HOROSCOPES

Happy Birthday: Follow through. Motivation and discipline will help you achieve whatever you set out to conquer this year. Ask questions, gather information and strive to make a difference. Taking care of your mental, emotional and physical well-being will help you ward off any negative influences you encounter. Trust and believe in what you are capable of doing. Your numbers are 9, 13, 21, 27, 33, 42, 49.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18)

Take care of financial, medical and legal matters before they have a chance to escalate. Let your instincts lead the way, and allow your ability to recognize who is and who isn’t on your side influence you to navigate your way to victory.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20)

Use your intuition and creative mind to push forward. Bring about change that will help you get ahead. Let go of what no longer works for you and the people who drag you down instead of lift you up. Choose a positive path.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19)

You’ll be right on target. Your insight and ability to take control and get things done will be impressive. How you handle others will pay off. Time spent with someone you love will lead to a new chapter in your relationship.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20)

Uncertainty will prevail if you make a premature move. Consider every angle before you forge ahead with plans that can affect your income. When in doubt, talk to an expert. Avoid locations and contact with individuals who may present a health risk.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20)

You’ll be offered insight into something that can help you make an important decision. Added discipline will pay off when putting together a proposal or taking advantage of an opportunity that comes your way. Romance is on the rise.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22)

Don’t flirt with temptation. An attraction to something or someone will put you at a disadvantage if you are too friendly or accommodating. Take a wait-andsee approach and let situations unfold naturally. An original idea will pay off.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22)

Handle professional matters and partnerships with discretion. Making an impromptu move or decision will set you back. Look for opportunities that are foolproof. Nurture essential relationships to avoid a falling out. Personal growth and a healthy lifestyle are encouraged. Romance will enhance your life.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22)

Do whatever it takes to arm yourself with the necessary information, skills and experience to follow your dreams. Don’t give up on something that will satisfy you. Take responsibility for your happiness. It’s up to you to make things happen.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22)

Don’t procrastinate. Opportunities are available; all you have to do is to take action. Speak up, share your ideas and engage in conversations geared toward positive lifestyle changes that are budget-friendly and intriguing. Love and romance are favored.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21)

Keep your thoughts and plans a secret. Don’t give anyone ammunition that will set you back or interfere with your life. Work under the radar until you have everything in place. When ready to reveal, do so in an unprecedented fashion.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21)

Reach out to people who can help you bring about positive change. An opportunity to raise your earning potential or start a new career looks inviting. Interviewing, debating and making your point will lead to victory. Romance is in the stars.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19)

Take a back seat and listen carefully. The information offered will help you make adjustments at home to improve your performance, but roommates, family or friends aren’t likely to be impressed. Be mindful of others, and compromise.

©2021 UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE

GUNMEN believed to be members of a criminal gang stormed a school in central Nigeria, killing one student and kidnapping dozens of pupils, teachers and relatives, a government official said yesterday.

President Muhammadu Buhari, responding to the latest abduction attack at a Nigerian school, ordered security forces to coordinate a rescue operation.

Forty-two people were seized when gunmen dressed in military uniforms raided the Government Science College in the town of Kagara in Niger state before hauling the kidnap victims into a nearby forest.

Initial reports from a government official and a security source said hundreds of students were snatched from the school, where they were staying in dormitories.

“They kidnapped 42 people from the school. They took away 27 students, along with three teachers. One student was killed. They also kidnapped 12 family members of the teachers,” said Muhammad Sani Idris, spokesman for Niger state’s government.

He said 650 students had been in the school when it was attacked late on Tuesday.

Heavily-armed gangs known locally as “bandits” in northwest and central Nigeria have stepped up attacks in recent years, kidnapping for ransom and raping and pillaging.

President Buhari, 78, condemned the abduction and ordered security forces to coordinate an operation to rescue the students.

“The President has directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives,” presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said.

The region is increasingly a hub for criminal gangs who raid villages, killing and abducting residents after looting and torching homes.

The gangs are largely driven by financial motives and have no known ideological leanings. But there is growing concern they are being infiltrated by jihadists from the northeast who are waging a decade-old insurgency to establish an Islamic state.