Six people were confirmed dead when a commercial bus plunged into the Ovia River in Edo State on Thursday evening. The Edo sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Cyril Mathew, confirmed the incident, noting that divers had been contacted to recover the missing passengers. He said the FRSC began the rescue mission on
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Troops of the Nigerian Army on Thursday killed a terrorist kingpin, known as Halilu Buzu and some of his fighters in Zamfara State.
Buzu was regarded as the boss of terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, whom the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, vowed on Tuesday to capture soon.
In a post on X on Friday, the Nigerian Army stated that the terrorist kingpin and his fighters fiercely resisted when confronted by the troops but were eventually overpowered.
It read, “In a ferocious strike, troops in a deliberate and discreetly coordinated offensive have on Thursday, September 12, 2024, eliminated a terrorist kingpin, infamously known as Halilu Buzu and a good number of his fighters in Mayanchi village.
“The troops took the offensive to the notorious terrorists’ identified crossing point in Mayanchi, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The terrorist kingpin and his fighters, who put up fierce resistance on encountering the troops, however, succumbed to the overwhelming firepower of the valiant troops.”
The Army said troops, after the operation recovered two rocket-propelled Grenade guns, three PKT guns, five AK-47 rifles, and 30 motorcycles.
“On winning the firefight, the troops recovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade guns, three PKT guns, five AK-47 rifles, 479 rounds of PKT ammunition, 366 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 182 rounds of Machine Gun 1 ammunition, one RPG bomb, 29 AK-47 magazines, 30 motorcycles, two Android phones, and two Yeekee phones.
“Troops have also destroyed the terrorists’ camp and are currently conducting further exploitation in the general engagement area and even beyond,” the post stated.
The body of murdered Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei began its journey home to Uganda on Friday, as activists rallied against the latest reported case of gender-based violence in Kenya.
The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to her wounds last week after being attacked on September 1 by her Kenyan partner, who poured petrol over her and set her on fire.
It happened just weeks after she made her Olympic debut in the women’s marathon in Paris, where she finished 44th.
Her funeral is planned for Saturday in Bukwo, home to her family in Uganda, but relatives in Kenya paid their respects on Friday in the Rift Valley town of Eldoret, near where she lived.
Cheptegei is the third athlete to have died in Kenya as a result of gender-based violence since 2021, provoking a global outpouring of tributes and rage.
Tony Sabila, Cheptegei’s uncle, described her as “a pillar to the family” and expressed his sadness over the loss.
As the body passed through the town of Eldoret, scores of activists lined the road with others walking alongside the hearse.
At a rally the same day, many wore white T-shirts with an image of Cheptegei and carried white or red roses.
Others had signs reading “Say no to femicide,” “Being a woman should not be a death sentence” and “A house where a woman is not safe is not a home”.
Femicide refers to the intentional killing of women or girls because of their gender. It is a severe form of gender-based violence that stems from deeply rooted sexism, misogyny, and societal inequalities.
Cheptegei was attacked outside her house in Endebass, Kenya. Local media reported that her young daughters and teenage sister witnessed the brutal assault.
Her attacker, 32-year-old Dickson Ndiema Marangach, was also severely burnt and died in hospital on Monday.
A 2023 report by Kenya’s National Bureau of Statistics found 34 per cent of women had experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
AFP
Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Kaduna State have rescued no fewer than 13 kidnapped students.
The rescued students comprise six males and seven females.
A statement on X by the Nigerian Army on Friday said the students were rescued after a fierce gun duel with terrorists at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government of Kaduna state.
The Army also said dangerous weapons were also recovered from the terrorists during the operation.
The post read, “In aggressive offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students, and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.
“On September 12, 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives.
“A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising 6 males and 7 females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, 4 magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00.
“Additionally, 5 solar panels, 5 mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were recovered. The rescued victims have been promptly evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.”
In another operation in the same local government, the Nigerian Army also said troops arrested two terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered the sum of N1.3m, among others, from the suspects.
“In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village.
“The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, two Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects,” the post added.
In Suleja in Niger State, troops invaded a terrorist hideout and killed three terrorists and arrested another three.
The sum of N4 million and other dangerous weapons were recovered from the terrorists.
The post added, “In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of three terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive.
“The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm (special)ammunition, and the sum of ₦4,079,000.00 were recovered.”
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Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have dislodged structures mounted by illegal traders around Obalende underbridge towards Dodan Barracks area of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement accompanied with a video shared on X.com by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Friday.
Officials of LAGESC were seen dismantling structures on the roadside in the video shared.
The statement read, “During monitoring and enforcement operation, the operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps #LAGESCOfficial (KAI) dislodged illegal traders at Obalende underbridge towards Dodan Barracks.
“#ZeroToleranceLagos #CleanerLagos”
Credit X| tokunbo_wahab
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Osun State Fire Service on Friday said five lives were lost in the fatal accident involving a gas tanker and a commercial bus that occured in Ile-Ife, Osun state.
The According to had earlier reported that many commuters were trapped in the accident, which happened along Ife/Ibadan Expressway on Thursday.
The spokesman for Osun Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, whose agency was among the first security agencies to arrive at the scene, said about 17 people were in the bus when the accident occurred.
However, while providing an update regarding the accident on Friday, the spokesman for Osun State Fire Service, Ibrahim Adekunle, said five passengers, two male, two females and a toddler, were bought out of the wreckage dead.
According to him, the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.
The statement partly read, “On Thursday, September 12, 2024 as a gas tanker overran a commercial bus popularly known as ‘Sabo-Lagere’ which conveyed an unspecified number of passengers and crushed them to death. They both swerved off the road into a ditch along Ibadan Express Road, Ajebandele, Ile-Ife.
“The incident was reported to our Ile-Ife Zonal Command at around 12 noon and they mobilised to the scene and joined the headquarters from Abere to give adequate backup because of the nature of materials involved in the crash (LPG).
“After frantic efforts by the men of the State Fire Service in conjunction with FRSC Ile-Ife Zonal Command led by SRC Kenny Olorundare and some local residents, five passengers were recovered from the wreckage which comprises two men and women each and a toddler. They are subsequently conveyed to the OAU Teaching Hospital morgue.”
Describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, the Director of Osun State Fire Service, Mr. Ismail Olaniyi, sympathised with families of the deceased, and Ile-Ife community.
The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed that the explosion that claimed the lives of Mr and Mrs George Onuabuchi in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, was caused by a gas cylinder and not an inverter battery.
Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson for the Command, Joshua Ukandu, informed the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday that the incident occurred on 25 August.
Ukandu stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the couple died as a result of a gas explosion.
“It happened in the Waterworks area of Abakaliki on 25 August. Residents living nearby alerted our personnel, who visited the scene, but the couple had already been taken to the hospital.
“Unfortunately, both have now passed away. The wife, Chioma, died in August, while the husband passed away this month, in September.
“We gathered that the wife was the younger sister of popular Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Patoranking.
“There aren’t many details available, as the victims did not survive to share their account of the event. The cause of death was a gas explosion, not an inverter explosion,” Ukandu clarified.
A relative, who chose to remain anonymous, also spoke with NAN, describing the incident as a tragic loss for the family.
“They were a young couple. They had only one child, a three-year-old son.
“I can’t say more than this. They’re gone,” the relative said.
(NAN)
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The Premier League is set to return this Saturday following a 14-day international break, which took place from 1 to 14 September 2024.
During this period, national teams competed in World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments, including the UEFA Nations League in Europe and the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
However, as the focus shifts back to club football, many Premier League teams are concerned about the toll the international games have taken on their key players.
Several players sustained injuries while on national duty, leaving their clubs anxious as they prepare for a demanding schedule that includes the return of UEFA competitions in midweek and the EFL Cup shortly after.
For some teams, these injuries compound those already sidelined before the international break, deepening concerns about fitness and form.
The next international break is scheduled for 6 to 14 October 2024, offering little respite for teams facing congested fixtures.
In this According to Online report, we provide a comprehensive update on key injured players in the Premier League, based on the latest information from the official EPL website on Thursday night.
Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel Jesus (groin), Mikel Merino (shoulder), Riccardo Calafiori (calf), and Martin Ødegaard (ankle).
Boubacar Kamara (knee), Tyrone Mings (knee), Matty Cash, Diego Carlos, Leon Bailey (hamstring), Ollie Watkins (knock), Jaden Philogene (knock), and Ezri Konsa (knock).
Tyler Adams (back), Enes Ünal (foot), David Brooks (shoulder), and Philip Billing (back).
Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Josh Dasilva (knee), Igor Thiago (knee), Mathias Jensen (calf), and Gustavo Nunes.
Solly March (knee), Evan Ferguson (ankle), Matt O’Riley (ankle), James Milner, Joel Veltman, and Ferdi Kadioglu.
Romeo Lavia (hamstring), Reece James (hamstring), and Malo Gusto (thigh).
Chadi Riad (knee), Mattheus França (rib), and Adam Wharton (groin).
Nathan Patterson (hamstring), Jarrad Branthwaite (groin), Youssef Chermiti (foot), Armando Broja (foot), and Seamus Coleman.
Nil
Nathan Broadhead (hamstring), Harry Clarke (Achilles), Cameron Humphreys (thigh), George Hirst (knee), and Omari Hutchinson (knock).
Patson Daka (ankle) and Jakub Stolarczyk (ankle).
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott (foot)
Oscar Bobb (fractured leg), Phil Foden (illness), Savinho (knee), and Nathan Ake (muscle).
Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lenny Yoro (foot), Rasmus Højlund (hamstring), Victor Lindelöf, Luke Shaw (calf), Mason Mount (muscle), and Manuel Ugarte (fitness).
Sven Botman (knee), Lewis Miley (back), Jamaal Lascelles (knee), Callum Wilson (back), and Joe Willock.
Danilo (ankle)
Gavin Bazunu (Achilles tendon) and Kamaldeen Sulemana (ankle).
Dominic Solanke (ankle), Richarlison, and Micky van de Ven (knock).
Aaron Cresswell (hamstring) and Niclas Füllkrug (knock).
Enso González (knee), Boubacar Traoré (knee), Rayan Aït-Nouri (knock), Mario Lemina (knock), and Yerson Mosquera.
The national chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and his counterpart from Rivers state, Tony Okocha, have been praised by the chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in each of the 36 states of the union and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for maintaining stability within the party.
The APC State Chairmen Forum also praised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his excellent work that has improved President Bola Tinubu’s government during the past year.
Prior to submitting a letter of recommendation to the national chairman, the forum, led by Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, its chairman, and Alphonsus Ogar Eba, its secretary, expressed their positions yesterday at the APC national secretariat in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the group, APC Rivers State Executive Committee chairman and secretary Eba of Cross River State praised Ganduje for his unwavering support of the decision made by the committee to suspend Emeka Beke, the former executive, and to further restrain him by the Rivers State High Court.
He said the meeting also recognized Wike as a performing minister of the Tinunu-led Federal Executive Council, praising his efforts in the areas of significant FCT infrastructure development, security measures, and human capital development.
“The democratic ethos of the party and the success of our APC-led administration, led by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his dependable Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, are among the issues that the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) States Chairmen met to discuss yesterday.”This press conference will be followed by a letter of appreciation to our esteemed party’s national chairman for his unwavering support of the APC Rivers State Executive Committee’s decision to suspend Chief Emeka Beke, the former executive, and for his subsequent restrictions by the Rivers State High Court.
“For those who are blind or deaf, the past seven months have seen the active, resilient, and vibrant Rivers State APC Chapter thanks to the activities of Chief Tony Okocha’s executives. Additionally, the doldrums, docility, and chicanery that once characterized the APC’s political landscape in Rivers State before the 2023 general election have been revitalized by Chief Tony Okocha’s dynamic leadership.”
In order to strengthen our democratic ethos, foster unity, and bring long-lasting peace to every chapter of our party where there are unresolved issues, we as a Forum have therefore decided to unite in our praise of the National Working Committee’s decision in this regard, even as we commit to continuing our dialogue with them.
As a performing minister of the President Asiwaju-led Federal Executive Council, whose efforts are evident in every aspect, the Forum also singled out His Excellency Nyesom Wike. We greatly appreciate his enormous contributions to the FCT’s infrastructure development, security measures, human capital development, etc.
“With his unique and outstanding performance in his role as Honorable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Forum would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him and to convey our sincere gratitude and solidarity.” The Forum will always be grateful to all those who support the party’s expansion and President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful government,” Eba continued.
The Peoples Democratic Party has suspended one of its prominent members, Senator Dino Melaye over alleged anti-party activities.
According to a letter cited by Punch Online on Friday, the suspension was made by the ward party executive committee in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 after reviewing the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate Melaye’s actions.
It appears that Melaye’s recent actions were deemed detrimental to the PDP’s interests and unity, prompting the suspension.
This move is not unprecedented, as the PDP has taken similar actions against other members accused of anti-party activities. For instance, Peter Babalola, a chieftain from Osun, was suspended in August 2024 for alleged anti-party activities and not attending party meetings for two years.
In another instance, former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was also suspended by the Benue PDP over alleged anti-party activities.
Similarly, Senator Gabriel Suswam and others were summoned by the Benue PDP over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.
These actions demonstrate the PDP’s commitment to maintaining party discipline and unity. However, details of Melaye’s suspension are still emerging, and more information is expected to follow.
The resolution to suspend the Senator read,
“Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party and his continued membership is no longer tenable.
“Therefore, the Ward party exco hereby suspends Dino Melaye from the Peoples Democratic party, effective and immediately.
“The suspension is in line with provisions of Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers the Ward party excos to take disciplinary actions against erring members.”