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Category: News

  • Police recover body of drowned UNIBEN student, arrest 2 friends

    Police recover body of drowned UNIBEN student, arrest 2 friends

    The Edo Police Command has arrested two students of the University of Benin over the death of their friend, Francis Anuide, who drowned in Ekosodin River, Benin, where the trio had gone swimming.

    The arrested students are Samson Kennedy, a 200-level student of Biochemistry, and Wilfred Emmanuel, a 500-level student of Optometry.

    The deceased was said to have been invited by the two friends for swimming in the river close to the Ugbowo campus of the University where he allegedly drowned.

    Confirming the arrest, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the duo were apprehended to assist the police in investigating the circumstances leading to the victim’s death.

    Nwabuzor explained that after the case was reported at the Ugbowo Police Station, Benin, the Divisional Police Officer and his men led a team of local divers to the scene of the incident.

    “Luckily, they were able to recover the body. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigations.

    “Two persons were arrested because they went together to swim in that river when the ugly incident occurred.

    “Arresting them is very important so that we can know what made them leave their hostel and go to that river at that time and what happened right there in the river,” he said.

    Sources told newsmen that the two students were arrested as a result of the discovery of blood on the lips of the deceased and peeled skin around his neck region.

    These, the sources said, raised suspicion amongst the victim’s family members and relatives who are demanding an autopsy.

    “After the deceased got drowned, the duo ran back to the Ekosodin community to seek help from the community and vigilante members but the deceased died before help could come his way,” one of the sources said. 

  • Flooding: Don’t dump wastes in drainages, Gombe SEMA warns residents

    Flooding: Don’t dump wastes in drainages, Gombe SEMA warns residents

     The Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has appealed to residents of the state to heed all precautionary measures on flooding as a way of mitigating its impact in their communities.

    The Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Gombe SEMA, Mr. Mohammed Garba, made the appeal in Gombe on Monday.

    Garba said the agency has been sensitizing the people and providing the necessary information needed to mitigate disasters associated with flooding.

    He said that part of what the agency expected from residents was to stop dumping wastes in drainages and waterways, “a major factor contributing to flooding, especially when drainages are blocked and the huge volume of water create different routes for itself”.

    The director said that the recent flooding experienced on May 14, in Bajoga in Funakaye Local Government Areas, was partly a result of wastes dumped in drainages.

    He explained that SEMA’s analysis of the flooding in Bajoga showed that the damage was severe as both residents and houses were affected.

    “There is a location where we have a big gully developing as a result of the volume of water, and this happened because residents dump their wastes inside the drainages in that area.

    “As a result of that flooding in Bajoga, more than 40 houses were affected and no fewer than 21 persons were injured.

    “This is why we are appealing to residents to cooperate with us and stop dumping wastes in drainages or building on waterways.

    “Through community efforts, drainages blocked should be cleared so that rainwater can flow freely in the channels provided for such purposes,” he said.

    On the flood outlook for Gombe State, the director said that unlike in 2022 when one LGA was predicted to experience flooding, in 2023, Balanga, Nafada, and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs were among the 178 LGAs in 32 states “highly probable to flooding”.

    “The stake is a bit higher than that of the previous year and that is why we are engaging critical stakeholders to continue with the sensitization and engagement to mitigate flood impact in the state.”

    The director said that the massive sensitization campaign was ordered by Governor Inuwa Yahaya after an analysis of the flood outlook.

    Garba said that based on the directive, sensitization had been intensified across the three LGAs, while efforts were on to cover other areas across the state.

    He added that the message of the sensitization had always been on the need for people to desist from building on waterways and dumping wastes in drainages.

    “No one can stop flooding entirely but we can all mitigate its impact,” he said. 

  • Premature Retirement: Court orders PSC to pay AIG Mbu N40m damages

    Premature Retirement: Court orders PSC to pay AIG Mbu N40m damages

    The National Industrial Court on Monday ordered the Police Service Commission (PSC), to pay retired AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu, the sum of N40 million as general damages.

    The payment as ordered by Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae, was for the unlawful retirement of Mbu before he attained the mandatory age of 60 years.

    ”I hold that the claimant’s premature retirement through a press release on July 2, 2016, is unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void, and of no effect”.

    The court in addition set aside the purported retirement and declared that the claimant remained an officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), until he attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 on May 10, 2018.

    Furthermore, the court ordered the defendant to pay Mbu his salaries, allowances and entitlement from July 2, 2016 when he was retired until May 10, 2018 when he ought to have retired having attained 60 years.

    The judge while delivering the judgment ordered that the sum of N750,000 be paid to the claimant as cost of the suit, stating that failure of the defendant to comply with the orders of the court within 30 days will attract a 10 per cent interest per annum.

    The court, however, declined the relief of promotion to the position of a DIG and reinstatement sought by the claimant.

    This, the court explained cannot be sustained as the claimant had reached the mandatory retirement age on May 10, 2018 when the suit was pending.

    From facts, the claimant, Mbu instituted the suit against the commission over his alleged compulsory retirement on July 2, 2016, when he was the commandant of the Police Staff College.

    In his statement of facts, he stated that he was born May 10, 1958, and joined the police on Dec. 11, 1985, and had not reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, nor had he spent 35 years in service before he retired in 2016.

    The claimant had therefore sought, amongst other reliefs, an order of the court to invalidate his retirement, which he claimed was done via a press release as he was never served statutory notice of retirement.

    He also sought for an order of the court directing the defendant to pay his salaries, allowances and other entitlements from July 2016 to 2018, when he would have been due for retirement.

    He also sought for payment of his terminal benefits, N500 million as general damages and N20 million as cost of the suit.

    The defendant on its part through processes stated that the claimant was not retired through press release, but that he was pulled out from the force in a ceremonial event.

    The defendant equally averred that promotion in the force is not automatic and that the claimant did not meet some of the requirements for promotion.

    According to the defendant the reorganisation in NPF at the time of the claimant’s retirement followed due process and the claimant was not the only person affected.

    The court in its judgment stated that although the defendant abandoned it case by failing to show up in court to conduct its defence, the action did not exonerate the claimant from the burden to prove his case.

    The judge submitted that pleadings are not synonymous with evidence as the defendant was never in court regardless of several hearing notices served.

    Obaseki-Osaghae in addition stated that the defendant was deemed to have abandoned its case as the claimant’s submissions were not contested.

    She said that the claimant having proven his case on its strength through credible evidence without relying on the weakness of the defendant, was entitled to some of the reliefs he sought. 

  • 2023 Hajj: 14 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

    2023 Hajj: 14 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has revealed that Nigeria lost 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia from the beginning of ongoing 2023 hajj operation to date.

    Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team made this known during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Galadima explained that seven pilgrims died before Arafat, six died during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period) and additional one person died after the Arafat.

    “We had six reported death at Mashair, four died in Arafat and the other two died in Mina. Already we lost seven pilgrims before Arafat and just now I have just been informed that we lost another pilgrim. This brings the total of deaths recorded to 14.

    “The mortality rate is similar to that of 2019,” he said.

    He also revealed that the medical team recorded three cases of chickenpox during the core hajj period and the affected pilgrims were immediately moved out of the area as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the disease.

    Galadima also disclosed that the team recorded two deliveries during the period of the hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, adding that one of the pregnant women delivered on the road, while the second one was brought to the clinic and delivered safely.

    He emphasised the need for a thorough pre-hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness.

    He also said that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should be discouraged from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat because of the stress involved.

    In his presentation, the NAHCON Head of Aviation, Alhaji Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transport of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begins on Tuesday, July 4.

    He said the policy of first in, first out would strictly be applied in the evacuation of the pilgrims back to Nigeria.

    He further stated that the Saudi authorities have a policy that in the first two weeks, the air carriers would not operate maximally due to the volume of traffic and a large number of aircraft involved in the evacuation of pilgrims from different countries, as well as the fact that virtually all planes will take off from one Airport, the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

    He stated that in the first two weeks of the start of the transportation of pilgrims, Flynas would only utilise four of its six aircraft for the operation, adding that the other two are undergoing some checks and maintenance.

    Also, the Commissioner, Operations of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, said the commission had resolved to ensure that pilgrims fully obey its luggage policy during their return journey to Nigeria.

    He recalled that in 2022, there was a breach, but pledged that such breaches would not be tolerated this year, so as to have a seamless operation.

    He decried the attitude of some pilgrims, particularly the females, who go to the airport with multiple bags all in the name of hand luggage, warning that this time the situation would not be accepted.

    He therefore called on officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid any inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport.

    “The airline operators have bitterly complained about this untoward behavior of some pilgrims, which put the lives of other passengers in the aircraft at risk. This time it will not be business as usual.

    “And for fear of losing some valuables at the airport, the pilgrims should abide by the 32kg luggage policy, or they should avail themselves with the cargo window.” 

  • Tinubu rejects EU-Observer Report on 2023 elections

    Tinubu rejects EU-Observer Report on 2023 elections

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rejected the European Union Elections Observation Mission (EU-EOM) report on the 2023 general elections in the country, describing it as a reflection of a plan to discredit the election, especially the presidential election won by him.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, on Sunday in Abuja.

    “Sometimes in May, we alerted the nation, through a press statement, to the plan by a continental multi-lateral institution to discredit the 2023 general elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    “The main target was the presidential election, clearly and fairly won by the then-candidate of All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “While we did not mention the name of the organisation in the said statement, we made it abundantly clear to Nigerians how this foreign institution had been unrelenting in its assault on the credibility of the electoral process, the sovereignty of our country and on our ability as a people to organise ourselves.

    “We find it preposterous and unconscionable that in this day and age, any foreign organisation of whatever hue can continue to insist on its own yardstick and assessment as the only way to determine the credibility and transparency of our elections,” he stated.

    Alake said that with the submission of the organisation’s report, it has shown that it was the machinations of the European Union to sustain its unfounded bias and claims on the election outcomes.

    He asserted that the 2023 general elections, especially the presidential election won by Tinubu, were credible, free, fair and the best organised general elections in Nigeria since 1999.

    “There is no substantial evidence provided by the European Union or any foreign and local organisation that is viable enough to impeach the integrity of the 2023 election outcomes.

    “It is worth restating that the limitation of EU final assessment and conclusions on our elections was made very bare in the text of the press conference addressed by the Head of its Electoral Observation Mission, Barry Andrews.

    “While addressing journalists in Abuja on the so-called final report, Andrews noted that EU-EOM monitored the pre-election and post-election processes in Nigeria from January 11 to April 11, 2023, as an INEC accredited election monitoring group.

    “Within this period, EU-EOM observed the elections through 11 Abuja-based analysts, and 40 election observers spread across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” according to him.

    He stressed that: “With the level of personnel deployed, which was barely an average of one person per state, we wonder how EU-EOM independently monitored elections in over 176,000 polling units across Nigeria.

    “We would like to know and even ask EU, how it reached the conclusions in the submitted final report with the very limited coverage of the elections by their observers who, without doubt, relied more on rumours, hearsay, cocktails of prejudiced and uninformed social media commentaries and opposition talking heads.

    “We are convinced that what EU-EOM called final report on our recent elections is a product of a poorly done desk job that relied heavily on few instances of skirmishes in less than 1000 polling units out of over 176,000 where Nigerians voted on election day.”

    Alake said that the report was to merely sustain the same premature denunciation stance contained in EU’s preliminary report released in March.

    “We strongly reject, in its entirety, any notion and idea from any organisation, group and individual remotely suggesting that the 2023 election was fraudulent.

    “Our earlier position that the technology-aided 2023 general elections were the most transparent and best organised elections since the return of civil rule in Nigeria has been validated by all non-partisan foreign and local observers such are the African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Observer Mission and the Nigerian Bar Association.

    “Unlike EU-EOM that deployed fewer than 50 observers, the Nigerian Bar Association that sent out over 1000 observers spread across the entire country for same election gave a more holistic and accurate assessment of the elections in their own report.

    “NBA, an organisation of eminent lawyers and an important voice within the civic space, reported that 91.8 per cent of Nigerians rated the conduct of the national and state elections as credible and satisfactory. Any election that over 90% of the citizens considered transparent should be celebrated anywhere in the world,” Alake added.

    He noted that the INEC, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye, had come out to defend the integrity of the election it conducted by rejecting the false narratives in the EU report.

    “It is also gratifying that the electoral umpire, as an institution that is open to learning and continuous improvements, has also committed to taking on board more ideas, innovation and reforms that will further enhance the integrity and credibility of our electoral process.

    “As a country, we have put the elections behind us. President Tinubu is facing the arduous task of nation-building, while those who have reasons to challenge the process continue to do so through the courts.

    “In just one month in office, Nigerians appear satisfied with the decisive leadership of President Tinubu and the manner he is redirecting the country to the path of fiscal sustainability and socio-economic reforms.

    “We urge the EU and other foreign interests to be objective in all their assessments of the internal affairs of our country and allow Nigeria to breathe,” the statement read in part.

    See full statement below:

    WE REJECT EUROPEAN UNION’S CONCLUSIONS ON 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

    Sometimes in May, we alerted the nation, through a press statement, to the plan by a continental multi-lateral institution to discredit the 2023 general elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The main target was the presidential election, clearly and fairly won by the then candidate of All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    While we did not mention the name of the organisation in the said statement, we made it abundantly clear to Nigerians how this foreign institution had been unrelenting in its assault on the credibility of the electoral process, the sovereignty of our country and on our ability as a people to organise ourselves. We find it preposterous and unconscionable that in this day and age, any foreign organisation of whatever hue can continue to insist on its own yardstick and assessment as the only way to determine the credibility and transparency of our elections.

    Now that the organisation has submitted what it claimed to be its final report on the elections, we can now categorically let Nigerians and the entire world know that we were not unaware of the machinations of the European Union to sustain its, largely, unfounded bias and claims on the election outcomes.

    For emphasis, we want to reiterate that the 2023 general elections, most especially the presidential election, won by President Bola Tinubu/All Progressives Congress, were credible, peaceful, free, fair and the best organised general elections in Nigeria since 1999.

    There is no substantial evidence provided by the European Union or any foreign and local organisation that is viable enough to impeach the integrity of the 2023 election outcomes.

    It is worth restating that the limitation of EU final assessment and conclusions on our elections was made very bare in the text of the press conference addressed by the Head of its Electoral Observation Mission, Barry Andrews. While addressing journalists in Abuja on the so-called final report, Andrews noted that EU-EOM monitored the pre-election and post-election processes in Nigeria from January 11 to April 11, 2023 as an INEC accredited election monitoring group. Within this period, EU-EOM observed the elections through 11 Abuja-based analysts, and 40 election observers spread across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. With the level of personnel deployed, which was barely an average of one person per state, we wonder how EU-EOM independently monitored election in over 176,000 polling units across Nigeria.

    We would like to know and even ask EU, how it reached the conclusions in the submitted final report with the very limited coverage of the elections by their observers who, without doubt, relied more on rumours, hearsay, cocktails of prejudiced and uninformed social media commentaries and opposition talking heads.

    We are convinced that what EU-EOM called final report on our recent elections is a product of a poorly done desk job that relied heavily on few instances of skirmishes in less than 1000 polling units out of over 176,000 where Nigerians voted on election day.

    We have many reasons to believe the jaundiced report, based on the views of fewer than 50 observers, was to merely sustain the same premature denunciatory stance contained in EU’s preliminary report released in March.

    We strongly reject, in its entirety, any notion and idea from any organisation, group and individual remotely suggesting that the 2023 election was fraudulent.

    Our earlier position that the technology-aided 2023 general elections were the most transparent and best organised elections since the return of civil rule in Nigeria has been validated by all non-partisan foreign and local observers such are the African Union, ECOWAS, Commonwealth Observer Mission and the Nigerian Bar Association.

    Unlike EU-EOM that deployed fewer than 50 observers, the Nigerian Bar Association that sent out over 1000 observers spread across the entire country for same election gave a more holistic and accurate assessment of the elections in their own report.

    NBA, an organisation of eminent lawyers and an important voice within the civic space, reported that 91.8 per cent of Nigerians rated the conduct of the national and state elections as credible and satisfactory. Any election that over 90% of the citizens considered transparent should be celebrated anywhere in the world.

    It is heart-warming that INEC, through its National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye, has come out to defend the integrity of the election it conducted by rejecting the false narratives in the EU report.

    It is also gratifying that the electoral umpire, as an institution that is open to learning and continuous improvements, has also committed to taking on board more ideas, innovation and reforms that will further enhance the integrity and credibility of our electoral process.

    As a country, we have put the elections behind us. President Tinubu is facing the arduous task of nation-building, while those who have reasons to challenge the process continue to do so through the courts.  In just one month in office, Nigerians appear satisfied with the decisive leadership of President Tinubu and the manner he is redirecting the country to the path of fiscal sustainability and socio-economic reforms. We urge the EU and other foreign interests to be objective in all their assessments of the internal affairs of our country and allow Nigeria to breathe.

    Dele Alake

    Special Adviser to the President

    (Special Duties, Communications and Strategy)

    July 2, 2023

  • China strengthens bilateral ties with Nigeria, visits Lagos with 3 ships

    China strengthens bilateral ties with Nigeria, visits Lagos with 3 ships

    China strengthens bilateral ties with Nigeria, visits Lagos with 3 ships

    In a bid to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries, the Chinese Navy Escort Task Group (ETG) 162, comprising MSL Destroyer NANNING, MSL Frigate SANYA, and Supply Ship WEISHANHU, on Sunday, visited Nigeria.

    The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chi Jian Chun, said that the visitation of the Chinese envoy, scheduled for July 2 to 6, would also enhance maritime security within the West African sub-region.

    The MSL Destroyer NANNING, made the port call at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Berth 21, while the other two ships remained at anchorage.

    Chun said that the delegation from China was big with more than 700 people and three ships to Nigeria.

    “The visit is to further deepen the relationship the two countries have with one another and also seek to strengthen and improve our relationship and cooperation with each other.

    “This visit demonstrates the harmony and symphony between Nigeria and China,” he said.

    The ambassador said that China and Nigeria would continue to work together and promote peace and harmony while also seeking ways to make contributions to the international community.

    “I believe that this visit will deepen the cooperation between both countries military sector so that we can work together to overcome obstacles.

    “We will continue to do more things to facilitate and promote the relationship between the two countries,” Chun said.

    Also, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, said the visitation would further help to cement the relationship between the two countries.

    This is “especially between the Nigerian Navy and the Chinese Navy as well as the military. This will help us fight crimes, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.

    “During their period of stay, our men will be interacting, we will be having some sporting activities, exchange of momentous and gifts.

    “We will also discuss the future of both navies, especially on how we can benefit from each other,” Akpan said.

    The FOC added that the term called ‘sea riders’ enabled some of the Nigerian Navy personnel onboard the Chinese ship and they could also have some of their own men onboard our ship.

    “This helps to foster friendship across the horizon,” Akpan said.

    The Chinese nationals resident in Lagos came out in their numbers to welcome the Chinese envoy at the NPA.

    There was also a rich display of the culture of the Chinese people which could be seen in the colourful display of their synchronised dance routine at the port.

  • Roads Rehabilitation/Erosion: AfDB approves $115m loan to Abia

    Roads Rehabilitation/Erosion: AfDB approves $115m loan to Abia

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved the sum of $115 million as loan to support a major road rehabilitation project in Abia State.

    The project will see the rehabilitation of roads, erosion control infrastructure and preparation of solid waste management facilities in the state capital, Umuahia, and the commercial hub, Aba.

    Financing for the project, estimated at a total cost of $263.80 million, will come through an African Development Bank loan of $100 million; a Canada–African Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF) loan of $15 million; and a $125 million co-financing loan from the Islamic Development Bank.

    The Abia State government is expected to provide $23.80 million in counterpart funding for compensation to people affected by the project and implementation of a Resettlement Action Plan.

    Under the project, which is expected to be completed in 2029, a total of 248.46 km of road – 58.03 km of roads in Umuahia and 190.43 km of roads in Aba – will be rehabilitated to asphaltic concrete standards at varying cross sections. Erosion sites in Umuahia and Aba will be reinstated as well as preparatory studies undertaken for private sector participation in solid waste management for the two cities. The project will also include capacity building, project management and development of social infrastructure such as the rehabilitation of schools and the provision of sanitation facilities in schools, community markets and hospitals.

    With an estimated population of 553,000 and 814,000 respectively (2022 estimates), Umuahia, capital of Abia State, and Aba, the commercial hub, are currently facing serious infrastructure challenges arising from decades of underinvestment amidst rapid urbanisation. The situation is aggravated by gully erosion and the emergence of huge piles of solid waste on the roads.

    When completed, the 1.37 million people in these two cities will benefit from reduced travel time, reduced vehicle operating costs and lower transport cost. The project will also create 3,000 temporary jobs (30% for women) at the construction phase and about 1,000 permanent jobs during the operational phase. The permanent jobs will particularly benefit the youth, who will make up 50% of the project. They will be trained in contract management by the State Youth Road Maintenance Corps for road maintenance,  a body of young Abia engineers drawn from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.

    Director General of AfDB’s Nigeria Country Department Lamin Barrow, said the project will build resilience by providing the towns access to urban infrastructure services, including economic and social amenities.

    Barrow said, “The results from implementation of the project will help expand access to economic and social amenities in the two cities, and thereby contribute to building sustainable and liveable cities.”

    The African Development Bank’s portfolio in Nigeria comprises 48 operations worth $4.2 billion. The national (Federal and States) operations account for 90% of the portfolio, for 41 projects amounting to $3.79 billion, while multinational operations constitute 10%, for 7 projects amounting to $0.41 billion. There are 24 Sovereign Operations ($2.36 billion or 56% of total commitments) and 24 Non-Sovereign Operations ($1.84 billion or 44%).

  • Man killed as speeding tanker driver rams into 5 cars

    Man killed as speeding tanker driver rams into 5 cars

    A man has been confirmed dead in multiple accidents involving five vehicles at Odumodu Junction, Umunya by Nteje-Awka Expressway in Anambra.

    The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra, Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Saturday.

    Irelewuyi said that the accident which occurred at about 12:40 p.m., was caused by over-speeding.

    He said that the multiple crashes involved a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number ENU 32 XD and a loaded tanker with registration number LSD 339 XA.

    According to him, a Toyota Yaris car, with registration number KSF 646 BZ, another tanker with number BAU 305 ZE and a Toyota Camry car with registration number ABN 64 JA, were also involved in the accident.

    He said that the driver of the loaded tanker lost control of the vehicle due to excessive speeding and rammed into a vehicle to cause a pile up with other vehicles.

    “Out of the 26 persons, including 20 male adults and 6 female adults involved in the crash, 12 sustained injuries, the driver of the Toyota Yaris car was killed while 13 others were rescued unhurt.

    “FRSC rescue team rushed the victims to Boromi hospital, Onitsha, and Divine Favour hospital, Umunya, while efforts are being made to remove the body of the dead victim trapped under the tanker,” he said.

    The sector commander said that the state Fire Service was on the ground to ensure prompt management of any form of fire outbreak since the tanker was loaded with PMS.

    He said that FRSC personnel were controlling traffic and ensuring that the obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.

    While condoling with the family of the dead, Irelewuyi warned motorists to desist from speeding and ensure they drive within minimum safe speed to save their lives and those of other road users. 

  • We’ll demolish buildings on waterways, flood corridors – FCDA

    We’ll demolish buildings on waterways, flood corridors – FCDA

    *Marks Police Station in Trademore for demolition

    The Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Malam Shehu Ahmed, has said the FCT Administration would demolish all structures on waterways across the nation’s capital.

    Ahmed made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said some structures were preventing water from flowing freely through its natural course which was responsible for flooding recorded in some parts of the city.

    ”People are clamoring that we act quickly and take tough decisions to save lives. And this is what we must do. We cannot act as though we don’t see this man-made problem caused by those who violate the Abuja Master Plan.”

    ”Buildings in Trademore Estate had been severally marked for demolition. Warnings have been given year after year but the occupants of the estate keep risking their lives and those of others.

    ”By declaring Trademore a disaster zone, we have told the residents there to evacuate. The area is a low-line zone which is not safe and flooding can come at any time. They know this and have been experiencing it over the years,” he said.

    The Executive Secretary, who is the Chairman, Special Ministerial Task Team on Flood Mitigation, revealed that a Police station in Trademore would be demolished and other buildings.

    ”The Police station in Trademore would be demolished. It will go alongside other buildings. We have engaged the FCT Police command and have provided a suitable place for them to operate from and fight crime.”

    Ahmed pointed out that Trademore Estate did not have the FCDA-approved building plan and the continuous flooded areas can best be left as green areas and not residential.

    He explained that the estate was just one of the areas in focus as other areas where structures were built on floodplains would experience demolitions.  

  • Police confirm fresh violence outbreak in Taraba

    Police confirm fresh violence outbreak in Taraba

    The Taraba Police Command on Sunday confirmed a fresh violence outbreak between Wurkun and Karimjo people of Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Usman Abdulahi, the command’s public relations officer, who confirmed the development to newsmen in Jalingo, noted that the violence started at the early hours of Saturday with “guerilla attacks.”

    Abdullahi, who said the number of casualty was yet be ascertained, noted that a joint security team of military and the police have been drafted to the area to calm the situation.

    “In the last few days, there have been pockets of guerilla attacks between Karimjo and the Wurkun people in the area.

     “It has been either the Karimjos attack the Wurkuns and the Wurkuns attack in return or, the Wurkuns attack the Karimjos and they also attack in return before the Karimjos eventually launched a heavy one on the Wurkuns at around 3am on Saturday”. He said.

    Meanwhile, Wurkun Youth Ambassadors World Wide, a pressure group which condemned the attacks appealed to Gov Agbu Kefas to deploy more security personnels to restore normalcy in the area.

    The group’s spokesman, Mr. Seth Sule, who said Garin Marwa, Sarkin Kudu, Sallamin Kala and Yashi pena Communities were attacked at the same time, called on the warring factions to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.