Thai police rescue eight-year-old boy living with dogs, unable to speak

An eight-year-old boy has been rescued in Thailand after authorities discovered him living among dogs and only able to communicate by barking.

According to Dailymail on Friday, the boy, whose name has been withheld, was found on Monday during a welfare check at a ramshackle, drug-infested house in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province.

Local reports say the child had been living with his mother, 46, and his 23-year-old brother, both of whom tested positive for drug use after a police raid.

Authorities raided a house in a clearing in the woods on Monday and found the family. Credit: Dailymail

Neighbours revealed that the family had long been isolated from the community, and the boy had no contact with other children. Instead, he spent his days with the family’s six dogs, which he reportedly mimicked.

“He didn’t speak, he just barked. It was pitiful to see,” said Paveena Hongsakul, president of the activist foundation which worked with police on the rescue.

Authorities said the boy had only attended school once, despite his mother receiving government stipends of around 400 baht (£9) meant to support his education.

“His mother hasn’t allowed him to go to school since he received a subsidy for free education,” Hongsakul explained. “After getting the money, she simply kept him at home.”

Neighbours were said to have forbidden their children from playing with the young boy due to the family’s behaviour.

The mother was reportedly known in the area for begging at temples and has now been charged with drug use.

A local teacher described the boy’s environment as a “red zone for drugs” and said that neighbours forbade their children from interacting with him.

‘The house is in a red zone for drugs,’ one teacher explained. ”The boy had no one, just the dogs to play with.”

The disturbing situation came to light after a headteacher raised the alarm, prompting activists and police to raid the house on June 30.

Images shared in Thai media showed authorities at the shack surrounded by trees and several dogs.

Following the rescue, the boy was taken to a children’s home, where he will receive medical and psychological care.

“The boy will be given a chance at a good life. We’ll follow up with him to make sure he gets everything he needs,” she said.

Cases of so-called “feral children”, youngsters raised with little or no human contact, are extremely rare but often highlight the severe consequences of neglect.

Experts cite the example of Oxana Malaya, a Ukrainian girl found in 1991 living with dogs after her parents abandoned her. Though she eventually learned to speak and reintegrated into society, she still struggled with some developmental challenges.

Authorities in Thailand say they are committed to giving the rescued boy a fresh start and the chance to live a normal life.

Challenge APC with facts, not fights, Aregbesola cautions ADC supporters

Following the formal launch of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja, a former Interior Minister and interim national secretary of the party, Rauf Aregbesola, returned to Lagos on Friday with a crucial message for his party’s supporters.

Aregbesola cautioned ADC members against insulting or attacking supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress as the newly formed coalition sets its sights on unseating the Tinubu administration, under whom he served as a commissioner for works and infrastructure in Lagos State.

In a statement released via his social media handles on Friday, the former minister thanked supporters who came to receive him at the Lagos airport.

He urged them not to fight, attack or insult anyone, adding that the task before them is immense.

He said that when supporters of the ruling party attack them, they should challenge them with facts about the state of the country.

The statement read, “I sincerely thank our supporters and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) who came out to receive me on my arrival in Lagos. The task before us is immense, and I reminded everyone that we do not need to fight, insult, or attack anyone.

“When others resort to abuse or name-calling, we must rise above it. Instead, ask them one simple question: Are Nigerians better off today than they were before? Challenge them with facts on food inflation, the economy, the rising cost of living, and the deepening poverty affecting millions.

“Let our debates remain focused on the issues that matter. Articulate our position clearly and confidently. Explain why our new political home, the ADC, represents a credible and necessary alternative for Nigeria’s progress and long-term sustainability.”

The former Governor of Osun State was once a close ally of President Tinubu. Their political association started in 1999, when Tinubu was governor of Lagos.

They fell apart in 2022, when Tinubu’s nephew, Gboyega Oyetola, who succeeded Aregbesola, was running for a second term in Osun State on the platform of the APC.

But Aregbesola’s political group, ‘Omoluabi’, did not support Oyetola’s candidacy. The conflict that ensued prompted Aregbesola’s group to support Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Consequently, Oyetola lost his reelection bid to Adeleke.

ADC invites Zamfara gov to join party

The Zamfara State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Kabiru Garba, has invited the state governor, Dauda Lawal to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for his party.

Addressing a press conference in Gusau, the state capital on Friday, Garba said no fewer than 100 political actors from different political parties in the state had so far joined the ADC.

He said, “We want to extend a formal invitation to Gov. Dauda Lawal to join the party to bring more development to the state.

“Doors are widely open to receive all defectors irrespective of their positions.

“We want to assure everyone of our readiness to give both new and old members equal treatment for effective democratic process.”

Garba attributed the resolution of some political figures in the state to join the party to the sterling leadership qualities demonstrated by ADC leaders through justice, fairness and equal opportunity to all members.

“We have receive over 100 political actors from various political parties, and we are giving them orientation on the party doctrine to enable them know how to go about their political activities within the party constitution.

“All intended defectors should come through their ward leadership before reaching local government, then state up to federal level.

“We believe in recognising grassroots politics because that’s the best way to reflect the mandate of the electorate,” he said.

FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire 5th July 2025

The Federal Government has negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27bn to N17bn.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge on Friday in Lagos.

He said, “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.

He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.

Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.

He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.

He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.

“They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.

The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.

He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.

On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.

“Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works.

“The lives of the people are more important,” he said.

He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure.

NAN

Tinubu surmounting inherited insecurity – NSA

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has remained firm in surmounting the inherited intractable security challenges.

Ribadu stated this on Friday night at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy 18 Regular Course held in Abuja.

He delivered a lecture titled “Veterans As Significant National Assets”.

He said that Nigeria had stood at a dangerous crossroads in 2022, grappling with multiple crises that threatened its unity, stability, and future.

He said the challenges range from the insurgency-ravaged North East to the blood-soaked valleys of the North West, from the turbulent Niger Delta to separatist tensions in the South East.

According to him, the government has made bold strides in restoring security and rebuilding national confidence.

“When this administration took office in May 2023, Nigeria was facing five intractable security challenges.

“We have Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, deadly banditry across the North West and North Central, resurgent separatist violence in the South East, large-scale oil theft in the Niger Delta, and communal clashes that had claimed thousands of lives.

“Additionally, porous borders, transnational crime, and climate-induced resource conflicts created a near-perfect storm of instability.

“The government’s counterinsurgency campaign has led to over 13,500 terrorists and criminals neutralised, and more than 124,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered.

“Weapons caches and thousands of rounds of ammunition have been recovered.

“Areas once held by insurgents in the Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad Basin, and Timbuktu Triangle are now under government control,” Ribadu said.

NSA said the North West, which had been ravaged by bandits was witnessing changes, adding that over 11,250 hostages had been rescued in Zamfara and Kaduna States alone.

He added that notorious warlords such as Ali Kachalla, Halilu Sububu, and Dogo Bwari had been neutralised, adding that more than 50 criminal leaders and dozens of deputies had been taken out of circulation.

According to him, non-kinetic strategy, including the innovative Operation Safe Corridor Northwest, has also led to the surrender of 35 armed leaders.

“This was once unimaginable, but through coordinated military pressure and community-based peace efforts, we are making real progress,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, Ribadu said the government had reclaimed control of the nation’s lifeblood in the region once plagued by massive crude oil theft and sabotage.

Ribadu said that oil production had increased from a historic low of one million barrels per day to an average of 1.8 million, a major economic boost.

According to him, all major pipelines are now operational and protected, while over 1,900 illegal refineries have been dismantled.

“For the first time in three decades, oil production is resuming in Ogoniland.

“In the South East, through surgical operations and community engagement, the zone is seeing relative calm.

“The so-called “sit-at-home” orders by separatist agitators have significantly waned, and many arrested key figures are facing justice.

“Social and economic life is beginning to return to normal. Rebuilt police stations and renewed law enforcement presence are restoring confidence,” Ribadu added.

NSA said that modern threats were also being addressed, adding that Nigeria had made headway in cyber defence and financial intelligence.

According to him, Illegal financial flows supporting terrorism and separatism—particularly through crypto platforms—have been disrupted.

He said that a National Digital Forensics Laboratory and a Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan had been deployed to boost national cyber resilience.

The reunion dinner had in attendance, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service Chief amongst others dignitaries.

Tinubu arrives Brazil for BRICS Summit

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Global South and Emerging Economic Bloc.

The block includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, also called the BRICS.

The President’s flight touched down at the Galeao Air Force Base tarmac at 8:45 pm local time on Friday, where the Galeao Air Force Base Commander coordinated the Guard of Honour.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed this in a statement he signed Saturday titled ‘President Tinubu Arrives In Rio De Janeiro For BRICS Meeting’.

Brazil’s Deputy Minister for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Sergio Sobral Duarte, and the Deputy Minister for Trade Promotion, Science, Technology, Innovation, and Culture, received President Tinubu.

Tinubu is in Brazil at the invitation of President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva.

The Nigerian leader will attend a bilateral meeting hosted by President Lula on Saturday, July 5, ahead of the summit on June 6 and 7.

At the BRICS Summit, the President will participate in a plenary session and deliver an address on Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to reposition the economy for global competitiveness.

He will also meet with investors to capitalise on the country’s opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals, healthcare, and alternative energy.

The summit’s theme is “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.”

Deliberations will centre on health, Artificial Intelligence, governance, and Climate Change issues.

Ahead of the Leaders’ Summit, the political negotiators of BRICS brainstormed over aligning more commitments to combat socially determined diseases, artificial intelligence governance, and climate finance.

Their focus was on providing concrete solutions to the structural challenges faced by the Global South.

State Governors participating in the summit with the President are Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Prince Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Umar Bago (Niger).

Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue: EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS, SEEK URGENT REFORMS

REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS RAISE ALARM OVER BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAGOS, SEEK URGENT REFORMS

The recurring tragedy of building collapse in Lagos once again came under the spotlight today as stakeholders from across Nigeria’s building industry gathered at the University of Lagos for the Professor Leke Oduwaye-Adron Homes Urban Development Dialogue, a high-level forum aimed at addressing regulatory and construction lapses fueling the crisis.

Themed “Recurring Building Collapse in Lagos: The Challenge of Regulatory Oversight and Construction Practices,” the dialogue was organized by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), University of Lagos, in collaboration with real estate giant, Adron Homes.

Delivering goodwill remarks, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, KOF, issued a strong call for accountability across the building sector. Describing building collapse as a “tragedy that has become far too familiar,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking emphasized that such disasters are not acts of fate but direct results of human negligence, greed, and systemic failure.

“Buildings do not collapse by accident. They collapse because somewhere along the chain of planning, approval, construction, or supervision, individuals choose to compromise,” he stated firmly”, he stated.

The respected real estate mogul outlined what he termed the three uncompromising actions needed to combat the menace, Verification, Validation, and Control, stressing that all actors within the building industry must be held to the highest standards of competence and ethical responsibility.

The event featured a thought-provoking guest lecture by Tpl. (Dr.) Idris Salako FNITP, former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development. Drawing from his vast experience, Dr. Salako delivered a hard-hitting analysis of the root causes of building collapse in Lagos. He identified critical gaps such as weak enforcement of development control regulations, poor coordination between regulatory agencies, and widespread disregard for approved building plans by some developers.

Dr. Salako further highlighted how political interference, corruption, and the proliferation of quack professionals continue to erode the integrity of the building sector. He stressed the urgent need for capacity building among regulatory bodies, proper training and certification of artisans, and the full digitalization of building approval processes to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The dialogue also featured keynote addresses by Tpl. Tunji Odunlami FNITP, Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru. Both speakers echoed the need for proactive urban planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaboration between government, professionals, and private developers to create safer cities.

Other dignitaries in attendance included Tpl. Waheed Kadiri FNITP, PPNITP, Past President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (Chairman of the event), Professor Modupe Omirin, Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, UNILAG, Dr. Taofik Salau, Head of Department, DURP, UNILAG, and Dr. S.A. Adeyemi, Chairman, Organizing Committee, among several others.

Participants unanimously called for urgent reforms to curb building failures, emphasizing the need for professionalism, transparency, and stricter enforcement of building regulations.

The dialogue is expected to spark renewed policy debates and strategic actions toward ensuring that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, builds safe, resilient, and sustainable urban spaces where lives are protected, and dreams can thrive.

The Evolution of Casino Loyalty Programs

Casino loyalty programs have changed considerably over the decades, progressing from basic punch cards to sophisticated digital systems that reward players for their support. These programs are designed to enhance customer fidelity and amplify player engagement, offering various incentives such as free play, dining deals, and private event access.

In the year 2023, the Bellagio in Las Vegas redesigned its loyalty program, presenting tiered rewards that permit players to gain points based on their gaming activity. This change has been positively accepted, with many players appreciating the personalized offers designed to their gaming likes. For more insights into loyalty programs, you can track the Bellagio’s updates on their Instagram page.

According to a study by the American Gaming Association, casinos that apply efficient loyalty programs see a fifteen percent rise in recurring visits. These programs not only advantage the casinos but also provide participants with concrete rewards, improving their overall play experience. For a thorough understanding of the impact of loyalty programs, visit The New York Times.

Modern faithfulness programs often use mobile apps, enabling participants to observe their points and claim prizes effortlessly. This ease has become vital, notably as more gamers prefer online and mobile play. Additionally, casinos are leveraging data analysis to customize deals, ensuring that gamers get prizes that connect with their preferences. Discover more about these developments at мостбет кз казино.

While allegiance programs can improve the gambling experience, participants should remain aware of their outlay habits. It’s crucial to establish limits and not pursue losses, as the appeal of rewards can sometimes lead to excessive spending. By understanding the advantages and potential hazards of devotion programs, gamers can make wise choices and savor their casino experiences responsibly.

CP LAWAL ADEBOWALE ASSUMES DUTY AS 46TH COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ONDO STATE COMMAND

The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale, psc(+), mnips, has officially assumed duty as the 46th Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command. He takes over from CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

CP Lawal Adebowale is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement officer with over 30 years of distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His educational background is complemented by extensive professional training both locally and internationally.

Over the course of his career, CP Adebowale has served in various strategic and operational capacities across several commands in Nigeria, including Edo, Yobe, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Cross River, Katsina, Enugu, and the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He has held key positions such as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, and Community Policing Units, as well as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the IGP X-Squad and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Professional Studies at the Nigeria Police Academy, he has also served as the Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Departments (ZCIDs) in zone 14 Katsina State.

He was also seconded to INTERPOL between 2006 and 2009, where he served as Sub-Regional Bureau Officer overseeing critical international crime management portfolios such as stolen vehicles, travel documents, fingerprint and DNA records, and stolen works of art across West and Central Africa. His work in this capacity contributed significantly to regional law enforcement collaboration and capacity building.

Until his recent posting to Ondo State, CP Adebowale was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Force Quartermaster, Force Headquarters, Abuja. His appointment to the Ondo State Command comes at a critical time, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement.

The Commissioner of Police, extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D NPM for the confidence repose in him to serve as the 46th commissioner of Police of Ondo State Police Command and also to the outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, for his dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the peace and security of the state. The Command wishes him continued success in his new role.

CP Lawal Adebowale has assured the government and good people of Ondo State of his unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety, enforcing the rule of law, and strengthening community trust. He calls for the continued support and cooperation of residents, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and sister security agencies in promoting peace and security across the state.

Members of the public can contact the Commissioner of Police directly on 09060588958 for security-related matters or credible information that can aid the Police in crime prevention and investigation.

All Political Stalwarts in Oshodi/Isolo Endorse Kendoo for Second Term

As the July 12 chairmanship election draws near in Lagos State, the political atmosphere in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area is charged with optimism and unity as all major political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the incumbent chairman, Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo.

The resounding endorsement from across party lines, community leaders, youth organizations, market associations, and residents is not just a political gesture—it is a statement of confidence in a leader whose first term has transformed one of Lagos’s most volatile and neglected areas into a symbol of progress and hope.

When Kendoo assumed office, Oshodi bore the reputation of a chaotic and unsafe zone—a place where miscreants and touts harassed residents and visitors alike, and where filth had become a daily burden. However, under his stewardship, that narrative has changed dramatically. Roads that were once riddled with potholes and impassable during rainy seasons have now been tarred and opened up for smooth movement. Major arteries in the local government, critical to commerce and daily life, have been reconstructed, boosting trade and easing transport.

More importantly, security, long absent in the area, has been restored. Through a strategic partnership with law enforcement and the introduction of community-based initiatives, Kendoo has taken back Oshodi from the hands of street gangs and criminal elements. The once-infamous hub of unrest is now a safer, more welcoming space for businesses and families alike.

Environmental sanitation, too, has received unprecedented attention. The filth that plagued markets and streets has been tackled head-on, thanks to the chairman’s aggressive clean-up campaigns and infrastructural interventions. Markets are now more organized, cleaner, and conducive for traders and customers, with improved waste management systems ensuring a healthier environment.

This is why the chorus of support for Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede’s re-election is not just political rhetoric—it is an endorsement rooted in visible transformation and tangible change. Residents now live with a renewed sense of pride in their community, and many who once avoided Oshodi now do business there with confidence.

With his achievements speaking louder than any campaign slogan, Kendoo is not just the favored candidate; he is the proven choice. As July 12 approaches, the message from Oshodi/Isolo is clear: progress must not be paused. Voters are being urged to come out en masse and re-elect a leader who has delivered on his promises and who represents continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has earned another term—not through words, but through results.