9 Bodies Recovered From Niger Boat Mishap – NSEMA
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has said that nine bodies were recovered from a boat mishap that occurred in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state. The Head of Relief and Rehabilitation in NSEMA, Alhaji Salihu Garba, disclosed this in an interview in Minna. Ten persons were confirmed dead in a boat mishap that occurred on Thursday, November 16. The victims, mostly traders, were reportedly conveying goods from Zongoru Community of Bassa Ward to Gijiwa, ahead of Friday market in Kuta, headquarters of Shiroro LGA, when the tragic incident happened. At least 34 persons were said to be on board of which 10 allegedly lost their lives, while 22 were reportedly rescued by local divers. Garba gave the names of the deceased to include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Bubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim and Rafiya Yakubu. He said that the agency had yet to identify two of the deceased persons, adding that all the deceased were from Zangoro. He further said that there were 24 males and female adults and 10 male and female children in the boat when it capized. Garba also said that a search operation was ongoing to recover the remaining bodies.
Abuja Airport Runway Shut After Aero Contractors Plane Crash-Lands
The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja faced a temporary closure after an Aerocontractors Airlines Boeing 733 aircraft crash-landed on Sunday morning. The incident occurred as the aircraft, with Nationality and Registration Marks 5N-BYQ, attempted to exit the runway via A4, resulting in the nose wheel becoming stuck in the grass verge while the fuselage remained on the runway. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau promptly initiated an investigation into the “serious incident,” leading to the closure of the runway until the aircraft could be towed to safety. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or fatalities during the crash-landing. Spokesperson James Odaudu assured the public of the Bureau’s commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. “Consequently, the runway was closed pending the towing of the aircraft from the runway,” the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said in a statement, adding that an investigation has commenced into the “serious incident”. “There was no injury or fatality,” said a spokesman for the Bureau, James Odaudu.
Traders Count Losses As Fire Rages Ladipo Plank Market
Tragedy struck the Ladipo Plank Market in Orile, Lagos on Wednesday as an inferno erupted, leaving traders counting their losses. The flames consumed goods valued at millions of Naira, marking a devastating blow to the local business community. The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, at around 12 am, catching traders and shop owners off-guard. The swift and destructive nature of the fire prompted an immediate response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). These first responders worked tirelessly to combat the raging inferno and prevent its further spread. Their timely intervention played a crucial role in minimizing the extent of the damage. The cause of the fire remains shrouded in mystery, and investigations are underway to determine its origin. However, the Ladipo Plank Market’s association, with highly combustible materials, such as sawmill products and building materials, along with the presence of inflammable wood polish, created a conducive environment for the rapid propagation of the flames, as well as dry weather conditions prevailing in the area which exacerbated the situation. In the midst of this chaotic and devastating event, the silver lining is that no casualties were reported.
Warri Refinery Fire Outbreak Contained – NNPCL
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed a ‘minor’ fire incident at its Warri refinery but added that the situation had been managed. In a statement signed by the company’s Management and released on its X handle, the company explained that the fire which occurred at the cooling tower of the refinery was promptly put out by its personnel. According to the state-owned company, the incident will not affect the pace of the ongoing rehabilitation work at the refinery. “This afternoon, at about 15:02hrs, there was a minor fire incident at the cooling tower of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC). “The fire, which occurred as a result of ongoing welding activity at the top of the cooling tower will not affect the refinery rehabilitation project delivery schedule. “NNPC Limited safety officers at the Refinery acted immediately and put out the fire at about 15:30hrs; normalcy has since been restored. “NNPC Limited will continue to adhere to the best safety standards in all its business operations,” the statement read.
Tragedy As Transformer Explosion Kills Many In Plateau
In a devastating incident, Gada Biu community, located in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was rocked by a fatal electric transformer explosion on Saturday. The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., not only claimed several lives but also caused significant damage to residential buildings and shops in the area. Witnesses on the scene recounted a harrowing scene, describing how the transformer explosion ignited a fire that quickly spread, leading to multiple casualties. Among the victims, four individuals from Kabong village in the Gada Biu community were tragically electrocuted. Moreover, the extent of the disaster remains uncertain, as more people were reportedly trapped in the inferno, with their fates yet to be determined. John Silas, a resident of the community, expressed the shock and grief that enveloped the area, stating, “The people of Kabong village in the Gada Biu community woke up this morning around 3 a.m. to mourn the death of four persons. They were electrocuted due to an electric transformer explosion in the area. I understand that more others were trapped in the fire, and we don’t know their fate now.” Plateau State Police Command’s Spokesman, Alabo Alfred, confirmed their awareness of the tragic incident. He revealed that several individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention. In response, the police force has dispatched its officers and personnel to the affected area to conduct a thorough investigation and shed light on the circumstances leading to the catastrophe.
93 Unexploded Bombs Discovered In Lagos Cantonment
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the recovery of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance, or bombs, at the Ikeja Military Cantonment located in Lagos. This significant discovery was made during the ongoing military operation known as ‘Exercise Clean Sweep,’ as announced in an official statement released on Thursday. The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, was initiated with the primary objective of decontaminating the area that had been the epicentre of a devastating bomb explosion back in 2002. The recovered ordnance varies in terms of their calibre and characteristics, according to the report from the Army. Colonel Abdulrazaq Kazeem, the Director of the Directorate of Explosives Search and Disposal and the Coordinator of Exercise Clean Sweep, provided an update during his first briefing. He confirmed the retrieval of a total of ninety-three unexploded ordnance from the site up to this point. Despite prior efforts to clear and dispose of explosives at the site, remnants of unexploded ordnance have continued to be discovered within and around the vicinity of the bomb blast. This persistent presence poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the Cantonment’s residents and the surrounding environment. Colonel Kazeem emphasized strict safety measures in handling these explosives, stating, “The moment we reach the maximum limits of explosives within our holding area, such ordinances will be moved to the range. If we get to the explosive limits today, I will move to the range today. We wouldn’t exceed a kilogram above the explosive limits because it is measured in kilograms. At 93, we have not yet reached the limits.” The Safety Officer, Lt. Col. Oluseyi Oladapo Bamikole, reassured that adequate safety measures had been put in place to protect personnel involved in the recovery efforts. These measures include demarcations and trained personnel to identify unexploded ordnance before recovery from the site, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and the local community.
Lagdo Dam: Prepare For Heavy Floods, NEMA Alerts Adamawa, Benue, Edo, 6 Others
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians to expect flood in nine states as Cameroon began the release of water from its Lagdo Dam. The states are: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa. Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director General, NEMA, disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja when he briefed newsmen on the release of water from the dam. He said that the nine affected states which had communities along the banks of River Benue may be affected by the water release, which is expected to last till the end of October. Ahmed said that the recent release had led to the displacement of communities and could lead to further destruction of crops and other infrastructure. “NEMA has been alerted on sudden increased inundation of riverine communities and farmlands along the banks of River Niger in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states in the past 48 hours. “The sudden situation is attributed to the rapid release of water from Lagdo fam in the Republic of Cameroon and has resulted in the displacement of several inhabitants of the affected communities. “Furthermore, crops, lands and valuable infrastructure are at risk of getting washed away by the flood waters. “Situation reports from Adamawa State confirmed the upsurge of flood waters along the flood plains of River Benue. “The situation is expected to be replicated in downstream states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Edo, Delta and Bayelsa as the River Benue joins River Niger and flows to the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta,” he said. The director general also cautioned states and local government areas along the River Niger and Benue Basins to immediately activate their emergency response plans to avert potential damage and losses that could arise due to the flooding of communities. Ahmed added that, so far, 159,157 persons had been affected by this year’s flooding, as 28 persons had lost their lives and 48,168 individuals displaced in 13 states across the country. He, however, added that the agency would continue to provide further updates as it received more situation reports from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as well as frontline states’ emergency management agencies.
Deadly Communal Clashes Erupt in Osun Leaves 8 Dead, Homes In Ruins
In a tragic turn of events, communal clashes between the residents of Ilobu and Ifon communities in Osun State have left about eight people dead, with several houses razed to the ground. The violence erupted on Thursday, leading to a significant loss of life, destruction of property, and a wave of fear and panic among the affected residents. The conflict escalated to a point where even security operatives found it challenging to access the embattled communities, and they remained stationed at the entrances. Sadly, some of those who lost their lives during the clashes were struck by stray bullets fired by the security forces deployed to quell the unrest. Chief Leke Ogunsola, the Otun-Jagun of Ilobu, speaking on behalf of the Ilobu community, revealed that four lives, including that of an innocent baby, were lost on their side during the crisis. Meanwhile, Prince Jide Akinyooye, representing the Ifon community, disclosed that numerous houses were set ablaze during the violent attack on their town. The root cause of the conflict was traced back to a land dispute exacerbated by a gazette that ceded portions of land belonging to Ifon to Ilobu during the tenure of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Tensions simmered, and despite efforts to avoid retaliation, the situation escalated to a dangerous level. In response to the dire situation, Governor Ademola Adeleke swiftly intervened, issuing a directive that prohibited residents of both communities from accessing the disputed land. He emphasized that anyone found on the contested territory would be arrested and prosecuted. The state government has assumed control over the disputed land, and the Governor has urged community leaders to come together to seek a peaceful resolution. The crisis has forced numerous residents of Ilobu and Ifon to flee their homes in fear for their safety. The situation has also prompted the evacuation of corps members serving in the affected areas by the state government. Security personnel, including soldiers, DSS operatives, and police officers, have been deployed to the entrances of the two communities to maintain order. The violence reached such a level that a new police patrol van was burnt by the warring factions, and several police officers were injured in the line of duty. The situation is particularly challenging, as the conflicting parties have accused the police of taking sides in the dispute. To curb further escalation, the Osun State government declared a curfew in the two affected local government areas of Irepodun and Orolu. This measure aims to restore peace, protect lives, and prevent further bloodshed as authorities work to find a lasting solution to the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
14 Die, 100 Missing In India Flash Flood
At least 14 people have been reported dead and more than 100 missing after a flash flood in India. Fourteen bridges were severely damaged or collapsed, according to Indian media, on Thursday. The report cited information from the authorities, saying that some villages were also flooded. A highway was damaged and a mobile network was disrupted in parts of the affected north-eastern state of Sikkim. Rescue operations are continuing. Around 3,000 travellers from other parts of the country were stranded in the region due to the flooding. The army said that one of the 23 people previously registered as missing had been found alive. Heavy rains fell late Wednesday in Sikkim, leading to a sharp rise in the level of the Teesta River. Authorities of Sikkim have advised residents not to go near the river. Schools in parts of the state will remain closed until the end of the week, local media reported.
Boat Capsizes With 22 Passengers In Niger
A boat carrying about 22 passengers on board from Kasabu village in Agwara local government area of Niger to Yauri in Kebbi has capsized. Alhaji Salihu Garba, overseeing Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), disclosed this in Minna. He said that the agency received a report of the boat mishap that occurred on Monday between 11am and 12 pm. According to him, a survivor of the mishap said that the boat had about 22 passengers on board. He said that search and rescue operations was ongoing by the local divers and boat owners under the supervision of the agency’s desk officer in Agwara. He said no passenger has been recovered yet, adding that the mishap happened on Yauri market day. Garba added that only after the market would families be able to declare their missing relatives. He explained that it takes about 24 hours for any drowned person to surface atop water. He attributed the cause of the incident to water hyacinth coupled with strong waves.