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2023 Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

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2023 Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has said that all arrangements to transport 2023 prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia must be completed latest by June 20.

This is contained in a statement issued by the commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, on Friday.

Mr Ubandawaki said that all states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.

“We want to reiterate our commitment to transport every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land not only in good time, but also in comfort and best welfare service.

“Our attention has been drawn to a news story that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s Hajj as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The report is not only misleading, but mischievous and aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.”

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Mr Ubandawaki, however, admitted that there was a technical problem relating to visa processing.

“But it has been resolved at the moment, as visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Therefore, over 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be transported in the next 10 days.

“It is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas are being processed for Nigerian pilgrims. Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between Thursday and Friday while the remainder will be processed by Saturday.

“Despite the hiccup, the commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before June 20.”

Mr Ubandawaki said the commission had resolved to transport all pilgrims to visit Madina before Arafat, and synchronise the transportation with the available accommodation in the city.

“And not to overcrowd the place, the commission is cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.

“We want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.”

2023 Hajj: NAHCON sets June 20 as last day to transport pilgrims

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FRSC goes tough on truckers after Delta fatal road accident

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FRSC goes tough on truckers after Delta fatal road accident

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu, has directed all commanding officers to ensure only tankers that meet safety standards are allowed to ply the highways.
He also called on fleet operators, especially owners of tankers conveying inflammable products to ensure compliance with minimum safety standards by installing safety valves (anti spill) in their vehicles.

A statement by Bisi Kazeem,
Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer at the FRSC headquarters, Abuja, said the measure “is to eradicate all incidences of mishap resulting from lack of safety valves in tankers.
“The caution came following a fatal crash that occured on Ologbo Bridge, on the Benin/Sapele expressway, Delta State, Sunday October 1, 2023 at 0100HRS.
“The dual crash involved 15 different categories of vehicles. The affected vehicles are a Toyota Hiace bus, two Ford buses, a Volkswagen Passat, two J5 Peugeot buses, one Daylong Motorcycle and eight tankers.”
The FRSC statement said from the report obtained through its rescue team, a total of 15 people all male adults were involved.
“Out of this number, seven people got injured, while eight victims were burnt beyond recognition.
The truck ladened with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), coming from Warri, Delta State, fell on the highway and spilled the PMS product on the road, thereby leading to an explosion that gutted the aforementioned number of vehicles and the 15 male victims,” it stated.
It quoted the Corps Marshal as calling on owners and operators of tankers to comply with all safety standards set by the government on the operation of that category of vehicles on Nigerian roads.
Biu reportedly “directed Commanding Officers to ensure that tankers that do not meet safety standards are not allowed to ply the highways.”
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FRSC goes tough on truckers after Delta bridge fire accident

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BREAKING : Tanker explosion claims over 20 lives along Warri – Benin highway

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BREAKING : Tanker explosion claims over 20 lives along Warri – Benin highway

A tanker conveying petroleum product has exploded along the ever-busy Warri-Benin highway.

The incident which occurred on Sunday morning at Koko junction in Warri North Government Area of Delta State, is said to have claimed about 20 lives.

The explosion was said to have resulted from a spark from faulty vehicle when some individuals were busy scooping fuel that spilled from the tanker.

It was learned that among the dead were a pregnant woman, children, and some elderly persons.

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An eye witness, who preferred anonymity, said the tanker fell and spilled its contents on the road and some persons rushed to scoop fuel despite being warned by drivers and security men who had stormed the scene after they learnt the tanker had fallen.

“We tried to prevent them but the youths threatened to beat us up telling us it’s their community. They came in their numbers carrying all sorts of containers and when the explosion happened around 12:15 am this morning we all fled.

“You can see dead bodies on the ground, some of them ran into the forest as I speak some dead bodies have been removed, I counted over 20 bodies” the eye witness who identified himself as Yusuf said.

More details to follow….

BREAKING : Tanker explosion claims over 20 lives along Warri – Benin highway

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One killed and six arrested as students clash in Katsina over a female schoolmate

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One killed and six arrested as students clash in Katsina over a female schoolmate

A 200-level student of the Computer Science Department at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State simply identified as Abubakar has been confirmed dead following a clash between students over a relationship with a female school mate.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, said the tragic incident involving eight students of the university took place at Darawa quarters, Dutsinma LGA, Katsina State on Thursday around 1:20 pm. He said the incident was a result of a heated altercation between the students, which escalated, leading to the death of one of the students involved.

According to the statement, the command is taking the matter seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the facts surrounding the incident.

The command also disclosed that it was working diligently to gather and analyse all available evidence, including eyewitness testimonies, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired while upholding the principles of justice and fairness.

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It further refuted claims making the rounds on social media that the tragic death of the student was due to a “religious issue”, urging the general public to dispel any rumour or misconception that may have arisen.

“As the investigation progresses, updates will be shared with the public to ensure transparency. We encourage any individual with relevant information about the incident that will assist the investigation to step forward, as all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, while calling on the general public to remain calm, extends his deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy and the management of the Federal University Dutsinma. We convey our sympathies and support during this difficult time.” she said

One killed and six arrested as students clash in Katsina over a female schoolmate

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