General News
Iran Warns UK: Hosting US Forces Equals “Participation in Aggression”
Iran has issued a strong warning to the United Kingdom, declaring that allowing the United States to use British military bases in ongoing operations would amount to “participation in aggression” amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The warning was delivered by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, during a direct communication with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. According to Iranian officials, any facilitation of US military strikes from British territory will be viewed as active involvement in the conflict and could have lasting consequences for diplomatic relations between both countries.
Iran further stressed that it reserves the right to defend its sovereignty, cautioning that such actions could endanger British interests and lives.
The development follows the UK government’s decision to permit the US to use key military bases, including RAF Fairford and the joint US-UK facility at Diego Garcia, for strikes targeting Iranian missile sites linked to attacks on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
British officials have defended the move, describing it as part of “defensive operations” aimed at protecting regional stability and safeguarding international shipping. The UK has also emphasized that it is not directly participating in offensive strikes but acting within the framework of collective self-defense.
However, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from Tehran, which sees the move as an escalation in a widening conflict involving the United States, Israel, and regional allies. The crisis has already seen missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, rising casualties, and growing threats to global energy supplies.
Analysts warn that the situation risks further escalation, particularly as Iran has previously targeted or threatened foreign military bases in the region, raising fears that British facilities could become potential targets if tensions continue to rise.
A late-night fire has destroyed the plumbing section of Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, leaving traders with significant losses and disrupting commercial activities in one of the city’s busiest hubs.
The incident occurred late Friday night along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, near the River Niger Bridge. Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out around 11:55 p.m. and spread rapidly through sections of the market, making it difficult for traders to salvage their goods.
Despite frantic efforts by some traders to recover their wares, the intensity of the blaze forced many to flee for safety as goods worth millions of naira were consumed.
Fire service officials later arrived at the scene and successfully contained the inferno, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market.
The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, reportedly led the emergency response by mobilising firefighters to the scene, which contributed to bringing the situation under control.
Speaking on the incident, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, commended the timely intervention of the fire service and stakeholders. He noted that their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to the plywood and Ogbo Ogwu sections of the market.
He also praised the leadership of the plumbing materials section for coordinating efforts during the emergency.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, affected traders have begun counting their losses and are calling on the Anambra State Government and well-meaning individuals for support.
The Kano State Government has disbursed financial compensation to families of victims of the 2025 Uromi attack in Edo State, fulfilling an earlier pledge to support those affected by the tragic incident.
Officials confirmed that a total of about ₦7.4 million was distributed to both bereaved families and survivors of the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 16 persons.
According to the state government, each of the 16 families who lost loved ones received ₦300,000, while survivors were given ₦200,000 each, alongside food items including bags of rice.
The victims were reportedly hunters travelling from southern Nigeria to Kano for Sallah celebrations when they were intercepted and attacked by a mob in Uromi, Edo State.
The disbursement was carried out on the directive of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after it was discovered that an earlier promise of support had not been fulfilled. Government officials described the intervention as part of efforts to provide relief and demonstrate solidarity with the affected families.
Authorities also noted that discussions are ongoing with the Edo State Government to ensure additional compensation and justice for the victims while urging patience from affected families.
The Uromi attack, which sparked nationwide outrage, has continued to draw attention to issues of mob violence and security challenges across the country.
A Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr. Sunday Kotor, has died after collapsing at a private event.
Kotor reportedly slumped during the ceremony on Friday and was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. However, efforts by medical personnel to revive him proved unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead the same evening.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the Delta State Government, with colleagues and associates describing the incident as tragic and unexpected.
Kotor was widely known within government circles for his longstanding role in coordinating official functions. He was a familiar face at state events, where he served as a Master of Ceremonies for several years, earning respect for his professionalism and consistency.
Over the years, he served under multiple administrations, including those of former governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa, and continued in his role under the current administration.
The late aide hailed from Okwagbe in Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Oborevwori described Kotor’s death as devastating, noting that the deceased made significant contributions to the coordination of government activities.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor paid tribute to Kotor’s dedication and years of service.
“Late Sunday Kotor was wholly dedicated to his job. His passing is a huge loss, not only to his family but to the government and people of Delta State,” the statement read.
The governor also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, including Kotor’s younger brother, Conference Kotor, who also serves in the state administration.