Azzam al-Hayya, son of senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, has been killed in an Israeli strike in the Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to Hamas-affiliated media.
The strike in eastern Gaza City is the latest in Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the leadership and infrastructure of Hamas.
Khalil al-Hayya is a prominent figure within the Hamas political bureau, having served as a key deputy and major negotiator for the group, frequently representing Hamas in international ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Cairo and Doha.
The IDF has not yet released a formal statement confirming the specific operational details of the strike.
This is not the first time the al-Hayya family has been struck. Another son, Imam al-Hayya, was killed in September 2025 during an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar. In 2014, another bombardment killed his eldest son Osama, Osama’s wife, and three of their children.
Khalil al-Hayya currently serves as part of Hamas’s acting five-man leadership council following the killing of Yahya Sinwar by the IDF in October 2024. He has been the group’s chief negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel.
The Ijesa Community Development Assembly, ICDA, has announced the death of the Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran.
In a statement issued by Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi on Wednesday and obtained dby DAILY POST, the assembly, while describing the development as a moment of deep sorrow, added that the monarch “took his final bow and joined his ancestors” earlier on May 6, 2026.
The ICDA noted that the late traditional ruler served as a custodian of culture and a unifying figure within Esa-Oke and the wider Ijesaland.
It stated that his reign was characterised by dignity, wisdom, and commitment to peace, unity and development across his domain.
According to the statement, Oba Adediran was “a monarch of quiet strength and thoughtful leadership who upheld the responsibilities of his office with honour.”
The assembly added that he ensured the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Esa-Oke throughout his time on the throne.
It stated that “the monarch provided stability during periods of uncertainty and played a reassuring role in times of communal challenges.”
The ICDA said beyond traditional leadership, “the late king supported initiatives aimed at advancing education, social harmony and community development.”
Describing him as a father figure, the statement said “his leadership fostered unity and strengthened communal ties among the people of Esa-Oke.”
The assembly added that his contributions extended beyond his immediate domain to the broader development of Ijesaland.
It also extended condolences to the royal family, the people of Esa-Oke, the Obokun Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.
The Social Democratic Party, SDP, has screened Prince Adewole Adebayo and other presidential aspirants ahead of its national convention in preparation for the 2027 general election.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday in Abuja, National Chairman Professor Sadiq Gombe, disclosed that the party has made “extensive preparations” to conduct its convention aimed at fielding a candidate capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress.
Gombe revealed that more than four committees have been constituted to drive the process.
“We have set up over four committees, including the Screening Committee, Electoral Committee, Convention Committee, and several sub-committees, each with clearly defined responsibilities to ensure a credible exercise,” he said.
He explained that the screening of aspirants would take place at the party’s conference hall at the National Secretariat, its registered office with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, “The screening exercise will cover all aspirants contesting for elective positions, including the office of the president, governorship seats across the 36 states, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.”
“We have confidence in the competence and integrity of the committee members. They must carry out their responsibilities with diligence, fairness, and transparency.”
On his part, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar Lima, emphasized strict compliance with the party’s rules.
“Despite our different levels of familiarity, we must approach this assignment with diligence and integrity,” Lima said.
… Inaugurates Boards For Education Agencies, University Principal Officers
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday flagged four key threats undermining Nigeria’s education system, citing learning poverty, teacher quality gaps, infrastructure deficits, and the urgent need to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems.
Alausa said the sector must confront these challenges head-on as the government drives comprehensive, data-driven reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to improve access, quality, equity, and relevance in education.
Alausa who was speaking during the inauguration of Governing Boards and Principal Officers of a university, including the appointment of a polytechnic rector in Abuja, described the inauguration as symbolic of the government’s commitment to repositioning education as the bedrock of national development and strengthening governance across all levels of the system.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unprecedented support, noting that the President’s bold investments and policy direction had created the enabling environment for the far-reaching reforms currently being implemented by the ministry.
Congratulating the newly appointed Chairmen and members of the Governing Boards, the Minister said their selection reflected proven competence, integrity, and commitment to national service.
He stressed that the governance of education agencies required clarity of vision, strong ethical standards, and alignment with national policy direction, and urged the appointees to provide strategic oversight, ensure accountability, and support management to deliver measurable outcomes.
He added that they must serve as a bridge between policy and implementation by inspiring confidence through transparency, discipline, and results.
Alausa also addressed the Principal Officers of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, describing the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, and Librarian as pioneer leaders with the historic responsibility of laying a solid institutional foundation that would define the university’s vision, culture, and long-term trajectory.
He charged them to lead with vision and integrity by building strong academic programmes, investing in faculty development, promoting solution-oriented research, ensuring student welfare, and fostering strategic partnerships.
To the reappointed Chief Executive Officers of the ministry’s parastatals, Alausa commended their continued service and institutional knowledge, saying their reappointment was a recognition of performance and stability.
He however cautioned that continuity must not breed complacency but should serve as a platform to consolidate gains, deepen ongoing reforms, and accelerate progress.
The task ahead, he said, demands innovation, responsiveness, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes across the education value chain.
The Minister told the newly appointed Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’Yak-Shendam, that the appointment came at a pivotal moment as polytechnics remain central to the drive for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, skills acquisition, and industrialization.
He urged the Rector to build an institution that produces graduates equipped with practical competencies, entrepreneurial capacity, and industry-relevant skills rather than certificates alone.
Alausa reaffirmed that the reforms underway are not optional but imperative for national competitiveness and sustainable development.
He called for prudent management of resources, strict adherence to due process, and unwavering compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, stating that public trust is earned through integrity, accountability, and service.
He further pledged the ministry’s commitment to strengthening policy coherence, enhancing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and fostering collaboration across agencies and stakeholders in line with the One Government Approach doctrine to ensure that no Nigerian learner is left behind.
“Ultimately, the success of our education system will depend not only on policies and funding but on the quality of leadership that drives implementation. I therefore urge you to work collaboratively, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in your commitment to excellence,” he urged them.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has emphasised that blood donation is a humanitarian duty that rises above religious and ethnic boundaries, as it intensifies efforts to save lives across the country.
Speaking with THE WHISTLER on Wednesday during activities marking World Red Cross Day at the society’s new headquarters in Gwarimpa, the National President, Oluyemisi Adeaga, said Nigerians are gradually embracing voluntary blood donation as awareness grows.
National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Oluyemisi Adeaga
He stressed that the act of giving blood should not be influenced by personal beliefs or identity, noting that the urgency of saving lives outweighs such considerations.
“People are becoming more conscious because the need is spreading. This goes beyond religious or ethnic considerations. Whoever needs blood needs life, and whoever needs life has to be given the opportunity to live again, no matter the perception,” he said.
Drawing from everyday scenarios, he noted that in emergencies such as road accidents, responders do not consider the religion or ethnicity of victims before offering help, stressing that such should be the standard approach to saving lives.
HIV testing among others
“It may be your relative tomorrow or someone you don’t know. The most important thing is that we are able to save lives,” he added.
Adeaga, however, explained that humanitarian response is becoming increasingly challenging amid a rise in disasters and insecurity, both globally and within Nigeria, placing greater pressure on the society’s resources.
According to him, the organisation is grappling with a widening gap between the growing number of vulnerable persons and the limited number of volunteers and funding required to meet those needs.
He noted that despite Nigeria recording millions of internally displaced persons due to insecurity, the Red Cross volunteer base has not expanded at a commensurate rate.
Blood level and Vitals check
“We have both internal and external factors influencing our operations. Globally, there is an increase in conflict and multiple crises, and locally, insecurity such as banditry is rising. But our volunteer base is not growing in proportion, and funding is very low,” he said.
Adeaga appealed to the government to strengthen support for the society, recalling that the organisation was established by an Act of Parliament in 1960, which places a responsibility on authorities to assist its operations.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the media and the Red Cross to deepen public awareness on the importance of humanitarian service and voluntary donations.
Earlier, while addressing volunteers, he stressed that the strength of the Red Cross lies in its grassroots network, spanning Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and all local government areas.
“There is no Red Cross anywhere without its divisions and branches. They are the pillars on which the national society rests,” he said, urging members to continue reaching vulnerable communities.
He praised volunteers for carrying “hope to those that really need it,” adding that their work has had a significant impact.
The event featured symbolic engagement with young members, whom he described as future leaders capable of shaping not only the Red Cross but the nation and the world.
Also speaking with THE WHISTLER, a volunteer, Justice Patience, reinforced the life-saving impact of blood donation, citing recent experiences.
“A lot. About two weeks ago, blood saved lives,” she said, recalling how access to donated blood has been critical in emergency situations.
She explained that during a recent visit to a medical blood service facility, she observed how stored blood is distributed to hospitals in need, commending the efforts of those managing such systems.
“They have a bank where they give blood to different hospitals that are in need. They are doing a good job by storing blood for people who need it,” she said.
Justice, who works with a non-governmental organisation supporting the Red Cross and other international humanitarian bodies, noted that such interventions underscore the importance of sustained public participation in blood donation drives.
THE WHISTLER reports that the event featured voluntary blood donation and HIV testing. Organisations present included Mozuk Future Solutions, Cece Yara Child Advocacy Center, and a team from the National Blood Transfusion Service, among others.
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested nine suspects following a targeted raid on hideouts in Mubi and its surrounding areas.
The operation specifically focused on identified black spots within the Mubi metropolitan area known for illicit activities.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Command on Wednesday, indicating that the operation was carried out earlier on Monday, May 4.
“At the conclusion of the raid, a total of nine suspects were apprehended. Items recovered from the suspects include dangerous weapons—such as a firearm and knives—as well as illicit drugs and other controlled substances,” the statement explained.
Signed by the NSCDC State Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Nyako Amidu Baba, the statement said all arrested suspects have been transferred to the Command Headquarters in Yola, where they are undergoing profiling and investigation.
“This operation was conducted in direct and prompt fulfillment of the Executive Security Directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who mandated an immediate and comprehensive raid on all identified black spots within Mubi metropolis and its surrounding environs,” Baba stated.
He added that the state commandant of the NSCDC, Idris Dahiru Bande, acted on the governor’s directive by mobilising and deploying a team of specially trained operatives who executed the operation.
The Nigerian Navy has handed over 125 bags of seized foreign parboiled rice to the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.
This was following a successful anti-smuggling operation conducted by personnel of Naval Base EPE in Lagos State.
Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, led by Superintendent of Customs Chinedu Eboh, arrived at Naval Base EPE on 5 May 2026 for the formal handover of the seized items.
A statement signed by Captain AA Folorunsho, Director Naval Informat said that acting on credible human intelligence on 29 April 2026 at 0300hours, personnel of Naval Base EPE intercepted a Peugeot J5 van with registration number EKY-168YC laden with 125 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Lagos State through illegal border routes.
It said in line with extant regulations and established inter-agency collaboration procedures, the seized items were formally handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action.
It said the handover was conducted on behalf of the Commander, Naval Base Epe, Captain Levi Deyin, represented by the Acting Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Elvis Egbe.
The successful interception and subsequent handover, according to the navy, underscore the Nigerian Navy’s continued commitment to supporting national efforts aimed at combating smuggling, protecting the nation’s economy, and strengthening internal security through effective inter-agency cooperation.
It said the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in sustaining operations against all forms of illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime and littoral environment.
China has urged Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and bring an end to its conflict with the United States and Israel, following a request from the Trump administration for Beijing’s assistance.
At a meeting in Beijing, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the need to halt the fighting, according to Chinese state media.
Wang stressed that peace talks should not be delayed.
He said, “China believes that a comprehensive cessation of hostilities should not be delayed, any reigniting of hostilities is even less desirable, and sticking to negotiations is particularly important.”
He also said efforts should focus on restoring safe and normal movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
During the height of the conflict in March, Iranian and China-linked ships were still moving through the strait.
However, the situation changed after the United States imposed a full blockade on Iran’s ports, which effectively halted most traffic in the area.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), moved by its counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe.
In his ruling, the judge said: “An interim order of this honourable court is made forfeiting the properties being properties suspected to be proceeds of some unlawful activities pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for final forfeiture order.”
The judge added: “An order is made directing the publication for anyone who is interested in the property to appear within 14 days why the final order should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
The court further granted the EFCC’s request that the notice be published within seven days of receipt of the official court order. The matter was adjourned until May 25 for a report on compliance.
According to the EFCC, the application was filed under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The agency said the properties are suspected to be linked to unlawful activities.
The properties are located in various high-value areas of Abuja. They include terrace buildings in Dakibiyu, a duplex with a penthouse and office space on Niger Street, a unit in Palm Springs Estate in Mpape, and several blocks of flats in Wuse, Garki and Maitama.
One of the buildings is currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency in Garki.
The newly sworn-in Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, officially resumed duties on Wednesday as the state’s second-in-command.
The event was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Kano governors Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Ibrahim Shekarau.
Also present were former Deputy Governor Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, lawmakers Abubakar Kabir Abubakar and Alhassan Ado Doguwa, as well as the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmud Bunkure.
Speaking at the event, Garo thanked God for enabling him to witness what he described as a historic moment.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other stakeholders for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Garo pledged to make effective use of the guidance given to him to help achieve the “Kano First Agenda” of the governor, aimed at improving the state.
He also prayed for God’s direction in his new role and thanked the people of Kano for their continued support and prayers.
