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Updated: Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
Two people were killed and 77 people injured in an explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the state governor, has disclosed.
The incident happened on Dejo Oyeleye Street in the Bodija area of Ibadan, instantly spreading panic to other parts of the city.
Makinde, who spoke to journalists in Ibadan, said the explosion was caused by illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area.
The governor said, “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan.
“This unfortunate incident resulted in the death and injury to residents in the vicinity and affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations.”
Some of the affected areas are the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, the residence of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, some buildings at Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango and Eleyele.
There were fears that some persons were still trapped under the rubble as of 10pm on Tuesday.
But a report by The Punch quoted a social worker at the UCH, as saying that the hospital had received no fewer than 15 victims.
“The victims will not be less than 15,” he said.
Glass windows, doors and ceilings were shattered in the affected areas.
The report also indicated that major roads were deserted while residents were forced indoors by security operatives, including the police, Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes, who took over the affected areas.
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Security vehicles were sighted conveying the victims to some selected hospitals in the state capital for medical attention.
At least three buildings reportedly collapsed as a result of the explosion.
There are videos seen online showing some of the places affected by the explosion, with an accompanying male voice calling for help.
“Please, we need help here. These are the people. We need help. Police, Army, and everybody else should come and rescue people here,” the male voice pleaded.
A lady was seen in one of the videos being circulated saying the apartment her mother lived in collapsed as a result of the impact of the explosion.
The lady said, “My mum stays in Adeyi with my sister and my son. They are badly injured. The house collapsed on them. They are stitching their legs and arms. They are in the hospital beside Ace Mall.”
In a statement, the state government, through the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said, “There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence in order to mitigate the incident.
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“All security service chiefs, including paramilitary chiefs and fire service operatives, have been deployed by the governor to reign in the spillover from the explosion.
“The Governor, Seyi Makinde, therefore, implores citizens to calm down and rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”.
The police spokesman in the state, Adewale Oyefeso, said, “The Commissioner of Police Oyo State Command, in the company with some senior officers and other responders, is on the ground for on-the-spot assessment and rescue operation.
“The Oyo State Police Command has also deployed armed and plainclothes officers to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”
Illegal mining caused Ibadan explosion, two dead, 77 injured – Gov Makinde
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Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) possesses detailed intelligence on terrorists and armed bandits, including their names and locations, underscoring the government’s awareness of insurgent activities across the country. The statement was made during a recent interview with DRTV, which quickly trended on social media, sparking national discussion about Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.
Gumi was responding to claims that he personally maintains contact with terrorist and bandit leaders responsible for attacks and kidnappings in northern Nigeria. He clarified that his engagements with armed groups are never conducted alone, but always in coordination with security agencies, including the police and military.
“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location,” Gumi said. “I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies.” He also revealed that some negotiation efforts involved visits to traditional rulers and trips into forested areas believed to be hideouts for armed groups. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.
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Gumi’s Role in Dialogue and Negotiation
Gumi, a former army captain and respected Islamic cleric, has participated in several dialogue initiatives with armed groups, including Boko Haram factions and bandit networks, advocating for negotiation as a means to reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their arms. He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains a vital component of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in areas where military operations alone have struggled to restore stability.
The cleric’s comments have reignited debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies. While some analysts say Gumi’s claims highlight the wealth of intelligence available to the government, critics question why insurgent activity continues despite this knowledge. Many Nigerians on social media expressed concerns over the implementation of intelligence and the apparent inability to fully neutralize armed groups.
Public Reactions and Security Implications
Reactions to Gumi’s statements were mixed. Supporters argue that his involvement is crucial for mediating conflict and reducing bloodshed, while critics worry that such negotiations could legitimize criminals and undermine military efforts. Similar assertions by regional leaders in the past have also prompted debate about how intelligence and security operations are coordinated across Nigeria’s troubled regions.
As of now, the Federal Government and security agencies have not officially confirmed or refuted Gumi’s claims, leaving the interview as a focal point in ongoing discussions about national security, counter-insurgency strategy, and intelligence deployment.
Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi
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Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
The family of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who died after a student prank went wrong, has called on authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against the teenagers involved.
Hughes, 40, a mathematics teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia, died on Friday, March 6, after he was accidentally run over during a prank outside his home.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a group of students had gone to the teacher’s residence to carry out a prank commonly known as “toilet papering” or “rolling”, where trees and yards are covered with toilet paper.
Investigators said the students attempted to leave the area in two vehicles when Hughes came outside after noticing the prank.
Because it had been raining, Hughes reportedly slipped while moving toward the students and fell into the road.
Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving one of the vehicles when Hughes fell into the roadway and was struck as the car drove away.
The teenagers stopped immediately and attempted to help the teacher before emergency responders arrived. Hughes was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
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Following the incident, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering, while the four other teenagers involved were charged with criminal trespass and littering.
Despite the charges, Hughes’ family has publicly appealed for leniency, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.
In a statement to NBC News, the family revealed that Hughes had actually been aware that students planned to prank him and had been looking forward to catching them in the act.
They explained that the teacher slipped on the wet ground and fell into the street moments before the vehicle passed.
According to the family, Hughes had a deep connection with his students and dedicated much of his life to supporting them.
“He loved these kids, and they loved him too,” the family said, adding that they support dropping the charges against all the students involved.
“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring by ruining the lives of these students. That would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of young people,” the statement read.
The family also asked the public to pray for both their family and the students involved.
“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” they said.
Hughes’ brother, Richard Hughes, described him as an exceptional person and mentor.
“He was my mentor and someone I looked up to. It’s just tragic and sad all around,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Darragh said the case is still under investigation and it is too early to determine whether the charges will proceed.
“It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case,” Darragh said.
Authorities say the Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about student pranks, school safety, and how seemingly harmless acts can quickly lead to devastating consequences.
Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped
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Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey, has appealed to authorities to release her husband, Richard Adjei, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for domestic violence.
Priscilla made the emotional appeal during an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, explaining that she never intended for the situation to lead to such a lengthy jail term. According to her, she initially reported her husband to the police only to warn and deter him from further abuse, not to have him imprisoned.
Priscilla recounted that the incident occurred after her husband allegedly assaulted her during a domestic dispute. She said she reported the matter to the police after the attack. However, when officers came to their home to arrest him, he was not around.
When Richard later returned and discovered she had reported him to the police, he allegedly became angry and assaulted her again.
“On the day my husband was arrested, he assaulted me, and I went to report him to the police. When the police came to arrest him, he was not home. When he came back, he beat me again for reporting him,” she said.
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According to Priscilla, her aunt, who was angered by the renewed violence, reported the matter to the police again, which eventually led to Richard’s arrest and prosecution. The court later found him guilty and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for domestic assault.
Despite the conviction, Priscilla says she now regrets how events unfolded and wants her husband released. The pregnant woman explained that she currently has no family support, as both her family and her husband’s relatives have allegedly turned their backs on her.
She added that she needs her husband’s help to take care of their unborn child and support the household financially.
“At least if Richard were here, he would have worked to take care of us. Please help me get him released,” she pleaded.
Priscilla also stressed that she never expected the police report to result in a prison sentence.
Priscilla and Richard have been married for two years, and the case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in Ghana, where economic dependence and family pressures often complicate such cases.
Legal experts say once a domestic violence case is prosecuted in court, it becomes a criminal matter handled by the state, meaning the victim cannot automatically withdraw the case even if reconciliation is later sought.
Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger support systems for domestic violence victims, including financial assistance, counselling, and shelters.
It remains unclear whether Richard’s sentence could be reviewed, as any release would likely depend on legal processes such as an appeal, presidential pardon, or court review.
Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence
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