Category Nigeria News

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, deployed federal mines officers in the state to lead rescue operations following reports of a mine pit collapse in Kadauri Village, Maru, Zamfara State.

The ministry claimed that the collapse was brought on by heavy rain and the illegal mining activity was made worse by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori.

According to the report, the collapse resulted in the deaths of at least 15 itinerant mine workers, and 13 bodies have been found.

Read more about the 23 people who were trapped in a Colombian mine who were still alive.

The ministry stated that “the recovery efforts are on track to bring the other two, who are still encased in rubble,”.

Tragedy is “évitable.”

Dele Alake, the state’s minister of solid mineral development, bemoaned the tragedy, calling the loss of lives both preventable and unfortunate.

He claimed that the ministry’s relevant departments have been mobilized to assist with rescue operations and find the reasons for the incident.

“I was shocked to learn that there had been a tragic incident in Zamfara, which unfavorably left some people dead. The minister was quoted as saying that the first responders have mobilized to the site and are working with state government officials on rescue operations. Following that, the site will be closed off.

The ministry explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the area is suitable for alluvial mining because it has traces of gold and loose sand.

It noted that illegal miners mobilized itinerant workers who rushed to the site with rudimentary tools without consideration for the environmental and safety risks that were present when the site’s gold traces were discovered.

Mining Marshals

The ministry claimed that Alake set up the mining marshals more than a year ago, which resulted in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners in 10 states, the FCT, and the closure of 98 illegal mining sites.

“With more boots on the ground and logistics, efforts are being made to expand the scope of their operations across the nation and to increase their capacity.

Zamfara, however, presents a unique challenge because of its prior banditry to the current administration.

“The National Security Advisor (NSA) coordinates military clearance operations to address the problem decisively,” says the Tinubu administration. The Minister announced the end of Zamfara’s mining-related restrictions in December 2024 in response to improved security there.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) is accused of firing employees by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

The union said it would call a national strike immediately if its demands were ignored, according to a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.

The dismissal action was described as “a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution,” according to PENGASSAN and TUC.

He claimed that Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions were also violated by the sackings.

In a statement released on Saturday, Toro declared, “We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with PENGASSAN.”

The TUC demanded that all employees who had been fired be immediately and unconditionally reinstated.

Additionally, it expressed concern about future victimization and demanded a public apology from the refinery’s management.

Toro urged stakeholders, the ILO, and the Ministry of Labour to launch an independent investigation.

He warned that potential national industrial action had been raised for all affiliates.

He said that no company, regardless of size, can violate workers’ rights.

PENGASSAN Orders a Nationwide Shutdown

PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and anti-labour practices.

The refinery was accused of “unjustly terminating over 800 Nigerian workers” by the association. They claimed that the company replaced them with “more than 2, 000 Indians,” raising questions about labor rights and the law’s application.

PENGASSAN mandated a total shutdown, which furthered the conflict. &nbsp,

The organization described the move as “an affront to all Nigerian workers,” according to a statement released by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa.

Read more about Dangote Refinery’s plan to shut down its crude supply in “Brazen Display Of Lawlessness.”

Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue with the union, the refinery chose “misinformation and propaganda.”

Members of PENGASSAN were instructed to immediately stop the refinery’s gas and crude supply.

According to the circular, “every control room, panel, and outfield operation must end immediately.”

Additionally, the directive mandated branch chairmen to stop vessel loading and shut down the supply valves for crude oil.

Members in field settings were instructed to end services and practice 24-hour prayers starting on Sunday. The union forewarned that the strike would continue until the fired workers were reinstated.

“All PENGASSAN employees, employees, and institutions must end their employment on Monday. One person’s injury is the same as one’s. No one is more powerful than our nation, the statement said.

Dangote Refinery Reacts to Retardance

However, Refinery’s Dangote&nbsp stated that the recent restructuring, which resulted in staff dismissals, was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.”

The decision, according to the company, was intended to protect operations and “improve efficiency across refinery units.”

More than 3, 000 Nigerians are still employed, despite the fact that only a select few of them were affected.

Dangote pledged to continue hiring local talent while promoting the rights of workers’ freedom to choose whether or not to join a union.

The refinery criticized the decision as a “brazen display of lawlessness and criminality” in response to PENGASSAN’s directive as well.

No law allows PENGASSAN to stop receiving crude oil and gas, according to the business.

It emphasized that supply agreements must not be stymied and were signed with vendors, not the union.

The refinery continued, “This directive is criminal conduct and a path to chaos and anarchy.”

The organization charged the union with sabotage of the Nigerian government and its citizens. It warned that a shortage of supplies would cause cooking gas, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuel.

Every Nigerian, rich or poor, needs these products, according to the refinery’s statement.

Additionally, it claimed that the strike might lead to lower refinery revenue.

According to the management, “Dangote Refinery contributes one of the most to state and national revenues.”

It demanded that the Federal Government step in and stop what it termed “reckless and irresponsible conduct.”

Dangote Refinery has previously engaged in labor union fighting.

Following his representation of President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Vice President Kashim Shettima has left New York, United States.

The Vice President is currently traveling to Germany where he is scheduled to hold strategic meetings with Deutsche Bank officials to discuss areas for partnership and intervention in Nigeria’s developmental initiatives, according to a statement released by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.

Nkwocha claimed that VP Shettima received praise from UN Secretary-General António Guterres for Nigeria’s application for a permanent UN Security Council seat during his UNGA 80 participation.

Read more about Shettima and the UN Secretary-General’s proposal for a permanent security council.

He also strengthened strategic alliances with the UK on trade, defense, and migration issues and presented Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to international investors.

The Vice President demanded control of Africa’s $ 700 billion mineral wealth, as well as initiatives for digital inclusion, in addition to President Tinubu’s national statement, which called for reforms at the UN, and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council.

He also worked with the Gates Foundation to expand the continent’s $3.4 trillion market, positioning Nigeria as the ideal hub for the expansion of the healthcare and education sectors.

Shettima was abducted by cabinet ministers who were members of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, according to the statement.

Following a covert operation in Ogun State, police in Cotonou have detained a well-known fugitive from the Benin Republic, Sunday Kotin.

Benjamin Hundeyin, a Force Public Relations Officer, made the arrest announcement via X on Sunday.

He claimed that Kotin, who was wanted for crimes including inter-border armed banditry, cattle rustling, drug trafficking, and armed smuggling, was being tracked down by police from the Police National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria.

Hundeyin claims that the arrest occurred after Interpol Benin Republic contacted Interpol Nigeria about the crimes, noting that Kotin’s syndicate members were already facing legal action in Benin while he fled to Nigeria.

READ ALSO: NBA Demands Lawyer Udoka’s Release.

Operatives of the NPF NCB conducted a covert operation that led to the arrest of the suspect in Idi Iroko Town, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, according to operatives from the NPF NCB, acting with precision and using credible intelligence.

According to Hundeyin, “The fugitive was later interrogated on his transnational criminal escapades and officially handed over to NCB Cotonou officials.”

The police inspector-general, Kayode Egbetokun, on his part, praised the officers involved in the operation.

He reiterated the Force’s support for cooperation between law enforcement.

Egbetokun stated that the Force is dedicated to strengthening cooperation with international counterparts, upholding the rule of law, and protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.

No matter how well connected or well-connected it is, “Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or purveyors of crime,” he declared.

The IGP further assured Nigerians and the international community of the police’s “unwavering pursuit of criminals, its unwavering partnership with international law enforcement organizations, and its unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, security, and justice for all.

NAB NOTORIOUS BENINESE FUGITIVE NIGERIA POLICE
…as IGP reiterates the NPF’s opposition to transnational crime

In support of its unwavering support for international law enforcement and collaboration, the Nigeria Police Force National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol… twitter.com/zvOgtR58w6

Peace Udoka, a young lawyer who was kidnapped with her sister by gunmen in Kogi State the day after calling the bar, was ordered by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday to release her.

On Saturday, Udoka, a member of the National Youth Service Corps stationed in Kogi, was abducted while traveling from Abuja to Benin City along the Lokoja-Okene highway.

Afam Osigwe, the president of the NBA, described the abduction as “shocking and deeply concerning” the day after the incident.

Osigwe demanded immediate action in a statement released via X on Sunday.

Read more about Security Operatives’ rescue of eight Kogi passengers and four others who are still in captivity.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) @NigBarAssoc has received a “deep shock and deep concern” over the disturbing reports of Onyesom Peace Udoka, a newly called lawyer, abducted while returning from the most recent Call to Bar Ceremony in Abuja, in the state of Kogi State, according to the post.

This tragic development is completely unacceptable and condemnable. Young lawyers and their families have been through such agonizing ordeals at a time when our nation should be preparing to celebrate the future of the legal profession. No citizen should live in fear of insecurity on our roads, nor should a family have to go through this ordeal.

The NBA urges the Federal Government and all relevant security organizations to rise up, take urgency, and secure the release of our colleague and other captives. Nigerians’ safety and security cannot continue to be a subject of ridicule. Governments have a primary duty to protect the lives of their citizens, and they must take this duty seriously.

We call for more aggressive and persistent action to protect our roads and restore public confidence in the government’s ability to ensure everyone’s safety as they travel across the nation.

In this difficult time, the NBA expresses its solidarity with the families of the abducted victims, and we ask that God grant the victims a quick and secure return to their loved ones.

The Lokoja-Okene axis, which connects the southwest of the country to the federal capital, has turned into a kidnapping hotspot.

One person was killed and three other passengers were abducted after gunmen attacked an 18-seater bus on September 8.

The NBA Demands the Immediate Release of Onyesom Peace Udoka and Other Abducted Victims, according to the “Government Must Act Right Now.”

The abduction of one of our young colleagues, Onyesom, has shocked and piqued the attention of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) @NigBarAssoc. twitter.com/QzRyF810Iv

Bishop Wale Oke has urged Nigerians to unite as she observes her 65th birthday on Wednesday.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)’s national leader called for a special church service on Sunday to honor the country’s independence.

The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Speaking on the theme “The Power of Unity in Building a Great Nation” taken from Psalm 133, said that if the people of Nigeria were united, it could be better and better.

If the leaders, the led, the governors, and the governed come together and work together to advance the country, he said, the country would be blessed with everything it needed to become a global force.

He said, “We can have a nation where peace and unity rule,” and that the United States of Nigeria could become a powerful force on the world stage.

Read more about Akpabio, Akume, Musa, and other Africans who are 65 attending special service for Nigeria.

He warned that the country’s division along tribal, religious, and regional lines still prevents development in Nigeria.

“We will advance quickly because we are brethren, not because of tribe, not because of section, or region.”

Using Genesis 11: 1-9, which states that a people who work together can accomplish the impossible.

“We must look beyond tribal, religious, and partisan politics,” he says. What divides us is much more powerful than what unites us.

We must fall in love with one another. Love is the only true force. And when we truly love one another, we will treat everyone equally and justly, regardless of race, religion, or background, “Oke said.