metro
35 killed, many injured in Kwara tanker explosion, Kaduna, Kogi crashes
At least 35 people have been killed in three accidents in Kwara, Kaduna and Kogi states with several others seriously injured, homes and other property destroyed.
Kaduna-Abuja road crash
An accident at kilometre 26 of the Kaduna-Abuja Highways claimed at least 12 lives, with 25 others seriously injured.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning involving a trailer said to be on high speed.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the accident, said the state government received the information through the security agencies.
The commissioner, who led an enforcement team on patrol, said the 25 injured travellers were receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital just as he disclosed that an unspecified number of livestock perished in the crash.
“The Kaduna State Government has received a report from security agencies on a fatal road traffic crash which occurred this morning at kilometer 26 of the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
“Twelve (12) persons were killed in the crash, with 25 injured, who are now receiving treatment in hospital. Several livestock also perished in the accident.
“A crane was deployed to retrieve two dead bodies mutilated and trapped underneath the wreckage of the trailer.
“The scene of the crash has been cleared, and security agencies have ensured the normal movement of traffic along the route,” the commissioner said at the scene of the accident.
Aruwan quoted the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, as expressing sadness over the incident and commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished those injured quick recovery.
He said the governor also cautioned citizens plying the highway to desist from dangerous and potentially disastrous practices “like speeding, overloading, reckless driving and driving against the flow of traffic, which was prohibited by the Kaduna State Government a week ago.
The commissioner also urged travellers and other road users to comply with the ban on driving against the direction of traffic.
Kwara petrol tanker explosion
Six people were confirmed dead and 30 homes razed when a petrol tanker exploded on Wednesday in the Gaika area of Jebba, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Spokesperson for the state’s fire service, Hakeem Adekunle, confirmed the accident but did not provide information on casualties.
It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 9am when the tanker driver driving along the popular Gaika road in Jebba, a border town, suddenly lost control.
The fully loaded tanker was said to have crashed onto a car, resulting in the explosion.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and properties in the fire incident.
A statement issued by the Chief press secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said, “The governor is very sad at this development especially with the loss of lives and millions of naira worth of properties and farmlands.
“He sends his heartfelt condolences to the affected families. He urges them to take heart and remain calm as believers.
“He has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to quickly move in to determine the material loss.
“He also commends the Kwara State Fire Service and other responders for their efforts which helped to curtail the raging inferno and minimise the loss.”
Lokoja-Abuja highway accident in Kogi
In Kogi, about 17 people died in a road accident at Irepeni on Okene-Lokoja-Abuja highway in Kogi State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Kogi, Solomon Aghure, confirmed this to journalists in Lokoja.
He said that the accident, which occurred at about 5am, involved two vehicles.
Aghure said the two vehicles, a luxury bus and a Toyota Hiace, were both conveying a total of 55 passengers to different destinations when they collided.
He said 15 passengers died on the spot while two others died in hospital, bringing the total number of casualties to 17.
“The Toyota Hiace was going to Auchi, Edo State, and the luxury bus was coming from the Okene axis. The luxury bus overtook a car and in the process lost control. Of course, it was night, so it came and hit the smaller Toyota bus, pushing it into the bush.
“The vehicle somersaulted, and 15 people died on the spot and two later died in the hospital,” Aghure said.
The sector commander said 25 other passengers who sustained varying degrees of injuries were taken to a private hospital for treatment while the corpses of the 17 people were deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.
metro
Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack
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.
READ ALSO:
- 94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
- Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
- Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
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
metro
94 arrested as task force raids Lagos rail corridor squatters
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.
READ ALSO:
- Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
- Alleged fraud: South Africa FA President, Danny Jordaan, arrested
- Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
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
metro
Okpebholo sacks all political appointees, Board executives in Edo
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.
READ ALSO:
- A’Ibom police saved man from being lynched after son’s corpse found in carton
- Oyo community leader arraigned over land-grabbing allegations
- Reps question NAHCON handling of 2024 Hajj, subsidy disbursement, others
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
-
Auto3 days agoToyota by CFAO surprises customers with free Hilux, motorcycles, all-expense-paid trip to Seychelles
-
International2 days agoBelgium University offers scholarship up to €12,000 for Master’s students
-
Railway2 days agoNigerian railway adds extra train to Friday, Saturday trips on Lagos-Ibadan route
-
International2 days agoUK announces 45,000 seasonal worker visas for 2025
-
Business2 days agoFinally, marketers, Dangote refinery agree on direct fuel supply
-
International2 days agoSaudi crown prince says Israel committing ‘genocide’ in Gaza
-
Politics3 days agoAfenifere, Council of Obas back Aiyedatiwa for Ondo gov
-
Business3 days agoCement price surges by 100% to N8,800 in one year
You must be logged in to post a comment Login