Metro

Traders Count losses As Fire Razes 300 Shops In Bayelsa Market

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2020

Fire has razed a section of the Swali Market, a major market situated in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.

Investigations revealed that the inferno, which broke out in the early hours of Friday completely burnt shops where gas cookers, cloths and other wares, were sold.

Traders and shop owners were reportedly in tears as they struggled to salvage some of their goods at the ill-fated shops.

The traders, who wept over the development, said they lost millions of naira to the fire.

One of the traders, Udubuochi Christine, hinted that the fire started from a nearby bush.

She said: “We suspect that the fire came from the back of the market, over the fence, through the bushy area, people go there to burn things, so it started from the burning bush.

“So we are advising them not to burn anything there again because this is Harmattan season everything is dry and can easily catch fire”.

She, however, said that officials of the state fire service were prevented from getting to the scene of the fire by traders, who accused them of late response.

“The people did not allow the fire service people to get to the scene because they came late and the traders said they were not to be trusted.

“The traders and other people gathered together and worked tirelessly to put out the fire. Many goods were burnt to ashes. And over 300 shops were destroyed. Most traders could not salvage anything”, she said.

She said the fire also destroyed physical cash with millions of naira and called on the government to come to the aide of the traders.

She said: “By the time we bring out the safe where we kept money, we discovered that the money had been burnt. Most traders keep money in their safes for quick and easy transactions.

“We want the government to maintain a fire service in the market. The So government should give us a standby fire service, so when the fire starts they will quench it instantly, not to call them on the phone”.

Another trader, Loveth Mark, lamented that the fire service personnel arrived the scene of the incident late.

“Before the fire service came, we had put out the fire. Most of the things were destroyed. We could not salvage anything reasonable”, she said.

(NATION)
(PHOTO: thenationonlineng.net)

Metro

Edo Police Parade 21 Suspects Over Alleged Murder, Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism

Published

15 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Editor

No fewer than 21 suspects were on Tuesday paraded by the Nigeria police, Edo State Command, for alleged robbery, unlawful possession of fire arms, murder, cultism, illicit drugs, economic sabotage and pipeline vandalism.

Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, Benin City, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Mr. Funsho Adegboye, said the suspects were arrested at different parts of the state for various crimes.

Among the suspects were Ovie Samuel (46), Stanley Itota (45), Felix Oputi (46), Kadiri Hassan (45) and Alex Akaeze, who were arrested for being in possession of 1,080 kilograms of ICE (hard drug), worth ₦20, million street value.

Adegboye described successes recorded by operatives of the different units of the Command in the last two weeks as “a season of harvest of criminals.”

“This has been a season of harvest of criminals. the suspects were arrested within a period of two weeks and all this is done to make Edo safe for the citizens to carry out businesses in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, CP Funsho Adegboye has advised parents to warn their children, especially university students, to avoid being used by unscrupulous politicians.

He gave the warning ahead of the commencement of governorship electioneering.

“We want to implore members of the public to please warn their wards, especially young people, especially university students.

“Our youths should be discouraged, they should not be used as tools in the hands of some unscrupulous politicians.

“Like I advised the executive members of the Students’ Union of the University of Benin, the people that are making use of them, their own children are not around, so why would they want to get involved,” he said.

Adegboye, who commended the people of the state for supporting the police, appealed to all stakeholders to continue to give useful information to enable the police to fight crimes and criminality in the state.

Metro

JUST IN: Aircraft Belonging To Dana Air Skids Off Lagos Airport Runway

Published

23 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Editor

An aircraft belonging to Dana Air has skidded off the runway in Lagos State.

Details about the incident are still unclear as of the time of filing this report.; however, a source confirmed to our correspondent that no casualties were recorded.

Details soon…

Metro

Cable Theft Soldiers Dismissed

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers accused of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State.

The soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, were arrested while moving out of the facility with 897 armoured cables cut to size.

Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who earlier described the action of the soldiers as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable” confirmed their dismissal in a statement on Monday, April 22.

“In line with Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to upholding high standard of professionalism, integrity and discipline, the NA wishes to update the general public on the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises on 14th April 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani,” the statement read.

“Sequel to a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.

“Subsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub section (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. They were summarily tried.

“During the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves, but were however found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.

“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.

“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.

“The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline and accountability at all levels. We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity.

“We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability across the nation.”