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Separatists promote conspiracy over Nigeria army killings

Almost a week after the video of the brutal murder of two Nigerian soldiers, Gloria Matthew and her fiancé Linus Musa Audu, along with two of his relatives first appeared on social media, a conspiracy theory that the killings were staged is going viral on social media in Nigeria.

The BBC Disinformation Unit has confirmed from family sources that the couple and their relatives were indeed killed in the Orlu axis of Imo State, south-east Nigeria on 30 April 2022.

A family member of the couple with first-hand knowledge of the incident told the BBC in an interview that the killing occurred after they were waylaid by four armed youths “who emerged from the bush” not far from Banana Junction in Orlu.

Conspiracists and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) separatist group on social media are actively pushing the narrative that the video was doctored and the killings actually occurred in Cameroon.

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The claim was first posted on Facebook on 7 May by a user with the name Chidi Cali.

The post garnered 1,700 comments and 1,000 shares in 24 hours.

However, careful observation of the video shows no evidence to indicate that the audio was added to the video as the conspiracies suggest.

Private Matthew is clearly seen responding to the commands of the voice of a man that appears to be the leader of the armed men. Also, the ambience of the video confirms that it has not been edited. A synchronisation of movements and sounds is clearly defined.

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Pte Matthew joined the Nigerian Army in 2019 and Warrant Officer Audu recently retired, according to the family source.

“The leader of the armed men ordered that they be shot for being Hausa, their enemies. They were killed in front of Gloria’s 10-year-old daughter and her mother. They even wanted to kill the daughter, claiming that she was born by a Hausa father, but her grandmother pleaded with them, explaining that Gloria gave birth to her before joining the army,” the family member said.

Army spokesperson Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu had earlier confirmed the murder of the soldiers.

Gen Nwachukwu confirmed what the source told the BBC and said that they were working to bring the killers to justice. The Nigerian Army and President Muhammadu Buhari have accused Ipob and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of the killings. Ipob has denied responsibility.

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These killings are some of the latest in Nigeria’s south-east, where armed men have targeted security officials and civilians. More than two dozen security officials and civilians have been killed in attacks by gunmen in the area between January and April.

Source: BBC/Africa

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Harris’ pick highlights the power of social media — but it may make the electoral math harder

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hadn’t been in the top tier of potential running mates for Kamala Harris until the past few weeks. But his selection to join the vice president on the Democratic ticket underscores both the power of social media and of being relatively affable and nondivisive.

The fact that Harris selected a candidate who does well online shouldn’t be surprising — this is the campaign that has embraced “coconut tree” and “brat.”

But is the Walz pick indicative of a campaign that is too online?

That’s a fair question given that Harris skipped over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in favor of Walz. Shapiro, who was long seen as a front-runner for the vice presidential pick, divided a lot of the online left over his perceived views on the Israelis and Palestinians.

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Notably, Walz shares many of those same views but received far less backlash than Shapiro, who is Jewish.

One of the first rules when it comes to a vice presidential pick is to “Do no harm.” Harris likely did no harm with this pick. The big question now is whether she left points on the board by choosing Walz over Shapiro.

Minnesota is likely not going to be competitive this fall. No Republican nominee for president has carried the state since 1972, and polling in the North Star State since Harris entered the race has shown that the streak is likely to continue.

Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is almost certainly a must-win state for Harris. In fact, it is probably the most important swing state this cycle, and the polling there has been very tight.

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Shapiro holds a 61% favorable rating in Pennsylvania and outperformed Biden’s 2020 baseline by 14 points in 2022.

What we can say, though, is that Walz is not likely to help Harris with many swing voters. He did less than a point better than Biden in Minnesota when he won reelection in 2022. In fact, Shapiro seems to have done better with White voters without a college degree in Pennsylvania than Walz did with the same demographic in his state two years ago.

Analysis from CNN’s Harry Enten

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How Staying Informed Gives You the Edge in the Crypto World

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, staying informed is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. The crypto landscape is marked by rapid price fluctuations, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a multitude of new projects and tokens emerging daily. Those who stay informed are better equipped to make informed decisions, spot opportunities, and avoid pitfalls in this volatile market. In this article, we will explore the importance of staying informed in the crypto world and provide insights into how to do so effectively.

The Importance of Staying Informed

  1. Mitigating Risk: Cryptocurrency markets are notorious for their volatility. Prices can skyrocket one day and plummet the next. Staying informed allows investors to react swiftly to market developments, reducing the risk of significant losses. Being aware of potential regulatory changes or security vulnerabilities can prevent unpleasant surprises.
  2. Identifying Investment Opportunities: The crypto market is not just about Bitcoin and Ethereum. Thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens offer unique features and investment potential. Staying informed helps investors identify promising projects and seize opportunities before they become mainstream.
  3. Understanding Technology: Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are highly complex. Staying informed enables enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of the underlying technology, which can be useful when evaluating projects or participating in discussions within the crypto community.
  4. Navigating Regulatory Changes: Regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies vary worldwide and are subject to change. Staying informed about regulatory developments is crucial for compliance and avoiding legal issues, especially for those involved in cryptocurrency businesses.
  5. Avoiding Scams: The crypto space has its fair share of scams and fraudulent schemes. Being well-informed can help individuals recognize and steer clear of such scams, protecting their investments and personal information.
  6. Participating in Community Discussions: Cryptocurrency enthusiasts often engage in active discussions and debates about various projects, technologies, and market trends. Staying informed allows individuals to contribute meaningfully to these discussions and build valuable connections in the crypto community.

How to Stay Informed in the Crypto World

Staying informed in the crypto world requires a proactive approach. Here are some effective strategies to keep up-to-date with the latest developments:

1. Follow Credible Crypto News Websites:

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One of the most straightforward ways to stay informed is by regularly visiting credible crypto news websites. These platforms provide a wealth of information, including market updates, project news, regulatory changes, and expert analyses. Some reputable crypto news websites include:

  • Miami Crypto: Miami Crypto is a news website dedicated to covering the latest news and events in the cryptocurrency industry in Miami and beyond. They provide readers with informative and unbiased reporting on everything from Bitcoin to altcoins, ICOs to DeFi, AI, and more. Miami Crypto is committed to providing readers with the most up-to-date information on the cryptocurrency industry in Miami, enabling them to make informed decisions about their investments.
  • CoinDesk: CoinDesk is a well-established source for crypto and blockchain news. It covers a wide range of topics, from market trends to technology advancements, and features expert opinions and in-depth analyses.
  • Cointelegraph: Cointelegraph is another highly respected crypto news outlet. It offers comprehensive coverage of the crypto space, including breaking news, interviews, and educational content.
  • CryptoSlate: CryptoSlate focuses on delivering timely news and accurate information about the crypto and blockchain industry. It also provides data on various cryptocurrencies and ICOs.
  • The Block: The Block is known for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on crypto-related topics. It covers not only news but also research and analysis.
  • Decrypt: Decrypt specializes in making complex crypto and blockchain topics accessible to a broader audience. It features news, guides, and explanations of key concepts.

2. Join Crypto Communities:

Engaging with crypto communities can be an excellent way to stay informed and connected with like-minded individuals. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord host various crypto-related groups and forums where enthusiasts discuss news, share insights and provide valuable information.

  • Reddit (r/CryptoCurrency): The r/CryptoCurrency subreddit is a vibrant community with millions of members. It features news updates, discussions, and insights from crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
  • Twitter: Many prominent figures in the crypto industry regularly share news and insights on Twitter. Following key influencers and industry experts can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments.
  • Discord: Discord hosts numerous crypto-related servers and communities. These platforms often have dedicated channels for news and discussions, making it easy to engage with the crypto community.

3. Podcasts and YouTube Channels:

If you prefer audiovisual content, consider subscribing to crypto-focused podcasts and YouTube channels. Many industry experts and enthusiasts host informative shows and interviews that provide valuable insights into the crypto world.

  • “The Pomp Podcast” by Anthony Pompliano: This podcast features interviews with some of the most influential figures in the crypto space, providing in-depth insights into their perspectives and predictions.
  • “Unchained” by Laura Shin: Laura Shin’s podcast covers a wide range of topics related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. She interviews experts and explores the latest developments in the industry.
  • YouTube Channels (DataDash, Ivan on Tech, Crypto Zombie): These YouTube channels provide regular updates on market trends, technical analysis, and project reviews, making them valuable resources for crypto enthusiasts.

4. Read Whitepapers and Documentation:

For a deeper understanding of specific blockchain projects and cryptocurrencies, it’s essential to read their whitepapers and documentation. Whitepapers contain detailed information about a project’s goals, technology, and use cases. This information can be critical when evaluating potential investments.

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5. Attend Conferences and Webinars:

Cryptocurrency and blockchain conferences and webinars are excellent opportunities to learn from industry experts, discover new projects, and network with like-minded individuals. Many conferences have moved online, making them accessible to a global audience.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, staying informed is the key to success. It not only helps mitigate risks but also opens doors to exciting opportunities and a deeper understanding of the technology. By following credible news websites like Miami Crypto, engaging with crypto communities, exploring podcasts and YouTube channels, reading whitepapers, and attending conferences, individuals can equip themselves with the knowledge and insights needed to thrive in the crypto world. Remember, in crypto, knowledge truly is power, and staying informed gives you the edge you need to navigate this ever-evolving landscape.

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