Metro

Gas Explosion Kills Two, Injures Six In Anambra Market

Published

3 months ago

May 17, 2025

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.”

“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.

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.

“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

Edo Police Arrest Doctor Over Woman’s Death During Caesarean Section

Published

11 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

The Edo State Police Command has said that it arrested a medical doctor following the death of a woman during an operation at a private hospital in Uromi, the administrative headquarters of Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, while confirming the arrest said that detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

“I can confirm the arrest of the doctor, and the command’s detectives are also investigating the matter.”

Police identified the doctor as Festus Ogheghele of Dickson Medical Centre, Uromi.

He was said to have performed a Caesarean section on the deceased, Susan Omoye-Okporan, 36, on August 2, 2025.

It was gathered that the woman reportedly developed complications and died shortly after the procedure, though her baby survived.

Her bereaved family members accused the doctor of gross professional negligence, which prompted a police investigation.

A family source said that the doctor may have been careless while performing the surgery, noting that they were ready to pursue the case to the highest level.

“I am sure the doctor was careless. Performing a cesarean section is one of the easiest surgical operations due to advancement in technology. The family is ready to pursue the case to the highest level,” the source added.

Findings at the command headquarters in Benin revealed that operatives of the Homicide Section, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), took over the case from Uromi police over two weeks ago.

It was further learnt that an autopsy had been conducted, and the result is awaiting interpretation by police medical experts to determine the next line of action.

Metro

NDLEA Arrests 65 Suspects In Abia, 7 Prosecuted, Convicted

Published

11 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

The new Abia State Commandant of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Joseph Owoputi has disclosed that sixty five suspects were arrested by the Command between June and August 2025 with about 82 kilo gram of substances seized from them.

Owoputi who said his Command secured seven convictions within the period under review, disclosed twelve of the arrested suspects are currently being prosecuted.

He stated this on Wednesday, when he led a team of officials from his Command visit Abia State Governor, Alex Otti.

The new NDLEA Commandant also said thirty eight other individuals are undergoing counselling and rehabilitation in the Command’s facility.

Owoputi assured the Abia Governor that he would consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor and solicited the assistance of the state government in providing them with operational vehicles for more efficient performance.

He further thanked the Abia Governor for the support he extended to the immediate past NDLEA Commandant in Abia, which he said, assisted the agency in the fight against drugs abuse and illicit drug transactions.

Responding to the new Abia NDLEA boss’ appeal, Governor Alex Otti approved two new Hilux vans for the agency and directed that NDLEA’S abandoned vehicles should be retrieved and fixed by the Abia State government.

Otti who called for tougher legislation against drug abuse and illicit drug dealers in Nigeria, lamented that drug abuse is destroying many young persons, including students.

Metro

Village Youths Capture Bandit During Midnight Attack In Benue

Published

15 hours ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be bandits launched an attack on Bigwa village in Mbayenge, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Witnesses said the attackers invaded the community around 2 a.m., but were resisted by local youths who mobilized to defend the village.

During the confrontation, one of the bandits was overpowered and captured, while others fled with injuries.

Several youths were also said to have sustained injuries in the clash.

The captured suspect has since been handed over to security agencies for investigation.

Community members praised the courage of the youths in standing up to the attackers, but appealed to government and security forces to step up protection in the area to prevent further assaults.