Metro
Many Injured As Explosion rocks Filling Station In Osun

Many people were feared injured in an explosion that occurred in a filling station located in Lagere, Ile-Ife, Osun State on Tuesday.
People around Lagere, Mayfair, and Iremo Road who spoke with The PUNCH, said they heard a loud noise at about 5 pm within the premises of a filling station in Lagere, leading to panic across the town.
A trader inside the Lagere Shopping complex located a few metres from the filling station where the explosion occured, identified as Titilola, told our correspondent that after the explosion was heard, the antecedent fire spread to nearby property and destroyed them.
READ ALSO: Gas Explosion Rocks National Arts Theatre In Lagos
She feared many people may have been trapped in the fire, adding that men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps from Ile-Ife, and Osun State Fire Service responded to the distress call.
She added, “I was inside my shop located within Lagere Shopping Complex around 5pm today (Tuesday) when I heard a loud explosion inside a filling station that is opposite a commercial bank here. People ran in different directions.
“But when we eventually discovered the direction where the noise came from, we were told the explosion came from a gas plant located inside the filling station. NSCDC and Fire Service men responded to the distress call. Many people may have been injured but I can’t say immediately. The fire was huge.”
READ ALSO: 30 Die In Rivers Illegal Oil Tapping Point Explosion
When contacted, Osun NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, who confirmed the incident further said, “A filling station located opposite a commercial bank in Lagere, Ile-Ife housing a gas station with a mini-mart caught fire at about 1702hours today Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
“Operatives of NSCDC Ife Central Division that swiftly arrived at the scene revealed that a gas cylinder installed inside the filling station exploded and in the process injured many people and destroyed property close to the filling station.
“The men of Osun State Fire Service were called and they battled to restrict the fire with the support of NSCDC operatives and public-spirited residents.”
Metro
Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm
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
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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
Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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.”
Metro
Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan
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.
READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo
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
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.
READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
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.
READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration
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.
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