Northern Advocate, The (Whangarei, New Zealand)

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23 people killed Gunmen killed 23 people in four separate attacks in central Nigeria’s Benue state, a Red Cross official said yesterday, the latest flare-up of unrest in the region. The attacks happened Saturday night in four villages. Clashes between nomadic cattle herders and farmers over land use are common in central Nigeria. “Reports from the field have confirmed the killings of at least 23 people from different attacks,” Red Cross secretary in Benue state Anthony Abah told AFP. Several others were wounded, he added. Two attacks by gunmen last month in neighbouring Plateau state left more than 100 people dead. Across the wider Middle Belt, including in Benue, land used by farmers and herders is coming under stress from climate change and human expansion, sparking competition for increasingly limited space. New jet defended Donald Trump yesterday defended plans to receive a new Air Force One plane as a gift, after it was reported he would accept a luxury Boeing jet from Qatar despite strict rules on presents for United States Presidents. Calling the plane a “flying palace,” ABC News, which first reported the story, said the Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet gifted from the Qatari royal family would possibly be the most expensive gift ever received by the American Government. The controversy around the jet — and Trump’s statement that it was coming “free of charge” — builds on questions the US leader is facing over potential conflicts of interest with his family businesses and use of public office. In a social media post yesterday, Trump went on the offensive to say the plane would be a temporary “gift” that would go to the Defence Department, and would replace an existing four-decade-old model used to transport US Presidents. Trump, 78, said the process was unfolding as a “transparent transaction”. Thousands protest Thousands of people protested against the far right across Germany yesterday, as the AfD party appeals a decision to label it an “extremist” group. Germany’s domestic intelligence service last week labelled the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party a “right-wing extremist” group, accusing it of seeking to undermine the country’s democracy. It suspended the classification while AfD’s appeal of the measure moves through the courts. Anti-AfD demonstrators marched in 60 localities across Germany, following a call by the “Together against the Right” group. In Berlin 3000 protesters gathered in front of the Brandenburg gate, according to the police.
So close to a win Cycling: New Zealand cyclist Corbin Strong has been pipped for a stage win on the Giro d’Italia. Strong picked up the wheel of Dane Mads Pedersen at the end of the 160km stage and came along beside him, but was unable to get in front. Strong, 25, finished a half a wheel-length behind in second. “It was a close sprint. I’ve always had confidence that I can take it to these guys in the sprint if I have a good run, and today I had a lot of confidence after stage 1,” Strong told his Israel Premier Tech team after the stage. Pedersen’s second-stage win resulted in him taking back the overall leader’s jersey from Primoz Roglic. Greg Henderson was the last New Zealander to win a stage on a Grand Tour, taking out the third stage of the Vuelta a Espana in 2009.
Quiz1Which designer fashioned the latest Air NZ uniforms?
Community funding The Northland Community Foundation has opened its annual funding round for anyone involved in an initiative that helps support the wellbeing of communities in Northland. Organisations that support the wellbeing of family, environment, The Arts, community self hep and seniors, can apply for grants of up to $15,000. Applications are open until June 8. For information go to Northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz.
Butter price hike impacts groceries
Butter, beef and chocolate were among the grocery products with the largest annual price increases in April, according to the Grocery Supplier Cost Index (GSCI).
Blessings, not tips, from future Pope
When Pope Leo XIV dined out as a bishop in the Peruvian town of Chiclayo, his appetite was big and his tips came in the form of blessings rather than cash, staff recall.
Club duo in pitched battle
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis insisted his on-field debate with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following yesterday’s 2-2 Premier League draw at home with Leicester was due to his frustration at “the medical staff’s misjudgment” regarding an injury to striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Chess players back to square one
Taliban authorities have barred chess across Afghanistan until further notice over concerns it is a source of gambling, which is illegal under the government’s morality law, a sports official said yesterday.
Call for crisis services before police exit Mental health advocates urge halt to withdrawal from callouts
The police withdrawal from responding to mental health callouts has been delayed in Northland.
Battling nation’s ‘silent killer’
One in three New Zealanders over 30 have high blood pressure – but many of them do not even know it.