News
Jigawa Tanker Explosion Claims 153 Lives, Governor Namadi Pledges Support for Victims
The death toll from the tragic tanker explosion in Majia Local Government Area of Jigawa State has risen to a devastating 153, with 100 people currently hospitalized.
The explosion, which has caused widespread grief and shock, initially claimed the lives of 105 people, while 70 others sustained various degrees of injuries, but the numbers have continued to rise as more victims succumb to their injuries.
In an updated statement, the police spokesperson, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed the increased toll.
He also stated that those who lost their lives in the explosion have been laid to rest in a mass grave, while the injured are receiving medical treatment at several hospitals, including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Jahun General Hospital, Nguru, Hadejia, and Gumel hospitals.
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has expressed profound sorrow over the horrific incident, personally visiting the site of the explosion to assess the damage and offer support.
The governor participated in the funeral prayer and mass burial of the victims, standing in solidarity with grieving families and the entire community during this harrowing time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time,” the governor stated, adding that the government would do everything in its power to support the injured and bereaved families.
He also pledged that the Jigawa State Government would bear the full cost of treatment for the injured, ensuring that all those affected by the inferno, now scattered across hospitals in the state and beyond, receive the best possible care.
Governor Namadi reassured the people that the government would provide much-needed assistance to the affected families while working to prevent future tragedies of this magnitude.
In addition to the governor’s commitments, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) released updated figures, confirming that 107 people have now lost their lives in the accident, while 57 remain hospitalized with severe burns and injuries.
The agency has been actively involved in coordinating rescue and recovery efforts, ensuring that victims receive timely medical care and that the families of the deceased are supported during their time of mourning.
Governor Namadi also issued a public appeal, urging citizens to exercise caution and prioritize safety during emergencies.
He advised people to avoid gathering at accident sites to prevent additional casualties, stressing the need for community awareness to prevent such tragedies from escalating.
The explosion, which has now become one of the deadliest in recent memory in Jigawa State, has left an indelible mark on the local community.
Families are grappling with the unimaginable loss of loved ones, and the region has been left devastated by the sheer scale of the disaster.
However, with the swift intervention of the government and emergency agencies, there is hope that the survivors will receive the care they need to recover, and steps will be taken to avoid future incidents.
News
NDLEA Thwarts Multiple Drug Smuggling Attempts at Lagos and Abuja Airports
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted large drug consignments at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.
On November 5, 2024, NDLEA officers seized 4.40kg of cocaine headed for the UK, arresting businessman Ekeocha Anayo Nelson.
On November 11, Adegbite Solomon was caught attempting to smuggle opioids to Italy. A few days later, Anoke Kingsley Roomy was arrested with 1,100 tramadol pills bound for Turkey.
In Abuja, Omeh Uchenna Jude and Anene Valentine Chigozie were arrested on November 15 with 1.8kg of methamphetamine intended for Qatar. That same day, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi was apprehended in Lagos with 1.8kg of methamphetamine.
These arrests highlight the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
News
Suspected Cultists Kill Soldier, Three Others in Makurdi
Suspected cultists have reportedly killed four people, including a soldier, in North Bank, Makurdi, Benue State.
The attacks occurred on Thursday and Friday nights, with eyewitnesses linking the incidents to ongoing clashes between rival cult groups in the area.
Nura Umar, Chairman of the vigilante group Operation Shara, confirmed the killings and stated that the victims, including two young men, were not cultists but fell victim to the rampage.
He added that a suspected cultist was also killed in his home on Thursday.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the cult activities but reported only one civilian casualty. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene assured that additional operatives had been deployed to the area to restore order.
News
Peter Obi Addresses African Business Forum at Wharton
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the African Business Forum held at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
The event, which has been a platform for discussions on Africa’s progress for over 30 years, brought together over 500 students, many of them from Nigeria and other parts of Africa, to engage in deep conversations about the continent’s future.
Wharton, known as America’s oldest business school, has long been a hub for intellectual dialogue and innovation.
This year’s forum centred on the role young Africans can play in building a prosperous Africa and how the next generation can tackle the continent’s long-standing challenges.
Peter Obi, drawing from his wealth of experience in business and public service, shared insights on leadership, resilience, and community engagement.
During his address, Obi made mention of the immense potential of Africa, emphasizing that the continent is blessed with abundant natural and human resources.
However, he lamented that this potential has often been squandered due to poor leadership and systemic failures over the years.
Speaking directly to the young African students in attendance, Obi stressed that they hold the key to rewriting the continent’s narrative.
He reflects on his journey, from his early days in the trading world to his achievements in corporate life and public service.
He acknowledged the hurdles he faced but underlined the importance of persistence and determination in overcoming obstacles.
Obi states that his experiences taught him the value of resilience and the need to stay committed to one’s goals, regardless of challenges.
Obi also spoke about the importance of leveraging knowledge and education for societal transformation.
As someone who has studied at top global institutions, including Harvard and the London School of Economics, he emphasizes that true fulfilment comes not just from personal success but from using one’s skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others.
He urges the students to engage with their communities at the grassroots level, arguing that meaningful change must start from the bottom up.
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