Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion’s Death Toll Rises To 98

  Death toll from Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion has risen to 98 with 69 injured and 20 shops burnt to the ground. The figure as of Sunday was 86 with 55 injured even as there was concern that many of the injured victims may not survive, given the grave nature of their injury. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, made the latest figure available to PUNCH Online in a statement on Monday. He said, “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt down.” Meanwhile, PUNCH Online learnt that so far, out of the 43 injured victims that were admitted at the General Hospital Suleja, seven of them have died due to the gravity of their injuries while three of the injured patients out of the 23 admitted at the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse have also died. Ten of the patients admitted at the General Hospital Suleja were referred for specialist care in Abuja while three of them were satisfactorily treated and discharged to recuperate at home. The state government has assured all that it would defray the cost of treatment of the injured victims while the Federal Government has also said it would cater for the cost of treatment for all the injured victims referred to the FCT for more intensive treatment. The fire incident occurred on Saturday morning when a speeding tanker loaded with fuel crashed and spilt all the fuel on the road. Indigent residents of the state rushed to scoop the fuel on the road when the tanker caught fire and burnt most of them. The dead have already been buried in a mass grave. Condolences have been pouring in from across the country over the tragedy while the Federal Government has set up a committee to probe the cause of the tragedy. Punch  

Installation As Aare Akinrogun Of Igbo-Elerinland, Hon. Olayinka Segelu Appreciates Olubadan, Baales, Others

  An ICT guru and Germany-based entrepreneur, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu has expressed his deep appreciation to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, for the approval of his installation and coronation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 governorship aspirant also extended his greetings to the Olubadan-in-Council for their consent. Hon. Segelu, in his appreciation message on Sunday, praised the Igbo Elerin Baale Council of Baales for deemed him fit for the exalted position of Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am deeply grateful to Almighty God and thank our highly esteemed and revered father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, and his Council for their consent and approval for my coronation and installation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “To the family and friends, I sincerely appreciate your unconditional love and unwavering support. Yesterday’s chieftaincy coronation would not have been possible without each of you. Although I am currently out of the country, your presence at the installation made a significant impact. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Igbo Elerin Council of Baales, especially Oniogunbode of Ogunbode (Baale Akin Babalola), Alapatere of Apatere (Baale Sunday Alamu), Onigbaro of Igbaro (Baale Olulere Adesumbo), Onidagbolu of Dagbolu (Baale Ogunsakin Moses Olujinmi), and all other Baales of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am sincerely thankful to the elders of the Taiwo Ariyibi Dynasty and my dear brothers, The Segelu kings. Special thanks to my elder brother Wale Segelu, my younger brothers, Yomi Segelu, and Baale Tosin Segelu (Baale Eleruko) for exemplifying true leadership and fulfilling your roles admirably. “To Brother Tunde, Brother Banjo, Brother Akin, Dare Eleruko, and the immediate past Ward 2 Councillor, Hon. Olaniyi Idowu Oluseyi, along with Brother Segun Onigbinde and the supporting staff—Mrs. Olatunde, LadyKiki, Mayowa Oloyede, and others—my heartfelt thanks for your contributions. “While I cannot mention everyone individually, please know that I am truly grateful to all. “E se modupe. Mo mo lore ooo.” Hon. Segelu promised to continue to promote the progress, peace and tranquility of Igbo Elerinland, Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Igbo Elerinland consists of over 300 villages, and it is under Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State.

Fuel Tanker Explosion: Niger Death Toll Hits 86, 55 Injured

  The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, on Saturday has risen to 86, while 55 people were injured and taken to hospital. As of Saturday, the death toll was reported as 70, with 50 injured. However, more corpses have since been recovered, and all have been given a mass burial in Dikko, Niger State. The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday. He stated that the agency, alongside Gurara Local Government Area and brave, kind-hearted volunteers, conducted the mass burial between 5 pm and midnight. “A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their corpses recovered and buried. “Eighty of them were buried in a mass grave at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, while five were taken by their relatives for burial in the town, and one died at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre. “The mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara LGA and courageous volunteers between the hours of 5pm and midnight. “The number of injured now stands at 55, with one death recorded at Dikko PHC,” Baba-Arah stated. A speeding fuel tanker crashed on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction, located between Niger and Kaduna states. While some residents attempted to scoop fuel spilling onto the tarred road from the tanker, it exploded in a massive blaze. The explosion killed both those collecting fuel and others attempting to rescue them. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the scene of the tragic explosion on Saturday and has issued a ban on vehicles coming from the Maje axis from passing over the Dikko Bridge. The governor gave the directive while inspecting the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Bago, decrying the recklessness of some drivers, stated that it was unacceptable for vehicles coming from Maje to use the bridge, directing them instead to follow the underpass and take the appropriate U-turn. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the directive in a statement on Sunday. “Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass over the Dikko Bridge. “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued this directive during his visit to the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara LGA. “The governor, who criticised the recklessness of certain drivers, said vehicles from Maje must use the underpass and make the U-turn correctly. “He also urged the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive and called on all relevant transport unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps,” Ibrahim stated. The governor expressed his gratitude to NSEMA, the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Union of Road Transport Workers, among others, for their roles in evacuating the victims. He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital. Punch  

Tinubu Commiserates With K1 De Ultimate Over Mother’s Death

  President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reached out to Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, to express his condolences following the death of his mother, Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe. K1 shared their telephone conversation on Instagram, writing, “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria called to commiserate with the King of Fuji Music.” The death of Alhaja Halima Anifowoshe was earlier announced on K1’s official media page on Saturday. A post featuring a photo of K1 with his late mother read, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of King Wasiu Ayinde’s beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace, Alhaja Alimotu Shadiya Omoakeredolu Aya Anifowoshe. Iya rere. Sun re oo.” Click the link below to watch the video: https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1880601592035967287?t=xRpfkzXG8Cm2v4Yj-E8ZGQ&s=19

Several Feared Dead In Niger Fuel Tanker Blast.

  Many residents are feared dead in Niger State while trying to scoop fuel after a petrol tanker spilt its contents on the tarred road. Many others sustained various degrees of injury. The incident happened on Saturday morning in Dikko junction along the expressway between Niger and Kaduna states. It was gathered that shortly after the speeding tanker fell and spilt its content, onlookers rushed to the scene to scoop the liquid content. It was while they were scooping the fuel that the tanker exploded and burnt many of the residents who were scooping the fuel, while those who were not so close to the tanker escaped with injuries. Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who was on the governor’s entourage to Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas to inspect the government’s projects, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. Ibrahim stated that the governor called for caution from road users. He said the governor expressed shock at the incident and called on security agents to ensure there was adequate security while other humanitarian agents were working to restore normalcy in the area. “Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. “The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured. The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety. “He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area. “A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content. “Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” he stated. Punch  

Oyo Gov’t Includes Four Roads In Ongoing Rehabilitation Exercise

  The Oyo State Government has commenced a major road rehabilitation project in key areas of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility. The projects cover roads, including Bashorun Oluwo-nla, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji Road. They are expected to be completed in less than 8 weeks. This is according to a statement signed by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade on Friday, in Ibadan. He said the ongoing rehabilitation is based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads. Ogunlade said the move was in line with the commitment of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors. “Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized our men to these sites,” he said. He noted that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the governor mandated stakeholders to submit critical roads that required immediate attention in their domain. Hon. Ogunlade said rehabilitation works have commenced on some of the roads, while contractors will move to the remaining ones soon. “Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repair on other roads will be commenced soon.” He therefore advised commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife In Ogun

  The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been abducted from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement released to PUNCH Online on Friday. The victim was reportedly abducted by four masked men who attacked her, pulled her out of her Lexus Jeep, and drove away with her late Thursday night. The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, said “Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs Odumosu, resident of Aminu Street, Arepo. Reports indicate that she was about to enter her home when four masked men attacked her, dragged her from her jeep and took her through the swamp to an unknown location. “The divisional police officer has led a team of policemen to the scene where they are currently searching for the swampy bush area. “The CP, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has been briefed, and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt.” Odutola added that the local chiefs of Warewa and Maaba had been approached to deploy local security outfits to assist in the search effort. Odutola added that the local chiefs of Warewa and Maaba had been approached to deploy local security outfits to assist in the search effort. Punch

Nigerians Deserve What They Are Experiencing – Apostle Suleman

  The Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has attributed current economic hardship to poor decisions made during the 2023 elections. Suleman made this assertion during Tuesday and Wednesday’s two-day “Recovery Conference 2025” in Bauchi State, the Daily Post reports Thursday. Ahead of the event, he paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, where he met with Governor Bala Mohammed. While commending Mohammed for his leadership and hospitality, Suleman described him as “a man of honour” and pledged his continued prayers for the state’s progress. Senior pastors, including Dr. Kingsley Aigbe, accompanied him. However, speaking with journalists at the Government House, Suleman didn’t mince words about the nation’s state, blaming Nigerians for their electoral choices. “What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled. The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifesto—just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra,” Suleman declared. He criticised Tinubu’s administration for poor policy decisions and the mismanagement of the country’s oil sector. “The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” he lamented. Suleman urged Nigerians to reflect on their voting decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.” Echoing Suleman’s concerns, Mohammed, also took a swipe at Tinubu’s policies, warning of their potential to harm the nation irreparably. “Tinubu’s policies don’t have a clear vision and are taking us to the road to perdition and destruction. That is why when I talk about tax reforms, it is not because I don’t want reform, but because I want reform that will have a national impact. I don’t have anything against the president but respect,” Mohammed said. The governor vowed to continue criticising Federal Government policies as long as they “shortchange Nigerians.” “Nigerians deserve better, and I will not shy away from pointing out these shortcomings,” the governor maintained.  

VIDEO: ‘I Have No Regret,’ Says Suspect Caught With Girlfriend’s Severed Head

  Timileyin Ajayi, 32, has been remanded in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the state capital for the alleged murder of a 24-year-old corps member, Salome Adaidu Adaidu, who was serving in Abuja, was reportedly killed during a visit to Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head after dismembering her body. He was subsequently paraded at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters, alongside the knife and machetes allegedly used for the crime. Visibly injured from a mob attack prior to his arrest, Ajayi admitted the killing during an exclusive interview with Channels Television, stating that it was unplanned and stemmed from feelings of jealousy. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. “She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said. When asked if he regretted his actions, he replied, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal that is what I thought. If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. “You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through. That is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.” Adaidu’s family denied any knowledge of a relationship between her and the suspect. Her elder sister, Esther Adaidu, said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister. “I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.” Her uncle, Samson Adaji Adaidu, who described the gruesome details of the crime, stated the position of the family. “The position of the family is we discovered this through the Nigerian Police and we are expecting justice from the police,” he said. He narrated the sad experience, saying, “He has succeeded in destroying our daughter, not ordinary killing, he butchered her into pieces. He cut that body into more than 50 pieces and when you look at the whole thing, he is preparing that body for consumption because he cut them and left them in about six polythene bags’ The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, assured all that justice will be served. He said, “Investigation is ongoing, and upon conclusion of the investigation, he will be arraigned in court for prosecution. I want to assure the family and members of the public that this suspect will not be spared if found wanting. “He will be charged to court for prosecution. We are calling on members of the public who may have any complaints against the suspect to come forward with their complaints and it will be looked into and investigated.” While media reports suggested that Ajayi is a gospel singer, he identified himself as a cryptocurrency trader during the interview with Channels Television. Click the link below to watch the video https://x.com/MobilePunch/status/1879411332128157914  

Six Die In Kogi Road Crash

  No fewer than six persons have been reported dead in a road accident in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, while 60 others were injured. The accident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday near the Zone 8 Roundabout along the Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja. “An articulated truck travelling from Bauchi to Enugu State lost control, resulting in the devastating crash. “The remains of the six deceased were deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary,” said the State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Oyedeji. A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported chaotic scenes as first responders worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the accident. “It was a horrific sight. People were trapped and it took hours to clear the scene,” said the resident. Oyedeji urged drivers to exercise caution, especially when operating heavy-duty vehicles, and called on the government to intensify efforts in addressing road infrastructure challenges and enforcing traffic regulations. “As investigations continue into the cause of the accident, Nigerians are once again reminded of the shared responsibility to ensure safer roads for all,” he added. On April 1, 2024, PUNCH Online reports that 13 persons died while two were injured in an auto crash in the state. Oyedeji disclosed that the accident involving a commercial Sharon bus and an articulated cement truck, occurred by Obajana Market along Obajana -Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area of the state. The sector commander said that the Sharon bus had parked behind a truck around the market for passengers to buy some things when the cement truck lost its brake and rammed into it from behind. Punch