Metro News Archives - Page 15 of 21

Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion’s Death Toll Rises To 98

January 20, 2025 by admin

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

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

January 19, 2025 by admin

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

Several Feared Dead In Niger Fuel Tanker Blast.

January 18, 2025 by admin

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

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife In Ogun

January 17, 2025 by admin

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

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

January 15, 2025 by admin

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

January 15, 2025 by admin

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

Oriyomi Hamzat Overwhelmed In Tears As Crowd Celebrates His Return To Broadcasting Station

January 14, 2025 by admin

The proprietor of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has regained his freedom after meeting his bail conditions. He was released from Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, alongside his co-accused, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Abdullahi Fasasi, principal of Islamic High School, Basorun. The trio had been remanded following allegations of involvement in a tragic stampede that claimed the lives of 35 children during a funfair event on December 18, 2024. Justice K. B. Olawoyin granted bail to the defendants on Monday, setting the amount at ₦10 million each, along with two sureties of the same value. Upon his release, Hamzat received a hero’s welcome at Agidigbo FM’s broadcasting station along the Ojoo expressway on Tuesday. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the crowd, he was moved to tears. Addressing his supporters, he said, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.” The Oyo State Government had earlier filed an 18-count criminal charge against Hamzat, Silekunola, and Fasasi in connection with the fatal incident. The charges, filed on January 10, 2025, include conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence. The prosecution alleged that the defendants failed to ensure adequate security, crowd control, and medical facilities during the children’s funfair, leading to the stampede. Court documents detailed that the defendants’ alleged negligence directly resulted in the deaths of 35 children, including an 8-year-old named Musiliu Sofiat. The prosecution stated the trio’s actions violated Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Several Feared Dead In Reported Zamfara Airstrike.

January 12, 2025 by admin

Several people were reportedly killed in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Garba Umar, a resident of the area, told The PUNCH that the incident occurred on Saturday evening as local vigilantes were heading to assist neighbours in Tungar Kara village, which had come under attack by bandits. According to Umar, the vigilante group mobilised after receiving reports of bandits rustling livestock and attempting to abduct villagers. “As we were heading to Tungar Kara around 3:30 pm, an aircraft suddenly appeared in the area and dropped a bomb on the vigilantes. The bandits had already escaped into the forest,” Umar recounted. He alleged that 16 people, including his own son, were killed in the airstrike. “We mobilised to protect our neighbours, but tragically, the aircraft targeted the vigilantes instead of the fleeing bandits. It’s heartbreaking,” Umar alleged. Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, told The PUNCH on Sunday morning that he would investigate the matter and provide further details. “I will look into what actually happened and get back to you,” Abdullahi said. However, as of the time of filing this report, no additional information had been provided. Meanwhile, PUNCH Online reported in November 2024 that the Nigerian Air Force said airstrikes conducted in Zamfara State killed numerous bandits, including key loyalists of the notorious bandit leaders, Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule. Similarly, four days ago, on January 8, 2025, troops of the same Operation Fansan Yamma reportedly killed a notorious terrorist leader, Sani Rusu, and scores of his foot soldiers during a gunfight in Bamamu village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Punch

Lagos Teacher Remanded For Slapping A Three-Year-Old Pupil,Pleaded Not Guilty

January 9, 2025 by admin

Stella Nwadigo, a teacher accused of physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was brought before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at the Ogba Magistrate Court on Thursday. Nwadigo, who was apprehended after a video surfaced online showing her repeatedly slapping the young child, Abayomi Micheal, reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges read to her. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency disclosed this in an update on X.com on Thursday. The statement read, “Following the ongoing viral case of child abuse, all concerned parties appeared today, 9th January 2024, at the Ogba Magistrate Court. (sic) “The matter was assigned to Magistrate M.O. Kusanu. Two charges were read to the suspect, to which she pled not guilty.” Nwadigo’s defence counsel was said to have applied for bail, which the court reportedly set at N200,000. The statement added, “Her defense counsel applied for bail, which the court set at ₦200,000 and two verifiable sureties. “The suspect has been remanded in a correctional facility, and the case is adjourned to the 18th January 2024 for trial.” The viral video, which showed Nwadigo repeatedly slapping Abayomi while attempting to teach him how to write the number six, ignited public outrage, leading to widespread calls for justice. Nwadigo was also suspended by the school’s management, while Abayomi was reportedly hospitalised following the incident.

OneDead, Several Injured In Ibadan, As Granite Laden-Truck Lost Control

January 8, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – A truck fully loaded with granite has on Wednesday claimed lives of some suspected road side traders at Eleyele Junction of Ibadan Metroplis. The devastated accident claimed lives of unconfirmed number of lives believed to be road side traders that used to displayed their wares and petty markets at the Eleyele bus stop, while many were seriously injured. The development according to an eyewitness said a truck loaded with granite lost control and crashed into a nearby park garage. The eyewitness accounts stated that the truck, coming from the opposite direction, initially struck a group of roadside traders before barreling into the garage, where it struck waiting passengers, leaving many injured. An anonymous eyewitness described the chaotic scene, emphasising the devastation and panic that ensued. The driver of the truck fled the scene in an attempt to avoid being mobbed by onlookers, further complicating the aftermath of the tragedy. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, and authorities have stated that the exact number of casualties remains unknown as they work to clear the wreckage. Emergency responders are focused on removing the truck to prevent additional accidents and to restore normal traffic flow in the area. In a telephone interview, Rosemary Alo, the Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed the tragic incident. She stated that the roadside traders had previously been warned about the dangers of conducting business in the area. “If they had heeded these warnings, we could have potentially reduced the number of casualties,” she remarked. Alo also indicated that efforts would be intensified in collaboration with the local government chairman to enforce a ban on street trading in the vicinity, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.