news

Idongesit Brothers to Compete at Junior Epee World Cup

Published

11 months ago

December 12, 2025

Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit will compete at the Junior Epee World Cup in Uzbekistan, representing Nigeria against top international fencing talents

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Mahadi and Mahathir Idongesit, are set to compete among 60 top contenders at the International Fencing Federation Junior Epee World Cup this weekend in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Also read: FIFA to Expand VAR Reviews to Corner Kicks at 2026 World Cup

The tournament, originally scheduled for Lagos, was relocated to Uzbekistan to allow the Nigeria Fencing Federation to focus on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Championships.

The Idongesit brothers made their international debut for Nigeria earlier in 2025 at the African Championships in Lagos.

Mahadi currently holds a global ranking of 595, while Mahathir is ranked 608. Both will face stiff competition from highly-ranked Egyptian fencers, including world No. 4 Youssef Shamel and No. 8 Eslam Osama.

President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed optimism about the brothers’ participation.

“We are excited that our fencers are back in action after months of inactivity, particularly with the return of fencing tournaments,” Samuel said.

“Their participation will provide valuable experience ahead of the Commonwealth Championships. We hope more Nigerian fencers will begin competing at the top level to measure themselves against the best in the Commonwealth in 2026.”

Earlier this year at the African Championships in Lagos, Mahadi and Mahathir advanced out of their pools in the men’s epee before bowing out in the elimination rounds.

Mahathir narrowly lost to world junior champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32.

Their sister, Sara Idongesit, contributed to Nigeria’s 45-40 win over the Benin Republic in the women’s epee team event, helping the team finish fifth, alongside Somtochukwu Eribenne and Adebodunirin Thomas.

Also read: Old Trafford Included in UK 2035 Women’s World Cup Bid

The Junior Epee World Cup will also feature fencers from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Chinese Taipei, and host nation Uzbekistan, providing the Idongesit siblings with a challenging platform to showcase their skills on the global stage.

crime

Police Confirm Three Killed, Inspector Injured in Kebbi Violence

Published

27 minutes ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kebbi violence leaves three people dead and a police inspector injured, as reprisal attacks force residents to flee communities in Koko-Besse LGA

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that three people were killed and a police inspector injured during violence along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis, following rumours of cattle rustling and a possible attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists.

Also read: Kane Edges Mbappé in Tight 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

The violence also triggered reprisal attacks and the displacement of residents from communities in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed the development to PUNCH on Tuesday while responding to a viral video showing residents fleeing their communities towards Koko town over reported security threats.

Usman said the crisis began with rumours that suspected Lakurawa terrorists had rustled cattle and were planning an attack in the area. The reports prompted the mobilisation of local vigilantes known as Yan Sakai across several villages.

According to the police spokesperson, the situation escalated on October 22, 2026, when armed Yan Sakai members reportedly attacked Samanaji Market.

“On 22/10/2026, heavily armed Yan Sakai stormed Samanaji Market, killed three Fulani, injured three others and injured a Police Inspector who was deployed with Police teams to restore peace,” Usman said.

He explained that the displacement of residents followed subsequent reprisal attacks in Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages, where several Fulani settlements were reportedly burnt.

“The present displacement is an offshoot of subsequent reprisal showdowns across Karwa, Tunga Hako and Buma villages where several Fulani settlements were burnt,” he stated.

The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, had deployed additional police personnel and joint security teams to the affected areas to prevent further violence.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, has since deployed additional Police and joint security teams to dominate the space and prevent further escalation, while investigation is ongoing,” Usman added.

The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tensions or worsen the security situation.

“Residents are urged to remain calm and disregard unverified narratives,” Usman said.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents fleeing affected communities along the Besse/Shanga riverine axis.

Also read: Kane Edges Mbappé in Tight 2026 Ballon d’Or Race

The police have not disclosed the number of people displaced or the full extent of the damage caused by the reported attacks. Investigations into the violence are ongoing.