Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from January, 2026

Photo of Peter Obi Greeting Atiku on Bent Knees Sparks Debate

A photograph of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi exchanging a handshake with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has generated widespread reactions on social media after it was shared online by Atiku himself. The image, which shows Obi slightly bent while greeting Atiku, has been interpreted by some Nigerians as a sign of submission or deference. Critics have argued that the posture is unbecoming of a politician seeking the highest office in the country, with some describing it as evidence of low self-esteem or political weakness. Several commentators have suggested that the photograph raises questions about Obi’s ability to assert himself politically, particularly within the newly formed African Democratic Congress, where both politicians are members. Some observers noted that optics in politics can influence public perception, and moments like this are often seized upon by opponents to cast doubt on a candidate’s leadership qualities. However, activist and public commen...

Malaysian Court Sentences Nigerian Man to Death for Killing Step-Grandson

A High Court in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday sentenced a Nigerian man to death by hanging after finding him guilty of killing his four-year-old step-grandson by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment in Setapak, in a case that has left the community shocked and horrified. The accused, 48-year-old Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, was convicted after the court carefully reviewed all evidence presented during the trial, according to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian. The incident occurred on November 29, 2020, between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., and left the family and neighbours traumatized. Augustine was charged under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which prescribes a mandatory death sentence for murder. Alternatively, the law allows for a prison term of between 30 and 40 years with at least 12 strokes of the cane. The court ruled that his actions were deliberate, unprovoked, and demonstrated extreme violence. In addition to the murder conviction, Augustine was sentenced to fi...

Abuja Lawyer Killed by Kidnappers After N3 Million Ransom Demand, Sparks National Outrage

The brutal killing of Abuja-based lawyer Nwamaka Chigbo by unidentified kidnappers has sparked national outrage and raised serious concerns about security in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The deceased, who was a former Treasurer of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, and a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, as well as the Global Association of Female Lawyers, GAFA, was abducted in circumstances that have shocked the legal community and the public alike. According to the family, the incident began when Nwamaka was on a phone call with her sister, Anthonia. During the conversation, distressing sounds were heard in the background, including her cries, “I am dying, save me, please send money,” before the call abruptly went dead. Subsequent attempts by the family to contact the kidnappers produced a chilling message demanding N3 million in ransom, delivered in both English and Hausa. When further calls were made to seek clarification on the payment,...

GNH Fire: Sister Recounts How Cousin Ran to Warn His Brothers but Got Trapped and Died

A grieving relative of the three brothers who lost their lives in the devastating fire at the Great Nigeria House on Lagos Island has given a detailed account of the tragic events that unfolded on the day of the incident. Speaking with a correspondent of The Punch, Mimi Nonyerem, a cousin of the deceased brothers Stephen, Casmir, and Collins Omatu, described the men as more than just cousins, saying they were raised together like siblings after the death of their mother 27 years ago. According to her, their close bond extended beyond family ties into business and daily life, as they worked side by side to build a livelihood together. Nonyerem explained that the brothers were traders who dealt mainly in the importation and sale of shoes, handbags, and fabrics. Their business, popularly known as Mr Classy, was well known in Balogun Market and jointly managed by the brothers. On December 24, all of them were present at their shop at the Great Nigeria House when the fire broke out. Casmir,...

Gunmen Ambush Benue Links Bus in Otukpo, Open Fire on Passengers

Suspected gunmen on Saturday evening ambushed a Benue Links commercial bus conveying passengers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, leaving several people injured and causing fear among road users in the area. The bus reportedly departed Makurdi en route to Lagos and was attacked a few minutes before it reached Otukpo town around a location popularly known as Burnt Bricks. Sources said the attackers lay in wait before suddenly opening fire on the fully loaded vehicle, forcing the driver to stop as passengers screamed and scrambled for safety. At least three occupants of the bus were reportedly hit by bullets during the attack, while several other passengers managed to escape into nearby bushes to avoid being harmed. The incident caused panic in the area, as residents and passersby were unsure of the attackers’ next move. The injured passengers were later rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo, where they are currently receiving medic...

House of Horrors as Man Arrested Over Discovery of More Than 100 Skulls and Decomposing Bodies

Pennsylvania, United States. A 34 year old man, Jonathan Gerlach, has been arrested and charged following a disturbing discovery of human remains, including more than 100 skulls, decomposing torsos, and mummified body parts, found inside his residence and a separate storage facility. Gerlach was taken into custody on Tuesday night after police reportedly spotted him leaving Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, just outside Philadelphia, carrying a crowbar and walking toward his vehicle. His arrest followed weeks of investigation into repeated reports of grave desecration and vandalism at the historic cemetery. According to Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse, investigators uncovered bones, skulls, mummified hands and feet, and partial skeletons stored in Gerlach’s basement and an off site storage unit. Authorities described the discovery as deeply unsettling and unlike anything they had encountered before. “They were in various states,” Rouse said. “Some of them were hanging. So...

Pantami Denies Rumoured Marriage to Aisha Buhari, Calls Claims ‘False and Impossible’

Abuja, Nigeria. Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, has categorically denied reports suggesting he is set to marry former First Lady Aisha Buhari, describing the rumours as false, baseless, and entirely impossible. The story gained traction after a supposed wedding invitation card began circulating widely on social media platforms. The card claimed to announce a wedding between Pantami and Mrs. Buhari but contained no official details, date, or verifiable information, raising immediate doubts about its authenticity. Despite this, the rumour quickly generated discussions, speculation, and online debates. In an interview with PRNigeria, Pantami expressed his surprise and disappointment over the circulation of the story. He emphasized that late President Muhammadu Buhari was like a father figure to him, while Mrs. Buhari is regarded as a mother figure. Pantami described the allegation as disturbing and highly disrespectful, given the deep pers...

Bandits Form Parallel Government in Kano and Katsina Forests, Demand N50,000 Levy from Farmers

Kano/Katsina, Nigeria. Armed bandits operating in parts of Kano and Katsina States have reportedly established a parallel system of governance within key forest reserves, demanding up to N50,000 per acre from sugarcane farmers before harvest. Conflict and crisis journalist Bakatsine, citing investigative outlet MA’ASUMAH, revealed that the armed groups now control Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State and Rugu Forest in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. These forests are strategically located within the Kano–Katsina food belt, one of the most important agricultural regions in northwest Nigeria. According to the report, the bandits are collecting illegal farm taxes and issuing threats against farmers who refuse to comply. Farmers who do not pay are reportedly subjected to intimidation, destruction of crops, and the risk of violent attacks, forcing many to abandon their lands entirely. Sugarcane farmers are the primary targets, but maize and other sta...

Osimhen’s Goal Sends Nigeria Into AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals

Marrakech, Morocco. Nigeria secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2025 quarter-final, booking a semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco. The Super Eagles dominated the match from the start, showing speed, tactical awareness, and physical strength, while preventing Algeria from creating a single clear scoring opportunity. Two months ago, Nigeria missed out on World Cup qualification, but this performance sent a strong message about their determination on the continental stage. The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half, when Victor Osimhen guided home a long cross from Bruno Onyemaechi. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane attempted a desperate jump to intercept the ball but misjudged his angle, leaving an easy finish for Osimhen. Ten minutes later, Akor Adams increased Nigeria’s lead following a clever assist from Osimhen. Adams calmly rounded Zidane before slotting the ball into an empty net, putting the Super Eagles firmly in ...

AFCON 2025: Ighalo Criticizes CAF Over Disallowed Bassey Goal Against Algeria

Rabat, Morocco. Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has publicly criticized the Confederation of African Football, CAF, following a controversial decision that saw Calvin Bassey’s first-half goal against Algeria disallowed in the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, 2025 quarter-final. The disallowed goal came as Nigeria dominated the early stages of the match, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Replays showed that nearly the entire ball appeared to have crossed the goal line. However, the Senegalese referee’s on-field decision was upheld by VAR, leaving many fans and analysts questioning the ruling. Ighalo, who was part of the Super Eagles squad that lost to Algeria in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, criticized the lack of goal-line technology in African football. Speaking on SuperSport, he said, "It was a goal with an inch. For me, this is a goal with an inch. In a tournament like this, the biggest in Africa, we should have goal-line technology. In Europe, in the World Cup, they ...

Fire Guts Kwara Local Government Council Complex

The Legislative Chamber of Irepodun Local Government Area in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, was partially destroyed by fire on Friday night, January 9, 2026, in a development that has raised concerns about electrical safety in public buildings across the state. According to The PUNCH, the fire broke out around 10:01 pm at the Irepodun Legislative Complex along Olomu Road, affecting the Legislative Chamber and four offices within the building. Firefighters were quickly deployed to the scene and brought the blaze under control before it could spread to adjoining sections of the complex. Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Unit, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said a preliminary investigation by the Kwara State Fire Service indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited electrical installations and combustible materials inside the affected offices. “The prompt response of personnel helped prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of...

AFCON 2025: Live Updates from Nigeria vs Algeria

Nigeria will take on Algeria on Saturday evening in a highly anticipated quarter final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The encounter promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams arriving at this stage unbeaten in the tournament. The Super Eagles have been in imperious form, winning all their matches so far and maintaining a perfect record as they chase continental glory. Algeria, known as the Desert Foxes, have also enjoyed an impressive campaign. They have won every game they have played and boast one of the strongest defensive records in the competition, having conceded just one goal. With both sides evenly matched and carrying strong momentum, fans are expecting an intense battle filled with tactical discipline, attacking flair, and high stakes. Kick off is scheduled for 5pm West African Time at the Marrakech Stadium in Morocco. Stay with us for live updates, key moments, goals, and reactions as Nigeria and Algeria battle for a place in the semifinals.

Nigerian Man Charged With Murder of 20 Year Old Student in Canada

Canadian authorities have charged a Nigerian man, Babatunde Afuwape, with first degree murder following the fatal shooting of a 20 year old university student on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus. According to a report on Thursday, January 8, 2026, Toronto Police confirmed that Afuwape, a 28 year old resident of Toronto, is accused of killing Shivank Avasthi, a third year student at the University of Toronto. The incident occurred on December 23 along the Highland Creek Trail near Old Kingston Road, a well known pedestrian route frequently used by students, joggers, and members of the public. The area is located close to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and is usually busy during the daytime. Police said officers were dispatched to the scene at about 3.30 p.m. after receiving reports of a disturbance in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Avasthi suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel were immediately called, and life saving efforts w...

Nigerian Lady Sparks Debate Online After Advising Women to Be “Dragons” in Marriage

A Nigerian woman has sparked intense reactions online after advising women to make their partners “fear” them in relationships and marriage. In a viral video, she urged women to ensure that the man they intend to marry is scared of them even before a relationship begins. According to her, being soft, calm, or operating in “feminine energy” gives men the chance to take advantage of women, and establishing fear early ensures respect and prevents mistreatment. She stated that when a man knows he is dating a “mad person” or a “dragon,” he will think twice before misbehaving. “In a relationship or in marriage, if you want to marry, you need to marry a husband who fears you. Before you start a relationship, make sure the guy is scared of you, so that before he does anything, he remembers, ‘I am dating a mad person; if I come back, she will scatter the house,’” she said. The woman also suggested that women should be intimidating not only to their husbands or boyfriends but also to their child...

Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence After Backlash Over Friends’ Funeral

World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua has finally addressed the criticism he faced after appearing calm at the funeral of two of his close friends who tragically died in a road accident. The accident occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Makun, Ogun State. Reports indicate that the crash happened around 11 a.m. along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, near Danco Filling Station, just before the Sagamu Interchange. Joshua was in the vehicle at the time, seated in the back, while two members of his team, Latif and Sina, lost their lives instantly. Latif served as Joshua’s personal trainer, while Sina was his strength and conditioning coach, both trusted companions who had worked closely with him for years. Footage from the funeral service in the United Kingdom quickly went viral, showing Joshua in a composed and calm state. Many social media users misinterpreted his demeanor, claiming he appeared unaffected by the tragic loss. The online backlash was swift and intense, with critics questioni...

Body of Ogun Murder Suspect, Ayoola Ayanwale, Found

A body has been discovered at the new site of Palmgroove CDA in the Sotubo area of Ogun State, raising concerns over the fate of Ayoola Ayanwale, who is wanted in connection with the murder of his wife. According to a resident who spoke with our correspondent, Ivy Kanu, the body appears to resemble that of Ayanwale, who allegedly killed his wife, Mrs. Ayobami Ganiyatu Ayanwale, at their home in the River Valley Estate area of Ogun State. The body was reportedly found around 5.20 p.m. on Friday evening. Observers noted that a foamy substance was coming from the mouth of the deceased. Materials recovered at the scene included a bottle containing a substance suspected to be Sniper, a disinfectant and highly poisonous chemical, identity cards, and other personal items. Efforts are currently being made to contact the Ogun State Police Command for official confirmation and further details regarding the discovery of the body. Law enforcement authorities are expected to investigate the circums...

Bride Overwhelmed with Emotions as Father Gifts Her a Car on Wedding Day

A heartwarming moment from a wedding ceremony in Nigeria has captured the attention of social media users after a bride received an unexpected and generous gift from her father. The emotional scene, shared on TikTok by user @memorieswithsomtee, showed the bride visibly overwhelmed as her father presented her with a brand-new car in front of guests and well-wishers. The surprise gift sparked cheers at the venue, with the bride dancing joyfully and hugging her father to express her gratitude. The touching gesture quickly drew massive reactions online, with social media users flooding the comment section with congratulatory messages and praise for the father’s thoughtful act. Many viewers described the moment as emotional, inspiring, and a beautiful display of parental love. Comments on the video reflected different perspectives on the gift. One user, @God’sGlory, asked, “Marriage in Africa is truly a destiny swap ritual because why is everyone saying he should have given the keys to the ...

Bride Who Went Makeup-Free at Wedding Responds to Critics

Madison Azevedo, 26, from Wisconsin, has hit back at critics after revealing that she chose to go completely makeup-free on her wedding day, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion online. For Azevedo, who rarely wears makeup and does not own any, the choice was simple. She explained that it would not have felt authentic to exchange vows with a full face of glam, as she wanted to feel completely like herself on her special day. “I wanted to show up exactly as I am. My husband has never seen me with makeup, and it did not feel right to introduce something new on such a personal day,” she said. “I did not want to feel like I was a different version of myself, and I wanted to feel present.” Azevedo recalled a previous experience wearing a full face of makeup at prom, which left her feeling disconnected from herself when looking at pictures afterwards. “It did not feel empowering and it felt like I had hidden myself on a night that was supposed to be about celebrating who I was,”...

Iroegbu Claims Wike Now Sees Himself as Bigger Than President Tinubu

       A member of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Obidient Movement, Dickson Iroegbu, has alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, now considers himself bigger than President Bola Tinubu. Iroegbu made the claim on Friday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored by Daily Post. He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of giving Wike the political leverage that has allowed him to destabilize the opposition and, according to Iroegbu, threaten Nigeria’s democratic process. “The truth of the matter is that APC, through the enabling of the president, gave Wike the platform which he has now used to almost attempt to scuttle democracy in Nigeria,” Iroegbu said. “They positioned him to wreck, undermine, and possibly annihilate the PDP. And having almost succeeded in that, he now thinks himself bigger than the president.” Iroegbu further alleged that Wike’s recent conduct in Rivers ...

Prophet Abel Boma Issues Prophecy Concerning Verydarkman, Urges Public to Pray

Prophet Abel Boma has released a video message in which he issued a prophecy concerning Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, the president of Ratel, claiming that the activist may be facing serious threats from unidentified individuals. According to the cleric, this is the third time he has received the same vision, which he described as a spiritual warning that the situation surrounding Verydarkman remains unresolved. He explained that the repeated nature of the vision heightened his concern and compelled him to speak publicly about it. Prophet Boma urged supporters and members of the public to pray for the activist’s safety. In the video, Boma narrated that he saw Verydarkman wearing a genuine gold wristwatch when an individual allegedly approached him and attempted to forcibly take it. During the confrontation, the person reportedly issued a warning, stating that Verydarkman would be the last individual the activist would ever accuse. The prophet described the state...

Young Nigerian Woman Collapses and Dies Suddenly During Office Meeting

A young married Nigerian woman has reportedly passed away after collapsing suddenly while addressing her boss and colleagues during an office meeting. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, January 5, while staff members were gathered for a meeting at the workplace. During the session, the woman was given the opportunity to speak, during which she expressed gratitude to her boss for the chance to work with the organization. She also spoke about how much she had learned on the job and how the experience had helped her grow professionally. Her colleagues listened attentively as she spoke. Afterward, her boss responded by recalling how reserved and shy she had been when she first joined the company. This lighthearted remark caused laughter in the room, including from the woman herself, creating a brief moment of warmth and camaraderie. However, moments later, the atmosphere changed abruptly. The woman suddenly slumped to one side and collapsed, immediately causing panic among her colleag...

Russia Warns US and European Leaders Against Plan to Deploy Troops to Ukraine

Russia has issued a strong warning to the United States and European leaders over reported plans to deploy European soldiers to Ukraine, describing the proposal as dangerous and a direct threat to regional stability. The warning has further reduced hopes for a quick resolution to the conflict, which has now been ongoing for almost four years. European leaders and United States officials said this week that Ukraine would receive post war security guarantees once active hostilities come to an end. These assurances are expected to include a United States led monitoring and oversight framework, alongside a coalition of European countries tasked with helping to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after the fighting stops. However, Moscow has consistently rejected any proposal that would involve the deployment of troops from NATO countries or NATO aligned states on Ukrainian soil. Russian officials have repeatedly warned that such a move would amount to a serious escalati...

FG, U.S. Strike Arms Deal as Insurgents’ Clash Claims Scores in Borno

Scores of fighters have reportedly been killed following renewed clashes between rival insurgent groups, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, in parts of Sambisa Forest and the Mandara Mountains in Borno State. Security sources said the violence, which lasted for about a week, began on January 3, 2026, when ISWAP fighters launched coordinated attacks on Boko Haram camps around the Ali Ngulde axis of the Mandara Mountains. According to sources, the ISWAP offensive was led by two commanders identified as Jundullah and Ibn Hataf, but Boko Haram fighters mounted fierce resistance under the coordination of a field commander known as Abu-Rijal, also referred to as Ba-Sulhu. Dozens of ISWAP fighters were reportedly killed during the initial encounters, while others were captured. Several weapons, including rifles, a machine gun, and other arms and ammunition, were also recovered by Nigerian security forces. However, the balance of the fighting shifted days later. On J...

FG Secures Release of Nigerian Pastor Serving 10-Year Sentence in Benin Republic

The Federal Government has successfully secured the release of Nigerian national Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who was serving a 10-year prison sentence in the Republic of Benin. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, announced that Egbaji regained his freedom on Thursday, January 8, following a presidential pardon granted by Benin’s President Patrice Talon. The release was the result of months of intensive diplomatic engagement by Nigeria. Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, was convicted in July 2024 for the alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl, Bright Sarah Karls, in 2011. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $3,300 to the victim and another $3,300 to the Benin National Institute for Women’s Affairs. During his detention, Egbaji was initially confined under severe conditions at a hospital in Cotonou, where his health reportedly deteriorated over more than two years before he was eventually transferred...

Suspected Kidnappers Neutralized After Attempting to Seize Soldiers’ Weapons in Plateau State

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully neutralized suspected kidnappers in Plateau State after the suspects attempted to snatch a soldier’s rifle during a counter-kidnapping operation. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by security forces to combat criminal activities and protect vulnerable communities in the region. The operation followed an earlier raid on a suspected hideout near Lantom Village in Wase Local Government Area. During that raid, four suspects were arrested, and authorities recovered a locally made rifle, an axe, and a machete. Despite the arrests, two gang members managed to escape with an AK-47 rifle, prompting a follow-up operation. The suspects reportedly volunteered to guide troops to a hidden arms cache. However, during the operation, they attempted to seize a soldier’s weapon. Troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army acted swiftly, neutralizing the threat and preventing any harm to the soldiers. The Nigerian Army confirmed that follow-up operations...

Medical Director Refutes Claims About Regina Daniels’ Drug Test Result

A medical director has dismissed claims suggesting that actress Regina Daniels obtained a negative drug test result because she had previously detoxified or temporarily abstained from substance use. The clarification comes amid widespread speculation on social media following Daniels’ decision to publicly share the result of her test. Chidi A. Okoroafor addressed the claims in a Facebook post, criticizing those who suggested that Daniels’ negative result was the result of detoxification or a period of abstinence. In his post, Okoroafor wrote, "Once I hear 'she has gone abroad to detoxify/flush out the drugs before the test,' I mark myself and family safe from your generational ignorance." He went further to highlight the misconceptions surrounding drug testing and rehabilitation, adding, "No, na pregnancy she go flush. Ewi nta. Na so easy to flush out, and your relative dey go in and out of rehab every market day? And you and your family have not deemed it necess...

Lakurawa Fighters Attack Charcoal and Firewood Producers in Sokoto

Reports indicate that Lakurawa fighters have attacked charcoal and firewood producers on the outskirts of Mai-Kurhuna village in the Kebbe Forest area of Kebbe Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The incident has raised serious concerns about the security of communities in the region, particularly those dependent on forestry and small-scale trade for their livelihoods. The attack was disclosed on Thursday by conflict and crisis journalist Bakatsine, who regularly reports on insecurity in northwest Nigeria. According to the report, the assault resulted in civilian fatalities, widespread destruction of trucks and motorcycles, and the loss of livelihoods for those who survived. Survivors of the attack fled the forest and are appealing for immediate intervention by security agencies to prevent further attacks and restore safety in the affected area. Bakatsine wrote, "SAD NEWS: Lakurawa fighters reportedly attacked charcoal and firewood producers in the outskirts of Mai-Kurhuna villag...

Plateau Man Killed by Suspected Bandits

A 44-year-old man, Ayuba Choji, has been stabbed to death by suspected Fulani bandits in Plateau State, heightening fears about security in rural communities across the region. The incident occurred on Wednesday night along the Kumex Mararaba Foron axis of the Heipang Foron road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. According to residents, the area has been increasingly vulnerable to attacks in recent months. A community leader, Moses Dung, confirmed the attack in an interview on Thursday, explaining that the assailants had previously issued threats and demanded that locals vacate their homes before targeting Choji and his companion. "Before now, we have been receiving threats to leave our community. And last night, the assailants suddenly emerged from hiding and attacked two people moving on a motorcycle without provocation. They stabbed Ayuba Pam Choji, and sadly, he gave up the ghost," Dung said. The lone survivor, who was riding with Choji, recounted a harrowing experienc...