Metro

Fire Razes Vehicle, Buildings In Kwara Market

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2024

A raging fire on Tuesday destroyed goods worth millions of naira, including a truck loaded with mattresses, buildings, and shops, at a building materials market in the Ita Amodu area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The inferno, which reportedly started around 10 am at Ile Bilewu, Alabi-Owo Junction, Ita Amodu, was caused by a collision between the truck and a high-tension power line, sparking a fire that quickly spread to a building housing 47 rooms and 19 shops, according to the Kwara State Fire Service.

The Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity of the State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident in a statement.

“Upon arrival at the scene, we encountered a massive inferno originating from a lorry overloaded with mattresses. The fire spread from the lorry to a nearby building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops. Despite the intensity, our firefighters managed to prevent further destruction, saving 31 rooms and 12 shops. Unfortunately, seven shops and 16 rooms were affected,” Adekunle said.

The Fire Service disclosed that the highly flammable nature of the mattresses fueled the rapid spread of the fire.

The situation was worsened by an explosion from a nearby step-down transformer, which intensified the blaze, spreading it to the adjacent buildings.

He commended residents in the area for their assistance, noting that their collaboration with firefighters played a vital role in containing the fire and ensuring the safety of people nearby.

“We appreciate the timely support of the people, who worked closely with our team to control the fire and limit the damage,” he said.

The service also lauded the Nigeria Police Force for their intervention in protecting firefighters from hoodlums attempting to disrupt the operation.

“The police presence ensured the safety of our personnel during a volatile situation,” the statement added.

It extended gratitude to media outlets for their timely updates, which kept the public informed and helped manage panic during the incident.

The Service Director, John Falade, emphasised the importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The incident highlights the critical need for safety precautions, especially when handling flammable materials and operating near power lines,” Falade stated.

The fire has left traders and residents counting their losses, with calls for improved safety regulations and response mechanisms to avert future disasters.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

10 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

12 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

14 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.