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“Let My Tomb Be Simple and Bear Only the Name Franciscus” – Pope Francis Will Says
The Catholic community across the globe has been plunged into mourning following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
Known in private life as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he made history in 2013 when he became the first Latin American pope. Now, as the world reflects on his life and legacy, his final wishes have been made public.
In a heartfelt testament written in June 2022 and published by the Vatican, Pope Francis shared his deep trust in God and his enduring devotion to the Virgin Mary. He asked that his final resting place be the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome—a site dear to him, where he would pray at the start and end of every Apostolic Journey.
He requested to be buried in a simple grave, without elaborate decoration, bearing only the name “Franciscus.” The tomb will be located between the Pauline Chapel and the Sforza Chapel within the Basilica, according to the detailed plan he left behind.
In addition, he stated that the cost of his burial will be covered by a donation from a benefactor, with arrangements already handled by Msgr. Rolandas Makrickas.
In his closing words, the late pontiff offered his final sufferings to God—for the sake of world peace and unity among all people. He expressed gratitude to those who had supported him and asked for continued prayers, as he entrusted himself to the gentle care of the Mother of Christ.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has reportedly declared a strike at Taraba State University over outstanding salary-related demands and delays in payments.
The strike is scheduled to begin today, October 12, 2026. According to the union’s chairman, the union had been engaging the Taraba State Government over its outstanding demands since February 2026.
“The union had exercised considerable patience and demonstrated its commitment to dialogue since February 2026, when it began engaging the Taraba State Government over the outstanding issues,” Mbave said.
“The union had earlier suspended its planned industrial action following an appeal by the government for additional time through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, in the interest of maintaining industrial harmony,” the chairman added.
The Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Torseer Yina, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the ancient town.
The curfew takes effect from Thursday, October 8, 2026, following unrest and violent protests in the area.
According to reports, the action was taken to contain the unrest and violent protests by members of BEMOA following the death of one of its members by unknown gunmen.
The protest, which was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, turned violent after an angry mob burnt two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
The Gboko council chairman said the curfew takes effect immediately and warned that anyone caught flouting the order or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.
Nine people have died in a fatal road crash along the Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred on Monday at about 4:55pm around the Bethel area along the Ijebu-Ode/Ore axis of the expressway. It involved a white Toyota Hiace commercial bus belonging to Delta Line and a white Sino truck operated by Bill Gas Solution Ltd.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), all nine people involved in the crash, comprising three males and six females, died in the incident.
The FRSC said the crash occurred while it was raining and the road was wet, with preliminary investigations identifying speed violation as the probable cause.
The FRSC rescue team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the report, while the bodies of the victims were taken to the General Hospital Morgue in Ijebu-Ode.
The Ogun State Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists, especially commercial drivers, to obey speed limits and exercise extra caution when driving in the rain.
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