On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Gaza City –
A quiet afternoon along the Mediterranean turned into a scene of horror yesterday when an Israeli airstrike struck a beachfront café in Gaza City, killing more than two dozen Palestinians and wounding scores more, according to medical officials.
The blast tore through the popular coastal hangout where families and young people had gathered to find a momentary reprieve from the ongoing conflict. The café, located near the remnants of a once-bustling fishing pier, was reduced to smoldering rubble within seconds of the explosion.
Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Hospital—the largest medical facility still operating in Gaza—confirmed that over 30 bodies had been brought in following the strike, with more than 50 others being treated for injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to severe burns.
“It was one of the bloodiest scenes we have seen in recent days,” Dr. Abu Salmiya said. “These were mostly civilians. Some were children, some were elderly. They were simply sitting, drinking tea, watching the sea.”
The Gaza Health Ministry had yet to release an official death toll as of press time, citing ongoing recovery efforts and difficulties in reaching the site due to damaged infrastructure and security concerns.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the strike. It remains unclear whether the café or the surrounding area was being targeted for any suspected militant activity.
Footage shared on social media and verified by local journalists showed panicked civilians rushing to pull survivors from the debris, many using their bare hands. Blood stained the sand as makeshift ambulances transported the wounded through congested, cratered roads.
The airstrike comes amid an intensifying military campaign in the Gaza Strip that has drawn international concern over the mounting civilian death toll and the destruction of vital infrastructure. Humanitarian organizations have warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with hospitals overwhelmed and basic medical supplies dwindling.
"This war is suffocating us," said Amina Khalil, a local resident whose cousin was among the dead. "Even our moments of peace are now a target."
Global calls for an immediate ceasefire have grown louder in recent days, but diplomatic efforts remain stalled amid ongoing hostilities and mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas.
As night fell over Gaza, the smoke from the beachfront strike still lingered in the sky—a stark reminder of how quickly life can be lost in a war with no visible end.
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