20 feared dead, scores missing in Bayelsa boat explosion – Newstrends
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20 feared dead, scores missing in Bayelsa boat explosion

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20 feared dead, scores missing in Bayelsa boat explosion

A devastating incident occurred on Wednesday along the Ezetu 1 community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State, as a wooden cargo boat, identified as ‘Godbless Dickson,’ exploded and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people.

The boat was carrying over 64 passengers and crew members, along with a cargo of farm produce.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported the tragedy on Thursday, with ASP Musa Mohammed, the Police Spokesman in Bayelsa, confirming the deaths of 20 people. Rescue efforts by the Marine Police unit and other responders are still underway, with many passengers yet to be accounted for.

The ill-fated boat was en route from a rural settlement to the Swali market in Yenagoa, a regular destination for farm produce. The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, but the incident has sent shockwaves through the region.

Mr. Ogoniba Ipigansi, Chairman of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Bayelsa Chapter, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview. He noted that a rescue team from the union, comprising two speedboats, was dispatched to the scene to assist the stranded passengers.

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Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the total number of casualties has not yet been determined. Several passengers remain unaccounted for, with some possibly stranded at a nearby fishing camp. Mr. Augustine Amayoro, a speedboat operator involved in the rescue mission, reported saving 10 people from the wreckage, but many others remain missing.

It was gathered that wooden cargo boats like ‘Godbless Dickson’ are exempt from the state government’s ban on night navigation in the waterways, due to their slower speed, which necessitates an earlier departure to reach markets on time. The boat had set sail in preparation for the busy market day at Swali waterside in Yenagoa, where farm produce is typically sold on Thursdays.

Chief Target Segibo, Chairman of Southern Ijaw LGA, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life, calling the disaster “regrettable.” He emphasized the need for concerted efforts from stakeholders to enhance safety regulations within the marine transport sector to prevent future tragedies.

As the community mourns the loss of lives, rescue operations continue in hopes of finding more survivors, while the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

20 feared dead, scores missing in Bayelsa boat explosion

(NAN)

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.

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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

 

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

At least 94 illegal occupants and squatters along the railway corridor from Pen Cinema to Fagba were arrested by the Lagos State Taskforce in an early morning sting operation on Wednesday.

During the raid, substances suspected to be hard drugs—such as Indian hemp, colorado, and other harmful drugs—were seized, along with various weapons.

It was gathered that those arrested attempted to resist the task force’s actions.

In a statement, Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed that those arrested will face prosecution.

He added that the agency dismantled shanties and makeshift structures along the railway corridor, clearing a distance of some kilometers.

The Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele explained that the eviction aimed to provide relief for residents around the Fagba, Agege, and Pen Cinema railway routes, following numerous complaints from the public about criminal activities in the area.

He noted that the squatting had violated environmental and sanitary regulations.

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Akerele also highlighted the health and safety risks posed by the presence of squatters along the rail corridor.

He warned the evicted individuals not to return and assured residents and train passengers that regular patrols and surveillance would be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of shanties in the area.

“The rail tracks are not meant for habitation or the sale of narcotics. Anyone caught converting this place into a den of criminals or an area of residence will face severe consequences according to the law,” Akerele was quoted as saying.

Speaking on the raid, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that a locally fabricated short gun was recovered.

“94 suspects were arrested during the midnight operation; a locally fabricated short gun and several wraps of illicit substance suspected to be indian hemp, charm and a jack knife were recovered.

“The suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” Wahab stated in a post on X.

 

94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters

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Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has swept out all Board, Parastatal, and Agency appointees from his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, in a decisive move to overhaul the state’s public service.

A statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, confirmed the immediate dismissal of all political appointees and Permanent Secretaries brought in from outside the state Civil Service.

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The statement reads:

“For the information of the general public, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the dissolution of Executives of all Boards, Agencies, and Parastatals in the Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all Political Appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.”

Affected individuals have been directed to return all government property in their possession to the senior Public Officers in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo

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