Category Nigeria News

In the state’s Sabon Birni Local Government Area, 10 people died in a boat accident, according to the police in Sokoto.

When the incident occurred, the victims were reported to be fleeing a bandit-intense attack in Zalla Bango, a council-remote village.

The residents of Sokoto State Police Command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that they drowned despite state and national emergency management agency officials having yet to comment on the accident.

Niger Boat Accident: NIWA Decries Disregard For Safety Regulations, Says Rescue Operations Are Ongoing

According to Rufai, according to Islamic rites, the victims’ ten corpses were found and interred last Friday.

“The incident actually occurred as the villagers attempted to flee bandits,” the statement read. Sadly, all 10 of the passengers on board died, and their bodies have been found and interred in the appropriate manner, he said.

Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, the head of the Sabon Birni Local Government Area, stated that an investigation was being conducted to ascertain the precise victims’ names.

The accident occurred as villagers were desperately attempting to cross the river to avoid a new wave of attacks, according to Hashimu, who was present at the scene.

The boat “stood on the edge of a toppled culvert, which caused its breaking and eventual sinking.” He stated earlier that “we are doing everything we can to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies of the deceased.”

Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that a terrorist attack in Lakurawa took place.
Murtala Sa’adu, the head of the village in the Tangaza Local Government Area of the state, and Ibrahim Maikudi, his neighbor, were killed in Santana village.

Recurring Accidents

In Sokoto, boat accidents continue to be a source of concern.

After a boat accident in the state’s Shagari Local Government Area in August, many passengers were feared missing.

Six people died and three others were missing in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni, in the same month as the boat capsized, according to Sabon Birni.

Residents of the area attempted to flee an attack by suspected bandits during the tragedy.

Government workers in Ondo State have demanded a 256, 950 pay raise that would immediately be increased from the previous minimum wage, which the government had set at 73,000.

This was stated in a letter that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliated unions sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

According to the workers, the country’s economic situation made it necessary to have more demand.

Read more about Gov. Uzodimma’s Increase in Minimum Wage for Imo Workers: &nbsp

The workers argued that the review was necessary because the current wage was no longer reasonable and that inflation, rising inflation, and rising food, transportation, housing, and healthcare costs were all factors.

The workers urged the governor to appoint a negotiation committee in the letter signed by the state secretary Akin Sunday and the NLC chairman in the state.

In light of the Imo State Government’s approved minimum wage of 104, 000, they claim that the state can meet the demand.

Your Excellency, Ondo State is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil revenue, the workers wrote in their letter. Therefore, it is unacceptable that its employees and pensioners continue to live on wages that do not account for the state’s strategic and financial standing.

The government’s and economic productivity are fueled by workers, while pensioners are citizens who had a loyal service in the past and who deserve to live on dignity for the rest of their lives.

The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliate unions have written in response to the above-mentioned demands for the Ondo State workers’ minimum wage to be reviewed as soon as possible, raising the figure to 256, 950.

This figure will accurately represent the average’s current economic indices and the prevailing cost of survival.

In 15 of the state’s 18 local government areas on Saturday, the Edo State local government by-election was held to fill vacancies in the state’s 18 local government areas.

Despite a previous ex parte order by the High Court barring the commission from holding the elections, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) conducted the election.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) filed an application in court on Tuesday, and the order was granted.

READ ALSO: EDSIEC, Edo government prevented from conducting planned LG by-elections by the court.

In response, EDSIEC issued a notice to the court asking for the by-election to be canceled in its place.

The election proceeded as planned despite the legal dispute and was intended to fill 59 wards with vacant councillorship positions.

Residents of the Benin metropolis were seen queuing up peacefully and appearing eager to exercise their franchise when they were shown a good voter turnout at some polling stations.

In Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, two suspected kidnappers have been detained by members of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Operation Whirl Stroke.

The arrests were made following a successful raid on a suspected kidnapper’s hideout in the Rafin Taba community’s Garau axis on September 19, 2025, according to a military statement.

Based on reliable information regarding the presence of organized crime in the area, the operation was conducted.

During the swift and precise operation, Ibrahim Umaru and Adamu Malam Musa, both of whom were apprehended.

Both individuals are reportedly renowned for their involvement in numerous kidnapping cases both inside and outside of Taraba State.

Read more about the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Taraba.

Initial interrogation revealed that the suspects had confessed to participating in a number of abductions, according to Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, in a statement. Additionally, they acknowledged accepting payment in exchange for large sums of money from victims’ families.

Further, the suspects made it clear that some abductees were frequently taken into Plateau State, particularly into Madam Forest, to avoid security surveillance, crossing state lines.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, the commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and dedication, and described the successful operation as further proof of the brigade’s resolve to rid Taraba State of the threats that threaten peace, security, and socio-economic development.

He promised to keep running the brigade’s operations in Taraba State with the assistance of other security forces until all criminal networks are completely destroyed and peace is fully restored.

The Nigerian Army also appealed to the general public to support ongoing operations by providing security agencies with timely and reliable information.

Residents of the communities along the Makurdi–Lafia Road on Saturday rebuffed the federal highway in protest of the suspected herdsmen’s killing of five people.

The victims reportedly received an attack while traveling to a farm near Makurdi’s border with the Benue State’s Guma Local Government Area.

Residents who blocked the federal highway using the bodies of three of the victims erupted in a protest after the killings, which took place on separate Friday and early Saturday.

According to eyewitness accounts, three people were killed in Makurdi Local Government Area on Saturday morning in Abagena and Atsom communities, while two were killed on Friday near Tse Adaa village in Guma Local Government Area.

Also read: 34 Handsets Recovered In Benue, Three Suspect Armed Robbers Arrested In Benue, and Other Related Articles

According to Asongo Terka, “the killings prompted the protesters to move the corpses to the road and demand that the government put an end to the attacks.”

Additionally, a traveler named John Ogi, who was ensnared in the blockade, confirmed that residents of the village of Ogi demanded that the governor address them.

He added that security personnel were working to restore safe passage.

The public relations representative for the Benue State Police, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed the death of two farmers who had been attacked while returning to a village in the Guma Local Government Area.

Following the tragic fire that broke out at Afriland Towers on Broad Street in Lagos Island during the week, the real estate company Afriland Properties Plc has released a detailed set of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

According to separate statements from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and United Capital Plc, 10 staff members perished in the fire.

The fire, which started in the basement inverter room of the building, forced the residents to take desperate steps like attempting to jump from the building’s windows.

The company has created a FAQ to address the incident in response to inquiries about the cause of the fire, including important concerns raised by the public.

Read more about the many feared dead at Kaduna’s Explosion Rocks Factory.

Afriland Properties Plc Responses to FAQs: &nbsp ,

1. What set off the fire?

The inverter room in the Afriland Towers basement was where the fire started. Safety protocols were immediately in effect. However, the thick black smoke and intense heat quickly enveloped the basement, causing rapid spread throughout the structure.

2. Why did your employees have to jump from windows to escape?

The smoke quickly spread throughout the structure, severely limiting visibility and preventing people from entering designated evacuation areas. Some occupants tried to escape through the windows in their attempts to get to safety under these challenging circumstances. Significant disorder was caused by the incident’s intensity, which hampered effective communication.

3. Existing fire alarms, were they effective? Why did the fire start without going off?

Fire alarms and safety devices are present in the building. Some occupants indicated they heard the alarms, but others didn’t. This is being looked into. However, alarms are installed on all floors.

4. Around 10:00 am, I can tell when the fire started. Why did the response time for ambulances and fire services take longer than three hours?

Around 1:20 p.m., the fire started. The first responders arrived about 20 minutes later, while the on-site fire champions activated the fire protocol. We sincerely appreciate their efforts, as well as the assistance of well-intentioned Nigerians who assisted in bringing the situation under control.

5. What were the Towers’ fire evacuation plans in the event of a fire?

Afriland Towers has standard fire evacuation plans, regular drills, and documented safety procedures. Evacuation was incredibly challenging due to the quick spread of thick smoke, though.

6. How come a building like this has no emergency exits and staff had to break windows to let in the smoke?

Two separate emergency staircases, one for each floor, and multiple exit points on the ground floor complete the design of the building. The use of these escape routes was severely hampered by the rapid spread of smoke, though.

7. Why weren’t there fire sprinklers and smoke extractors in a building that was “sought to be facilities management company”?

Fire safety features, such as smoke extractors, fire reels, and extinguishers, are provided at Afriland Towers in accordance with federal and state fire service recommendations. It is crucial to remember that the fire originated where it was contained. Regularly, we work with safety regulators to make sure our buildings meet all occupancy requirements, as well as having valid certifications to do so.

8. Were staff training sessions not regularly conducted to ensure that they knew what to do in fire incidents?

Yes, Afriland Towers’ safety culture includes fire drills. The fire service regularly conducts fire drills, and both the federal and state fire services annually certify building safety protocols. Additionally, each floor of the building has a dedicated fire warden who receives training annually.

9. Given that Afriland and Heirs Holdings is their sister company, why was UBA’s initial statement so disparaging?

We think the initial statement was intended to stop misdirected emergency services because early reports incorrectly suggested the UBA head office was on fire. We extend our gratitude to their sincere explanations and sympathy expressions.

10. What kind of support do you offer their families and how many casualties actually occurred?

Sadly, there were 10 fatalities, including Federal Inland Revenue Service employees and United Capital Plc employees. We send our sincere condolences to their families, and we work closely with the affected organizations to provide compassionate and practical support for the bereaved.

11. What caused the casualties?

According to the information available, smoke inhalation was the primary cause of casualties.

12. Are employees anticipated to leave the building, which almost nearly killed them?

Before anyone is asked to return, the building will go through a thorough structural, safety, and regulatory review. Priority is still given to staff safety, and alternative arrangements will be made until the building is fully safe.

13. What assistance do you offer the depressed employees of your company?

All staff members’ well-being is a priority for us. This includes counseling, structured support during this time of grieving, and pre-hospital evaluations. Management is also reviewing long-term support plans to make sure our employees are treated and valued.

14. Will insurance cover the losses if the building was insured?

Yes . The responsible officers are currently reviewing the details, and we are also awaiting the official report, which will set out the next steps.

15. What steps are you currently taking to prevent this from occurring again?

We are conducting a thorough safety check of all of our managed facilities, including Afriland Towers. To ensure elevated safety protocol even beyond regulatory requirements, this includes working with independent fire safety experts, regulatory bodies, and insurers.

16. What will Afriland Towers’ future hold?

The building will remain operational until all necessary reconstruction or system upgrades are completed, including thorough safety audits, thorough post-fire cleaning, and thorough inspections. Additionally, additional steps will be taken to restore the environment and make it habitable for all. Re-occupation of the building will only occur once the relevant authorities have granted it a level of safety.

17. How does this affect Afriland’s ability to support its own employees directly?

We have established staff support channels, flexible work hours, and grief counseling. Our top priority is always the welfare of our staff, which is a time of mourning and healing.

18. What lessons can be drawn from this incident for Afriland Properties?

There are valuable lessons that will aid other organizations in strengthening their disaster prevention strategies in addition to preventing a repeat of the same.

19. How will Afriland approach regulators in the future?

Working closely with all regulatory bodies, our findings will guide the implementation of corrective measures going forward. We appreciate and applaud their oversight.

20. Will Afriland’s other initiatives and activities be impacted by this?