Today’s Headlines: Tinubu Mourns Nollywood Veteran Francis Duru; Fintiri Relaxes Curfew in Lamurde

President Bola Tinubu has mourned veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru, who died at the age of 57 following a brief illness. In a condolence message issued on Friday through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the actor’s death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s film industry and creative community.

The President praised Duru’s contributions to Nollywood, noting his role in developing the industry, nurturing emerging talents and promoting Nigerian culture and stories locally and internationally. He said the actor’s legacy would remain part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, while asking God to comfort his family, friends, colleagues and admirers.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has further relaxed the curfew in Lamurde Local Government Area following reports of improved security and sustained calm after recent communal clashes. Under the revised order, residents can move freely during the day, while restrictions will apply daily from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The decision was announced in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Friday.

Fintiri said the relaxation followed cooperation from affected residents and the efforts of security agencies but warned that the government would not tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peace. Security operatives have been directed to remain vigilant and enforce the curfew. The governor also urged traditional rulers and community stakeholders to sustain peace and resolve disputes through dialogue, following repeated clashes between two communities over a land dispute.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has intercepted sophisticated weapons, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) and AK-47 rifles, along the Bekwarra–Ogoja axis of Cross River State, arresting two suspects. Four suspects were reportedly tracked from northern Nigeria through Benue State, but two escaped with gunshot wounds. Preliminary investigations suggest the weapons may be connected to the state’s political atmosphere, although their origin, intended recipients and alleged sponsors are still being investigated.

Governor Bassey Otu, through his Deputy, Peter Odey, warned politicians and their sponsors against using illegal arms to intimidate opponents or cause violence ahead of political activities. He said the arrested suspects would be charged to court and anyone found culpable, regardless of political status or connections, would face the law. The government urged political actors to pursue their ambitions peacefully and encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was reportedly taken to hospital on Friday after collapsing at the club’s training ground in Munich. The 40-year-old Belgian had been battling a viral infection that caused significant discomfort, including leg problems and difficulty climbing stairs. He had missed training and a pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League clash with Arsenal but returned to oversee the team’s 2-2 draw against the English side.

Reports indicated that Kompany was in a stable condition, although the circumstances surrounding his reported collapse remained unclear. The former Manchester City captain had admitted that he continued working despite his illness. Bayern had yet to issue a detailed medical update, leaving his availability for Sunday’s Bundesliga match against Freiburg uncertain, with assistant coach Aaron Danks a possible replacement if he needs more time to recover.

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