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Category: Breaking News

  • 13 Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Crash

    13 Burnt To Death In Ondo Road Crash

     

    A devastating accident on the Owo-Ikare highway in Ondo State has claimed the lives of 13 passengers. 

    The crash occurred at Abule Panu near Ose Bridge, where two buses collided and burst into flames.  

    The incident involved 14 passengers, with only one survivor, who sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. 

    Reports indicate that a tyre burst on one of the buses led to the driver losing control, resulting in a head-on collision with the second bus, which was transporting fabrics. 

    Both vehicles were engulfed in fire after the collision.  

    Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and fire service, arrived promptly to assist. 

    The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue.  

    Drivers are urged to maintain their vehicles and practice caution, while passengers are encouraged to speak up against unsafe driving practices.

  • President Tinubu Condoles with Umar Namadi, Jigawa Governor

    President Tinubu Condoles with Umar Namadi, Jigawa Governor

    President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Jigawa State governor, Malam Umar Namadi, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi.

    Hajiya Maryam, who was the family’s matriarch, died on Wednesday, December 25.

    President Bola Tinubu extolled the deceased’s community service and strongly encouraged her family to immortalise her by continuing her philanthropic undertakings, thereby ensuring her legacy lives on.

    In a comforting message, the president urged Governor Namadi and other family members who survived the deceased to take solace in the enduring good name left behind by her.

    A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy) disclosed that the deceased woman had been buried according to Islamic rites in the governor’s hometown of Kafin Hausa.

  • Dele Farotimi Freed on Bail

    Dele Farotimi Freed on Bail

    Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi has been freed from custody in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he was held for three weeks following his arrest on defamation charges. 

    Farotimi’s detention stemmed from a petition by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Aare Afe Babalola regarding claims in Farotimi’s book on Nigeria’s criminal justice system.  

    After a legal battle, the activist met the bail conditions set by the Chief Magistrate’s Court on December 20.

    These included a N30 million payment, two sureties, and restrictions on public commentary. 

    His release was announced by Omoyele Sowore, who confirmed Farotimi’s return to Lagos. 

    ALSO READ: I’ve Never Lied Against Anyone Says Dele Farotimi After Regaining Freedom

     Writing under his confirmed X account @YeleSowore stated, “I am pleased to report that @DeleFarotimi Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti state and is now returning home to Lagos. The struggle continues! Happy holidays to you all!”

    Farotimi, a vocal supporter of Labour Party’s Peter Obi and a critic of the current administration, is also facing separate trials in Abuja and Ibadan on similar allegations.

    An Ekiti Magistrate Court had granted him bail some days back but under certain conditions that delayed his immediate release.

    Dele Farotimi ran into trouble with a powerful colleague and senior citizen, Afe Babalola after the latter accused Mr. Farotimi of criminal defamation in a book titled, Nigeria and it Criminal Justice System.

    Subsequently, Mr. Babalola arranged with @NGPolice in Ekiti state to get Farotimi arrested in a Gestapo-like manner at his Lagos office by a group of policemen attached to the Ekiti State Police Command on December 3 and transported to Ado Ekiti.

    Upon arrival and subsequent detention and arraignment at an Ekiti Magistrate Court, Mr. Farotimi’s ordeal began to unravel very rapidly.

    Dele Farotimi was released this morning after meeting bail conditions. 

  • FG Declares Three Days of Christmas Holidays

    FG Declares Three Days of Christmas Holidays

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th of December and Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 as Christmas and New Year holidays, respectively.

    Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of the Interior announced the holidays, earlier today in Abuja.

    He wished Nigerians a happy holiday while extending warm felicitations of the Federal Government to the citizens in a statement pushed out by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.

    READ ALSO: 30 Dead in Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    He urged Nigerians to use the festive period to share love, peace, and unity that the season signifies, stressing that the season represents the moment to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

    “The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences.

    “While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world” he concluded.

  • Its Sunset for Gen Abbey

    Its Sunset for Gen Abbey

    Former Defence Minister and Military Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Maj Gen Godwin Abbey is dead.

    General Abbey died in Abuja on Saturday after a protracted illness.

    An alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Gen Abbey also served as military governor of Rivers state between August 1990 and January 1992.

    He was born on January 10, 1949, and would have been 75 years on his next birthday in January 10, 2025.

    At the dawn democratic partisan politics in 1999, Gen Abbey now retired, joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minister of Defence and later Minister of Interior during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

    He earned a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife.

    He was also a graduate of the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia, the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

    He became General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army; Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, TRADOC; and Commander, National War College.

  • 30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    30 Dead In Abuja, Anambra Palliative Stampede

    Two separate stampedes in Anambra and Abuja on Saturday left a combined total of 30 dead and several others injured.

    In Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, 20 people lost their lives during the annual Christmas rice distribution by the Obi jackson Foundation. 

    The event, known to attract large crowds, turned deadly as people surged forward when distribution began. 

    Victims, mostly women and youths, had gathered from early morning.

    SEE ALSO: NSIPA CEO Felicitates With Nigerians At Christmas

    Many were rushed to a local hospital, where chaotic scenes were captured in a viral video.  

    In Abuja, a food distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama claimed 10 lives, including children.

    Over 3,000 residents, primarily from Mpape and nearby settlements, gathered to receive palliatives. 

    The stampede occurred early in the morning as the crowd pressed forward.

    Security forces were later deployed to restore order, and the church suspended further distributions.  

    Authorities have urged organizers of such events to prioritize safety and notify security agencies in advance to prevent future incidents.

    The latest incidents in Abuja and Anambra brings to 65, the number of persons that have been killed at stampedes arising from the rush to collect foodstuff in one week.

    Earlier, 35 children were reported killed in a stampede at Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria as funseekers rushed to collect foodsuff at a funfair, Wednesday, this week.

  • Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line Attacked Again

    The Shiroro-Katampe 330kV transmission line has once again fallen victim to vandals, disrupting power supply and necessitating urgent repairs.

     On December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:43 pm, the line experienced a sudden outage.

     Efforts to restore power through a trial reclosure failed, as the line tripped again, indicating significant damage.  

    A team from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Abuja Regional Office was promptly dispatched to assess the situation.

     Upon inspection, they discovered that a section of the conductor between towers T216 and T218 had been stolen. 

    This act of sabotage has further strained efforts to maintain stable electricity supply in the affected areas.  

    READ ALSO: Wike Revokes Buhari, Onnoghen’s land Titles, 760 Others Over Non-payment of Fee

    In response, TCN mobilized its maintenance crew to the site to replace the stolen conductor. 

    The repair process is ongoing, with the company working around the clock to restore the line and minimize disruptions to bulk power supply.  

    This recurring problem raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. 

    TCN has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities near power facilities. 

    Such cooperation is crucial in safeguarding vital assets from further vandalism and ensuring reliable electricity supply across the nation.  

    Efforts to enhance surveillance and tighten security measures around power installations are becoming increasingly important as these incidents persist.

  • University of Abuja now Yakubu Gowon University

    University of Abuja now Yakubu Gowon University

    The Federal Government has announced a name change for the University of Abuja. It is now to be known and addressed as Yakubu Gowon University. This offers the management of the university an ample opportunity for re-branding.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris announced the name change, Monday in Abuja, shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the last for the year 2024.

    READ ALSO: ECOWAS Hosts the 90th Birthday Anniversary Lecture of the Community’s only Living Founding Father

    At the end of the meeting which was chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister announced to the waiting media corps of State House Correspondents that the decision to name the university after the former military head of state taken in recognition of General Gowon’s contribution to nation building.

    This name change may be a form of birthday gift to the elder statesman who recently celebrated his birthday.

    A professor who spoke to Nigerian Anchor on the subject opines that the name change may also open a new vista of funding opportunity for the university.

  • Tax Reform Bills: S/East Senators Demand Wider Consultations

    Tax Reform Bills: S/East Senators Demand Wider Consultations

    The South East Caucus of the Nigerian Senate has called for extensive consultations on the Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

    The caucus, comprising Senators from the five states in the South East region, reached this consensus during a closed-door meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

    Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) stated that while the Senators are not opposed to the proposed reforms, the lack of stakeholder engagement in drafting the bills raises concerns about inclusivity and fairness.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian Airforce Releases List of Eligible Candidates for Aptitude Test for DSSC Recruitment

    “We are not against the Tax Reform Bills before both chambers of the National Assembly. However, we believe wider consultations should be carried out to ensure they are equitable and reflective of the interests of all Nigerians,” Senator Abaribe said.

    The proposed legislations, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, and Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, were submitted by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, 2024.

    The reform sought in the bills aim to overhaul the country’s tax structure to improve revenue generation.

    The South East Senators plan to consult constituents, state governments, and other stakeholders in the region’s 15 senatorial districts to gather input.

    ALSO READ: Forfeited 753 Abuja Deplexes

    “We have reviewed the bills and want to share our findings with stakeholders in the South East Zone. This engagement will help us advocate for a more balanced approach to the proposed tax reforms,” Senator Abaribe added.

    This position aligns with the calls from other groups, such as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Northern Senators Forum, and the Arewa Consultative Forum, all of whom have expressed reservations about passing the bills without comprehensive input from the public.

    In contrast, the Presidency and the South-South Caucus in the Senate have urged for the bills’ swift passage, arguing that they are crucial for addressing Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.

    The South East Caucus emphasized that incorporating diverse perspectives is essential for achieving equitable tax reforms that will be acceptable to all Nigerians.

    Legislative deliberations on the bills are ongoing in both chambers of the National Assembly.

  • Putin grants fleeing Syrian leader asylum

    Putin grants fleeing Syrian leader asylum

    Russian media reports that fleeing Syrian leader, Bashir al-Assad is in Moscow and has been granted asylum by Russia.

    Opposition fighters in Syria advanced rapidly and took control of Damascus, the country’s capital on Sunday after a thirteen-year that caused the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives while millions were injured and the country in total ruin.

    Opposition fighters declared in Damascus that “al-Assad’s 24-year rule has come to an end” as citizens seen in triumphant jubilation took over streets of Damascus and other cities.

    READ ALSO: Ghana’s Former President, John Mahama Wins Election

    Media reports monitored by Nigerian Anchor in Abuja indicated that the anticlimax dawned for the al-Assad regime when rebel forces seized several strategic cities in a lightning offensive.

    Bashir al-Assad is the latest leader of a middle eastern country to fall following the Arab Spring revolution or violent street protests leading to regime changes which started after the Tunisian spark in 2011.

    was a series of antigovernmental protests, uprisings and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world in the early 2010s.

    al-Assad inherited power in 2000 after the death of his father, Hafez Assad.

    He was an eye doctor studying in London when his father died. His ascendancy was greeted with cautious optimism, hoping that it would usher a new era of political change in Syria.