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

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.