Metro
Gas Explosion Kills Two, Injures Six In Anambra Market

A gas cylinder explosion has killed about two persons and injured several others at the Plumbing Market, along Uga Street, near Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State.
The PUNCH gathered that the incident which occurred on Friday, caused panic in the market as traders, passers-by and customers scampered to safety.
An eyewitness near the scene said the explosion happened while a welder was working on metal with carbide.
One of the market leaders, identified as Uzomah Eke, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said, “Two persons died yesterday(Friday) in our market at the plumbing section of the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, as a result of a cylinder explosion.
“A welder was welding iron with carbide, and the gas cylinder suddenly exploded, killing two and injuring many others near the scene.”
READ ALSO:JUST IN: Explosion Rocks Rivers Oil Facility, Casualties Feared
“It was a real tension because some body parts of the victims, which were shattered as a result of the explosion, littered the floor and this caused everybody in the area to run for safety and abandon their wares; Some traders did not lock up their shops.
“The explosion damaged some goods and properties in the sections of the market. Interventions and rescue efforts were made by good-spirited individuals who took the injured victims to the hospital and also prevented further damage.”
Although the Anambra State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, could not confirm the incident when contacted, as he said he was not aware.
However, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development when contacted on Saturday.
READ ALSO:Many Feared Dead As Fuel Tanker Explosion Rocks Enugu
Ikenga added that police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
He said, “Police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16, 2025, complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.
“Preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on the metal due to exposure to excess heat.
“Meanwhile, the six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue.
READ ALSO:Another Explosion Rocks Gas Facility In Rivers State
“To this end, the Police Operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.”
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, is concerned about the unfortunate incident and has provided some safety tips to prevent such from reoccurring.
“The tips include regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment, ensuring that the gas cylinders are stored securely and that the equipment is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines,” he added.
Metro
18-year-old OAU Medical Student Dies While Sleeping

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has announced the death of an 18-year-old part-three medical student of the institution.
The student, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, was a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery.
According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Timilehin with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
The statement revealed that the “university received the news of the student’s passing with shock and deep sorrow”.
READ ALSO:OAU Student Electrocuted While Retrieving Ball
It also described the incident as devastating to the academic community.
According to the statement, “preliminary information suggested that the student might have died shortly after 2 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly said the deceased opened the door for another student around that time.
“The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students”.
The VC, Professor Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, saying, “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”
READ ALSO:No ID Cards, No Exams, OAU Students Ground Campus In Protest
He added that the university community was united in grief over the passing of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aim of serving humanity.
According to him, the death had left a void among the student’s peers and all those who knew him within the university community.
The university management stated that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures.
It also disclosed that appropriate support measures were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the loss.
The management called on students, staff, alumni and friends of the institution to remain calm and compassionate, while extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.
Metro
Panic As BRT Bus Catches Fire On Third Mainland Bridge

Panic gripped motorists on Tuesday afternoon following a fire outbreak involving a Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, vehicle on the Third Mainland Bridge, leading to massive traffic disruption.
The incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. near the Adekunle section of the bridge, heading towards Iyana Oworo.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle.
According to the agency, the high-capacity BRT bus suddenly went up in flames, prompting anxiety among road users in the area.
READ ALSO:Police Detain Officers Over Alleged N3.3m Extortion From Lagos Couple
Footage shared online showed the bus completely consumed by fire, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky as motorists slowed down or sought alternative routes to avoid the scene.
While no injuries or loss of life were reported, the incident caused a heavy traffic buildup extending from Adekunle towards Iyana Oworo.
“A high-capacity bus is currently on fire on the Third Mainland Bridge by Adekunle, inward Iyana Oworo, and this is impacting traffic flow,” LASTMA stated.
“Our personnel are on ground managing traffic, while efforts are ongoing to extinguish the fire,” the agency added.
READ ALSO:Lagos Govt Begins Clearance Of Illegal Structures Along Lagos-Badagry Expressway
Subsequent updates indicated that officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene and worked to control the blaze to prevent further damage.
Traffic officers were also deployed to redirect vehicles away from the affected area as emergency responders tackled the situation.
As of the time this report was filed, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined.
Metro
Kwara Vigilante Men Arrested By Soldiers In Edo State Released

Six Kwara State vigilante men arrested by the Nigerian Army on December 31,2025, along Auchi-Ikpeshi highway in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, have been released after a thorough investigation by the authorities.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, confirmed the development in a statement in Ilorin on Tuesday.
The statement read in part; “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to confirm that on Wednesday, 31st December, 2025, it received six vigilante members who were earlier arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Army along the Auchi–Ikpeshi Road in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
READ ALSO:Edo: Suspected Kidnappers Kill Victim, Hold On To Elder Brother
“The Vigilantes, travelling in a vehicle belonging to Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, were formally handed over to the Kwara State Police Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brigadier General N.N. Rume, for the purpose of investigation and profiling.
“Following a thorough investigation, it was established that the individuals are legitimate members of a vigilante group operating in collaboration with recognised security agencies in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality.
READ ALSO:Armed Robbers Shot PoS Operator To Death In Edo
“Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their respective leaders,” the statement added.
The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, reiterated the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.
He assured members of the public that the command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of the state.
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