The Anambra State Government has demolished over 200 makeshift shops and structures blocking road setbacks in Ozubulu and Nnewi.

During the demolition exercise carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, some of the traders pleaded with the government to provide them with alternative places to relocate their businesses, as many complained of their inability to afford the high cost of rent in the major markets.

At the Ugwuoye Market axis in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, about 100 shanties attached to the wall of the popular Joint Hospital were demolished amid panic among the occupants.

About 100 makeshift and illegal shops were also demolished at Traffic Light Nnewi, in line with the Operation Zero Shanties introduced by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration.

A two-storey building built on top of a drainage channel was also pulled down around the Nkwor Nnewi Triangle.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, said the exercise was part of the government’s effort to evolve a prosperous, liveable homeland that everyone will be proud of.

Mr Ojukwu said the government received several complaints from some members of the public over the defacing of the Joint Hospital axis by illegal structures and shanties.

He confirmed that the occupants were issued proper notification at different times and warned that the state will no longer tolerate the situation where government directives are not adhered to, especially as regards physical planning.

Mr Ojukwu noted that the ministry was serious about urban regeneration and restoring sanity to the major cities across the state.

At least 42 personnel of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN) have reportedly been killed in a fatal road accident involving two buses near Doukou Doukou, about 55 kilometres from Madaoua on the Maradi-Madaoua axis.

The accident occurred on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, according to a security source cited in a report received by Zagazola Makama.

The victims were reportedly SOA military personnel who had completed their training on Thursday and were travelling when the two buses were involved in the crash.

The report further indicated that 18 other personnel remain in critical condition and are reportedly in comas following the accident.

The circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately clear.

The incident has also raised questions over the transportation arrangements for military personnel, particularly claims that the soldiers were being conveyed in buses operated by a private company despite the army reportedly having its own troop transport vehicles.

However, allegations of corruption surrounding the use of the private transport service could not be independently verified.

The tragedy is expected to trigger renewed scrutiny of military logistics, troop transportation and safety standards, particularly for newly trained personnel.

Zagazola Makama could not independently verify the reported casualty figures or the allegations concerning the choice of transport at the time of filing this report. (Zagazola)

A 23-year-old student of the Nigerian Law School has died in a suspected suicide incident at the school’s hostel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, when the deceased, identified as Alayande Faith Ajoke, was found dead within the hostel premises.

According to sources, the Chief Matron of the Law School, Mrs. Igbokwe Juliana, reported the incident at the Victoria Island Police Division at about 6:30 a.m.

The report stated that at about 4:30 a.m., a student who had just completed her internship, Ojo Abisoye Tinuola, informed the matron about a suspected suicide involving her roommate, Alayande.

The matron subsequently proceeded to the scene, where the deceased was found lying on the ground within the hostel premises.

Preliminary observations indicated that the deceased may have jumped from the rooftop of the four-storey hostel building.

Police sources said preliminary investigation further revealed that the deceased allegedly left behind two notes addressed to her stepfather and roommate.

Following the report, a team of police detectives visited the scene, documented the area and took photographs of the scene and the body.

The remains were subsequently evacuated to the Mainland General Hospital Mortuary, Yaba, for preservation and autopsy.

The police said investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing. (Zagazola)