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Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn anarchists, say ‘consequences won’t be palatable’

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Invasion threat: Stay off Kogi, indigenes warn anarchists, say ‘consequences won’t be palatable’

Youths in Kogi State have warned those they described as agents of enemies of the state to desist from painting the wrong picture to outsiders, saying that the ex governor lives in government house, and any attempt by outsiders or defeated politicians from within to go near the Kogi Government House in the guise of occupying the government house will be vehemently resisted.

The youths, who described those threatening to occupy the Kogi Government House as a faceless group of ethnic jingoists doing the bidding of embattled paymasters, dared anyone to try such and test the popularity of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

Thousands of youths, who are registered member of the Kogi Youths Stakeholder Forum, said this in a joint statement made available to the press on Tuesday by the Coordinator, Comrade Tunde G. Muhammed, and signed in Lokoja by Yunisa Idris, Yusuf Ndako, Idris Kabir, Osovehe Jimmoh, Itoba Momoh, Agali Oluwafemi, Mayowa Williams, Ocholi Idris, Hassan Gambo and Oloruneffa Jegede.

“Our patience has been tested enough, no one should try anything to undermine democracy in Kogi State or the consequences will not be palatable. They will be shocked,” they warned.

The youths condemned the talk of invasion being spread by political actors and echoed by ethnocentric agents of destruction in the state as suspicious and an attack on democracy, saying any further oppression would be met with stiff resistance.

According to them, there is a pending court case that has been adjourned and the illegally obtained warrant of arrest is a subject of appeal as it was obtained against a valid court order.

“This needless noise is clearly persecution taken too far as we, the bona-fide citizens of Kogi State, know that no Governor has performed better than Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello since inception. His successor is riding on this solid foundation to deliver even better dividends,” they said.

“We categorically reject even the thought of disrupting the peace and stability of our state through unlawful occupation. Our dutiful Governor Usman Ododo was duly elected and the current occupier of the Lugard House. Such threat from whatever quarters is an attempt to overthrow democracy and pave way for anarchy.

“We know the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau and warn all those trying to cause chaos because they have lost at the polls, those conniving with enemies of Yahaya Bello outside, to desist. We have been patient enough in the face of the endless persecution and defamation. We will not allow anything that will be counter-productive to the peace, progress, development and well-being of all bonafide residents of Kogi. Our dear State is currently undergoing a critical period of development and consolidation of democratic values.

“It is on this basis that we enjoin all indigenes of our dear state to ignore the empty and baseless threats arising from ethnic jingoists. The Confluence state has witnessed transition from Igala to Igala and heavens did not fall then.

“The transition process from Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello to Governor Usman Ododo has come to stay,” the youths stated.

The Stakeholder, reacting to a statement “by a group that called itself People of Kogi, calling for the ex-governor to be handed over to the EFCC”, said those making that demand were illiterates, who don’t understand the process of law.

“For us in KYSF, we consider this as a joke taken too far. For the sake of clarity, it has become imperative to highlight the achievements of the former Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, during his tenure as governor and his legacies of visionary leadership.

“This is an incontrovertible fact, that under Ex- GYB, Kogi State witnessed significant infrastructural development, improvements in healthcare and education sectors with notable strides in agriculture and youth empowerment. Undoubtedly, his administration’s efforts toward peace and security are commendable and have contributed to the stability we currently enjoy in our dear state today. Whatever haters peddle can’t erase this.

“It is important to clarify that the allegations against His Excellency Yahaya Bello are primarily driven by political opponents who have yet to come to terms with the outcome of the previous election. We firmly believe that these accusations will be proven baseless in due course, and Yahaya Bello will be vindicated.

“To those being misled into tribal politics and manipulated by vested interests, we advise you to stay off Kogi State. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant as we collectively protect the interests of our people. Furthermore, we urge all stakeholders and concerned parties to seek accurate information and refrain from being misled by politically motivated agendas. The legal matters concerning His Excellency Yahaya Bello are being addressed through appropriate channels, and we are confident that justice will prevail.

“In conclusion, we call upon all genuine residents of Kogi State to prioritize peace, unity, and adherence to the law of the land. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our state, free from unnecessary strife and division,” the youths stated.

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Aston Villa Complete Alejandro Garnacho Signing from Chelsea on Season-Long Loan with Mandatory Buy Clause

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Aston Villa Complete Alejandro Garnacho Signing from Chelsea on Season-Long Loan with Mandatory Buy Clause—-Unai Emery has landed one of his top transfer targets after Aston Villa reached an agreement with Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho to join on a season-long loan, with a conditional obligation to make the move permanent.

Aston Villa have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho on a season-long loan, with a buy clause that will become mandatory if certain conditions are met. The move is expected to be finalized after the 22-year-old completes the remaining formalities following his medical in Birmingham.

The deal represents a significant show of faith from Villa manager Unai Emery, who has long admired Garnacho and had attempted to sign the winger before his move from Manchester United to Chelsea last summer. Emery is understood to have personally pushed for the transfer, believing he can help the Argentine rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents.

Although structured initially as a loan until the end of the 2026-27 season, the agreement includes a conditional obligation to buy. The exact conditions have not been disclosed publicly, but reports indicate they are linked to performance or appearance targets and are widely expected to be met. Garnacho has already agreed personal terms on a four-year contract that will take effect once the permanent transfer is triggered.

Garnacho’s departure comes just one year after Chelsea signed him from Manchester United on a long-term contract. Despite arriving at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, the winger struggled to establish himself as a regular starter, managing only limited league starts as competition for places intensified under new manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea’s recent club-record £117 million signing of Morgan Rogers further reduced Garnacho’s prospects of regular first-team football, making a move away increasingly likely.

For Aston Villa, the signing is another statement of intent as the club prepares for a campaign that includes UEFA Champions League football. Emery has built a reputation for revitalizing players whose careers have stalled, and Villa believe Garnacho’s pace, direct running and attacking flair can add a new dimension to their frontline. Club officials are confident the Argentine international still possesses the potential to develop into one of the Premier League’s top wingers under Emery’s guidance.

The transfer also continues a busy summer of business between Aston Villa and Chelsea. It follows Chelsea’s acquisition of Morgan Rogers in a British-record £117 million deal, with Garnacho now heading in the opposite direction as both clubs reshape their squads ahead of the new season. While the financial details of the future permanent transfer remain undisclosed, all parties are confident the move will become permanent once the agreed conditions are fulfilled.

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup

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BREAKING: Ferran Torres the Hero as Spain Beat Argentina to Capture 2026 FIFA World Cup—-Substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive extra-time winner as Spain edged defending champions Argentina 1-0 to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and complete a historic double as reigning men’s European and world champions.

Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a tense and tactical final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

After 90 minutes of relentless intensity failed to separate the two footballing giants, substitute Ferran Torres emerged as Spain’s hero, scoring the only goal of the match in the 106th minute to hand La Roja their second World Cup crown, 16 years after their maiden triumph in South Africa.

Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest from the outset, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities against an Argentina team chasing back-to-back World Cup titles. Spain finished the match with 15 attempts on goal and won nine corners, while Lionel Scaloni’s men struggled to impose themselves in attack, failing to register a shot on target for long periods of the encounter.

Spain’s patient approach was finally rewarded early in extra time. Following sustained pressure around Argentina’s penalty area, Ferran Torres collected the ball inside the box before unleashing a powerful left-footed strike beneath the crossbar, leaving goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez with no chance and sending the Spanish supporters into wild celebrations.

Argentina’s task became even more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time, forcing the reigning champions to play the remainder of the contest with ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Argentina fought until the final whistle but were unable to break down Spain’s disciplined defence.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón produced another assured performance behind a well-organised back line marshalled by Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte, while Rodri once again dictated the tempo in midfield. Teenager Lamine Yamal also impressed throughout the tournament, capping a breakthrough World Cup campaign by helping Spain reach the summit of world football.

The victory crowns a remarkable era for Spanish football under Luis de la Fuente. Having already won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League, Spain now add the FIFA World Cup to their growing list of honours, becoming world champions for the first time since 2010. The triumph also makes Spain the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles.

For Argentina, the defeat brought an end to their bid to retain the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years earlier. Lionel Messi and his teammates had reached the final after dramatic victories over England and Switzerland in the knockout rounds, but they were ultimately denied by a composed Spanish side whose consistency and tactical discipline proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.

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