Metro

Niger Boat Mishap: 92 Rescued, 191 Corpses Recovered

Published

1 year ago

October 9, 2024

More revelation has emerged on the boat accident involving 285 Gwajibo Mudi community indigenes in Kwara State on the River Niger.

According to a member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Ahmed Saidu Baba, (Banni/Gwanara/Adena) at the plenary on Tuesday, 92 victims were rescued, while 191 corpses that perished in the incident were recovered.

Ahmed, who presented a matter of general public importance on the devastating incident, disclosed that “the wooden boat, with 285 persons on board consisting of 283 natives of Gwajibo Mudi in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state left the shores of the riverine community enroute the neighbouring Gwajibo community in Niger State to attend the annual Maolud Nabbiy but capsized in the middle of the River Niger at a location withing the territory of Niger State shortly before arriving its destination.”

Ahmed stated that the avoidable accident apparently happened as a result of overloading as findings revealed that the wooden boat with a capacity for 200 passengers only was loaded with 285 on the ill-fated journey.

The lawmaker said, “at the conclusion of rescue operations, only 92 victims had been rescued alive, while 191 corpses, who are all indigenes of Gwajibo Mudi in Kaima local government area of Kwara State were recovered.”

He expressed concern that the unfortunate incident had left many families and households in Gwajibo Mudi Community devastated, while the Kaima Local Government and indeed the entire Kwarans are in a state of mourning.

Ahmed concluded the passengers also ignored the necessary safety measures such as the use of life jackets.

In a resolution, the House urged the State Emergency Management Agency to liaise with the National Emergency Management Agency to provide the survivors and families of the victims with relief materials to cushion the effect of the disaster on the Gwajibo Mudi community.

The legislative arm also urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to liaise with the National Inland Waterways Authority on the need for the agency to deploy its staff to all loading points on the Nigerian Waterways with a view to regulating operations and enforcing precautionary guidelines on water transport operations.

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Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.