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Tragedy: 19 burnt to death in Kogi auto crash – FRSC
At least 19 persons were burnt to death in an auto crash on Okene Bypass on the Okene-Lokoja Highway in Kogi on Sunday.
Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu stated in Abuja that the crash involved a Dangote Cement truck and a Toyota Hiace bus.
He stated that it took operatives of the FRSC, battling through the accompanying inferno, three hours to rescue two surviving victims of the crash.
Agwu added that the Toyota bus was travelling from Kano and was on its lane when the Dangote truck driver travelling from Port Harcourt wrongfully overtook a vehicle and collided head-on with the bus.
“The impact of the collision resulted in an inferno that burnt the victims to death.
“The crash, which was caused by route violation and wrongful overtaking, involved 22 persons, all male.
“Unfortunately, 19 persons out of the 22 victims were killed, while one was injured.
“The two victims who got rescued by FRSC operatives survived without injuries because they complied with traffic regulations on the compulsory use of seatbelts.
“Corpses retrieved from the crash were deposited at Okene General Hospital,’’ Agwu stated.
Agwu assured that the driver of the Dangote truck would be prosecuted in accordance with directives earlier issued by the Corps Marshal, Alhaji Dauda Ali-Biu.
Ali-Biu had in the past called on the judiciary, the leadership of transport unions and other relevant stakeholders to join hands with the FRSC to restore sanity to Nigerian roads through speedy and effective prosecution. (NAN)
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Extortion: IG orders punishment for errant officers
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the spate of extortion allegations against some officers of the force in various areas across the country.
He specifically referenced a recent case involving officers from the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
In this case, officers identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine were accused of extorting the sum of N10m from some youths.
According to a statement on Friday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the money had been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16. The officers have been detained and subjected to an orderly room trial.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct. The Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.”
“The IGP has, however, reassured the general public that the Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers thoroughly,” Adejobi said.
He stated that the IGP had ordered severe punishments for officers found guilty of misconduct.
Adejobi added, “In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force.”
“The IGP further urges members of the public to make use of the following Police helpline and contacts to lodge complaints whenever necessary.
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Driver sets himself, traffic officer, bus ablaze to evade arrest
A yet-to-be identified driver of a commercial bus has reportedly set ablaze himself, his bus and a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, officer.
The driver was allegedly attempting to evade arrest over traffic offence.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who confirmed the incident, said it happened on Tuesday morning.
Bakare-Oki stated: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officers ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest.
“This shocking incident happened on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.
“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile-2 area.
“In the course of arrest, the driver and his conductor erupted into a frenzy, resorting to pouring petrol on LASTMA personnel and engaging in hostile confrontations and physical attacks against officers present.
“The injured LASTMA officer, who sustained severe burns, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
“LASTMA reiterates its unwavering commitment to preserving order and ensuring the safety of Lagos roads, as stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.”
He, however, strongly urged all commercial and other drivers to comply fully with traffic regulations and respect the authority of LASTMA personnel.
“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” Bakare-Oki vowed.
Commercial bus drivers are not new to clashes with LASTMA and the Lagos state traffic officials.
In 2022, A commercial vehicle driver himself ablaze in the Ajao Estate area of Lagos, to protest the seizure of his bus by officials of the LASTMA.
Two LASTMA officials were said to have dragged him out of the vehicle and started the ignition for onward movement to their base at Oshodi.
As they were about to move, the driver, according to eyewitnesses, poured fuel on his body and struck a stick of matches.
While efforts were on to put out the fire, other commercial bus drivers and conductors, including passers-by, started hauling stones at the LASTMA officials, a development that degenerated into a fight between the officials and hoodlums.
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Enugu Govt moves to enlighten the youths on effects of climate change
The wife of the Enugu State governor, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, has advocated the adoption of a comprehensive and sustainable approach that prioritizes environmental protection and economic growth to address the challenges of climate change.
Mrs. Mbah stated this during an Award Presentation Ceremony for the winners of the first essay competition in Enugu state on climate change titled; “What measures can Enugu State take to address climate change while promoting economic growth, and what role can the youth play in this process. The event was organized by the Office of the Special Adviser to The Governor on Climate Policy and Sustainable Development, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke in collaboration with the Office of The First Lady, as well as the ministries of Youth and Sports, Education and Environment.
Describing Climate change as not just an environmental issue but a multifaceted challenge that affects people’s health, economy, and livelihoods, Mrs Mbah represented by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ngozi Enih said Enugu State has already witnessed its impacts-irregular weather patterns, soil degradation, and diminished agricultural yields, noting that by addressing climate change head-on, the state can pave the way for sustainable economic development that benefits every citizen.
She listed Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Investing in Renewable Energy, Strengthening Environmental Governance, Promoting Green Industries, Enhancing Urban Planning and Infrastructure, and Advocating Policy Change, as some of the measures to address climate change.
Earlier in his presentation, the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Climate Policy and sustainable development, Prof Chukwumerije Okereke who promised that the event would be clheld annually, noted that the initiative was aimed at inculcating in the youths, a sense of responsibility that they can contribute to the policies and programmes of the state government especially in the fight against climate change, and called on the winners of the Essay Competition to see themselves as Ambassadors of the state in the sensitization and massive awareness creation campaign on the issue.
Also in his contribution, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Prof Sam Chijioke Ugwu, and his Education counterpart, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, stated that the initiative was part of the awareness campaign and sensitization of the students and youths of Enugu State to become climate activists spearheading the effort to have a safe and clean environment, described the youths as the most important actors for climate action, saying climate consciousness has been made part of the school curriculum and educational system.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Enugu South Rural in the state house of assembly, Hon. Obiajulu Ugwu, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, Dr. Mara Huber, and Dr. Maxwell Ngene, a Senior Lecturer of the Department of Mass Communication, ESUT, who spoke on the devastating impact of climate change around the world, commended the governor for his giant strides in the development of the state as well as his efforts in combating the menace of climate change.
The essay competition had Chukwuebuka Onyia as the overall winner and was awarded a cash prize of 250,000 Naira, Chinaza Arinze was the first runner up and was given a cash prize of 150,000 Nair, while Cynthia Ani took the third position and went home with a cash prize of 100,000 Naira.
They commended the organisers especially the state government for the transparent manner in which the competition was conducted as they emerged winners without the influence of any politician which according to them, has shown that the governor is a father of all irrespective social status.
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