AMVCA7: Toyin Lawani reveals Mike and Mercy doesn't deserve best dressed

Popular stylist, Toyin lawani took to her instagram page to drag Amcva for awarding Mike and Mercy as the best dressed male and female for the show, she believed there are better dressers at the event.

She called mercy and Mike's dresses a joke and she claimed there are even better dresses that doesn't make the nomination at all and there are better dresses from the nominees compared to Amvca's poor choice of winner

she suggested that Nana Akudo of Ghana and Denola Grey should have won the awards.

She wrote:

“Most of my looks didn’t make it to the Red carpet but all their Best Dressed are jokes ok lets even forget about my own dresses that nana lady and Demola looked nice as hell see everyone is entitled to their opinion like the rest of the world , but when tiannah talks it means she’s spoiling other people’s work , common give yourself and your village people sense.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/amvca7-toyin-lawani-reveals-mike-and.html

Toyin Lawani explains the inspiration behind Omashola's AMVCA Outfit

Toyin Lawani has explained the inspiration behind the outfit reality star Omashola's outfit to the 2020 AMVCA Awards. See her reasons below...

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/toyin-lawani-explains-inspiration.html

Adorable photo of Odunlade Adekola greeting Dolapo Osinbajo

We love!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/adorable-photo-of-odunlade-adekola.html

Beautiful new loved-up photos of Tuface and Annie Idibia

Cute...cute!

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/beautiful-new-loved-up-photos-of-tuface.html

Meghan Markle 'won't return to acting' despite 'Marvel and Disney interest'

Meghan Markle will not be making a return to acting despite interest from Marvel and Disney, it's claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex, 38, and her husband Prince Harry officially stepped down as senior roles this week after attending the Commonwealth Day Service at Wesminster Abbey.

It was rumoured that Meghan was planning on making a comeback to the big screen, with reports even suggesting she wanted a role as a Marvel superhero , but sources close to Meghan have denied this is the case.

A former friend of the Suits actress told the New York Post: "Meghan has absolutely no interest in acting again.


"She's not going to be a Marvel hero or a Disney princess – none of these things.

"It's completely fabricated, and completely at odds with their plans, it's simply not a conversation that has happened."

Royal experts believe that Meghan has turned her back on acting for now.

 Deputy Editor of Royal Central, Brittani Barger, told Daily Star Online : "Meghan in a Marvel role is just a rumour, I don’t see her going into movies, especially in a starring role, right now.

"If she did, it would be very hard to separate her from her character and the movie, and I don’t think she’d want that as an actress.

"She might return to acting later on down the road, I think it would be hard to find a role for her because of her status, but who knows!

"She’s appeared in some Hallmark movies, so maybe makes an appearance there once again at some point."

Meghan flew black to Canada on Monday night following the Commonwealth Ceremony.

Prince Harry remains in the UK and is believed to be having meetings at Buckingham Palace.

The couple reportedly left their 10-month-old son Archie in Canada over coronavirus fears .

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/meghan-markle-wont-return-to-acting.html

Kim Kardashian 'nose job' debate reignited after she shares 2009 throwback photo

Kim Kardashian's fans did a double take after she shared a decade old throwback photo on social media - with many fans shocked by her apparent transition from over the years.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star explained that she had been sifting through old photographs after being bored at home.

Picking out one that she claimed was from more than ten years ago, the 39-year-old uploaded the snap to Instagram to share with fans and followers.

The image showed a fresh faced Kim looking at the camera from a side profile while flashing a warm smile, with her hair in a high bun, and an extravagant piece of jewellery around her neck.


“Bored and organizing lots of pics in my computer. Get ready for some good throw backs. This seems about 2009,” she wrote as she shared the snap online.

While most fans were left stunned by the fresh faced star that they found looking back at them, many others questioned if she had undergone surgery in the interim 11 years.

“I remember that nose! So cute,” one fan wrote alongside a heart emoji, while another suggested her nose now “looks different”.
Another fan joked the throwback photo was from “Two noses ago”, while a further commented: “So much cuter without all the beauty work done.”

Kim has remained coy over the surgeries she has had over the years - if any - but has previously stressed she has not had a nose job.

“I never had my nose done,” she claimed to make-up expert Mario Dedivanovic back in February 2019.
“Everyone thought I did, and I said wait until I have kids because your real features come out,” she added.

Kim has said sometimes she can’t believe she didn’t have surgery herself, as old photos look different to her.

“Pictures, I swear, I look at them and would be like, ‘Wow the bump looks so much bigger in some pictures than in others,” she claimed.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/kim-kardashian-nose-job-debate.html

Queen whisked away from Buckingham Palace as coronavirus quarantine plans explained

The Queen has been chauffeured away from Buckingham Palace amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It is said the 93-year-old monarch was whisked to Windsor Castle on Thursday for her safety.

But a source at Buckingham Palace told Mirror Online the Queen went to Windsor on her usual weekend trip and will be back in London next week.

But it is understood plans are now in place to quarantine the Queen and Prince Philip, 98, at Sandringham if the outbreak worsens.


However, there had been reports the Queen had been "whisked away" from the Palace over cronavirus fears.

A royal source said: "She is in good health but it was thought best to move her. A lot of her staff are a bit panicky over coronavirus.


“The Palace hosts a constant stream of visitors including politicians and dignitaries from around the world."

The Sun reports advisers have suggested the move for the Queen as the death toll to Covid-19 rises in the UK.

More than 20 have succumbed to the virus in the country, with confirmed cases rocketing by 342 to 1,140.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/queen-whisked-away-from-buckingham.html

Coco Austin says she's still breastfeeding daughter at 4

Coco Austin has revealed that she is still breastfeeding her four-year-old daughter. The glamour model, 40, took to Instagram to share a picture of herself nursing Chanel, who she shares with her rapper husband Ice-T.

She said Chanel only has what she calls "boob time" for comfort and is eating proper meals but will be weaned when she feels ready.

Coco, whose real name is Nicole Natalie Marrow, posted the picture to support other mums who are continuing to breastfeed their kids past the baby stage.



"At a time when the world feels like its coming to an end.. suck up as much love as you can!" she said in an apparent reference to the growing panic about coronavirus.

"I know the moms out there will appreciate this pic! Ive been getting alot of props in the breasfeeding community and get tons of emails from woman/moms appreciating me bringing light to the subject

"I write a baby blog about my journey with Chanel and soon I will write about what it's like to continue boob time with a 4 year old [sic]."

Coco insisted it was Chanel's choice to continue breastfeeding and she has a healthy diet.
The mum-of-one went on: "I get tons and tons of requests that want me to speak on it! At this point in nursing its just for comfort and believe me the girl loves meat so its not like she isnt eating real food.

"Thank you to all that understand my view.. i see most of you are so eager to side with me and I too root for you in your journey as well.. Us moms are connected [sic]."

Coco added the hashtags #breastfeedingforcomfort #weenwhentheyareready #toddlerbreastfeeding #boobtime #nursingmom #proudmama #teammommy.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/coco-austin-says-shes-still.html

Enugu state has reported a fresh suspected case of COVID-19.

Enugu state has reported a fresh suspected case of COVID-19.

This is confirmed in a statement from the permanent secretary in the state’s ministry of health, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi.

Dr Agujiobi says the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been informed, while a sample has been collected and sent for investigations.

The suspected case, a female, has reportedly been in the UK in the last five months.



She came to Enugu through Owerri on march the 11th to visit her son.

Dr Agujiobi adds that the suspect is being monitored and the results awaited.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/enugu-state-has-reported-fresh.html

Inserting marijuana into vagina not treatment for infertility —Physicians

Medical professionals have warned Nigerian ladies to desist from rubbing or inserting random substance into their vaginas, following claims that the practice boosts fertility and sex drive.

In what has become a trend on social media, physicians say they have met women who inserted snuff, marijuana and shea butter into their vaginas to ‘rev up’ their sex drive or achieve conception.

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Oliver Ezechi, said it was “really weird stuff,” though he said he was not surprised.

The Chief Research Fellow told Punch HealthWise that there were two things a woman could go to any length to solve — unwanted pregnancy and infertility.


“Women can do anything as far as they are convinced that it will resolve the problem.

“Women can insert anything in the hope that it would get them pregnant, or resolve other gynaecological issues. However, it is a dangerous trend that could often damage the vagina and reproductive tract, either as a corrosive or route to infection, both of which damage the genital tract,” Ezechi said.

The ob-gyn said it was relatively a common practice.

“Some women insert even non-prescription items such as douches and chocolate syrup in their privates for various reasons, including infertility,” Ezechi said.



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/inserting-marijuana-into-vagina-not.html

My family was scared about my death rumours - Foluke Daramola-Salako

Actress and filmmaker, Foluke Daramola-Salako, says it’s sad that people like hearing negative stories about celebrities.

Speaking with Sunday Scoop against the backdrop of death rumours trailing her, Daramola-Salako said, “Some Nigerians don’t like anything good but negativity and scandal is what we have degraded ourselves to celebrate. When someone called me to check on my well-being, I just brushed it asides but when my husband called me and told me that some people had called him to ask him if I was fine, I became scared.

 I wondered why demonic people would peddle such news about a fellow human being. It’s so sad that someone would ‘joke’ with sensitive things like death.


“Even when I had to visit a mortuary in a movie, I had to undergo deliverance because I was so scared. I’m wondering why a blog would write something as weighty as death about me instead of celebrating me.

Society needs cleansing and purging of the mind because our value system is dead. We are numb to love, affection and communism. Everybody wants to make money off anything just to get attention and traffic on their news sites.

“It’s just what society has turned to. A lot of people are filled with hatred and negativity. The society is one that is not driven by love anymore but hatred and that’s why there are so many hate speeches where people celebrate negative things than positive things. They want an opportunity to bring you down in their sadness. Anybody they see happy, they want to bring that person down.”



source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/my-family-was-scared-about-my-death.html

Nigeria is opposite of what I was told – American singer

American gospel lyricist and singer, Bruce Baker, said Nigeria is the opposite of what people told him about while he was in America.

Baker who was in Abuja at The Porch Omega Events Arena, Maitama, for a meet and greet with Abuja’s A listers, gospel artistes and entertainment pundits, gave examples of what he saw on television, and his experiences in the classrooms.

The warm evening had some of the biggest gospel artistes who came in their numbers to celebrate with the American gospel rock artiste while they rendered guests with some of their top tunes from either their albums or singles.

Baker, who said though he doesn’t know why God directed him to Abuja at this time, believed it’s been a worthy experience especially flashing back to what people have said about the largest black nation in the world.


He said: “Everything changed when I came into the country, Nigeria is rich, it’s black owned, black power and that’s what everyone needs to see more in America.”

Speaking further on his music and his reason for coming to Abuja, he said in the past three years, he has released over 15 tracks that were sold because he’s a professional lyricist.

“This is my first single released as a non-lyricist. When the Holy Spirit told me to write music for myself this time; instead of creating sounds for people to purchase, I said God it’s a privilege because I’m so used to writing songs for other artistes. I said now it’s my turn and time, I’m going to create music in the universal and my voice is going to be heard.”

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/nigeria-is-opposite-of-what-i-was-told.html

Just In! Pipeline explosion rocks Lagos

There was a large explosion at Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State on Sunday. It was learnt that the impact of the explosion damaged nearby houses.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at Abule Ado inside Omo Onile around 9 0’clock.

It was learnt that roofs and windows of some nearby houses were damaged during the explosion.

An eyewitness said it is a pipeline explosion

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/just-in-pipeline-explosion-rocks-lagos.html

Check out full list of winners at AMVCA 2020

The 7th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award, AMVCA, held at the Eko expo hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where Africa’s top movie stars and filmmakers were recognized for their exceptional work and contribution to the industry.

On-air personality, IK Osakioduwa was the host, alongside a new female co-host, Kenya’s Amina Abdi Rabar.

Here is the complete list of winners at the star-studded event.

 Best Art Director Movie/TV Series


Living In Bondage – Victor Afrigold, Ayanda Carter, Jim Franklin, Zimasa Ndamase

Ratnik – Dimeji Ajibola, Iwaotan Olusola Roberts WINNER



God Calling – Omotola Alade

The Bling Lagosians – Bolanle Austen Peters




Best Costume Designer Movie or TV Series

Living In Bondage Olohigbe Nwagwu

The Foreigner’s God Ifan Michael

Ratnik Dimeji Ajibola WINNER

King Of Boys Yolanda Okereke



Best Make-Up Category

God Calling – Lilian Omozele Paul WINNER

The Foreigner’s God – Jude Odoh

King Of Boys – Hakeem Effects

Coming From Insanity – Bio Arimoro



Best Picture Editor

God Calling – Holmes Awa

Ratnik – Dimeji Ajibola

Living In Bondage – Antonio Rebeiro

Seven – Tosin Igho and Bryan Dike WINNER

Elevator Baby – Emiola Fagbenle



Best Sound Track Movie/TV Series

King Of Boys – Sess, Reminisce & Adekunle Gold – Original Gangster

Living In Bondage – Larry Gaga & Flavour – Tene WINNER

God Calling – Ighwiyisi Jacobs – Stay With Me

The Gift – Mercy Aghedo – The Gift

Run -Timzil – Run



Best Writer in a Movie or TV Series Nominees:

BB Sasore – God Calling
Tosin Igho – Seven
Vanessa Kanu – Sylvia
Biodun Stephen – Joba
Nicole Asinugo and CJ Obasi – Living In Bondage
Akay Mason and Yusuf Carew – Elevator Baby



Best Cinematographer Nominees:

God Calling – Cardoso
Living In Bondage – John Demps WINNER
Ratnik – Niyi White, Gbenga Fifolabi and Abiola Ladipo
The Set Up – Mohammed Attah



Best Lighting Designer In A Movie Or TV Series:

God Calling – Cardoso WINNER
Ratnik – Abiola Ladipo
Elevator Baby – Eleaxu Texas
Plan B – Odhiambo Walter



Best Costume Designer Movie or TV Series Nominees:

Living In Bondage Olohigbe Nwagwu WINNER
The Foreigner’s God Ifan Michael
Ratnik Dimeji Ajibola
King Of Boys Yolanda Okereke



Best Documentary Nominees:

Hidden Euphoria – Aderogba Adedeji
Skin – Beverly Naya WINNER
Against All Odds: A Tale Of Resilience – Aderemi Davies
Ibadan: Yoruba Heritage – Tunde Oladimeji



Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Swahili Nominees:

Raveet Sippy Chadh – Subira WINNER
Timoth Conrad Kachumka – Sema
Victor Gatonye – Dream Child
Joan Kabugu – Toy Car



Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Hausa Nominees:

Tuntube – Muhammad T. Finisher WINNER
Mariya – Abubakar Bashir
Abarawa Rai – Muhammad Adam and Tundun Murtala
Sadauki – Hassan Giggs



Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Yoruba Nominees:

Ronke Odusanya – Ajoji Godogbo –
Yewande Famakin – Alubarika WINNER
Oyebade Adebimpe – Adebimpe Omo Oba
Wumi Olabimtan – Intent



Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series Igbo Nominees:

Isianyaocha – Brown Ene
Nekwa – Paul Igwe
Nne – Victor Iyke WINNER
Obiakpor – Evan Okechukwu



Best Television Series Drama Or Comedy:

Jenifa’s Diary – Funke Akindele
Truth – Anis Halloway WINNER
Life As It Is – Uche Odoh
Women – Uchenna Mbunabo



MultiChoice Talent Factory Award

Life of Bim – West Africa

Dreamchaser – West Africa

Ensulo – East Africa

Promises – East Africa WINNER

Savana Skies – Southern Africa

The Painting – Southern Africa



Best Movie Southern Africa:

Kukuri – Philippe Talavera
Dalitso – Abraham Kabwe WINNER
Kwacha – Cassie Kabwikta
The Beautiful Hen Behind Yao Mountain – Imran Kaisi

Best Movie East Africa:

Disconnect – Iman Mueke
Lost In Time – Edijoe Mwaniki
Plan B – Sarah Hassan WINNER
94 Terror – Mulinwa Richard



Best Movie West Africa:

God Calling – Momo Spaine
Seven – Tosin Igho
Elevator Baby – Victoria Akujobi
Living In Bondage – Steve Gukas WINNER
Ratnik – Dimeji Ajibola



Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or TV Series:

Damijo (Rmd) – Seven Richard Mofe
Ramsey Nouah – Living In Bondage
Nkem Owoh – God Calling
Remilekun ‘Reminisce’ Safaru – King Of Boys
Pascal Tokodi – Disconnect WINNER



Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or TV Series:
Toni Tones – King Of Boys
Eucharia Anunobi – The Foreigner’s God
Tina Mba – The Set Up
Mary Lazarus – Size 12
Gloria Sarfo – The Perfect Picture: 10 Years Later WINNER



Best Actor in a Comedy (Movie or TV Series):
Uzor Arukwe – Smash
Chibunna “Funny Bone” Stanley – Smash WINNER
Uzor Arukwe – Size 12
Ramsey Nouah – Merry Men 1
Etim Effiong – Plan B Daniel



Best Actress in a Comedy (Movie/TV Series) Nominees:

Toyin Abraham – Bling Lagosians
Bimbo Ademoye – Looking For Baami
Funke Akindele – Moms At War WINNER
Toyin Abraham – Kasanova
Ebele Okaro – Smash



Best Actor in a Drama (Movie/TV Series):

Swanke J.K.A – Living In Bondage
Timini Egbuson – Elevator Baby WINNER
Efa Iwara – Seven
Gabriel Afolayan – Coming From Insanity
Ramsey Nouah – Levi



Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series):

Shola Shobowale – King Of Boys
Zainab Balogun – Sylvia
Zainab Balogun – God Calling
Toyin Abraham – Elevator Baby WINNER
Kate Henshaw – The Ghost And The House Of Truth



Best Director

Akin Omotosho – The Ghost and the House of Truth

BB Sasore – God Calling

Dimeji Ajibola – Ratnik

Kemi Adetiba – King of Boys

Niyi Akinmolayan – The Set Up

Ramsey Nouah – Living in Bondage – WINNER

Tosin Igho – Seven



Best Cinematographer:

God Calling – Cardoso
Living In Bondage – John Demps WINNER
Ratnik – Niyi White, Gbenga Fifolabi and Abiola Ladipo
The Set Up – Mohammed Attah



Best Short Film or Online Video:

Oga John – Bolanle Akintomide
Thorn – Bola ‘Enigma’ Akanbi WINNER
Prueba – Stanlee Ohikuhare
Tokunbo – Bio Arimoro



Overall Movie – Living in Bondage

Legend Award – Peter Igho

Best Dressed Male – Mike Edwards

Best Dressed Female – Mercy Eke

Trailblazer Award – Swanky JKA

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/check-out-full-list-of-winners-at-amvca.html

Trump tests negative for coronavirus - White House doctor

US President Donald Trump has tested negative for the coronavirus, the White House physician has said.

"This evening I received confirmation that the test is negative," Sean Conley said in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Trump underwent a test days after hosting a meeting at his Florida resort with a Brazilian delegation, some of whom have tested positive.

Fabio Wajngarten, an aide to the Brazilian president, was among those later confirmed to have the disease.


"One week after having dinner with the Brazilian delegation in Mar-a-Lago, the president remains symptom-free," Mr Conley said.
Mr Trump, aged 73, did not self-isolate after that meeting, saying he had no symptoms.

But after a barrage of further questions during a new conference at the White House, he said he would get tested.

He was checked on Friday, the White House physician said.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/trump-tests-negative-for-coronavirus.html

I married the wrong man at the right time – Monalisa Chinda

Beautiful and talented actress, Monalisa Chinda has been dominating the movie scene ever since her debut in Pregnant Virgin. Having experienced a bad marriage to a label owner, she bounced back and now enjoying her second marriage to Victor Tonye Coker.

In this interview, the mother of one shares her marital regrets. Read the excerpt.....

Looking back, do you have a regret or mistake you made?

Maybe five years ago, I would say yes but now, no. Everything that has happened to me in the past has been a blessing that has built me to be a better person. It’s an eye-opener, which has made me wiser. I didn’t kill anybody neither did I steal, it’s just flesh.


Sometimes you think you are taking the right decision for yourself, not knowing it is a grievous mistake. Don’t stew in your juice, if you have made a mistake in life, move on, don’t try to carry out revenge or get angry over what you couldn’t control. My advice is, let your hurt go so that you can be a better person. Let love lead and find you again.

Do you see your past marriage as a mistake or regret ever taking such decision?

No, I don’t see it as a mistake. I was just young and naive. I met the wrong person at the right time. The person was wrong for me, so what I did was to dust the dirt off my body and move on.

What’s your advice for some of your colleagues suffering from heartbreak, failed marriages?

Every individual has his or her way of dealing with emotions. It is very difficult I must confess, but when you keep speaking positivity into your life, that helped me a lot. I looked at myself in the mirror and told myself that I am better than before. I had a child who was 16 months old at that time. I told myself, I must move forward. I must look after my child.

Fill yourself with positivity. Surround yourself with people that are supportive. I had a fantastic support system, my family and very few of my colleagues. They knew how I started from day one with the person in question. So, find yourself among people who would take you to light. I prayed a lot, put my situations in the hands of God and He helped me. That’s why I said it’s not a mistake; it only shaped me and made me a better person. Then, I had wanted to marry because every other person was getting married.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/i-married-wrong-man-at-right-time.html

Foreign couple kidnapped in Burkina Faso in 2018 'found alive'

A Canadian woman and her Italian partner kidnapped in Burkina Faso in December 2018 have been released to the United Nations' peacekeeping mission in neighbouring Mali and they appear to be in good health, a mission spokesman has said.

Edith Blais and Italian Luca Tacchetto went missing while travelling through Burkina Faso, where armed groups with links to al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) group are active and have kidnapped Westerners in the past.

A security official from the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA, told AFP news agency on Saturday that peacekeepers found the pair near the northern town of Kidal.

"Both are well. They are under our protection. They will be transferred to Bamako on Saturday and then flown to their respective countries," the security official said.



It is not known who was responsible for Blais and Tacchetto's kidnapping or if any ransom was paid.

UN mission spokesman Olivier Salgado told Reuters news agency that the two were received by peacekeepers on Friday evening and would be handed over to Malian authorities later on Saturday.

He shared a photo of Blais and Tacchetto wearing UN human rights T-shirts and sweatpants. Both are grinning in the photo and appear to be healthy.

No information was immediately available about the circumstances in which the two were found.

Blais, from Quebec, and her partner Tacchetto, from Venice, disappeared in mid-December 2018 while travelling through the west African country.

The couple, who are in their 30s, were driving by car to Ouagadougou from Bobo-Dioulasso, more than 360km (224 miles) west of the capital, when all trace of them was lost, according to Blais's family.

They had been planning to go to Togo to work on a humanitarian project.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/foreign-couple-kidnapped-in-burkina.html

Spain declares state of emergency over coronavirus

Spain will be in a state of emergency for the next 15 days to better combat the coronavirus, a dramatic increase to the policy response that will allow authorities to confine people and ration goods.

The state of emergency, which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Friday and will formally be decided by a cabinet meeting, will give the government power to take wide-ranging measures, including temporarily occupying factories or any other premises except private homes.

Spain has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in Europe after Italy.

The current Spanish tally stands at 4,209, up by about 1,000 cases from Thursday and seven times as much as on Sunday. About 120 people have died.


"The government of Spain will protect all its citizens and will guarantee the right life conditions to slow the pandemic with as little inconvenience as possible," Sanchez said.

"Unfortunately, we cannot rule out that over the next week we could reach more than 10,000 infections."

He did not spell out what specific measures the government will take.

Schools have already shut down across the country, with many cinemas, theatres or playgrounds also closing and trials suspended in several regions as normal life came to a halt in the euro zone's fourth-largest economy.

Sanchez said he was confident the country would defeat the virus, urging all citizens to do their part.

"Heroism is also washing your hands and staying home," he said, referring to health advice to slow the propagation of the coronavirus.

Catalonia, Spain's second-richest region, ordered on Friday the closure of shopping centres with the exception of those selling food or essential goods, as well as gyms and nightclubs, a senior official said.

The Madrid region - Spain's wealthiest - has also decided to close restaurants, bars and shops from Saturday, media including Efe news agency said, with only supermarkets and pharmacies allowed to remain open.

Spain joins Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Bulgaria in declaring a state of emergency over coronavirus.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency to stem the infection as the death toll in his country rose to 41.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/spain-declares-state-of-emergency-over.html

Rocket fire on Iraq base wounds three US-led coalition members

A fresh spate of rockets targeted an Iraqi base north of Baghdad on Saturday where foreign troops are deployed, Iraqi and US security sources told AFP, in a rare daytime attack.

It was the 23rd such attack since late October on installations across Iraq where US troops and diplomats are based, with the latest rounds growing deadlier.

None of the attacks have ever been claimed but the US has blamed hardline elements of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of armed groups incorporated into the Iraqi state.

At least 33 rockets hit Iraqi air defence units at the Taji air base on Saturday, the country's military said, in one of the largest such volleys yet.



"The initial toll is two wounded Iraqi Air Defence personnel who are in very critical condition," said Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command.

The US-led coalition said three of its members were also wounded in the attack.

Iraq's military said it had found another 24 missiles at a nearby launching site and had detained the owner of the plot of land as well as security forces from an adjacent checkpoint for questioning.

The US-led coalition's surveillance capabilities have been impaired by cloudy weather in recent days, which a US official said may have contributed to the attackers' readiness to launch the rockets during the day instead of under the cover of night.

Taji is overcrowded with members of the US-led coalition helping Iraq fight jihadist remnants, after units were moved to the air base from other installations.

It came three days after a similar attack on the base killed two American military personnel and a British soldier - the deadliest such incident at an Iraqi base in years.

The US responded Friday with air strikes on arms depots it said were used by Kataeb Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned faction within the Hashed.

At least five members of Iraq's security forces and one civilian were killed, none of them members of the Hashed, according to Iraq's military.

"Since then we've heard widespread condemnation by many sides here in Iraq," Al Jazeera's Simona Foltyn, reporting from Baghdad, said. "We've also heard some of these Iranian-backed groups once again promising to retaliate against US positions herein Iraq."

Iraq has long feared it would get caught in the spiralling tensions between Iran and the US, its two main allies.

They dramatically spiked in late 2019 when a US contractor was killed in a rocket attack on a separate base in northern Iraq, leading to retaliatory American strikes on Kataeb Hezbollah.

Days later, a US drone strike killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Hashed deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Iran launched ballistic missiles at US troops in Iraq while the Iraqi parliament voted to expel all foreign soldiers from its soil, a decision that has yet to be implemented.

Some 5,200 American troops are based in Iraq as part of the US-led coalition helping local troops root out the remnants of the Islamic State group.

Top US military and civilian officials had long expressed frustration that Iraq's government was not doing enough to prevent rocket attacks targeting US troops and diplomats.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/rocket-fire-on-iraq-base-wounds-three.html

Suspected cultists dump three corpses at Benue varsity gate

Suspected cult members were reported to have killed three people and dumped their corpse close to the main gate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, in the early hours of Friday.

It was gathered that the assailants after hacking the three victims to death set their corpses ablaze.

A source explained that the killing may not be unconnected with the Thursday’s cult killing of a final year student of Political Science at the Benue State University.

The source said those who struck were on a reprisal to avenge the death of their member.



The varsity’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Fanafa, who confirmed the incident, noted that those killed were not students of the institution, noting that no student was missing.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Catherine Anene, said suspected armed robbers were lynched in the area and that two locally-made pistols were recovered at the scene.

source https://www.ladunliadinews.com/2020/03/suspected-cultists-dump-three-corpses.html