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DEADLY SCHOOL SHOOTING IN GRAZ, AUSTRIA LEAVES 10 DEAD, 12 WOUNDED

A devastating school shooting occurred at the BORG Dreierschützengasse high school in Graz, Austria’s second-largest city, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of ten people and injuring at least 12 others. The 21-year-old former student perpetrator took his own life after the rampage. According to authorities, the shooter had two legally owned weapons and was not previously known to police. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner revealed that the gunman was a former student who didn’t complete his studies at the school. The incident prompted a massive police deployment, including special forces and emergency vehicles. The school was evacuated, and students were taken to a safe meeting point. “This horror cannot be captured in words,” said President Alexander Van der Bellen, expressing his condolences for the victims and their families. “These were young people who had their whole lives ahead of them. A teacher who accompanied them on their way.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X, “Schools are symbols for youth, hope, and the future. It is hard to bear when schools become places of death and violence.” Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker announced three days of national mourning, with the Austrian flag lowered to half-staff and a national minute of mourning at 10 a.m. Wednesday. “This is a dark day in the history of our country,” Stocker said. Graz, with a population of approximately 300,000 inhabitants, is located in the southeast of Austria. The shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, with authorities and citizens alike mourning the loss of young lives.

GOV OKPEBHOLO URGES STUDENTS TO STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has encouraged students in the state to learn with curiosity, passion, and strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. The governor’s message was delivered by the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Barr. Onome Goodness Briggs, during the distribution of school bags to Junior Secondary One (JSS1) students of St. Maria Goretti Junior Secondary School in Benin City. According to Barr. Briggs, “This is a message from the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to our students. He encourages our students to make the most use of these resources, to learn with curiosity and passion, and to strive for excellence in all that you do.” The governor also thanked the MTN Foundation for its kind gesture and presentation of school bags to the students. Barr. Briggs expressed gratitude to the MTN Foundation, stating that “this kind gesture is a testament to MTN Foundation’s commitment to supporting education and empowering our young minds.” Senior Manager, Sales and Distribution at MTN, Alabi Olaniyi, said the program is designed to empower students with learning materials, in order to support and prepare them for success. He noted that his organization will continue to support all education-related activities to promote development of the sector. The Principal of the school, Mrs. Dora Unnarhemhen, thanked the donor for choosing St. Maria Goretti Junior Secondary School to benefit from the gesture. She also commended Governor Okpebholo for his friendly educational policy, which is improving education in the state.