Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has disclosed that 183 worshippers were abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali on January 18 not 177 as earlier reported.
According to the Governor, 11 victims escaped during the attack, leaving 172 persons unaccounted for. Of that number, 83 later returned on their own, while 89 others were successfully rescued through a joint security operation.
Receiving the rescued victims at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, Governor Sani described the incident as unfortunate and unexpected, noting that security measures had been put in place to safeguard communities across the state.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support during the difficult period and commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their close collaboration and commitment, which he said ensured the safe rescue of the victims.
The Governor said his administration has commenced the construction of an access road to Kurmin Wali village, adding that plans are also underway to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre for the community.
He further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the state that a military base will be sited in the area to strengthen security and prevent a recurrence of the attack.
The Governor warned against the politicisation of insecurity, stressing that in Kaduna State, the government’s foremost priority remains the protection of lives and property, and the sanctity of human life.
The Vice-President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that some analysts and commentators have misinterpreted Ghana’s stated policy of using gold reserves to pay…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/red-cliff-in-havre-aubert-quebec-with-waves-in-the-ocean-in-the-st-lawrence-river.jpg?id=60314630&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>If you're planning a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/travel-advisory-canada-2025-vacation" target="_blank">summer getaway</a> but aren't looking to travel too far, you're not alone. </p><p>According to a <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/canadian-summer-travel-trends-revealed/" target="_blank">new Airbnb travel trends report</a>, many Canadians are choosing to stay closer to home this year, and three of the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/canadian-cities-european-travel" target="_blank">country's most in-demand summer destinations</a> are right here in Quebec.</p><p>The booking site says nearly 9 million domestic guest arrivals were recorded in 2024, which is up more than 40% since before the pandemic. That trend is expected to continue into the summer, with more people opting for cozy cabins, lakeside cottages, and off-the-grid escapes over big hotels and international tours.</p><p>The report, released May 22, lists the following top 10 trending Canadian destinations for summer 2025 based on recent booking data. Here's who made the cut:</p><h2>Canada's top trending summer destinations:</h2><ul><li>Magdalen Islands, QC</li><li>La Haute-Gaspésie, QC</li><li>Blue Mountain, ON</li><li>Matawinie, QC</li><li>Waterton Park, AB</li><li>Algonquin Park, ON</li><li>Falcon Lake, MB</li><li>St. John's, NL</li><li>Hubbards, NS</li><li>Winnipeg, MB</li></ul><h2>Quebec's hotspots</h2><h3>Magdalen Islands</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC9n_hyBUeW/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DC9n_hyBUeW/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Tucked out in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this dreamy archipelago is having a serious moment. People are flocking to its wide-open beaches, red cliffs, and Acadian vibes. Located about 1,200 km from Montreal, Îles-de-la-Madeleine is about as far from city life as you can get without leaving the province.</p><h3>La Haute-Gaspésie</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxAGOZAEeP/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxAGOZAEeP/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>This stretch along the St. Lawrence is pure road trip gold. With steep mountains on one side and crashing waves on the other, it's a rugged corner of Quebec that feels like another world — and at nearly 900 km from Montreal, it kind of is.</p><p>Bonus: it's also prime territory for hiking, camping, and lighthouse selfies.</p><h3>Matawinie</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BngXUDZh9f0/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BngXUDZh9f0/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Matawinie is a sweet spot for anyone craving nature without the crowds. It's part of the Lanaudière region, known for its rugged terrain, hidden waterfalls, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you're staying in a yurt, a treehouse, or a rustic chalet, it's the kind of place where you can really relax.</p><p>Plus, Montrealers can drive there and back on just one tank of gas.</p><p><br/></p><p>Airbnb also noted that travellers are leaning more toward meaningful, experience-focused trips this year. The app now features revamped tools like wishlists for group planning, highlights that show if a listing is a "Guest Favourite," and easier ways to browse by location or activity.</p><p>That doesn't mean people aren't heading abroad too, though. International bookings are also up, especially to sunny and scenic places across Europe. These are the top international destinations for Canadians this summer, according to Airbnb:</p><p><strong>Top international spots for Canadians in 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li> Thira, Greece</li> <li> Mexico City, Mexico</li> <li> Tokyo, Japan</li> <li> Bari, Italy</li> <li> Nord de Palma District, Spain</li> <li> Marrakesh, Morocco</li> <li> Funchal, Portugal</li> <li> Cascais, Portugal</li> <li> Chamonix, France</li> <li> Rio de Janeiro, Brazil</li> </ul> <p>So whether you're heading to the Maggies or making your way to the Med, one thing's clear: summer 2025 is shaping up to be all about slower travel, smarter planning, and finding places that actually feel like a break.</p>