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Ragtag group join search for Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by gunmen – World News – News

The president of Nigeria is suspending his weekend trip to the G20 summit, vowing to choose up efforts to save lots of 24 schoolgirls kidnapped by gunmen from their dorms.

A hodgepodge group of native hunters and security forces have launched a large manhunt to rescue the women, who have been kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in northwestern Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu was set to depart for South Africa on Wednesday for the summit of the world’s main developing international locations.

But the kidnapping and a separate assault on a church that killed two people in central Nigeria reset the president’s sights on the homeland. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll join the summit in any respect.

‘Heartless terrorists’

“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi state and Tuesday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure” to the G20 summit, a spokesperson stated.

Tinubu stated in a assertion that he has “directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”

He regretted that the “heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls.”

Hawau Usman, a 15-12 months-outdated pupil amongst these kidnapped, managed to flee.

“They kept moving, and when they left, I ran back to the school,” Usman instructed The Associate Press.

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“I knocked on the principal’s house, but no one answered,” she stated, including that she took shelter at a trainer’s home.

Security forces and hunters have intensified their efforts to search out the remaining ladies. Teams swept close by forests the place gangs usually conceal whereas others are posted alongside main roads resulting in the college.

Long historical past of mass kidnappings

Kebbi Gov. Nasir Idris was on the college Monday to guarantee the public of efforts to rescue the women, and Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu met with troopers within the hours after the assault and directed “intelligence-driven operations and relentless day-and-night pursuit of the abductors,” in response to an military assertion.

The military chief urged for all security teams to collaborate and embody native vigilantes and hunters to get the women rescued.

The kidnapping of the 24 ladies disturbed the nation that’s all too accustomed to mass kidnapping in its northern area.

At least 1,500 college students have been kidnapped within the space since Boko Haram Jihadi extremists seized 276 schoolgirls in 2014.

Analysts say gangs are concentrating on colleges for consideration.

Residents are blaming security failures, unwillingness to prosecute recognized attackers and corruption that limits weapons provides to security forces for the rampant abductions.

Former pilot explains why having shades up on flights is crucial – Travel News – Travel

A former airline pilot has revealed the disturbing purpose why airplane window shades have to be raised during takeoff and touchdown.

In an unique interview, Daniel Bubb, a Professor in Residence within the Honors College on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a former airline pilot for Air Vegas Airlines, shared insider information from his time as a industrial pilot.

Professor Bubb labored as a First-Officer who primarily operated Beech 99s from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, together with flights from Ontario Airport to different locations in Southern California, experiences Daily Express UK. 

The 51-yr-outdated, who at the moment lives in Henderson, Nevada, additionally served as a ground faculty teacher for Air Vegas Airlines. So, with this intensive expertise, it is cheap to say that he understands air security inside and out.

When requested about crucial security suggestions that passengers may not find out about, Professor Bubb illuminated one customary side of air travel that will confuse vacationers.

“One safety tip I highly recommend is putting the window shade up during take off and landing.”

He acknowledged that crowded terminals could make travel “frustrating and exhausting,” however he additionally offered a collection of solutions to boost the airport expertise and guarantee consolation.

Professor Bubb suggested: “Before they get on the plane, I would recommend passengers walk around the terminal to get some exercise, especially if they are going to be sitting in a plane for several hours.”

“Also, some airports have interesting amenities such as museums, local artwork, gift stores, and fitness gyms. Additionally, to make their trip more enjoyable, I highly recommend passengers be nice to flight attendants and each other.”

Recognizing that air travel could be “stressful,” he proposed that making the expertise “more enjoyable” could be achieved by small acts of kindness, like being well mannered, protecting machine quantity low, and helping others.

He additionally emphasised that flight attendants are primarily there for passenger security, and a “little kindness can go a long way.”

He shared his personal follow of shopping for Starbucks reward playing cards for them, saying it will possibly “brighten” up their day.

China issues Japan travel warning amid rising attacks amid Taiwan feud – World News – News

China has suggested its residents to chorus from touring to Japan within the close to future, marking an escalation within the spat over Taiwan-related feedback by Japan’s chief.

The two nations started exchanging a warfare of phrases final week after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned a Chinese assault on Taiwan may represent “a survival-threatening situation” for Japan, requiring the use of pressure. “If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation,” she said during parliamentary questioning.

On Friday, China issued a travel warning for Japan, marking the most recent escalation within the feud. It cited earlier attacks towards Chinese nationals in Japan and what it known as Takaichi ‘s “erroneous remarks” on Taiwan, which it said undermined the atmosphere for China-Japan exchange.

“Blatantly provocative remarks on Taiwan” have “further damaged the atmosphere for people-to-people exchanges… creating additional risks to the safety and security of Chinese citizens in Japan,” a statement published by the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry and its missions “remind Chinese citizens to refrain from visiting Japan for the time being,” the statement added. The government in Tokyo lodged a protest over the travel advisory.

Its top spokesperson, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, urged China to take “appropriate measures.” Takaichi, who was elected as the country’s first feminine prime minister final month, mentioned final week that if China used pressure round Taiwan, it will qualify as “an existential threat.”

The remarks sparked sharp criticisms from Beijing. “We have no choice but cut off that dirty neck that has been lunged at us without hesitation. Are you ready?” Chinese Consul General Xue Jian mentioned in a message posted on X, which was later deleted

His remark sparked a Japanese diplomatic protest that was adopted by a back-and-forth that continued all week. The disagreement signifies that Japan’s already strained relationship with China may deteriorate additional beneath Takaichi, who advocates strengthening the army to deal with potential risks from Beijing and its territorial assertions in disputed western Pacific waters.

China has persistently urged its residents to take security measures when visiting Japan over the previous yr, however the latest advisory appeared more forceful in discouraging travel, primarily based on statements posted on its Tokyo embassy web site.

Japan stays an extraordinarily common vacation spot for Chinese vacationers, delivering a important financial raise but additionally triggering anti-China and anti-foreigner sentiment amongst some residents. The potential affect of the advisory on Chinese willingness to go to Japan stays unsure, although a number of Chinese airways launched penalty-free refunds for beforehand bought Japan tickets after the federal government’s assertion.

China asserts that Taiwan, an autonomous island off its coast, is an element of its territory and has carried out intimidating army workouts in close by waters lately. Neither the United States nor Japan maintains official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, however the US is the first supplier of protection gear to the island’s army and opposes any forceful decision of the China-Taiwan difficulty.

Japan is a army ally of the United States and accommodates American troops at a number of US bases within its borders, together with a vital Navy base south of Tokyo.

Couple sells everything to move to ‘Maldives of Europe’, faces two major issues – Europe – Travel

A pair who offered everything to relocate to the area generally known as ‘the Maldives of Europe’ have recognized two major issues with their new residence.

Sandra and Jeff Mayernik, beforehand residents of Oregon, confessed to feeling overwhelmed as they grappled with the escalating value of dwelling. Consequently, the retired pair offered all their possessions – their autos, home, and artwork assortment – earlier than deciding to move abroad in November 2023.

They have journeyed or resided in a dozen nations, together with Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico, and Argentina, however most just lately, they’ve made Albania their home.

The couple is presently residing in Sarande, a location that the National Geographic Society has labeled as ‘the Maldives of Europe’. The Albanian Riviera is lauded for its quite a few white-sand seashores, archaeological websites, and charming villages to uncover.

Despite the breathtaking panorama surrounding them and a decrease value of dwelling, Sandra and Jeff have pinpointed two vital drawbacks to their new dwelling situations, stories the Express.

In a dialog with Business Insider, Jeff conceded that adapting to the new currency (the Albanian Lek) and the language have been the most important challenges for the expats.

He said: “You’re dealing in a different currency and a different language. So every trip to the grocery store is just a little more work.

“Back within the US, I might stroll into a Kroger (a grocery store with virtually 3,000 shops throughout the US), learn each label, and immediately know what I used to be paying for,” he added. “Here, I as soon as grabbed what regarded like a package deal of ham – however it undoubtedly wasn’t.

“Those little sorts of things, people get frustrated about, and it can build up.”

Despite these hurdles, the pair are relishing the benefits that accompany their recent way of life.

Jeff claims the best perk is the more relaxed rhythm of every day life, with locals showing “less hurried and harried”. Sandra in the meantime reveals the “stress just evaporated” after departing the US.

The admitted workaholic initially needed to preserve her employment when she and her partner started touring as a result of she “loved her job”, however she resigned completely after six or 9 months on the highway.

Additional benefits for the duo embody money saved on lodging and medical care, plus a more nutritious diet in contrast to what they’d eat within the US, although they do confess to discovering it tough being so distant from family members.

The typical temperature in Albania between May and September reaches 28C, whereas beers value as little as £2 with the charges evaluating favorably to some of its European neighbors like Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece.

‘Forget Dubai – we’ve moved to a beautiful island with hardly any tax’ – Travel News – Travel

So many are trading the glitz of Dubai for a picturesque island simply three hours away, the place taxes are minimal. The solar-drenched Mediterranean vacation spot of Malta is changing into more and more well-liked, not least as a result of English is one of its official languages.

A fast flight to Valletta, Malta’s capital, takes simply over three hours from London, and even in November, temperatures can attain a balmy 21C.

This was half of the appeal for Louise Burley, 46, who relocated from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with her husband Kevin, 70, to the village of Ta’ Xbiex.

Louise instructed The Times that many points of life on the island really feel acquainted. She mentioned: “They drive on the same side of the road, there are red postboxes, HSBCs on the corner and they have Marks & Spencer.”

“I don’t think we could have coped much longer. We were getting … squeezed every day, taxed on everything. We have a couple of houses we rent out and there is hardly any point in keeping those.”

In addition to the climate, the tax system is one other draw for potential expats.

“Malta’s tax residency scheme offers a preferential 15% tax rate on foreign income remitted to the country.

Income from overseas assets is tax-free, and there are no inheritance, wealth or estate taxes. The visa also includes access to statutory healthcare.

Jamie Favell, from the Tax Advisory Partnership specializing in cross-border tax planning, suggests that Malta’s status as a former British colony with similar tax laws makes the system “simple”.

This has led many British expats to choose Malta over popular destinations like Dubai, Italy, and Portugal.

Malta was part of the British empire from 1814 after Britain helped liberate it from Napoleon, until it gained independence in September 1964

The late Queen resided on the outskirts of Valletta for two years before her ascension to the throne when Prince Philip was stationed there by the Royal Navy.

With Maltese and English as the country’s two official languages, it’s easy for expats to adapt.

Bradley Thurston decided to permanently move to the Maltese area of Xemxija earlier this year when faced with a hefty bill to renew his wife’s British visa.

The 54 year old told The Times: “She is placing her wage within the bank and we live off mine.

“It’s a no brainer. We will never come back. The only thing I miss is the football.”

Urgent vacation spot plea as parents send warning – Travel News – Travel

The Morton-Bowles and Jones households from Australia reside each guardian’s worst nightmare after their daughters, Holly Morton-Bowles and Bianca Jones, each 19, by no means returned home from a trip to Laos final yr.

The ladies tragically died from methanol poisoning, with allegations that the native authorities didn’t take the investigation severely enough. Now, the devastated parents are warning different parents towards letting their youngsters go to the area, citing security issues. In an interview with the Herald Sun, each units of parents labeled the nation as “corrupt.”

Last November, best pals Holly and Bianca traveled to the favored vacationer vacation spot of Vang Vieng the place they had been uncovered to methanol. The youngsters, together with 4 different vacationers, had been discovered affected by methanol poisoning on the Nana Backpackers hostel, in response to Mirror US.

Reports counsel that the six had consumed tainted drinks earlier than falling severely ailing. The Australian ladies had been airlifted to a hospital in Thailand in essential situation, the place they later succumbed to their accidents, reviews the Mirror.

It has been reported that consuming simply 0.85 fluid ounces of the colorless, odorless substance could cause extreme sickness and even loss of life. Holly’s parents, Sean and Samantha, have voiced their disappointment with the handling of the investigation. The households allege that there is no proof of a thorough investigation into the heartbreaking tragedy by the police. They said: “We recognize how corrupt and unhelpful the Laotian Government is; there is no evidence whatsoever to suggest there is any type of investigation going on.”

They additional added: “(Our) hope is that Australians remove this country from their bucket list, your life is worth nothing over there and we have seen this first-hand as well as other families that have been involved in this tragedy.”

Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, acknowledged the parents’ frustration as “very real” due to the lack of progress within the Laotian investigation. Mark and Michelle Jones informed the Sun-Herald that “to date, no individual or organization has been held accountable.”

They expressed concern that it “appears these deaths of innocent young women may be forgotten, brushed aside and left unresolved.”

All 4 parents made an look on “60 Minutes,” the place they claimed to have been ignored by the Laotian authorities, with officers refusing to debate their daughters’ deaths. “We’ve heard nothing,” Jones revealed during the interview, which was broadcast on Sunday night time. “I cannot have my daughter’s passing not mean anything,” stated the heartbroken father.

“Last November, in a letter to our Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Lao Government did express its ‘profound sadness’ over the deaths,” Brown disclosed. “And it said it ‘was investigating the cause of the incident to bring the perpetrators to justice.'”.

“But so far, despite those words, there’s been very little action,” Brown went on. “When we tried to go to Laos to find out why we were denied access to the country because they claimed the case is still being worked on.”

The “60 Minutes” reporter tried to succeed in out to Laotian officers, however to no avail.” Brown added: “More considerably, and cruelly, no Lao officers will meet with the devastated households, not even in non-public.”

You can now rent The Holiday cottage—but space is limited – Travel News – Travel

For film buffs who love really feel-good movies, The Holiday is a must-watch. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the movie follows two ladies from completely different nations who determine to swap properties for the vacations in an try and shake issues up.

Fans have usually admired the quaint appeal of the Cotswolds cottage the place Kate Winslet’s character resides, which she exchanges with Cameron Diaz’s character. Now, you too can expertise a slice of that idyllic cottage from the film, with out having to travel all the way in which to the Cotswolds.

A reproduction of the Cotswolds cottage from The Holiday has been created in northern Georgia by inside designer Lucy Small of State and Season, and it is open for bookings now.

What does it value to rent The Holiday cottage?

The cottage can accommodate six visitors and options two bedrooms and two and a half loos. It can be rented for $650 per evening.

According to the official reserving web site, the cottage is nestled in a “secluded farm property spread across 6+ acres in charming Gilmer County, Georgia” and it offers entry to personal climbing trails, state parks, waterfalls, and more alternatives for nature exploration.

Surrounded by apple orchards, horseback driving services, and wineries, it is the proper escape from metropolis life.

The cottage showcases conventional English nation-model interiors, similar to within the film

The cottage options tough plaster partitions and chunky, tough-hewn timber ceiling beams, together with earthy stone partitions to ship the quintessential English countryside aesthetic.

“The interior design is a mix of antique and vintage furniture and artwork with contemporary pieces. These unusual pairings create a little design tension that makes the space more visually interesting,” notes Better Homes and Gardens.

The cottage is adorned with blue-and-white chinoiserie ceramics, grouped collectively for optimum visible appeal.

You can book your keep at The Holiday cottage right here.

Tourist ‘gang raped by seven men on India vacation’ as husband forced to watch – World News – News

A travel influencer, who was motorcycling across the globe together with her husband, was gang-raped by seven men during an in a single day stop.

Three people have been introduced earlier than a court docket in India, charged with raping Fernanda, 28, and assaulting Vicente, 63, after the horrific incident in 2024. The assailants allegedly used a helmet and a stone to batter Vicente, leaving his “mouth destroyed.”

The couple, with over 300,000 Instagram followers, have been chronicling their worldwide motorbike journey and have been en route to Nepal from India on separate bikes.

They halted for the evening in Dumka district, positioned in India’s Jharkhand, the place they pitched camp earlier than being found by a group of men who sexually assaulted Fernanda.

In a video filmed outdoors an Indian hospital, 63-12 months-outdated Vicente disclosed the accidents they sustained, with Fernanda seen sporting seen facial bruises. She alleges they have been additionally robbed, however that “their only intention was to rape her.”

“They beat us,” Vicente added. “They put a knife to my neck, and told me they were going to kill me. Fernanda was raped. Seven of them. Seven men.”

The suspects have been charged by authorities with raping Fernanda in turns.

“We have formed a team to hunt the remaining suspects,” stated Pitamber Singh Kherwar, a senior native police officer. “We have to ensure strict punishment.”

The bloggers have been positioned in protecting custody. “We have given him a compensation of one million rupees. We are conducting a thorough investigation and will try to ensure a speedy trial and conviction,” stated Anjaneyulu Dodde, deputy commissioner of Dumku.

The couple returned to Spain and stated they deliberate to resume their trip at a later date. “We will leave the bikes in Nepal. We want to rest and be with our family. Then, when Fernanda is fully recovered, we will continue our tour of Asia. We want to finish in New Zealand.”

‘I had a panic attack on a 6 hour flight due to a passenger’s terrible body odor’ – Asia & Middle East – Travel

Sometimes having a nice flight is just not within the playing cards—like this Egyptian athlete who opened up about a horrible flight expertise that left her in tears. The purpose behind this flight nightmare may not be as predictable as you’d assume.

Manal Rostom took to Instagram to share that somebody’s dangerous body odor triggered a main panic attack.

“Body odor is a critical factor. When you might be in a closed space, and for somebody who does mildly undergo from anxiousness and panic assaults, it will possibly get fairly critical. We simply detected a actually, actually dangerous scent. The cabin crew recognized the source, however there was nothing they might do. A pair of hours into the flight, I began to really feel claustrophobic and panicked,” she recalled.

Rostom said the situation reminded her of being on Mount Everest, where oxygen is limited. But she felt trapped because she could not get off the flight.

“I started crying, and they just tried to calm me down. They gave me food and water, and my friend was there, so we managed to contain it,” she said.

She also applauded the Flydubai crew for their professionalism. “Had I not had a very supportive cabin crew that very, very professionally contained the issue, this could have been a really bad situation. And all this because someone is not looking after their hygiene.”

Being on a plane means you’re stuck in a closed off space with people you don’t know, and sometimes the experiences can be unexpected.

She wrote in the caption of her post, “We’re all “familiar” with that dangerous-smelling member on the gymnasium and even good friend however you understand what, in 2025 it’s our responsibility to allow them to know.”

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She continued in her caption: “the reference to My Everest is due to me getting a panic attack at 8600m (whereas climbing within the demise zone) – whereas@you’re on a plane you’re virtually as high as we’re whereas climbing and it’s been a traumatic incident for me since….(*6*)Girl, you’re so courageous for talking up about this. I’ve such a delicate sense of scent, and robust BO on flights, in gyms, and even at marathon begin strains makes me really feel so nauseous and sick however I by no means say something as a result of I’m afraid of hurting somebody’s emotions.”

Another user added to the discussion: “I’m so sorry you suffered like this. Equally dangerous is overpowering and very sturdy / artificial perfumes / aftershaves leading to migraine complications – nausea and excessive discomfort. It’s very thoughtless of the particular person spraying throughout themselves and into open areas round different people – it leads to health points.”

A third person remarked, “What a lovely respectful means of addressing this actually massive concern.”

Easy packing method means you can fit more into your suitcase – Travel News – Travel

Another good transfer is to depart behind giant toiletries like shampoo and physique wash since most inns present these at no further charge. If you’re embarking on a long trip abroad, think about shopping for this stuff upon arrival to preserve suitcase space.

In addition, many inns are prepared to simply accept online deliveries earlier than your keep, permitting you to order your rest room requirements to reach earlier than you do. This is an simple method to travel lighter and keep away from overpacking merchandise you could not even use, in keeping with the Express.

Hotel employee advises vacationers to ‘flip off the lights’ once they enter rooms.

Travelers renewing passports subsequent yr will encounter important adjustments.

Consider investing in jewellery and cable organizers to keep your gadgets protected and untangled, saving you the trouble of rummaging via your suitcase.