From then on, his fear of water disappeared and he became an adept swimmer.
  After a few months, he “was able to dive in and swim the length of the Olympic sized pool without any help," Kapo proudly said of him. Ismail's determination made him decide to enroll in competitions –and recently won a gold medal at a regional swimming contest! He finished first in the 50- meter back stroke style.

"I like to win," Ismail smugly admitted.
  Kapo’s club has become so successful that on the same competition, five other of his swimmers won gold medals, as well as two others in silver.

Update: The two Nigerian men arrested in Cambodia with drugs in their stomachs sentenced to life imprisonment

Two Notorious Nigerian Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking in Cambodia

  Two Nigerians -33-year-old Adibe Paschal and his partner in crime, 42-year-old Okafor Ifeanyi Anthony, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for allegedly smuggling 1.27 kg of cocaine in their stomach to Cambodia.

  The two excreted about 70 wraps of cocaine after their arrest in May 2016. After appearing in court on Wednesday, the Judge in charge of their case, sentenced them to life imprisonment and $10,000 fine each for smuggling more than 1kg of cocaine into Cambodia.

  The Thailand-bound drug smugglers departed Nigeria for Vietnam and arrived Cambodia via Dubai from where they were arrested.

PHOTOS: Diamond Bank staff mark Children’s Day wearing school uniform

Some employees of Diamond Bank pose with some pupils as the bank observes Children's Day with the kids. Photo: Instagram

  Employees of Diamond Bank mark the Children ’s Day by going to work in school uniform on Friday .
  According to the tweet, the employees are only trying to recall their childhood , while also celebrating the future leaders who are currently children. Globally , the Children ’s Day is celebrated every 27 of May .

  Members of staff of one of the prominent commercial banks in Nigeria, Diamond Bank Plc, have flaunted their childish sides in commemoration of tomorrow's children's day celebration.
  Staff of Diamond Bank have set aside the rigorous demands of their financial duties to act like 'children' just for once. At different branches, some of their staff wore school uniforms and put up some theatrical displays in solidarity to tomorrow's Children's Day celebration all across the world. Their pictures are currently trending online with netizens commending their actions.

The ‘adult children’ observing morning assembly.

Here's the full list of the 22 victims of Monday's terror attack in Manchester

These are the 22 people who were killed in an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

  The youngest victim was only eight-years-old. Others to have died in the awful attack were teenagers, parents who had gone to pick-up their children, and an off-duty police officer.
  Around 120 others were injured in the attack and many are being treated in hospitals across Greater Manchester. It's important is to remember the innocent victims, and not the terrorist who murdered them.

Who are the victims of the Manchester attack? Georgina Callander, 18

  Georgina Callander , an 18-year-old college student from Lancashire, was the first victim to be identified following the Manchester attack. Georgina was an Ariana Grande superfan and was enjoying the concert with her friends at the time of the blast. Many of her friends have paid tribute to the teen, alongside Runshaw College where she was studying, and a number of celebrities.

Saffie Rose Roussos, 8

  Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos was killed in the attack on Monday night, her school, Tarleton Community Primary School, confirmed. Saffie, who is thought to be from Tarleton, near Preston in Lancashire, had been at the Ariana Grande concert with her mum Lisa Roussos and sister Ashlee Bromwich when the explosion shook the venue. Her mum and sister were rushed to hospital, but lost contact with Saffie. Chris Upton, headteacher at Saffie's school, said in a statement: “Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.
"The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking."

John Atkinson, 28

  28-year-old John Atkinson from Bury was the third victim to be identified. It's understood that John had been leaving the concert when a lone man detonated a suicide bomb shortly after 10.30 on Monday evening.
Friends and family have paid their respects to the man they've described as "one in a million." Taliè Andrèa said: "Heartbroken for the Atkinson family at this sad time never would I imagine this happening so close to home. Rest in paradise John you beautiful soul.”

Megan Hurley, schoolgirl

  The fourth victim of the suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena has been named as Megan Hurley.
The fundraising page to help Megan's family was set up by Helen McDermott, from Halewood, who said: “We’re raising £500 to help fund a beautiful send off for Megan who was taken far too early due to the awful attacks at Manchester Arena on 22/05/2017."
  Earlier on Tuesday evening a service was held at St Nicholas’ Church in Halewood in memory of the Mnchester bombing victims. Attending the service was the Chair of Governors of Halewood Primary and he said a young girl who went to the school was killed. He added that the girl’s brother was “seriously injured”.

Olivia Campbell, 15

  15-year-old Olivia Campbell was killed in the terror attack, her mother confirmed on Tuesday night - just hours after making a heartbreaking TV appeal to find her.
  Olivia hadn't been seen since the suicide bomb blast at Ariana Grande's concert on Monday night. Paying tribute to her 'precious' daughter, mum CharlottenCampbell said: "RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell. Taken far, far too soon. go sing with the angels and keep smiling. Mummy loves you so much."

Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43

  Two mums waiting to collect their teenage daughters after the concert were among the victims of the bomb attack. Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43, from Royton, Oldham, were both waiting in the foyer of the arena when the suicide bomber detonated a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts. Both were reported missing after the attack. Their families have since confirmed they had died. Their daughters, both aged 15, are understood to be safe. A friend of both women said she was had been left "broken-hearted" in a moving tribute. Sarah Barker wrote: "Could not of wished for 2 nicer ladies. "Alison Howe was the first person to talk to me and make me feel welcome when Sisley started dancing with Darcey you were gorgeous wonderful woman and Lisa Lees what can I say, beautiful inside and out and we must of been sisters as you say my Mum was your second mum."

Angelika and Marcin Klis

  Married couple Angelika and Marcin Klis, from York, who went to the Ariana Grande concert together, have been confirmed to have died in the terror attack. The pair posed for a selfie in the city centre just before going to the concert to pick their daughters up. They were reported missing when nobody heard from them after the concert.
  The Polish foreign minister confirmed that two Polish people had been killed and one had been severely injured in the attack. Marcin was understood to be from Poland originally but worked as a cab driver in York.

Martyn Hett, 29

  Corrie superfan Martyn Hett has been named by friends as another victim of the Manchester Arena terror attack. It’s thought the popular and well-known PR manager, aged 29, was at Monday’s Ariana Grande concert with pals as a leaving party. His death came two days before he was about to head off on a trip of a life time to the US.
  The soap superfan had a Deirdre Barlow tattoo on his leg and once won Come Dine With Me when he appeared on the show with his boyfriend. His ‘soulmate’ Russell Hayward said: ‘We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn’t survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. ‘I’m in a really bad way so please forgive if I don’t reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong. ‘I love you, I always will. x’

Kelly Brewster, 32

  Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield had been at the Ariana Grande concert with her sister Claire and niece Hollie Booth, but was reported missing following the attack. Her partner Ian Winslow, wrote this heartbreaking message on Facebook: "Not sure how this works but it isn’t good news. Kelly Brewster wasn’t one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack. "Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are."

Jane Tweddle-Taylor

  Jane Tweddle-Taylor, from Blackpool had gone to the Arena with a friend. to pick up the friend's daughter She has been confirmed as another victim of the terror attack. She was a receptionist at South Shore Academy in Blackpool.

Nell Jones, 14

  14-year-old Nell Jones, who was at the Ariana Grande concert, has been confirmed among those killed in Monday's attack. The teenager from Goostrey, near Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, had been recently using crutches after suffering a ligament injury. Her family and friends had posted appeals on social media saying she was missing following the concert.

Michelle Kiss

  Michelle Kiss, the mum of a little girl pictured being comforted by a police officer outside Manchester Arena, died in the terror attack on Monday night. Her niece Laura Murray confirmed the news on Facebook this morning. Michelle had been at the Ariana Grande concert with her young daughter on the night of the explosion.
  In a statement released by GMP, her family said: "Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss. She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable. "We hope to draw from the courage and strength she showed in her life to get through this extremely difficult time."

Sorrell Leczkowski, 14

  14-year-old Sorrell Leczkowski from Leeds has been named as one of the Manchester terror attack victims. She reportedly died in hospital with her mum and grandma by her side. They were also injured in the attack. Friends have paid tribute to Sorrell on social media. Mark Burton wrote: "Can't get over this sad news! brings it to light when people innocent and close get brought into these sick peoples views. "Fourteen and not even lived your life yet, you'll be sadly missed by us all."

Liam Curry, 19, and Chloe Rutherford, 17

  A young couple killed in the Manchester terror attack ‘wanted to be together forever’, their heartbroken families have said. Chloe Rutherford, 17, and 19-year-old Liam Curry are the latest victims confirmed dead following the blast at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. The pair were from South Shields in South Tyneside.
  In a joint statement via Greater Manchester Police, their loved ones confirmed their passing, saying ‘their wings were ready, but our hearts were not’.

Elaine McIver

  Elaine McIver worked as an officer for Cheshire Constabulary and is understood to have been at the arena with her husband Paul. Paul is understood to be in a critical condition in hospital. Their children were also injured in the explosion. A statement said: “Elaine was a much-loved daughter, sister, Auntie, friend and colleague, the best we could ever have wished for. “She was everyone’s friend, thoughtful beyond belief with an effervescent and outgoing personality. “She would have been devastated by the injuries sustained by her partner Paul, and we all wish him a speedy brecovery.

Wendy Fawell, 50

  Primary school teacher Wendy Fawell, from Otley, West Yorkshire, had been missing since Monday's explosion and her family had mounted a frantic campaign to find her.
  St Oswald's C of E Primary School, in Guiseley, said on Twitter on Thursday morning: "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy." Ms Fawell, aged 50, was reported to have been about to leave the concert at Manchester Arena with her 15-year- old daughter Charlotte, along with a friend and her sons, when they were caught in the attack.

Eilidh MacLeod, 14

  The parents of Eilidh MacLeod have paid tribute to their teenage daughter who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack.
  Eilidh, 14, went to the Ariana Grande concert with her friend Laura MacIntyre, 15, on Monday, May 22. Their families launched urgent appeals when the girls failed to get in touch after the explosion, which has left 22 dead. Laura was later found to be in a “serious condition” in hospital.
  In a statement her family said: “Our family is devastated and words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh.
  “Eilidh was vivacious and full of fun. She loved all music whether it was listening to Ariana or playing the bagpipes with her pipe band. “As a family we would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support and kind messages we have received at this difficult time.”

Courtney Boyle, 19

  Leeds Beckett University student Courtney Boyle, 19, from Gateshead, had been at the concert with her step-father Philip Tron.
  In a statement Courtney's mum said: "My stunning amazing beautiful daughter you were my rock you made me so proud with all you had achieved and my gorgeous crazy Philip you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky." Her dad added: "I am going to miss my baby girl Courtney Boyle for the rest of my life. I will never forget you and I will love you forever. Grandad Bob misses youbloads also."

Philip Tron, 32,

  Philip Tron from Gateshead was also tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing. He had been at the concert with his step-daughter Courtney Boyle.
  In a statement Philip's mum said: "Firstly, we would like to thank the emergency services, police, nurses, support staff, family & friends and the people of Manchester for their continued help and support which they have given us throughout this harrowing time. "Our most amazing son, partner, brother, father, uncle, nephew and cousin, Philip Tron, sadly passed away on the 22nd May 2017. Philip was such a fun loving, energetic soul, he would light up the darkest room and lift your spirits with his infectious laugh, witty sense of humour and his beautiful smile."

America jails 3 Nigerian scammers 235 years

Three Nigerian scammers who befriended many of their victims on dating sites have been slammed huge prison sentences by a Mississippi court after making tens of millions of dollars from their schemes.

Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30, was sentenced to 95 years in prison; Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31, was given 115 years and Femi Alexander Mewase, 45, got 25 years behind bars.

  A court in the Southern District of Mississippi had in February found them all guilty of crimes including mail fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, credit card fraud and theft of government property. Ayelotan and Raheem were also found guilty of conspiracies to commit bank fraud and money laundering.
  Dating back to at least 2001, the scammers were involved in multiple internet fraud schemes, resulting in losses in the tens of millions, according to the Department of Justice. It claimed that they would befriend women on dating sites, establish a romantic relationship and then either get them to send money or have them participate in fraud schemes, usually without the victim’s knowledge. The unsuspecting women would sometimes be required to cash counterfeit checks and money orders; use stolen credit card details to purchase goods; and use stolen personal information to take over victims’ bank accounts. They were also apparently used to launder money via Western Union and MoneyGram, and re-package and re-ship goods obtained fraudulently. A whopping 21 defendants have already been charged in this ongoing case, 12 of whom have pleaded guilty to charges involving conspiracy and 11 of whom have been sentenced.
  The three Nigerians were among the six extradited from South Africa by US Department of Justice in 2015 to face charges of running a series of scams against gullible Americans over the past 16 years. Fourteen others resident in the US were also arrested to face trial in Gulfport, Mississippi on nine federal charges, including conspiracy to commit identity theft, wire fraud, bank fraud, theft of US government funds, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

  The indictment states that since 2001 the accused, were part of a string of scams against Americans, facilitated by internet communications. These include the longstanding 419 scheme, whereby a massive windfall is promised once a small number of payments have been provided, but the DoJ claims it went much further than that. The team was also accused of running romance stings to bilk the lonely of funds, shipping fraud, running fake work-from-home businesses, check fraud, and plain-old hijacking of other people’s bank accounts and credit cards to divert funds.

  Global fraud continues to grow thanks to the internet and an increase in the use of both anonymizing technology and bots designed to mimic human behavior. ThreatMetrix, which analyzes 20 billion annual transactions, blocked 130 million fraud attempts in Q1 alone, a 35% increase on the same time last year.

  However, it is Europe that has become a major fraud hotspot. There were 50% more fraud attempts originating from the region than the US in the quarter, the firm claimed.