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Six deadliest bridge collapses of the past 20 years

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Six deadliest bridge collapses of the past 20 years

A major rescue effort is underway in the US city of Baltimore after a container ship struck a key bridge, sending several vehicles plummeting into the Patapsco River.

Here is a recap of some of the worst bridge collapses around the world in the past 20 years.

1. 2022: Nearly 140 dead in India

At least 137 people, including nearly 50 children, were killed after a 150-year-old suspension bridge collapsed in the Indian state of Gujarat days after reopening following renovations.

Hundreds of people had gathered on the bridge in Morbi to celebrate the last day of the holiday of Diwali.

CCTV footage showed the bridge swaying – with a few people apparently deliberately rocking it – before it suddenly gave way, sending people tumbling into a river and leaving others clinging to the wreckage.

2. 2021: 26 dead in Mexico

An elevated section of track on the Mexico City metro system collapsed in May 2021, bringing a passenger train crashing down, killing 26 people, and injuring dozens.

The incident in the megacity shakes public confidence in a transport system used daily by millions.

An investigation concluded that the accident was caused both by structural flaws and a lack of maintenance.

3. 2018: 43 dead in Italy

The collapse of a bridge in the Italian city of Genoa killed 43 people.

The Morandi bridge, part of a key highway connecting France and Italy, gave way in torrential rain in August, sending dozens of vehicles and their passengers tumbling into the abyss.

The tragedy highlighted the poor state of repair of Italy’s roads, bridges, and railways.

An investigation also found a lack of “even minimal maintenance work” to reinforce the bridge over its 51-year history.

4. 2011-2016: A trio of disasters in India

In March 2016, the collapse of a flyover onto a busy street in the Indian city of Kolkata killed at least 26 people.

Investigators said workers who were welding the bridge at the time noticed cracks appearing but that instead of warning people, they tried to weld the cracks together.

In late 2011, two bridges collapsed within a week of each other – one near the hill town of Darjeeling in the northeast, the other over a river in the northeastern state Arunachal Pradesh. Over 60 people were killed in total.

5. 2007: China: 64 dead

At least 64 workers were killed in August when a river bridge in China’s central Hunan province collapsed as they were completing its construction.

6. 2006: Pakistan and India

In August, in Pakistan, at least 40 people died as monsoon rains washed away a bridge in Mardan, 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Peshawar in the northwest of the country.

In December, in India, at least 34 people died when a 150-year-old bridge collapsed on a passenger train in the railway station in the eastern state of Bihar.

AFP

JUST IN: CBN increases interest rate to 24.75%

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JUST IN: CBN increases interest rate to 24.75%

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on Tuesday, concluded its two-day meeting for March 2024. This meeting marks the second MPC meeting for 2024 and also the 294th meeting of the CBN. The MPC, at the end of today’s meeting, elected to hike the MPR by 300 basis points. The committee

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IPOB, bandits funding terrorism through crowdfunding, betting platforms

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IPOB, bandits funding terrorism through crowdfunding, betting platforms

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has exposed the alleged funding of terrorist activities in Nigeria by the Indigenous People of Biafra, bandits, and other terror groups through global crowdfunding and on sports betting platforms.

The financial intelligence unit revealed how IPOB received funds through affiliates in 22 countries that have registered at least 27 entities under the group’s name.

The NFIU noted that seven of the registrations were made in the United States, while six were in the United Kingdom.

It added that over $160,000 raised by IPOB through crowd-funding was funnelled to transmission, media and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK.

It added that “The analysis further indicates that the group (IPOB) has several bank accounts in different countries where funds are being received from various contributors with the narrations ‘monthly dues, services and for ESN,’ among others, then later disbursed for various operations.”

Details of the development were revealed in a newsletter by the NFIU’s Counter-Financing of Terrorism Department obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

It added, “The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses and mobile numbers abroad, with other 53 other individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to law enforcement for further investigation.”

The NFIU further revealed that a betting platform simply identified as ‘XC’, filed a suspicious transaction report on a 24-year Nigerian customer from North-Central, Nigeria.

“This 24-year-old from Nigeria’s North-Central region received over N350,000 in his betting wallet, believed to be ransom money from a kidnapping,” the NFIU said.

In another case, the financial intelligence unit exposed a terrorist attempting to evade being detected; it noted that the individual made structured cash withdrawals from different Automated Teller Machines and purchased flight tickets to high-risk areas using credit cards.

The NFIU explained that whenever the individual exceeded his withdrawal limit, he would adopt alternative methods of travel.

“The terrorist then attempted suspicious transfers exceeding €1,000 to a local charity with potential links to terrorism. These transactions, along with others for luxury goods and escort services, raised red flags,” the newsletter stated

The NFIU further urged law enforcement agencies to investigate transactions by individuals linked to known terrorists or financiers; unauthorised tax collection or forced donations in terrorism-prone areas, and Bureau de Change operators facilitating transfers within suspected networks.

Other areas the unit wants security agencies to beam their searchlights are multiple cash deposits in bank accounts; Point of Sale operators receiving large deposits followed by cash withdrawals; money transfers from Nigeria to high-risk countries; recruitment of individuals to open multiple bank accounts; and financial transfers to charities linked to terrorism.

King Charles to attend Easter Sunday service

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King Charles to attend Easter Sunday service

Britain’s head of state, King Charles III, will attend an Easter Sunday church service, Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday, in his most high-profile engagement since revealing a cancer diagnosis.

Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, will attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle — a long-standing annual tradition of Britain’s royal family.

The announcement comes after the 75-year-old king’s daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, last week said that she was also receiving treatment for cancer.

That leaves the monarchy in an unprecedented crisis in modern times, with two of its most senior members simultaneously fighting serious illness.

Catherine, 42, is married to Charles’s eldest son and heir, Prince William, making her a future queen.

Charles was just 17 months into his reign when the palace announced in early February that he had cancer and would be pausing all public-facing engagements as he commenced treatment.

He had been admitted for surgery for a benign prostate condition in January but was subsequently diagnosed with an unrelated cancer.

The type of cancer has not been disclosed.

He has been continuing with behind-the-scenes work and holding some in-person meetings and increasingly attending official events.

On Tuesday, he was photographed receiving community and faith leaders at Buckingham Palace in central London.

Last week, photos showed him meeting diplomats at the palace, as well as veterans of the Korean War, at two separate engagements.

Charles said in a statement earlier this month that he would continue to serve “to the best of my ability”, and he had been “deeply touched” by people’s wishes for his health.

He praised Kate, as she is widely known, for her bravery last week by revealing in a video message that she was undergoing chemotherapy.

She was last seen at a public engagement on December 25, then underwent abdominal surgery in January, after which cancer was found.

Her Kensington Palace office said at the time that she was not expected to be ready to return to public duties until after Easter.

AFP

Slain soldiers for burial Wednesday

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Slain soldiers for burial Wednesday

The Nigerian Army says soldiers killed in the Okuama community in Delta State are to be buried on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at the National Cemetery, Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Tuesday, adding that the burial will hold by 3pm.

President Bola Tinubu is billed to be the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Details later…

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Tinubu to unveil Nigeria’s values charter

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Tinubu to unveil Nigeria’s values charter

President Bola Tinubu is poised to introduce the Nigeria Values Charter, representing a social contract between the nation and its populace.

“This charter not only signifies a blueprint for a national value system but also lays the groundwork for crucial policies,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this development on Tuesday during the inauguration of the National Spokesperson’s Summit at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Idris stated that the unveiling of the charter would take place later this year during the maiden edition of the spokesperson’s summit.

The National Spokespersons Summit and Awards, is organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The minister said: “In the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, we are on the verge of unveiling the Nigeria Values Charter, which embodies a social contract between the country and its citizens and will serve as a blueprint and policy for a national value system, defining us as Nigerians and reinforcing our personality as citizens.

“The new policy, which will be launched this year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, consists of the Nigerian Promise and the Citizen Codes, which have seven pillars each.

“The government intends to incorporate these values into formal, informal, and vocational educational policies to ensure that they are not only imbibed but engrained in the minds of our citizens.

“The unique thing about this Values Charter is that it is a social contract between the government and the citizens and it contains seven core pbligations of the Nigerian state to its citizens as well as seven commitments of the citizens towards their country.

“The premise of the Values Charter is that the government as represented by elected and appointed representatives must fulfill some basic non-negotiable promises, in return for fundamental commitments from the citizens. This will ensure the fulfillment of the Social contract between the government and the citizens.

“It is equally heartwarming to note that the bold economic reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is recording incremental successes across various facets of our economy, reflecting our commitment to addressing critical issues such as inflation, foreign exchange stability, attracting Foreign Direct Investment, growth in our foreign reserves, post fuel
subsidy interventions among other indices of economic development.”

Idris described the summit as a pivotal event aimed at transforming the landscape of
communication in Nigeria.

“The theme of the summit, “Change Narrative, Change Society,” resonates deeply with the challenges facing us as a people. Nigeria, a diversely blessed and vibrant country, grapples with the
need to create a cohesive national identity; one that transcends ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations. Crafting a compelling national narrative becomes paramount as we strive to live up to our vast potential.

“I am glad to note that this summit brings together spokespersons from both the public and private sectors, spanning national and sub-national levels.

“As communication professionals, you must be aware that you play a crucial role in shaping perceptions, disseminating accurate information, and fostering trust. Indeed, the nation’s peace, stability, growth, and development can only be attained by how we communicate,” Idris noted.

CSO asks A’Ibom to approve water, sanitation policies

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CSO asks A’Ibom to approve water, sanitation policies

United States Agency for International Development sponsored Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of the African Human Development Centre has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to approve Water and Sanitation Hygiene Policies framework, Implement Water Laws, and Open defecation Roadmap.

A press statement by the CEO, African Human Development Centre,  Prof. Gabriel Umoh, on  Tuesday, and made available to journalists in Uyo, said the implementation of the Water Law, approval of a Policy framework, and achieving an Open Defecation Free Roadmap would be highly significant for the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom State.

Umoh said the approval of the WASH Framework can lead to sustainable development, improved quality of life, and a healthier environment for the residents of Akwa Ibom State.

The CSO urged all the state government executives and the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to take action on their advocacy by domesticating Executive Order 009 of the Federal Government which mandated all sectors in the country to be open defecation-free by 2025.

“We are here to support the Akwa Ibom state government to reform the WASH sector. Water and Sanitation Hygiene have numerous impacts on all facets of life, including health, education, agriculture, etc. The United States Agency for International Development has provided the content for us to work to reform the WASH sector in the state.

“So we started the practical implementation of the project in February 2002, our objective is to create awareness about the Water and sanitation hygiene situation of Akwa Ibom state,  push for development and approval of WASH policy M&E framework by state executive council, and also get the council to approve the ODF Roadmap because we can’t continue to work without accessing our selves to know if we are doing well on the nature of our intervention.

“Recall that the former President of Nigeria His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari had in 2019 signed into law Executive Order 009, mandating all sectors in Nigeria to be open defecation free by 2025, so one of our objectives is to ensure that Akwa Ibom is open defecation free Roadmap by 2025 which is a nine months timeline from now.

“We urge the Ministry of Water Resources and other ministries related to the WASH activities and MDAs like Akwa Ibom Water Company Ltd, AKRUWATSAN, Ministry of Land, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Education etc to join hands to ensure we achieve this goal.

“Recall that the immediate past state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, had passed the water bill into Law on 30th December 2022, so all we are seeking is implementation of the law to be approved by the state council.

“Akwa Ibom State WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, the State ODF Roadmap are necessary supporting documents to give effect to the Implementation of the Water Law.

“And the approval of these important documents is crucial and we want to use this opportunity to call on the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council to give approval to these documents without further delay.

“We hope that the state Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation will give sufficient push to get the State Executive to approve the documents.”

Court sentences Chinese to death for killing Nigerian girlfriend

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Court sentences Chinese to death for killing Nigerian girlfriend

A Kano-based High Court on Tuesday pronounced a death sentence by hanging on Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, 47, who stabbed his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Sani, 22, to death.

A resident at Kano Railway quarters, Geng-Quangrong, was convicted on one count charge bordering on culpable homicide.

While delivering judgment, Justice Sanusi Ado-Ma’aji, upheld that the prosecution had proven its case beyond any reasonable doubt, adding that, “The defendant’s testimony is inconsistent I hereby find him guilty.”

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, the Attorney-General of Kano State, Haruna Dederi, informed the court that the convict committed the offence on September 16, 2022 at Janbulo Quarters Kano.

According to him, on the same date at about 9pm, the convict stabbed the deceased with a knife in her house located at Janbulo Quarters, Kano for undisclosed reason.

“The victim was promptly rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano, where she was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor,” he added.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

During the trial, the prosecution presented six witnesses to prove their case against the defendant, including his four exhibits.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravenes the provision of Section 221(b) of the Penal Code.

The defence counsel, Muhummad Dan’azumi, presented the defendant to defend himself and one other witness, who tendered five exhibits.

Dan’azumi urged the court to recommend the defendant for a prerogative of mercy under Section 313 of ACJL.

In his testimony, the accused, Frank said, “I didn’t kill Ummulkhulsum intentionally but stabbed her in self-defence after she grabbed my testacles.”

He pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in its judgment.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the verdict, the victim’s mother, Hajiya Fatima Zubairu, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s death sentence, acknowledging that it will serve as a deterrent in the future for anyone who takes the law into his hands.

Natural disasters cost insurers $108bn in 2023

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Natural disasters cost insurers $108bn in 2023

Natural disasters caused $280bn in damage worldwide in 2023, including $108 billion covered by insurance companies, Swiss reinsurance giant, Swiss Re, said on Tuesday, warning the bill could double within 10 years.

The total amount of damage, and the share covered by insurers, both fell compared to 2022, which saw Hurricane Ian — one of the deadliest storms to hit the United States this century — send costs soaring.

In 2022, the damage caused by natural disasters amounted to $286 billion, while the bill for insurers reached $133 billion.

Despite the drop from the previous year, the bill for insurers in 2023 nonetheless exceeded the $100-billion mark for the fourth year in a row, Swiss Re said in its Sigma study.

The annual overview by the Zurich-based group — which acts as an insurer for insurers — details the cost of disasters and natural catastrophes.

“Even without a historic storm on the scale of Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida the year before, global natural catastrophe losses in 2023 were severe,” said Swiss Re chief economist Jerome Jean Haegeli.

“This reconfirms the 30-year loss trend that’s been driven by the accumulation of assets in regions vulnerable to natural catastrophes.

“In the future, however, we must consider something more: climate-related hazard intensification.

“Fiercer storms and bigger floods fuelled by a warming planet are due to contribute more to losses.

“This demonstrates how urgent the need for action is, especially when taking into account structurally higher inflation that has caused post-disaster costs to soar.”

Turkey quake costliest disaster

The earthquake in Turkey and Syria was the costliest natural disaster of 2023.

Estimated insured losses totalled $6.2 billion, with the earthquake dramatically illustrating coverage gaps around the world, said the report.

Economic losses reached $58 billion but the earthquake hit poorly insured areas, with around 90 percent of losses not covered, the report said.

Last year, severe convective storms alone caused a record $64 billion in insured losses, the study said, noting that such storms are now the second-largest source of losses for insurers after tropical cyclones.

Hailstorms are by far the main contributor to insured losses from severe storms.

The United States accounts for 85 percent of insured losses for storms but the bill is increasing in Europe, exceeding $5 billion per year over the last three years.

The risk of hail in particular is increasing in Germany, Italy and France.

Swiss Re estimates that insured losses “could double within the next 10 years as temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent and intense”.

“Therefore, mitigation and adaptation measures are key to reduce natural catastrophe risk,” it said.

AFP

IBEDC records 1,459 energy theft cases in January, February

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IBEDC records 1,459 energy theft cases in January, February

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company said it has recorded 1,459 cases of energy theft by its subscribers between January and February 2024.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the firm’s Chief Key Accounts Officer, Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, on Tuesday.

IBEDC added that it is actively pursuing investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in the theft in collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences.

Identifying the cases, IBEDC said they included various offences such as meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, which resulted in significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.

The statement read, “We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated. Our collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences underscores our commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system.

“Energy theft not only undermines the integrity of our operations but also deprives IBEDC of the revenue necessary to provide quality services to our customers.”

Tinuoye emphasised that under the Electricity Act, energy theft is now recognised as a criminal offense, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment stressing, “In the Osun region, two individuals were apprehended for stealing energy through meter bypass and illegal connections. Their cases have been formally charged in court for prosecution.”

IBEDC further urged customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, emphasising that the consequences can be severe, as there is no room for negotiation with the SIPTEO Task Force team, which is actively patrolling and investigating instances of energy theft for prosecution.

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