Latest news with #Christian
France 24
an hour ago
- Politics
- France 24
Amnesty: over 10,000 killed in two years of violence in north and central Nigeria
The number of people killed in violence committed by jihadist groups and criminal gangs topped over 10,000 in two years in central and northern Nigeria, Amnesty International said Thursday. In a report, the global rights group blamed the government of President Bola Tinubu for failure to protect people in swaths of the country hit by raids by jihadists, and criminal gangs known as "bandits" who attack villages, killing and kidnapping residents. Massacres also occur in central Nigeria's so-called Middle Belt where herders and farmers often clash over land access, with the attacks often taking on a religious or ethnic dimension. Amnesty's investigation showed that "in the two years since the current government has been in power, at least 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen". Benue state, which lies in the central region, suffered the heaviest death toll of 6,896, followed by Plateau state, where 2,630 people were killed, Amnesty said in a report released to coincide with Tinubu's first two years in office. Of the seven states Amnesty investigated, Borno -- the epicentre of jihadist violence which has raged in northeast Nigeria since 2009 -- was not included. When Tinubu came to power two years ago, he vowed that dealing with insecurity was one of the main challenges for his government. "Instead, things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country," said Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria. Northern states that jihadists and other criminal groups have targeted for several years have seen an upsurge in attacks in recent months. Sanusi said the " recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups shows that the security measures implemented by President Tinubu's government are simply not working". Amnesty estimates that the attacks in Benue and Plateau states have displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Tinubu two weeks ago said his "administration is committed to addressing insecurity". "The security forces have fresh marching orders to deal decisively with all criminal activities," he was quoted as saying in a statement from his office during talks with Christian clergy. His government is also facing simmering separatist tensions in the southeast.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Franklin Graham meets with Zelenskyy in Berlin, offers prayer as Russia-Ukraine war escalates
Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, met Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. During their meeting, Graham offered prayers for Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump, seeking divine guidance for a path to peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. "Today I had the privilege to meet with President Zelenskyy and have prayer with him," Graham shared on social media. "I prayed for President Putin, I prayed for him [Zelenskyy], and I prayed for President Trump — that God would give them wisdom and that God would give them a path forward for peace." Zelensky Sheds Details On Meeting With Vance, Rubio In Rome After Russia Peace Talks Stall The meeting coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism, where Graham addressed over 1,000 Christian leaders from 55 countries. He emphasized the complexities of the war, stating, "These are very difficult, and I believe only God can solve this." Read On The Fox News App Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by Samaritan's Purse, including support for Ukrainian children, displaced individuals and medical institutions. "We are very grateful for the strong support from the American people, the White House and President Trump," Zelenskyy said. "Thank you for your prayers and for helping people." The meeting took place against a backdrop of intensified Russian military action in Ukraine. On Third Anniversary Of Ukraine Invasion, European Leaders Show Support, Express Unease Recent reports indicate escalating Russian air and ground assaults, with increased use of drones by both sides. Germany has announced plans to assist Ukraine in producing long-range missiles, marking a significant deepening of support for Ukraine's defense industry. Zelenskyy has proposed a trilateral summit involving Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to the hostilities. Graham's visit coincided with the European Congress on Evangelism being held for the first time in 25 years. From Ukraine to the U.K. and Sweden to Spain, over 1,000 pastors and ministry leaders from across Europe have come to the city where Billy Graham once preached to declare that they are "unashamed of the Gospel," echoing the words of Romans 1:16. "There hasn't been a gathering of this kind since the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's congress in Amsterdam in 2000," Graham said. "What a moment for Europe, and what a time to boldly proclaim Christ." The congress marks a return to the roots of BGEA's global evangelistic mission. In 1966, Billy Graham held the first World Congress on Evangelism in Berlin, declaring the city a platform to reach the world with the message of salvation. Marc Van de Wouwer, a Belgian evangelist and retired federal investigator, reflected on his experience at the 2000 Amsterdam congress. "At the time, there were very few evangelists in Belgium," he said. "That event reignited my passion, and now I'm coming back to help invest in the next generation."Original article source: Franklin Graham meets with Zelenskyy in Berlin, offers prayer as Russia-Ukraine war escalates
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Nick Jonas looks at Priyanka Chopra with love in a romantic pic from a boat ride, she declares 'mine'
Love is not just in the air, but on Priyanka Chopra's Instagram feed as well. The actor gave a glimpse into her love-filled life with husband Nick Jonas by sharing a swoon-worthy snap of the two enjoying a romantic boat ride. The moment is made even more special by Nick's adoring gaze at Priyanka. Also read: 'Priyanka Chopra has so much compassion and empathy': Nick Jonas on what makes her 'absolutely incredible' mom to Malti On Thursday, Priyanka took to Instagram Stories to share a mushy picture with Nick. Set against the stunning backdrop of a twilight city skyline, likely New York, the couple is cosily seated on a boat with sparkling waters and glowing skyscrapers behind them. In the image, Priyanka is dressed in a comfortable beige-toned outfit and sporting a Yankees cap. She is seen leaning affectionately into Nick, who has his arm wrapped around her. Nick, in a cream-coloured sweatshirt, is seen gazing at her with a soft, loving expression. Sharing the image, Priyanka wrote 'Mine (face with heart emoji)'. Priyanka had previously shared a sweet moment with her daughter Malti, gazing at the clouds and water, and the romantic snap with Nick is from the same outing. Priyanka was recently photographed during her trip to Sicily, Italy, where she turned heads at Bvlgari's event, A Night in Sicily. Nick and Priyanka tied the knot in 2018, exchanging vows in a beautiful blend of traditions. The couple began with a traditional Christian wedding, followed by a vibrant Hindu ceremony. In January 2022, they welcomed their daughter, Malti, via surrogacy, expanding their family. They keep sharing sweet family moments on their social media handles. Priyanka will reportedly star in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu, but the news has not been confirmed yet. She is next starring in Heads of State, an Amazon Prime Video film, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Priyanka is set to play a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in The Bluff. Fans will also see Priyanka in the highly anticipated web series Citadel 2. The second season, which was scheduled to release this year, has been postponed "to a spring 2026 debut". Meanwhile, Nick is busy with Broadway shows and his music.
Axios
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Axios
How the FBI came to investigate Seattle protests
The FBI is scrutinizing what happened at dueling Seattle protests over the weekend, while some locals are questioning why the city permitted a Christian group with anti-trans views to hold a rally in the city's historically LGBTQ+ neighborhood. Why it matters: The FBI says it is investigating "allegations of targeted violence against religious groups" in Seattle after a conservative demonstration drew counterprotesters, leading to clashes with police and 23 arrests. Catch up quick: Following that initial protest, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued a written statement saying the conservative group that organized Saturday's "far-right rally," Mayday USA, purposefully chose the location at Capitol Hill's Cal Anderson Park "to provoke a reaction." That caused the group's leaders to plan a second protest outside Seattle City Hall on Tuesday, accusing the mayor of unfairly blaming them for violence committed by others. Members of the Christian group demanded that the mayor either apologize or resign. What they're saying: "Freedom of religion isn't a suggestion," FBI deputy director Dan Bongino posted on X on Tuesday while announcing the agency has asked its team "to fully investigate" the weekend's events in Seattle. Harrell said in an emailed statement shared with Axios Wednesday that the city has received "no official notice" of an FBI investigation. The FBI told Axios that it had no further comment. In a separate X post on Tuesday, Paula White-Cain, senior adviser for the White House Faith Office, appeared to place some blame on Seattle city officials. "Public officials must protect the inalienable rights of all citizens, regardless of their faith or religious beliefs," White-Cain's post read. "We urge the City of Seattle to uphold these rights at all faith-based events, safeguarding the ability of people of faith to gather and express their beliefs without fear of harassment or violence." Friction point: Meanwhile, some Seattle politicians have criticized City Hall's decision to allow the conservative religious event to take place on Capitol Hill. "A fundamentalist, anti-trans 'family values' protest never should have been permitted in the heart of Seattle's historic LGBTQ neighborhood," mayoral candidate Katie Wilson, who is challenging Harrell in this year's election, wrote on X. City Councilmember Bob Kettle called issuing an event permit at that location " a mistake." "There's many parks, there's many locations that could have accommodated the group," Kettle said during an interview with KOMO on Tuesday. "Cal Anderson should not have been on that list." Between the lines: The Mayday USA organizers originally applied to hold their May 24 event on Pike Street between First and Second avenues, according to the city. City officials denied that request, saying that space was too small for the expected crowd. What's next: Harrell says he has directed the city parks department to review "all of the circumstances" of the Cal Anderson permit application "to understand whether there were legal location alternatives or other adjustments that could have been pursued."
Sky News AU
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Trans rights radicals surround mother holding baby at Christian group rally outside Seattle City Hall
Raving trans rights radicals surrounded a mother with three young children at a rally held by a Christian group outside Seattle City Hall Tuesday, video circulating on social media shows. The 'Rattle in Seattle' protest was organized by MayDay USA, which describes itself as a pro-life grassroots movement that defends traditional family values and units. The demonstrators descended on City Hall on Tuesday to rally against Seattle's woke mayor, Bruce Harrell, who blamed the conservative group for a weekend protest that turned violent. MayDay USA had held a demonstration on Saturday at the city's Cal Anderson Park that descended into chaos when left-wing counterdemonstrators stormed the event, resulting in 23 arrests. Harrell blamed the melee in the heart of the city's historically LGBTQ neighborhood on 'far-right' demonstrators and 'anarchists' who he said were 'promoting beliefs that are inherently opposed to our city's values.' The weekend event was one leg of MayDay USA's five-city 'Don't Mess With Our Kids' tour, aimed at taking a stand against what the group sees as widespread indoctrination of America's children by the National Education Association 'in the ways of LGBTQ, social justice, and beyond,' the tour's website states. Tuesday's protest then also quickly descended into chaos when dueling demonstrations of trans activists and MayDay USA members faced off on the 4th Avenue steps of City Hall. One frightening video captured a woman carrying a baby, flanked by two young boys, surrounded by counterdemonstrators. A man, presumably the children's father, held the hands of boys, one of whom was clearly terrified by the melee and could be seen crying hysterically. Some members of the counterdemonstration urged the woman to get her kids out of harm's way before Seattle cops barged in and started separating the crowd from the family. What exactly happened before filming started and after the clip shared online ended could not be immediately ascertained. Meanwhile, MayDay USA blasted Harrell for pointing the finger at them for fomenting the violence at Saturday's rally. 'Following the MayDay USA worship event at Cal Anderson Park on Saturday, Mayor Harrell had the audacity to issue a press release blaming Christians for the premediated violence of Antifa which resulted in the hospitalization of Seattle Police Department personnel and the arrest of 23 Antifa agitators,' the organizers said in a statement. 'Under Mayor Harrell's leadership, the city of Seattle has continued its spiral into lawlessness and dysfunction while the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble has been disregarded.' FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino announced Tuesday he had requested an investigation into allegations of 'targeted violence' against religious groups after the rally, during which eight people were arrested for assault, according to Seattle Police. No injuries were reported. Originally published as Trans rights radicals surround mother holding baby at Christian group rally outside Seattle City Hall
