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A sense of dread spread across the Middle East after talks between the US and Iran collapsed, as fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region with Donald Trump ordering a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Following more than 20 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, US Vice President JD Vance admitted the yawning differences between the US and Iran proved to be insurmountable for the moment.

What could come next and whether the two sides will continue to respect a two-week ceasefire was anybody’s guess as both the Iranian and American delegations departed Pakistan without a deal.

“Things could change at any moment,” said Aishah, a 32-year-old economic consultant based in Doha.

“It’s more about taking each day as it comes.”

The failure of the talks, however, did not surprise many in the region.

“I didn’t have a lot of hope for them going in, because the two sides want completely opposite things,” Laura Kaufman, a 38-year-old school teacher in Tel Aviv, told AFP.

“There didn’t seem to be anyone willing to actually negotiate.”

A recent poll found that only 10 percent of the Israeli public believe the war against Iran had constituted a “significant success, compared to 32 percent who view it as a failure”.

In Iran, a brief spell of hope that talks would end the hostilities between the long-time foes was quickly dashed.

“I really wanted them to make peace,” said Mahsa, a 30-year-old employee of an export company in the Iranian capital.

“It’s been almost 45 days now that I’ve seen everyone stressed. It’s a bad situation.”

– ‘Worried’ –

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the negotiations’ failure only seemed to guarantee more uncertainty.

“I am worried about the continuation of the situation and the return of attacks again, because they were causing me tension,” said Imam, an Egyptian housewife living in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.

“I was making a great effort not to pass my tension on to the children.”

With nerves already battered, President Trump on Sunday ordered an immediate naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to intercept any ship that pays tolls to Tehran while also preventing Iran from earning future oil revenues.

“Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!” he wrote.

The news came as many in the region were hoping for a return to normality.

Earlier Sunday, Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said its key east-west oil pipeline and other major energy facilities had been restored following attacks by Iran on targets across the Gulf.

“Of course I am worried that the war will return again,” said Amin, a pharmacist living in Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, who asked to use a pseudonym for security reasons.

Back in Iran, a sense of the inevitable had begun to sink in for many people.

“I would have preferred peace, but I think there is no other way but war and confrontation,” said Hamed, 37.

“Based on what I see and hear, unfortunately we are going to war again and it seems like we will have a long war.”

In Lebanon, meanwhile, the ceasefire never started in the first place, with the warring sides disputing whether it was included under the deal as Israel stepped up its strikes there.

Dentist Kamal Qutaish called Lebanon “an arena where the whole world fights”, adding much depended on how efforts towards peace progressed.

“If (negotiations) collapse, it will affect not just us, but the whole world,” he said. “Only a madman wouldn’t be afraid.”

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World figures urged the United States and Iran to keep negotiating after marathon Washington-Tehran talks in Islamabad ended on Sunday without a deal to end the war in the Middle East.

– Pakistan urges ceasefire –

“It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to cease fire,” said Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar, whose government hosted the talks and acted as a mediator.

“Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come,” he said in a brief statement broadcast by state media.

– EU urges diplomacy –

Diplomacy is “essential” to resolve the war in the Middle East, a European Union spokesman said.

Noting failed US-Iranian talks hosted by Pakistan, EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said “we salute Pakistan for its mediation efforts” and added Brussels would contribute to further efforts to reach a settlement in coordination with its partners

– Putin offers mediation –

Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said.

“Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” the Kremlin said in its readout of the call.

– UK disappointed –

“It’s obviously disappointing that we haven’t yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one,” UK health minister Wes Streeting told Sky News.

“As ever in diplomacy, you’re failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, (it) doesn’t mean there isn’t merit in continuing to try,” he added.

– Australia urges more talks –

“The priority now must be to continue the ceasefire and return to negotiations,” Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a statement, adding it was “disappointing that the Islamabad talks between the United States and Iran have ended without agreement”.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied allegations that it copied a press statement from Dada Olusegun, a Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on New Media, insisting that its actions were misrepresented in some media reports.

INEC described the claims as “fake, misleading, and a misrepresentation of facts,” following online controversy over similarities between its official statement and an earlier post attributed to Olusegun.

The controversy began after INEC reposted a statement addressing claims that its Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, maintained a personal X account or endorsed a partisan post online. The Commission, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, had on April 10, 2026, dismissed the allegations as “entirely baseless” and warned against impersonation and fake accounts being used to mislead the public.

However, reports by Peoples Gazette alleged that Olusegun had shared a similar statement hours before INEC’s publication, sparking public debate over possible coordination. The report also cited social media users who questioned the timing and similarity of the messages.

An X user identified as #Mrfestusogun was quoted as saying, “Dada Olusegun posted an INEC press statement 23 hours before INEC even posted it.”

Another user, #adeyanjudeji, also alleged that “the president’s SA on media is the one helping the INEC chairman to debunk allegations of partisanship.”

Responding, INEC maintained that it did not copy any external statement and insisted its communication was independently issued through official channels. It further clarified that any circulation outside its platforms was not coordinated with any individual or political actor.

“INEC’s repost of the statement was solely to amplify accurate information earlier released from the Commission and should not be misconstrued as alignment with any individual or political office holder,” the Commission said.

It added that it “remains strictly non-partisan” and urged the public to rely only on its verified communication channels.

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Sevilla coach, Luis García Plaza, has insisted that he was scared when Ademola Lookman got the ball during both sides’ LaLiga clash on Saturday.

The victory, secured through strikes from Akor Adams and Nemanja Gudelj, handed Sevilla a vital boost in their fight to avoid relegation this season.

Reflecting on the encounter, García said via Marca: “I was scared myself whenever Lookman had the ball.

“I liked that the team stepped up again after that equaliser,” he said.

Lookman has been performing well for Atletico Madrid since he joined Diego Simeone’s side from Serie A side Atalanta in January.

LaLiga: What Sevilla coach Luis García said about Lookman after win over Atletico Madrid

By Ndahi Marama | Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has warned residents against aiding, harbouring, or providing logistical support to Boko Haram insurgents.

The warning follows recent military operations carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai in the Jilli area of Gubio Local Government Area on April 11, 2026.

Jilli, a border community between Gubio LGA in Borno State and Geidam LGA in Yobe State, has been identified as a strategic location in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum described Jilli Market as a notorious hub allegedly used by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

“I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli Market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states. Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago,” the governor said.

He added that he is in close consultation with the Yobe State Government and the military hierarchy over the development.

Zulum explained that the state government maintains close coordination with the military and other security agencies before resettling communities or reopening markets, particularly in areas affected by insurgency.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens and sustaining joint efforts with security agencies to restore lasting peace and stability across the state.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations.

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By Ndahi Marama | Damaturu

The Yobe State Government has activated its emergency response system following reports of an incident at Jilli Market in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, a border community near Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) disclosed that preliminary information suggests the incident, which occurred earlier on Sunday, may have resulted in casualties, with some victims believed to be traders from Geidam LGA.

In a statement shared by Yusuf Ali, Focal Person for Digital and Strategic Communications, the government said the response was initiated on the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

“SEMA, in collaboration with security agencies and health authorities, has swiftly mobilised response teams to the affected area,” Ali stated.

He added that the teams have been tasked with conducting on-the-ground assessments, verifying the situation, and ensuring that necessary support is provided to those impacted.

Despite growing concern, the agency noted that critical details, including the exact nature of the incident and the number of casualties, remain unconfirmed. It urged the public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified or speculative information.

SEMA assured residents that the situation is being closely monitored and that all necessary measures are being taken to deliver prompt humanitarian assistance to victims and their families.

The government also extended its sympathies to those affected, particularly families in Geidam and surrounding communities, as efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Further updates are expected as more verified information becomes available.

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There is mounting tension at Igbariam Farm Settlement in Anambra East local government area of the state following attacks on the Anglican and Catholic churches in the area by youths of the community.

Venerable Obiora Igbokwe of the Christ Anglican Church, Igbariam, who narrated the incident, said he was lucky to have escaped being lynched by the youths.

He said the attackers claimed that they were there to harvest palm fruits in the massive settlement established by the defunct Eastern Nigerian government of the late Dr. Michael Okpara.

Igbokwe said that during the attack, which took place at the weekend, he lost one 3kv generator, 30 pieces of 16mm rods,15 goats ,sheep and rams, mobile phones and their chargers, some aluminium frames and clothes.

According to him, the attackers also attempted to remove the church’s water pump machine, but found it difficult as the rope holding the sumo cut off, thus making the sumo to sink inside the borehole.

The clergyman said: “Around 7:30am on March 11, I was in the church compound when I saw a group of Igbariam youths with motorcycles and a white car stopped at the church entrance. They were about 25 in number with weapons.

“I sensed danger and quickly ran inside the parsonage with my son and we closed all the entrance doors.

“The youths started chanting war songs with musical instruments. They came directly to the parsonage and started breaking the glass windows. I narrowly escaped being killed or maimed.

“They broke the glasses of the room where I took cover and removed the burglary proof. I hid under the bed so they would not see me. They moved to the water pump installations and destroyed it, with two tanks damaged.

“They went to ACM worship center/car port and destroyed it. They also went to our Christ Foundation School block with six class rooms which was at roofing stage and pulled the blocks to ground level. 99.9 % of the money used to construct the school block came from outsiders. It was by mercy of God that I and my family were saved.”

Going down memory lane, the cleric said the problem began early last year when a group of Igbariam youths came and pulled down the fence, adding that the same day, they went to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church and beat up the people working on the church project and stopped their work.

“I called the late President General of Igbariam, Dr Chris Oforkansi and he promised that he would visit the church when he returned to Igbariam.

“After visiting Christ Church and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he set up an enquiry committee to look into how the two churches came to be established there. The claim of the youths was that the two churches took Igbariam land,” he said.

He said that following the allegation, a panel of inquiry was set up, adding that the Anglican Bishop Diocese of Niger West, Rt Rev Johnson Ekwe and the Catholic Bishop Diocese of Aguleri, Most Rev Dennis Isiuzor, as we as Priests and Chancellors of the two churches, also testified.

“The two churches were told to bring their Certificate of Occupancy, which we did. The matter was resolved amicably with the town union and the committee.

“But since new Town Union government started in January 2026, Igbariam youths have frequently been trooping into the church compound.

“They would pass the parsonage and go directly to the back of the church, pack their motorcycles and go round looking for palm fruits to cut.

“I have appealed to them severally that the compound is a Church and they would always tell me that they are Igbariam people and that it is their fathers’ property,” the cleric said.

Anambra youths attack two churches in Igbariam farm settlement, claim ownership

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo | Kaduna

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has defended the recent airstrike on Jilli Market along the Borno–Yobe border, describing it as a necessary military action targeting a known terrorist logistics base.

In a statement, Buratai acknowledged that the loss of innocent lives during the operation was “deeply unfortunate and painful,” but maintained that the strike was based on credible intelligence linking the market to activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.

According to him, insurgents had been using the weekly market to collect illegal levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks.

“The strike was a targeted military action based on credible intelligence. The public should understand the history of Jilli Market. It has long been a notorious terrorist logistics hub,” he said.

The former army chief recalled that the Nigerian Army had previously raided and shut down the market on several occasions, particularly during the 2018 Operation LAST HOLD, when troops occupied the area and engaged insurgents in multiple confrontations.

He noted that despite repeated closures, insurgents continued to operate in the area, allegedly with the cooperation of some individuals who patronised and supplied them.

“It is deeply regrettable that innocent lives may have been caught in the strike, but the sole responsibility rests with the terrorists who deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations as human shields,” Buratai added.

He stressed that no professional military deliberately targets civilians, but explained that when locations are overtaken and dominated by terrorist elements, decisive action becomes necessary.

Buratai also appealed to residents of affected communities, including Geidam, Gubio, Damasak, and Ngamdu, to desist from patronising markets known to be infiltrated or controlled by insurgents.

“Communities that continue to trade with insurgents will inevitably find themselves in harm’s way,” he warned.

He urged Nigerians to support the armed forces, noting that the operation demonstrated courage and professionalism by the Nigerian Air Force and the intelligence community.

While mourning those who lost their lives, Buratai reaffirmed confidence in ongoing military operations against insurgents, expressing optimism that sustained efforts and civilian cooperation would ultimately secure victory.

“While we mourn innocent lives lost, we must not weaken our resolve against an enemy that shows no mercy,” he said.

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Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, will deliver a keynote address at Harvard University, barely days after assuming office at the UN Headquarters in New York. Ibrahim, who resumed last Friday as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, received the invitation from Harvard, his alma mater. In accepting the […]

The Chancellor urged them to look beyond academic achievements and focus on building strong personal values…