More than 10,000 people died across Europe during the record-breaking heatwave that swept through the western part of the continent in June, with the overwhelming majority of the victims being elderly people, according to new mortality data.

Figures released by EuroMOMO, a mortality monitoring network supported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), showed that 10,650 excess deaths were recorded across 27 European countries during the week of June 22 to 28, when temperatures peaked in France, Spain, the United Kingdom and several other nations.

Of the total, more than 9,000 deaths occurred among people aged 65 years and above, underscoring the devastating impact of extreme heat on older populations.

EuroMOMO said the excess mortality was far above seasonal expectations, noting that the combined mortality across the same countries had, in the preceding eight weeks, averaged about 500 fewer deaths per week than normal.

Chief Physician at Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut, which hosts EuroMOMO, Lasse Vestergaard, described the mortality surge as highly unusual.

“To have this kind of excess at this time of year is unusual. It’s really high,” Vestergaard said, adding that it was difficult to attribute the spike in deaths to anything other than the extreme heat.

Health experts explained that extreme heat can prove fatal by triggering heat stroke or worsening cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with older people among the most vulnerable.

Scientists also linked the unprecedented heatwave to human-induced climate change, saying such an event would have been “virtually impossible” without global warming, which has made heatwaves more frequent, longer-lasting and more intense.

The data covered deaths from all causes rather than only those directly linked to heat. However, researchers said there were no major concurrent events, such as COVID-19 outbreaks, that could explain the sharp increase in mortality.

The late-June heatwave crippled parts of Europe, disrupting electricity supplies, forcing school closures and shattering temperature records in France, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Although EuroMOMO does not publish country-specific mortality figures, it reported that France and Belgium recorded “very high excess” mortality during the final week of June. Belgium’s public health institute, Sciensano, said the country’s excess mortality was the highest recorded during any heatwave since records began in 2000.

In a separate study published on Monday, researchers from Imperial College London, the UK Met Office and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated that about 2,700 people died from heat-related causes in England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves.

The study further found that 42 per cent of those deaths were attributable to the additional heat generated by human-caused climate change, reinforcing growing concerns over the escalating human cost of global warming across Europe.

The management of Rivers State University (RSU) has reinforced its ban on final-year sign-out celebrations within the university community, warning that any student or visitor who violates the directive will face disciplinary action.

In an internal memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Acting Registrar, Dr. Idanyingi I. Daminabo, the university said the decision followed increasing incidents of unruly behaviour, public disturbances and security concerns associated with sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The management recalled that a similar prohibition was introduced last year, stressing that the directive remains in force and is aimed at protecting lives and property, preserving security and maintaining a peaceful academic environment.

Under the renewed directive, all final-year sign-out activities have been outlawed before, during and after the final examination period anywhere within the university community.

The university also prohibited students from wearing white shirts, white tops, jeans or any attire designed for sign-out celebrations, including writing, signing or scribbling on clothing.

To prevent gatherings linked to the celebrations, the institution barred parents, guardians, relatives, friends, photographers and other visitors from entering the campus for sign-out activities.

The management further banned the bringing into the university of cash for spraying, money bouquets, cakes, flowers, balloons, food, drinks, gift items and other celebratory materials.

It also outlawed activities capable of disrupting peace on campus, including splashing water, spraying substances, throwing powders or money, playing loud music, dancing in processions, blocking roads or engaging in any conduct that could cause disorder, intimidation, injury or damage to persons or property.

In addition, the university prohibited reckless driving, speeding, drifting, convoy movements, motorcycle stunts, excessive use of vehicle horns, sirens, security escorts and other dangerous vehicular displays within the campus.

The memorandum directed university security personnel and other designated officials to ensure strict enforcement of the directive across all campuses.

The Atlantic Bell reports that heads of campuses, provosts, deans, directors and heads of departments were also mandated to enforce compliance within their respective units.

The management warned that where a violation occurs and the offender is not identified or reported, the head of the affected department would be held accountable for failure to enforce the directive.

The university emphasised that any student or person found violating the order would be sanctioned in accordance with the institution’s rules and regulations.

Management reminded graduating students that the university’s convocation ceremony remains the only officially recognised platform for celebrating the successful completion of their academic programmes, urging them to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the values and reputation of the institution.

The Atlantic Bell further reports that the directive, according to the memorandum, takes immediate effect.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), seeking a court order compelling the electoral umpire to investigate allegations that governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) diverted about ₦800 billion from Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations to finance political and campaign activities.

In the suit, filed last week before the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the allegations and determine whether the reported contributions breached provisions of the Electoral Act governing campaign financing.

The organisation also wants the court to compel INEC to demand full disclosure from the APC and the affected governors on the alleged campaign fund, including the identities of contributors and the lawful sources of the funds.

SERAP further urged the court to direct the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act, particularly regarding political donations, campaign financing and disclosure requirements by political parties and candidates in the current electoral cycle.

According to the rights group, the allegations raise fundamental concerns over transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional right of Nigerians to participate freely in the democratic process.

It argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major conduit for corruption and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions.

In the suit filed by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP contended that the alleged diversion of public funds for political purposes poses “a grave threat” to the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation maintained that large public financial flows, combined with weak transparency and oversight mechanisms, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its constitutional and statutory powers to investigate and monitor political financing.

SERAP argued that Section 91 of the Electoral Act empowers INEC to regulate political donations, require disclosure of contributors and sources of campaign funds, and sanction individuals or political parties that exceed legally prescribed donation limits.

It noted that political parties found guilty of violating the donation ceiling risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals may be liable to penalties amounting to five times the value of contributions made beyond the legal limit.

According to SERAP, the Constitution, the Electoral Act and Nigeria’s obligations under international anti-corruption and human rights treaties impose clear responsibilities on INEC to prevent the misuse of state resources for electoral advantage and to guarantee transparency in political financing.

The organisation further argued that where allegations suggest that public resources may have been channelled into political campaigns outside lawful procedures, INEC has a legal duty to investigate and enforce the relevant provisions of the law.

SERAP also cited Sections 13, 14 and 15 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, insisting that electoral integrity cannot be guaranteed without accountability in campaign financing.

It warned that any diversion of public funds for partisan political purposes would amount to a serious abuse of public trust, distort electoral competition and undermine the principle of a level playing field.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

The Rivers State Government has commenced the construction of an 11.9-megawatt peak (MWp) solar mini-grid in Bolo, Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, in a move aimed at expanding electricity access, stimulating economic activities and accelerating the state’s transition to clean energy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara said reliable and affordable electricity remains fundamental to sustainable development, stressing that no community can achieve meaningful economic growth without stable power.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor described the project, being executed in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as more than an infrastructure investment.
According to him, the solar mini-grid represents an investment in the future of Bolo, with the capacity to transform businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and the local economy.

Fubara expressed confidence that the project would boost electricity supply, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, create employment opportunities, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of residents, particularly women and other vulnerable groups.

He commended the Rural Electrification Agency and its development partners for collaborating with the Rivers State Government to deliver the project, describing the partnership as a demonstration of what can be achieved when governments and institutions work together to improve citizens’ welfare.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the state’s drive towards sustainable electrification and urged residents of Bolo to take ownership of the project by safeguarding the facilities, supporting contractors and cooperating with all stakeholders throughout the construction phase.

He expressed optimism that the community’s support would ensure the successful completion and long-term sustainability of the project.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises improved electricity access, economic growth and job creation.

Aliyu disclosed that the agency had completed 16 renewable energy projects across Rivers State and has another 17 projects in the pipeline, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s leading beneficiaries of clean energy investments.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Power, Engr. Nicholas Iminabo Wokoma, explained that the solar mini-grid would complement the existing 33kV distribution network, providing Bolo community with a more reliable and efficient electricity supply.

He described the project as a scalable model that could be replicated in other unserved and underserved communities across the state, while commending the REA for partnering with the Rivers State Government to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure.

Earlier, Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Vincent Nemieboka, praised the state government for selecting Bolo as the host community, describing the project as a sustainable energy solution that would guarantee affordable and clean electricity for residents.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Bolo Se Council of Chiefs, Chief Augustus Daddie Oforibokaka, expressed appreciation to the Federal and Rivers State governments for bringing the project to the kingdom.

He said the solar mini-grid would not only address the community’s longstanding electricity challenges but also improve access to potable water, stimulate economic activities and accelerate development.

The traditional leader, on behalf of the monarch, the Council of Chiefs and the people of Bolo Kingdom, thanked Governor Fubara and the Ogu/Bolo council chairman for facilitating the project, describing it as a landmark intervention for the community.