Israeli security forces on Wednesday morning killed Muhammad Zakarna, a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, during a counterterrorism operation near Jenin.

Zakarna was identified as one of the terrorists involved in the deadly shooting attack in the West Bank village of al-Funduq in January.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Zakarna, a resident of Qabatiya, was among three gunmen who opened fire on civilians in al-Funduq on January 6, killing Master Sgt. Elad Yaakov Winkelstein, an off-duty Israeli police officer, and civilians Rachel Cohen and Aliza Raiz.

The IDF said Zakarna was located in a cave near the village of Misilyah following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet security agency.

During the attempted arrest by Yamam, the Israel Police’s elite counterterrorism unit, and IDF troops, a gun battle broke out between the forces and the suspects.

The military said the forces used shoulder-launched missiles during the exchange. Zakarna and another Islamic Jihad member, Marooh Hazima, also from Qabatiya, were killed.

Hazima had previously been released from Israeli prison in the November 2023 ceasefire-hostage deal with Hamas and had since resumed terrorist activity, the IDF said.

A number of weapons and military gear were recovered from the scene. Several accomplices were also detained and found to be in possession of handguns.

The IDF confirmed that the other two terrorists behind the al-Funduq attack, Qutaiba al-Shalabi and Mohammed Nazal, both affiliated with Hamas — were previously killed in an Israeli operation in Qabatiya on January 23.

Blessing Okoro, known as Blessing CEO, has recounted the touching tale of how she encountered and fell in love with entrepreneur Ikechukwu Ogbonna, affectionately called IVD.

Their journeys intertwined in late 2022 during a challenging time for IVD. Following the unfortunate passing of his wife, Bimbo, in a fire tragedy, IVD endured severe public criticism and legal troubles. In the midst of this turmoil, Blessing CEO stepped forward to support him when many others turned away. She reached out after he shared a troubling message, offering her friendship and emotional assistance.

At first, Blessing CEO insisted that their connection was strictly professional, clarifying that IVD was merely her client. However, as time went on, their relationship grew stronger. By January 2025, she openly acknowledged their romantic relationship, describing IVD as a “kind-hearted individual” and expressing her gratitude for having met him during his difficult times.

Following her engagement announcement to IVD, Blessing has finally disclosed how their love story began.

Photo source: Instagram

Governor Bassey Otu has described the commencement of construction on Section 3A/3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a historic breakthrough for Cross River State and the South-South region.

Section 3A/3B is about 65km to 70km long and the Section 3A of the road is linking Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, and other states in the South-south and South Eastern part of the country.

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the flag-off ceremony in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area on Monday, the governor lauded the project as “a bold and visionary move that will transform the economic fortunes of our region.”

According to Governor Otu, the highway will restore Calabar’s status as a maritime hub while enhancing connectivity by land, air, and sea. “This is not just a road project—it is a corridor of prosperity that will unlock vast economic opportunities, create jobs, promote cultural integration, and connect our Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone to national and global markets,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the full support of the government and people of Cross River State for the project and for President Tinubu, whom he described as “a leader making the right decisions to build a better Nigeria.” The governor praised the President’s economic reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, and public policy, noting that they are “being implemented fairly and without ethnic or regional bias.”

Governor Otu also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and HiTech Construction for their prompt and transparent mobilization to site. “HiTech has proven itself not only capable but also committed to the national interest. This is the kind of partnership we need,” he said.

However, he used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to accelerate work on other abandoned or delayed federal road projects in the state. “Many of our federal roads are in deplorable condition. Contracts were awarded years ago with little to no progress. Our people deserve better,” the governor stressed.

In his remarks, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described Governor Otu as “a disciplined, no-nonsense leader who is focused on development and loyal to the vision of a new Nigeria.” He noted that the coastal highway is “a legacy project 27 years in the making,” and commended President Tinubu for “beginning this long-awaited project from Calabar—a powerful statement of inclusion for the South-South region.”

Umahi assured Nigerians that he would personally oversee every aspect of the project. “I take full responsibility for the alignment, the cost, and the contractor. This is a national investment, not a political favour,” he declared. He also warned underperforming contractors that delays would no longer be tolerated, while praising HiTech for “mobilizing to site without a single naira in mobilization funds—proof of their patriotism and commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Commenting on the nation’s economic trajectory, Umahi said: “The worst is over. The reforms are working. Fitch and the World Bank have already acknowledged the signs of our recovery. Nigeria is rising again under President Tinubu.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, stated that the 65-kilometre stretch—38 kilometres of which lies within Cross River State—will be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology. “This project is not just about infrastructure—it’s about integration, growth, and access to essential services,” he said.

He noted that the highway will include dual carriageways and a provision for a future railway line within a 190-metre-wide corridor. He also called on host communities to cooperate fully to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Others who spoke at the event were the Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, the APC State Chairman Alphonsus Eba, Col. PAM Ogar (rtd), Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa among others.

They all expressed strong support for the project and called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate other neglected federal roads in the state, emphasizing that “infrastructure equity is essential to national unity and development.”
— NSA GILL