CALABAR — A young man and his girlfriend have reportedly died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Calabar, Cross River State capital, after inhaling fumes from a generator used overnight.

The incident occurred on Friday night at Poultry Farm Road in Calabar South Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the deceased had recently moved into a new apartment and brought in his girlfriend to stay with him. Due to power outage, he reportedly switched on a generator and kept it inside the room before going to bed.

A source in the area, identified as Akong, said the generator ran throughout the night, leading to the tragic deaths of the occupants.

“He packed into the house newly and on Friday night due to unavailability of power supply, he turned on his generator and placed it inside the room throughout the night. By this morning, he and his girlfriend could not wake up,” she said.

The source also said a newly purchased puppy in the apartment died from the same fumes.

According to her, the bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to the mortuary, while the dog was buried by neighbours in the compound.

Residents described the incident as tragic, lamenting that what was meant to be a peaceful night turned fatal.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. (Vanguard)

Former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Audu Sule-Katagum, is dead. He was 69.

His death was announced on Saturday by Shamsuddeen Lukman Abubakar, who served as his digital and creative media aide.

Katagum passed away in the early hours of Saturday. His death has drawn condolences from political leaders and traditional institutions across Bauchi State.

He served as deputy governor between 2018 and 2019 under former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar. Before that, he was Chief of Staff at the Bauchi State Government House.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Arch. Audu Sule Katagum, Wazirin Katagum and former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State,” Lukman said in a statement.

“The deceased passed away in the early hours of today after a life of dedicated service to his community, Bauchi State and the nation,” he added.

Lukman said funeral arrangements would be announced by the family. He also prayed for the late deputy governor.

“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, and give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this great loss. Ameen,” the statement read.

Beyond politics, Katagum held the revered traditional title of Wazirin Katagum, a position that gave him strong influence within the Katagum Emirate.

He was the son of the late Alhaji Sule Katagum, Nigeria’s first Chairman of the Federal Public Service Commission, who also once held the Waziri title.

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has made a further donation of ₦25 million to support the development of Shanahan University, Onitsha, Anambra State.

Presenting the cheque, the Shanahan Hall of Holy Trinity Basilica, Onitsha yesterday, Mr. Obi reiterated his firm belief that investment in education remains one of the most effective ways of building a productive and prosperous society. He reminded the students that education is not merely about acquiring certificates but about developing the knowledge, character, and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. He urged them to take their studies seriously and strive to become responsible leaders capable of transforming Nigeria for the better.

Speaking during the event, Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife, expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Obi for his continued concern for humanity and his consistent support for educational and social causes. He commended Obi’s remarkable energy, dedication, and commitment to nation-building, noting that such qualities have distinguished him in public life. According to him, Obi possesses the vision, discipline, and capacity required to lead the nation and deploy the same passion and energy he has demonstrated in private and public service for the good of the country.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Josephat Oguejiofor, also thanked Mr. Obi for his continued support for the institution. He recalled the numerous ways Obi has assisted the university since its inception, stressing that what makes his interventions particularly remarkable is that they often come without solicitation. He described Obi as a genuine friend of education whose actions consistently reflect his commitment to the advancement of society.

Prof. Oguejiofor explained that the vision of Shanahan University is to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also morally upright and socially responsible. He emphasized that the institution is committed to nurturing individuals who will function optimally in society and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Mr. Obi was accompanied on the visit by Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna and Professor Patrick Obi, among others.