Category Nigeria News

Governor Bassey Otu has described the aftermath of the explosion at a gas station in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, as huge damage.

Otu spoke when he visited the scene of the explosion that occurred on Saturday morning at Edibe Edibe in Calabar South local government area of the state.

During the visit, the governor assessed the extent of the damage and expressed deep concern over the destruction, noting that both lives and property were affected.

“What I’ve seen here is shocking. It’s a huge, huge damage,” Otu said.

He also raised concerns about the location of such facilities within residential areas, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures to prevent a recurrence.

“I know very well this kind of facility should not be in a residential area, but unfortunately, this one is here. I believe that steps must be taken to prevent this kind of occurrence in the future,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that several victims were currently receiving treatment in hospitals, while numerous homes have been either destroyed or badly damaged.

He assured residents that the state government would respond promptly to the situation.

“We have several casualties in the hospital, and people’s houses have been damaged. Government is going to act quickly,” he said.

Governor Otu further announced that the government would provide free medical treatment for all affected victims and consider compensation for those who suffered losses.

“We will take care of them. We are providing free medical treatment for those affected and will also look into compensation to help them return to their normal lives as quickly as possible,” he assured.

Several residents were injured following the explosion which also triggered panic in the area.

The explosion occurred at a filling station, leaving victims with varying degrees of injuries, while nearby buildings and property were affected by the blast.

The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday inaugurated over 20 committees for the party’s national convention slated for March 29 and 30.

They include the screening, accreditation, publicity, transport and logistics, medical, and security committees.



The event, which was held in Abuja, was attended by party chieftains, including Mohammed, the party’s National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu; the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; Senator Natasha Uduaghan-Akpoti, among several others.

The committees are expected to ensure that the planned convention is executed smoothly, and substantive leadership of the party is elected to pilot the affairs of the party into the 2027 general elections and beyond.

According to the Mohammed-led caretaker committee, the party is organising the planned convention on the strength of the latest judgment of the appeal court, which invalidated the Taminu Turaki-led national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, last year.

READ ALSO: Chaos Rocks Taraba PDP Congress As Two State Chairmen Emerge

PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that has led to the exodus of members from the party.

The party — which held sway in Nigeria from 1999 until 2015 — was factionalised by the struggle shortly after it lost the 2023 presidential election.

While a faction backs the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the other faction is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Already, many PDP members — including some governors — have left the party due to the internal crisis, amid concerns that it could force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify the party from presenting candidates in the 2027 elections.

Nine governors have left the party since it lost the 2023 presidential election.

They include the governors of Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, and Zamfara states.

The efforts of security agents, vigilantes, and community leaders have yielded results as the two remaining Cocoa farmers abducted from the Cocos Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) have regained freedom.

It was learnt that a combined security team’s coordinated approach helped secure the release of the remaining two farmers who were kidnapped during a visit to the CRIN in Ibadan on Saturday.

It was also learnt that police were able to secure the arrest of the three suspected kidnappers in connection with the incident, barely 24 hours after.

It was not clear if any ransom was paid for their release, but reports have it that their abductors made demands.

READ ALSO: Two Remaining Kidnapped Cocoa Farmers Regain Freedom, Suspects Arrested

However, the Chairman of the Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, who actively assisted in the search, confirmed in a telephone conversation that all the victims have been released.

He added that their release was made possible through the concerted efforts of the combined team of the police, the Directorate of State Services, Western Security Network, code named Amotekun, and Oluyole local vigilance group.

He stated that the rescue team had handed over the victims to the police.

Olatunji added that the team was coordinated by the Security Adviser to the Oyo state governor, CP Fatai Owoseni (retd).

The local government boss thanked the team for their concerted efforts, even as he assured residents of the area of his willingness to always collaborate with the relevant security agencies.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has mourned a female corps member who died in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from complications linked to an alleged abortion.

In a statement on Saturday, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, confirmed that a staff member was under investigation in connection with the incident.

She said the agency was “deeply saddened by the loss of a Corps Member… under circumstances that are currently being investigated.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and pray for the peaceful repose of her soul,” the NYSC said.

READ ALSO: Ogun Police Arrest NYSC Official Over Death Of Female Corps Member

Loss Of A Corps Member In Ogun State And The Suspected Involvement Of An NYSC Staff

The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is deeply saddened by the loss of a Corps Member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances that are currently being investigated. We… pic.twitter.com/8OtLcSbf8Z

It added that “the matter is currently under investigation by relevant security agencies, and the individual concerned has been taken into custody.

“We wish to use this medium to reiterate that the NYSC maintains a strict code of conduct for its staff and corps members and will not condone any act of misconduct or abuse of office,” it added.

The NYSC said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure that the truth is established and justice served.

It also urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course.

“In the meantime, management wishes to state, once again, that the welfare, safety, and dignity of our corps members remain paramount to the scheme,” the statement added.

Police Arrest NYSC Official

Meanwhile, the police authorities in Ogun State have arrested the Abeokuta South local government inspector of the NYSC in connection with the death of a female youth corps member.

The Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the suspect, identified as Abbas Olalekan, was taken in following the death of the lady on Tuesday.

“I can confirm to you that the man has been arrested and investigations are ongoing to unravel both the remote and immediate causes of the death,” he said.

Sources alleged that the LGI and the deceased were in a relationship, which eventually led to the pregnancy.

A power outage has hit some Lagos communities following a gas tanker explosion that occurred on the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Saturday.

The affected areas are Medallion Company, Sangotedo, Majek, Awoyaya, Eputu, Lakowe, Lasoro, Fidiso to Kolajo, and Elemoro Police Station.

READ ALSO: Two Killed, Goods Damaged As Gas Tanker Explodes In Lagos — LASG Fire Service

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company confirmed this in a statement on Saturday.

It explained that the resulting fire led to significant damage to the Ibeju and Medallion 33kV feeders.

The Disco also noted that critical conductors and overhead line equipment were affected, disrupting power supply in the affected areas.

“Please be informed that the current power outage was caused by a fire incident that occurred last night following a vehicle collision with a stationary gas tanker. The resulting fire led to significant damage to the Ibeju and Medallion 33kV feeders, including critical conductors and overhead line equipment.

“This unexpected incident has disrupted power supply in the affected areas. Our technical team is working diligently to replace the damaged components and restore power supply as quickly and safely as possible.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen incident and thank you,” the EKEDC stated on its X handle.

⚡ANNOUNCEMENT! IBEJU DISTRICT Power Update#EKEDC pic.twitter.com/vKfNlSupNj

Massive Explosion

Properties worth thousands of naira while two people were reportedly burnt beyond recognition when a gas tanker and a tipper truck collided on the expressway, resulting in a massive explosion on Saturday.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said that the accident occurred at 02:36 a.m.

It was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from Epe end rammed from behind into a stationary 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.

It led to a fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before it was eventually put out.

Although the fire service said the incident was later brought under control, it disclosed that three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla car, and a forklift parked within the aforementioned properties were recovered.