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Gbagyi Union Blames KRPC for Gas Leak, Calls for Evacuation

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The Gbagyi Development Union (GDU) in Kaduna State has voiced deep concern over the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Corporation’s (KRPC) lack of response after the release of hydrogen fluoride gas into the atmosphere more than two weeks ago.

This dangerous, highly toxic, and corrosive chemical was accidentally emitted by refinery staff, posing severe health risks to the residents of Kafam.

Despite the immediate threat, KRPC has yet to take action, further frustrating the local community.

In a statement issued by Barr. Ishaya Tanko Damina, president of the GDU, the group condemned KRPC’s inaction.

Damina explained that, although federal agencies such as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have shown concern, KRPC management insists they will only act after testing is completed.

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The GDU sees this as a troubling delay in addressing the health and environmental impacts caused by the August 28, 2024, incident.

This is not the first time Kafam has suffered from hazardous chemical leaks.

According to the GDU, there have been six similar incidents since the 1990s, leading to the destruction of farmlands and the death of aquatic life in nearby streams, particularly the River Romi.

Despite these ongoing environmental crises, the KRPC management has shown little interest in resolving the problem or taking measures to prevent future occurrences.

Damina criticized the refinery’s leadership for their “arrogant, nonchalant, irresponsible, and insensitive” attitude toward the disaster.

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The union emphasized the severity of hydrogen fluoride gas emissions, which can cause immediate harm to both the environment and human health.

The recent gas leak led to the withering of plants and crops, contamination of local water sources, and severe respiratory issues for those exposed.

During a visit to Kafam, members of the commissioner’s team reported experiencing difficulty breathing.

Additionally, on September 2, 2024, nine people were hospitalized with symptoms including greenish stooling and vomiting.

Drawing a grim comparison to the destruction caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, Damina underscored the urgent need for KRPC to recognize the gravity of the situation.

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Hydrogen fluoride is a potent chemical that requires an immediate and robust emergency response, but KRPC’s apparent indifference has left the community vulnerable.

In response to the crisis, the GDU has issued a series of demands aimed at protecting Kafam’s residents and environment.

They called for the immediate evacuation of villagers to minimize further exposure to the toxic gas, as well as a full-scale cleanup of the affected area.

Additionally, the group insists that KRPC provide urgent medical care to those impacted and decontaminate the affected individuals.

The union also stressed the need for ongoing medical monitoring of both the population and the farmlands to identify any long-term health effects from the incident.

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They highlighted the importance of educating nearby communities about the dangers posed by hydrogen fluoride gas leaks and how best to respond in case of future accidents.

Soil and water bodies affected by the emission must be given immediate attention, and adequate compensation should be provided to victims, especially for the loss of farm crops.

With fears of mass deaths, birth defects, and future deformities looming, the GDU urged the KRPC management to take responsibility and act quickly.

The ongoing disregard for the well-being of Kafam’s residents, they warned, could have catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed.


 

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Michelle Says She Married Barack Obama When He Wasn’t Financially Stable

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Michelle Obama recently shared that when she first met Barack Obama, he wasn’t “financially sound.”

The couple crossed paths in 1988 when Barack joined a law firm in Chicago, where Michelle was already working. On a recent podcast episode she hosts with her brother, Craig, Michelle reflected on the importance of financial stability in a relationship.

During a conversation with British author Jay Shetty, Craig asked Michelle, “Would you be attracted to a guy who’s not financially stable when you meet him?”

Without hesitation, Michelle replied, “Uh, I married one.”

Craig, who seemed to have set her up for that response, laughed and jokingly said, “Don’t you like that alley-oop I just threw you? In basketball, you just point—you don’t even have to say it.”

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Nnamdi Kanu Hopes for Bail by April After Spending Four Years in Detention

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Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), believes he will be granted bail this April after spending four years in detention.

Also, he shared this confidence with Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja, during a visit at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility where he is being held.

After the visit, Ezenekwe released a statement revealing that Kanu remains in high spirits despite his prolonged detention. He noted that Kanu appeared healthier, more relaxed, and had even gained weight.

According to Ezenekwe, Kanu expressed deep frustration over the lack of strong Igbo leadership advocating for his release. He also called for more effort in pushing for the interests of the Igbo people, emphasizing that a referendum remains key to self-determination.

Additionally, Kanu maintained that he had done nothing wrong other than urging his people to wake up. He reassured me that he was taking his medications and staying optimistic. Most importantly, he expressed full confidence in his legal team and remained hopeful that he would be released by the end of April 2025.

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Reflecting on their meeting, Ezenekwe described it as a reminder of the ongoing fight for recognition, justice, and the advancement of Igbo interests in Nigeria. He urged President Bola Tinubu to order Kanu’s release, stating that it would be a significant step in demonstrating his commitment to justice.

“In the spirit of democracy and fairness, I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action and secure the release of our brother and hero, Nnamdi Kanu. This moment should mark a turning point—a renewed determination to protect the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people,” Ezenekwe stated.


 

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Bwala Says Nigeria Dodged a Bullet with Peter Obi’s 2023 Loss

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In a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), political commentator Bwala criticized former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi’s recent public address. Bwala expressed concern over Obi’s delivery, stating it lacked factual substance and logical coherence, likening it to “a tinkling cymbal or a sounding brass.”

Bwala further remarked that Obi appears to have not moved past the disappointment of the 2023 presidential election defeat. He suggested that Obi’s current stance might be influenced by his perceived role in the opposition’s dynamics leading up to the 2027 elections.

Reflecting on Obi’s 2023 electoral journey, several factors have been identified as contributing to his loss. These include challenges in forming strategic alliances, particularly with northern political figures, and debates over his performance during his tenure as Anambra State Governor. Additionally, internal party disputes, such as allegations of financial mismanagement within the LP, have surfaced.

In the aftermath of the election, Obi’s campaign reportedly allocated substantial funds toward legal challenges against the election results. Aisha Yesufu, chair of the fundraising team, disclosed that approximately ₦744.5 million was spent on litigation, with total campaign income and expenses both nearing ₦1.4 billion.


 

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