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

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

Alleged kidnap of 3 students in Ogun fake – Police

The Ogun State Police Command has denied the rumour-making round that three students of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele, Abeokuta were kidnapped.

The command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, made the clarification in a statement she made available to newsmen on Saturday night.

Odutola, who described the report as misleading and capable of creating panic in the public, enjoined members of the public to disregard the report.

The statement read, “The attention of Ogun State Police Command has been drawn to an online news being circulated in the wake of Friday 29th September 2023, that three pupils of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Abeokuta, were kidnapped without first getting clarifications from the Command”.

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“Ogun State Police Command hereby reiterate that the report is misleading and capable of creating a state of panic and false alarm when nothing of such happened”

“The Ogun State Police Command confirms that the alleged case of kidnapping is false and should be disregarded”.

“To address these rumours, the Divisional Police Officer in Odeda conducted a discreet investigation in collaboration with the Principals of Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Osiele namely Olapade K. O, Principal Senior School and Bankole T. A, Principal Junior School”.

“The parents of the pupils were contacted, and none of them reported any cases of kidnapping to the school authorities”.

“In light of this investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, has assured the public that security measures have been reinforced across the State”.

“Residents are encouraged to carry on with their daily routines without any fear or risk to themselves or their properties”.

“The Police Command also appeals to online writers to verify the authenticity of stories before publishing them”.