Metro
Conflicting Figures Trail Anambra Boat Mishap

Conflicting figures are surrounding the number of dead bodies and recovered persons at the scene of a boat crash that occured at the Umunankwo community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday.
While the Anambra State Government through a statement from the governor’s press secretary, Christian Aburime, late on Saturday, indicated that more 30 people had been rescued while six people including two kids and two ladies were confirmed dead, the former Transition Committee Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Arinze Awogu, gave the figures of recovered dead bodies as 13, adding that before the end of the day, more bodies would be recovered.
Again, an indigene of the area, identified as Eze Ogbugbulu, said 16 bodies had been recovered, including children.
The statement from the governor’s press secretary with the caption, ‘Update on the Ogbaru boat mishap’, said the engine of the boat failed three minutes into the journey and the surging waves hit the boat on a collapsed bridge and it subsequently capsized.
It reads, “The following are more facts emanating from the unfortunate boat mishap in Ogbaru.
READ ALSO: Flood: Many Feared Dead As Church Building Collapses During Service In Anambra
“About 40 passengers were said to have boarded the ill-fated boat. The engine of the boat was said to have failed three minutes into the journey and the surging waves hit the boat on a collapsed bridge and it subsequently capsized.
“More than 30 people were rescued by expert swimmers. Six people including two kids and two ladies were confirmed dead. The above update have become necessary to avoid unfounded speculations and undue sensationalisation of the unfortunate incident.”
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Authority, South-East, Mr Thickman Tanimu, had told journalists on Saturday that 85 people were in the ill-fated boat.
Tanimu had said, “What I suspected happened on Friday at Ogbaru, Anambra, going by the report we received from the State Emergency Management Agency, is that the water kept rising and the people were trapped.
“They decided to escape the rising water and 85 of them jam-packed inside the boat which capsized due to the rising flood. It is very unfortunate because the flood has covered many houses up to roof level.
“Out of the 85 persons, nine were found and the remaining 76 are no where to be found. Also at Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area in Enugu, two men and a pregnant woman died in the flood.”
READ ALSO: Flood Claims Two, Displaces Scores In Delta
Another source in the area told journalists that the speed boat involved in the mishap could not contain 50 passengers and that the incident was not a result of the flood but a human error.
He said the boat rider was inexperienced and unable to control the boat which he said developed electrical fault few minutes after it set sail.
“The boat owner who used it to ferry people was not available when passengers thronged demanding that his brother should carry them in the boat. But fate failed them when the boat engine developed a fault and the young lad who tried effortlessly to start the engine could not control the waves which pushed the boat and it hit Osamala bridge and capsized,” the source said.
PUNCH
Metro
NDLEA Officers, Soldiers Attacked In Edo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Army personnel were on Monday attacked at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, State commander of the NDLEA who stated this in a statement, said an officer of the agency sustained an injury during the attack.
Ofoyeju, who said the community is notorious for cannabis cultivation and trafficking, noted that as the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire which led the team to abort the operation before proceeding later.
He said one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. He stated that the officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
READ ALSO:NDLEA Intercepts Drugs Concealed In Frozen Snails, Electrical Bulbs
As the team advanced through the town, they encountered resistance from local cultivators, who ambushed them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The hostile environment forced the team to abort the operation and retreat for safety.
The statement read, “A combined team of NDLEA and Army personnel came under attack on Monday at Ukpuje town, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
“Unfortunately, one officer was struck by a sharp object on the hand. This officer has since received medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
“I commend the bravery of our officers and the army personnel involved. Our mission here is to ensure that illegal drug activities are disrupted, particularly in areas notorious for drug cultivation.
READ ALSO:NDLEA Intercepts 174 Parcels Of Cocaine Hidden In Body Cream Containers
“Although we faced resistance, we are grateful that no life was lost, and our team was able to carry out the operation efficiently.”
Ofoyeju said the NDLEA would intensify efforts against drug cultivation and trafficking in Edo State.
“We will not relent in our pursuit of a drug-free society. Operations like these are crucial in our fight against narcotics,” he added.
The raid in Ukpuje is part of a broader strategy by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and promote community safety. Illicit cannabis cultivation has long been a challenge in the area.
READ ALSO:NDLEA Arrests Two Drug Kingpins, Seizes Cocaine, Heroin, Meth In Lagos
The operation in Ukpuje underscores the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
The agency in the past months have also visited spots known for illicit drug sales in the state to arrest dealers.
It has also got the conviction of barons and dealers while seizing drugs and also in sensitization programmes on the ills of drug abuse.
Metro
Soldiers Kill 80 Bandits In Kebbi Border Clash

Troops of the Nigerian military have neutralised no fewer than 80 armed bandits attempting to infiltrate Kebbi State from the Zamfara border, in one of the most decisive security operations recorded in recent months.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, describing the operation as a major victory in the state’s ongoing war against banditry.
According to him, the success recorded in Ngaski Local Government Area was the result of the strategic deployment of fully equipped troops across Kebbi’s borders with Sokoto, Zamfara, and Niger States, as directed by Governor Nasir Idris.
Zuru explained that Governor Idris had earlier requested additional military reinforcements to strengthen border security, a move that has since led to the neutralisation of hundreds of bandits and the restoration of peace in several communities.
READ ALSO:Troops Eliminate Three Kidnappers During Ransom Collection In Plateau
He said credible intelligence reports prompted the strategic positioning of troops around Makurdi village, where soldiers engaged the heavily armed attackers in fierce gun battles on Friday and Saturday nights.
“About 80 bandits were neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds,” said Director of Security, Abdulrahaman Usman, adding that dozens of motorcycles and two abducted victims were recovered during the operation.
Zuru noted that the Kebbi State Government’s collaboration with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army, has been crucial in sustaining the momentum against banditry. 4
He added that Governor Idris had donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 5,000 motorcycles to enhance troop mobility and response capacity.
READ ALSO:Lagos Inaugurates 24-hour Traffic Management Operations
Reacting to the success, the Emir of Yauri, Zayyanu Muhammad, commended the gallantry of the troops and lauded Governor Idris for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“The people of Kebbi are proud of the sacrifices of our soldiers and the leadership of Governor Idris, whose efforts are restoring peace and hope to our communities,” the Emir said.
Security sources said the latest onslaught has forced several bandit groups to retreat deeper into neighbouring forests, signalling that Kebbi is becoming increasingly unsafe for criminal elements.
According to The PUNCH, troops of Operation Hadin Kai had killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations across Borno and Yobe States.
The Nigerian military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 4am on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors 1 and 2 of the Joint Operations Area 1.
Metro
One Injured As Truck Falls Off Lagos Bridge

A fully loaded six-tyre truck on Saturday plunged off the Oshodi Bridge in Lagos after reportedly suffering brake failure, leaving one man severely injured.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said its operatives swiftly intervened to rescue the victim and restore traffic in the area.
According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the truck, with registration number AKD 135 YK, was laden with toner printing materials when it lost control while descending the Oshodi-Oke bridge inward Mile 2 and fell into the terminal ditch below.
“In an exemplary display of operational precision and institutional alertness, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and traffic orderliness as its operatives today rescued a severely injured male victim following a ghastly accident involving a fully loaded six-tyre truck with registration number AKD 135 YK, which suffered a brake failure and plunged off the Oshodi Bridge into the terminal ditch while descending from Oshodi-Oke inward Mile 2.
READ ALSO:Four Escape Death As Trucks Collide In Anambra
“Preliminary information gathered from the scene indicated that the ill-fated truck, reportedly laden with tonner printing materials, experienced a critical mechanical failure while descending the bridge, thereby losing control before skidding off the carriageway and tumbling into the terminal below,” Taofiq said
He added that LASTMA officers arrived at the scene within minutes to commence rescue operations and prevent secondary accidents.
He said, “Upon arrival, the officers immediately commenced rescue operations and successfully extricated a male victim who sustained grievous injuries in the accident.
“The injured man was expeditiously conveyed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, while the driver of the truck was apprehended and handed over to security operatives from Makinde Police Station, Oshodi, for further investigation into the cause of the brake malfunction and other contributory factors.”
READ ALSO:Five Die As Dangote Truck Crashes Into Tricycle In Ogun
Taofiq noted that the accident could have resulted in more casualties but for the prompt and coordinated efforts of LASTMA officials who diverted traffic and cleared the wreckage.
“To forestall secondary collisions and ensure the safety of road users, LASTMA operatives swiftly cordoned off the accident scene, diverted vehicular movement, and supervised the clearance of the wreckage thereby restoring traffic normalcy within a remarkably short period,” he said.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response.
“Mr. Bakare Oki, lauded their exceptional response, diligence, and adherence to standard safety protocols during the operation.
READ ALSO:Obasanjo Holds Memorial Service For Late Wife, Stella, Says She Lived Serving Others
“He reiterated the Agency’s unrelenting vigilance in ensuring the protection of lives and property on Lagos roads, particularly during the ember months, when traffic density and accident risks are significantly heightened,” the statement stated.
According to the statement, Oki said the agency remains vigilant in protecting lives and property, especially during the ember months when road accidents are more frequent.
He noted that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic points for quick emergency response.
“Mr. Oki further emphasized that the agency’s ongoing 24-hour traffic management operations were instituted to guarantee seamless vehicular movement across the state before, during, and after the festive season.
READ ALSO:Truck Rams Into Students In Ogun, Kills WASSCE Candidate
“He disclosed that heavy-duty recovery vehicles and mini trucks have been strategically deployed across the five administrative divisions of Lagos, supported by over 2,700 personnel stationed at critical traffic nodes and corridors for optimal coverage and swift emergency response,” the statement said.
Oki urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to “proactive traffic regulation, timely rescue operations, and continuous public enlightenment to make Lagos roads safer for everyone.”
READ ALSO: Truck Crushes Vigilante Members To Death In Edo
The Oshodi area, particularly the busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway corridor, serves as a major transport node in Lagos, linking routes from the port and mainland and regularly experiencing severe traffic gridlocks.
Heavy-duty trucks, including those laden with cargo bound for terminals and depots, are frequent contributors to the congestion.
Mechanical faults, including brake failure and tyre bursts, remain a recurring cause of road accidents across Nigeria.
According to the FRSC 2022 compendium, mechanical/vehicle-defect factors account for about 10 per cent of road crashes nationwide.
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