I have always liked the polished demeanour of Senator Marco Rubio. Not for him the belligerence of some others who see themselves as avatars of the Republican crusade against the woke people in the progressive Democratic camp who must be shouted down with all the vigour that could be mustered. And I do not think or believe that this mild and milder disposition detracts in any significant sense from his convictions about the Republican and conservative principles and values which he shares and tries to embody publicly. Rather he comes through as a more thoughtful person, not only desirous of maintaining cordial relationships with others, but ready to listen to them and endeavour to work out things in a bipartisan way without sacrificing his own core beliefs and values. This has made him to be able to have and maintain good relationships with many Democratic Party senators even while remaining a Republican Party star!

The depth and relevance of the polished nature and disposition of Marco Rubio could not but find abundant expression and display when the U.S. Senate historically confirmed Rubio with 99-0 unanimous vote as secretary of state just hours after President Trump took his oath of office January 20, 2025; thus making the Miami native, to be sworn in to a role that stretches back to Thomas Jefferson, the first U.S. secretary of state, and is now the highest-ranking Hispanic American official in U.S. history; and the first cabinet member who was confirmed in the second Trump Administration.

What was significant here was that quite uncharacteristically, his nomination drew strong support from a number of Senate Democrats, who called their colleague highly qualified for the role. During his confirmation hearing, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called Rubio “well-qualified to serve as Secretary of State,” which commendation and support was unprecedented coming from the other side of the aisle.

As he traverses the international landscape since assumption of office, Rubio has remained his debonair self, polished in his deliveries, always ready to listen to the other side and always shows in his responses that he could see and understand the point of view of others without losing sight of or necessarily lessening the US position. In a fair but true acknowledgment of the positivity that Rubio radiates and brings to the processes of US foreign relations because of his polished disposition, Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has this to say: “I am confident that if anyone can end this war, it’s President Trump. And Marco is the right man to help ensure it is done in a way that guarantees security and stability for Ukraine, the U.S., and our allies, and prevents Russia from launching another war; though this is one of the hardest jobs in America, I am confident you are the right person we need to take on these threats.”

There is every reason to believe that America is fortunate to have a person with the positive and polished disposition of Marco Rubio at the head of its foreign relations infrastructure and bureaucracy at this point of unprecedented changes in the workings of the international system. It is a reflection of the abiding importance of shared values and aspirations that there are people like Rubio who are able to relate to others well without sacrificing or jettisoning personal and organizational values and positions. It shows that it is not impossible to want to listen to others and to really be able to show that there is a common humanity holding all together in spite of differences which could serve as basis for greater good and understanding in the world. Rubio is showing that there is more to life than belligerence and that listening to others does not detract from us in the last analysis or take away our conviction or make us less committed to goals and principles and values.

** Olaitan, Professor of Political Science, was Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

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The Trump administration is pausing all aid to Ukraine, including weapons in transit or in Poland, until Ukrainian leaders show more appreciation for U.S. support and a commitment to peace, Fox News has learned. 

The pause comes days after a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump in the White House over how to end the three-year conflict initiated by Russia. 

"President Trump has been clear that he is focused on peace," a White House official told Fox News. "We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution."

A senior Trump administration official also told Fox News that military aid will remain on hold until Ukrainian leaders show a commitment to good faith peace negotiations.

"This is not permanent termination of aid, it's a pause," the official emphasized. "The orders are going out right now."

The official said Monday's move was in response to Zelenskyy's conduct over the last week.

Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance last week erupted into a shouting match that was seen worldwide. The Ukrainian president traveled to the United States to meet with Trump after the commander-in-chief said a peace negotiation to end the war between Ukraine and Russia is in its final stages. 

Zelenskyy was apparently presented with a minerals for security agreement by the Trump administration prior to the press event, but the deal included no security guarantees to protect Ukraine from another Russian invasion. 

Minutes after reporters in the Oval Office asked their first questions, an aggressive spat unfolded between the heads of state.

"We cannot just sign an … agreement without any substantial guarantees," one Ukrainian defense advisor told Fox News Digital. "It’s not going to work. It’s just going to reward the aggressor."

Zelenskyy’s refusal to sign a deal apparently contributed to the ire of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.  The Ukrainian leader pointed out that Russia never stopped attacking Ukraine between 2014 and 2022, four years of which included Trump’s first term. 

"Nobody stopped him you know," Zelenskyy said, adding that Russian President Putin repeatedly violated bilateral agreements. 

Trump then accused Zelenskyy of "gambling with World War Three" as the Ukrainian president pushed back at suggestions that he should work harder to reach a ceasefire with Vladimir Putin.

Following the heated exchange, Zelenskyy refused to apologize when asked by Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier. 

"Mr. President, do you think your relationship with Donald Trump — President Trump — after today can be salvaged?" Baier asked Zelenskyy.

"Yes, of course, because it's relations more than two presidents. It's the historical relations, strong relations between our people, and that's why I always began… to thank your people from our people," Zelenskyy said during an exclusive interview Friday on "Special Report."

"Of course, thankful to the president, and, of course, to Congress, but first of all, to your people. Your people helped save our people… we wanted very much to have all these strong relations, and where it counted, we will have it."

The Biden administration gave billions in military aid to Ukraine to fend off Russian forces amid its three-year war following Moscow's invasion of its neighbor. 

When asked Monday about the status of the rare-earth minerals deal, Trump told reporters that he would disclose where the deal stands when he addresses a joint session of Congress Tuesday in a speech akin to the annual State of the Union. He added that he would like to see the Ukrainian leader express more gratitude for U.S. support during the war in order to rekindle peace negotiations. 

"I just think he should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with him through thick and thin," Trump said. "We’ve given them much more than Europe, and Europe should have given more than us because, as you know, that’s right there, that’s the border." 

Fox News

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has implemented significant price reductions for premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at its retail outlets nationwide.

In Abuja, prices have dropped by N85 per litre, from N965 to N880. This was confirmed at the NNPC retail outlet in Federal Housing, Kubwa, where a pump attendant stated the price change took effect Monday afternoon.

Lagos consumers will benefit from even lower prices, with NNPC stations at Irawo, Ransco bus stop on Ikorodu Road and along Idimu Road now selling petrol at N860 per litre. This follows an earlier reduction in Lagos from N960 to N945 per litre on February 13.

The latest price cuts come shortly after Dangote Petroleum Refinery lowered its ex-depot price to N825 per litre—the refinery's second reduction in February. Dangote had previously decreased prices from N950 to N890 earlier in the month, representing a total reduction of N125 per litre since January.

Other filling stations have also adjusted their prices accordingly, with MRS now selling at N860 per litre and Heyden stations at N865 per litre in Lagos.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In a series of escalating attacks, Boko Haram terrorists have struck again in northern Nigeria, leaving a trail of death and abduction. In Niger State, 11 people were killed in a midnight raid on a gold mining site, while in Borno State, a prominent university professor was abducted along a major highway.

Midnight Massacre in Niger State

On February 27, 2025, terrorists believed to be from the Mallam Sadiku-led faction of Boko Haram launched a brutal attack on a gold mining site in Karaga, a village near the Alawa forest reserve in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The assailants killed 11 artisanal miners, most of whom were from the garrison town of Bassa and its surrounding hamlets. The victims were reportedly asleep when the attackers struck, sparing only women and minors aged 10 to 12, according to a local vigilante who spoke anonymously.

The attack is suspected to be retaliation for a failed assault on Bassa in October 2024, where five Boko Haram members, including an IED expert, were killed. Since then, the group has resorted to guerrilla tactics, planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and targeting villages with little to no military presence. In December 2024 alone, at least four IED attacks killed three people and injured four others.

The mining site attack highlights the ongoing vulnerability of artisanal miners in the region. Despite a state government ban on illegal mining, activities continue in terror-ravaged areas like Kurebe. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting mining sites in Niger State. In June 2022, terrorists killed 30 soldiers and kidnapped four Chinese expatriates in Ajata-Aboki, Shiroro LGA. More recently, on August 21, 2024, 13 miners were killed in Unguwar Magiro, Rafi LGA, an area previously affected by lead poisoning.

Professor Abducted in Borno State

Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted Abubakar Eljuma, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), along with other passengers near Kamuya village on the Damaturu-Biu road. The incident occurred on March 2, 2025, as the professor was returning from Maiduguri, where he had visited his family. He was reportedly on his way to attend a meeting at the university when the abduction took place.

The terrorists, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), released all female passengers but held the male captives, including Eljuma, who is among 30 candidates vying for the position of vice chancellor at NAUB. The university community has expressed deep concern over the incident, which has heightened tensions in the region.

This abduction is the latest in a series of violent incidents along the Damaturu-Biu road, which has become a hotspot for terrorist activities. Five months prior, an academic staff member from the Department of Building was killed on the same road while returning from Maiduguri.

A Growing Crisis

These attacks underscore the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and its factions in northern Nigeria. Despite military efforts to curb their activities, the group continues to exploit vulnerabilities in remote areas, targeting both civilians and high-profile individuals. As the region grapples with these challenges, calls for enhanced security measures and community resilience have grown louder, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when many are praying for the safe release of those abducted.

Egypt's alternative to Trump's 'Gaza Riviera' aims to sideline Hamas

A plan for Gaza drawn up by Egypt as a counter to U.S. President Donald Trump's ambition for a Middle East Riviera would sideline Hamas and replace it with interim bodies controlled by Arab, Muslim and Western states, according to a draft seen by Reuters.

The Egyptian vision for Gaza, which is due to be presented at an Arab League summit on Tuesday, does not specify whether the proposal would be implemented before or after any permanent peace deal to end the war triggered by the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.

Trump's plan, which envisioned clearing Gaza of its Palestinian inhabitants, appeared to back away from long-standing U.S. Middle East policy focused on a two-state solution and sparked anger among Palestinians and Arab nations.

Who will run Gaza after the conflict remains the great unanswered question in negotiations over the future of the enclave. Hamas has so far rejected the idea of any proposal being imposed on Palestinians by other states.

Cairo's plan does not tackle critical issues such as who will foot the bill for Gaza's reconstruction or outline any specific details around how Gaza would be governed, nor how an armed group as powerful as Hamas would be pushed aside.

Under the Egyptian plan, a Governance Assistance Mission would replace the Hamas-run government in Gaza for an unspecified interim period and would be responsible for humanitarian aid and for kick-starting reconstruction of the enclave, which has been devastated by the war.

"There will be no major international funding for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza if Hamas remains the dominant and armed political element on the ground controlling local governance," a preamble outlining the draft Egyptian plan's objectives said.

Details of Egypt's proposed framework for Gaza's future have not been previously reported.

Egypt, Jordan and Gulf Arab states have for almost a month been scrambling to formulate a diplomatic offensive to counter Trump's plan. A number of ideas have been proposed, with Egypt's considered the frontrunner.

Reuters was unable to determine whether Arab leaders would support the plan presented by Egypt.

The plan does not specify who would run the governance mission. It said it would, "draw on the expertise of Palestinians in Gaza and elsewhere to help Gaza recover as quickly as possible".

The draft proposal was shared with Reuters by an official involved in Gaza negotiations who wished to remain anonymous because the draft has not yet been made public.

The plan firmly rejects the U.S. proposal for mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which Arab states such as Egypt and Jordan see as a security threat.

"President Trump has been clear that Hamas cannot continue to govern Gaza," White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said when asked about Egypt's Gaza plan and whether the U.S. would support it.

"While the President stands by his bold vision for a post-war Gaza, he welcomes input from our Arab partners in the region. It's clear his proposals have driven the region to come to the table rather than allow this issue to devolve into further crisis," Hughes said.

STABILISATION FORCE

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the group knows of no such proposal by Egypt.

"The day after in Gaza must only be decided by the Palestinians," he said. "Hamas rejects any attempt to impose projects or any form of non-Palestinian administration, or the presence of any foreign forces on the land of the Gaza Strip."

The Egyptian draft does not mention future elections.

Egypt's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, nor did the office of Israel's prime minister, whose support for any plan is seen as vital to secure a commitment that any future reconstruction will not be destroyed again.

Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has ruled the coastal enclave since 2007. It launched the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and started the Gaza war.

A January 19 ceasefire brought a temporary end to the fighting but the first phase of the deal expired on Saturday with no sign of an agreement to move to the second phase.

The Egyptian draft does not tackle the issue of what actions could be taken if Hamas refuses to disarm or step aside from politics.

The proposal envisions an International Stabilisation Force drawn primarily from Arab states that would take over the role of providing security from the militant group, with the eventual establishment of a new local police force.

Both security and governance bodies would be "arranged, guided and supervised" by a steering board. The draft said the board would comprise key Arab countries, members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the United States, Britain, the European Union and its member states, and others.

The plan does not detail a central governing role for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which opinion polls show has little support among Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

A Palestinian official told Reuters that, like the West Bank, Gaza falls under the PA's jurisdiction - and it must be run by Palestinians.

"We agreed with the Egyptians on a committee made of Palestinian experts that will help the Palestinian Authority in running the Gaza Strip for six months. The committee is made of Palestinian experts and coordinates with the PA, and doesn't answer to non-Palestinian bodies," said the official, who asked not to be named for sensitivity.

RECONSTRUCTION BILL

Since Hamas drove the Palestinian Authority out of Gaza after a brief civil war in 2007, it has crushed all opposition there. Supported by Iran, it built an extensive security apparatus and military organization based around a vast network of tunnels - much of which Israel says it has now destroyed.

The plan does not say who would pay to rebuild Gaza, a bill estimated by the U.N. at more than $53 billion. Two sources have told Reuters that Gulf and Arab states would need to commit at least $20 billion in the initial phase of reconstruction.

Egypt's proposal envisions that states on the steering board could establish a fund to support the interim governing body and arrange donor conferences to seek contributions for a longer-term reconstruction and development plan for Gaza.

The plan does not contain any specific financial pledges.

Oil- and gas-producing Gulf Arab states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could be vital sources of funding from the region.

The United Arab Emirates, for instance, sees Hamas and other militant groups as an existential threat and is unlikely to offer any funding until Hamas has been sidelined.

The foreign ministries in Qatar and the UAE and Saudi Arabia's international media office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Egypt's plan, or to questions about their willingness to commit funds to rebuild Gaza.

The draft plan also calls on the steering board to coordinate with a Civil Society Advisory Board, consisting of academics, NGO leaders and other notable figures.

Reuters

I have always liked the polished demeanour of Senator Marco Rubio. Not for him the belligerence of some others who see themselves as avatars of the Republican crusade against the woke people in the progressive Democratic camp who must be shouted down with all the vigour that could be mustered. And I do not think or believe that this mild and milder disposition detracts in any significant sense from his convictions about the Republican and conservative principles and values which he shares and tries to embody publicly. Rather he comes through as a more thoughtful person, not only desirous of maintaining cordial relationships with others, but ready to listen to them and endeavour to work out things in a bipartisan way without sacrificing his own core beliefs and values. This has made him to be able to have and maintain good relationships with many Democratic Party senators even while remaining a Republican Party star!

The depth and relevance of the polished nature and disposition of Marco Rubio could not but find abundant expression and display when the U.S. Senate historically confirmed Rubio with 99-0 unanimous vote as secretary of state just hours after President Trump took his oath of office January 20, 2025; thus making the Miami native, to be sworn in to a role that stretches back to Thomas Jefferson, the first U.S. secretary of state, and is now the highest-ranking Hispanic American official in U.S. history; and the first cabinet member who was confirmed in the second Trump Administration.

What was significant here was that quite uncharacteristically, his nomination drew strong support from a number of Senate Democrats, who called their colleague highly qualified for the role. During his confirmation hearing, New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called Rubio “well-qualified to serve as Secretary of State,” which commendation and support was unprecedented coming from the other side of the aisle.

As he traverses the international landscape since assumption of office, Rubio has remained his debonair self, polished in his deliveries, always ready to listen to the other side and always shows in his responses that he could see and understand the point of view of others without losing sight of or necessarily lessening the US position. In a fair but true acknowledgment of the positivity that Rubio radiates and brings to the processes of US foreign relations because of his polished disposition, Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has this to say: “I am confident that if anyone can end this war, it’s President Trump. And Marco is the right man to help ensure it is done in a way that guarantees security and stability for Ukraine, the U.S., and our allies, and prevents Russia from launching another war; though this is one of the hardest jobs in America, I am confident you are the right person we need to take on these threats.”

There is every reason to believe that America is fortunate to have a person with the positive and polished disposition of Marco Rubio at the head of its foreign relations infrastructure and bureaucracy at this point of unprecedented changes in the workings of the international system. It is a reflection of the abiding importance of shared values and aspirations that there are people like Rubio who are able to relate to others well without sacrificing or jettisoning personal and organizational values and positions. It shows that it is not impossible to want to listen to others and to really be able to show that there is a common humanity holding all together in spite of differences which could serve as basis for greater good and understanding in the world. Rubio is showing that there is more to life than belligerence and that listening to others does not detract from us in the last analysis or take away our conviction or make us less committed to goals and principles and values.

** Olaitan, Professor of Political Science, was Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.

For feedback, kindly send SMS/Whatsapp messages to:

+234 807 083 7212

At age 15, I got my second-ever job as a cashier at a fast-food restaurant. I hated clocking in every day — the thick smell of burgers and old frying oil made me sick, and customers were often rude, especially during the lunch rush and at the drive-thru. That made it difficult to apply myself. 
But Indeed CEO Chris Hyams says even a fast-food cashier role can be fulfilling if you have the right attitude.
Growing up, his grandfather gave him a cardinal piece of career advice that he still holds on to today: “Every job is the most important job in the world, and you should treat every job as if it’s the most important job in the world.”
After graduating college, Hyams worked with young addicts and alcoholics in a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital. He later moved to Vermont and couldn’t find another role in the recovery industry, so he spent two years teaching special education at a public high school, he says. 
Hyams tried multiple other jobs, too. He worked full-time at his grandpa’s small production business while being a drummer in five bands on the side. “Tried to become a rockstar. Failed. Would do it all over again,” Hyams’ LinkedIn profile currently reads.
He went back to school, getting a master’s degree in computer science, and worked as a software developer at a tech company called Trilogy — where he rose to become vice president of product development, according to his LinkedIn profile. He launched and shuttered a tech startup before landing another VP role at Indeed in 2010.
″[My grandfather] told my brothers and I, at a very young age, that work is a sacred thing. ... It’s more than a paycheck,” Hyams says. “It’s where you find meaning and purpose in your life. ... It doesn’t matter if you’re an astronaut or sweeping the floor at NASA. [Work] is where we get pride and dignity.”
Looking back on that fast-food job, I can honestly say it wasn’t all bad. I was friendly with a lot of my coworkers and had a couple of regulars who I’d chat with on Saturday mornings as they sipped their coffee. I took pride in being the go-to ice cream cone maker.
Perhaps if I focused on those positives a bit more, I’d have been able to put the same effort into my job that Hyams puts into his, and I may have actually enjoyed coming to work.

CNBC

The Nigerian stock market closed February 2025 on a positive note, with the All-Share Index rising 3.18% to reach 107,821.39 points by month-end, up from 104,496.12 points at the beginning of the month. This gain was driven primarily by steady performance in mid-cap stocks.

Despite the index growth, trading volume declined to 9.2 billion shares, representing a 27.30% decrease from January's 12.6 billion shares. Market capitalization, however, showed robust growth, increasing from N64.7 trillion to N67.1 trillion during the month.

Market Performance

The market maintained positive momentum throughout most of February, with the All-Share Index surging above 108,000 points in the second week. After moderate gains in the third week, the index retreated slightly in the final week, closing at 107,821 points.

Key Highlights

The NGX Premium Index recorded a notable 7.43% gain, boosted by DANGOTE CEMENT's impressive 20%+ increase, alongside smaller advances in LAFARGE and MTNN. The NGX 30 Index also posted a 1.55% increase.

Sectorial Performance

The Industrial Goods Index emerged as the standout performer, climbing 10% on the back of substantial gains in DANGOTE CEMENT and BETAGLASS. The Consumer Goods Index also performed well, rising by 1.70%.

In contrast, the Oil & Gas Index declined by 4%, dragged down by OANDO's 15.13% drop. The Banking and Insurance sectors also fell, slipping by 2.07% and 0.87% respectively.

Top Gainers

PZ CUSSONS led the gainers with a remarkable 53.91% increase, closely followed by UPDC at 53.48%. Other significant gainers included ETERNA (52.17%), HONEYWELL FLOUR MILLS (43.00%), and LIVESTOCK (40.19%).

Top Losers

UNION DICON SALT topped the losers' list with a 28% decline, matched by LEARN AFRICA's identical 28% drop. Other notable decliners included EUNISELL INTERLINKED (27%), UNIVERSITY PRESS (18.75%), and DARRCOMM (17.95%).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has claimed that Nigerian elections are heavily influenced by money, suggesting that those with sufficient financial resources can secure electoral victory. Udenwa, who served as Imo State's governor from 1999 to 2007, made these remarks during an appearance on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by popular On-Air Personality Edmund Obilo.

Expressing concern over the role of money in Nigeria's electoral process, Udenwa criticized the declining moral standards in the country's political landscape. He lamented that voters no longer prioritize a candidate's track record, character, or capabilities. "If you say 'vote for me,' people no longer ask what you can do, what your antecedents are, or what kind of character you have. These questions are no longer considered," he said.

Udenwa went further to assert that even if voters do not support a candidate, money can still ensure victory. "If you have the right amount of money, you can buy your way through," he stated. When asked whether politicians could influence institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the army, and even the electorate, Udenwa responded bluntly, "You can buy everybody."

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Udenwa also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exacerbating the internal crisis within the PDP. While acknowledging that the PDP faces its own challenges, he claimed that external forces are actively working to destabilize the party. "There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources. We are still battling this problem, but I believe the PDP will not be destroyed," he said.

Udenwa's comments highlight growing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system and the influence of money in politics.

In a daring early-morning raid, gunmen masquerading as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives abducted ten individuals from White Hill Hotel on Shiroro Road in Chanchaga Local Government Area, Niger State. The incident, reported by Zagazola Makama—a publication specializing in counter-insurgency in the Lake Chad region—took place at approximately 4:58 a.m. on February 27.

According to the report, the assailants, dressed as EFCC officials conducting an authorized operation, stormed the hotel and disabled its CCTV surveillance system. They then systematically entered guests’ rooms, abducting ten people and fleeing to an undisclosed location.

Makama quoted authorities urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, while efforts are underway to uncover the details of the incident. The assistant commissioner of police from the State Intelligence Department confirmed to the publication that an investigation has been launched to identify the culprits and rescue the victims.