EXPERTMATTER

At least 146 people are now known to have died in the devastating fire that tore through high-rise buildings in Hong Kong on Wednesday. Police announced the new death toll on Sunday, cautioning that they "cannot rule out the possibility of further fatalities". There still 150 people missing, and the blaze left 79 injured. Seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northerly Tai Po district rapidly went up in flames. Accusations that the fire was spread by flammable construction materials have sparked widespread anger. Three days of national mourning started on Saturday, and thousands have gathered at the scene to mourn the victims. There have been queues stretching a long as 2km (1.2 miles), as people wait to lay flowers and handwritten notes.

Armed bandits on Sunday attacked a church service in Ejiba, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State , abducting several worshippers. The attack reportedly occurred at a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church, according to a community-based news outlet. Church members dispersed in fear as the assailants advanced, but the church leader, popularly known as Orlando, his wife and several others were taken away during the assault. The incident triggered widespread panic as worshippers fled the church, adding to growing security concerns across parts of Kogi State. Only a day earlier, reports said another group of armed men attacked the Isanlu Makutu–Idofin route in Yagba East Local Government Area, forcing residents and travellers to flee to safety. Witnesses said the Saturday afternoon attack created panic throughout the area.