Metro

Two Injured In Abuja Refuse Dump Explosion

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2024

Editor

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command and the FCT Federal Emergency Management Agency have debunked reports of a bomb explosion in Maitama, Abuja on Wednesday.

The police noted that preliminary findings indicated that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat and exploded, thereby causing injury to two refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.

Meanwhile, two refuse evacuators who sustained injuries from the incident are receiving medical attention at the Maitama General Hospital.

It was gathered that a bang occurred at a dump site outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday.

A resident revealed, “It was not a bomb explosion that occurred at Maitama. There was a bang at a dump site outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, and the sudden loud, sharp noise that was heard was caused by an eruption from a metallic waste bin that had been heated by the sun. And police EOD have been deployed to the scene, and calm has been restored in the area.”

Meanwhile, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement, said a rapid response team and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation.

The police further warned FCT residents against the usage of metallic refuse bins, while recommending the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal to reduce the risk of related incidents of over-heated metal refuse containers.

Adeh said, “The FCT Police Command hereby wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on January 24, 2024, at about 11:45am, near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprise premises in Maitama, Abuja.

“A rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were deployed to assess the situation and preliminary findings indicate that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, exploded, thereby causing injury to two of the refuse evacuators, who are currently receiving medical attention in Maitama General Hospital.

“The FCT Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from using metal refuse bins. Instead, we recommend the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers.”

However, when contacted by journalists, the Head of Public Relations, FCT FEMA, Nkechi Isa, said, “Yes there was an explosion. No casualties, FEMA was there. The FCT police are looking into it. It occurred at a dump site.”

Metro

BREAKING: Bodies Of 8 Missing Policemen Recovered In Benue

Published

16 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Lifeless bodies of the eight policemen who were declared missing after a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, on the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State, have been recovered.

Dr Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA disclosed this to reporters in Makurdi on Monday.

According to him, “this brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG)”.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, when a team of security operatives came under the attack of armed invaders.

Three personnel were immediately confirmed dead while eight others were declared missing.

Metro

Police Arrest Three Kidnappers Over ₦6.9m Ransom, Victim’s Murder

Published

16 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed one of their victims after collecting N6.9 million ransom.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Iringe-Koko identified the suspects as Hassan Mohammed (20) of Wandigah Town, Mandagali, Borno State; Bello Abubakar (25) of Roundabout Maura, Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed (23) of Hazari LGA, Bauchi State.

She said the arrests followed an investigation into the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara of Igwuruta-Atali.

According to the PPRO, the suspects also kidnapped one Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, at the same location, where they also collected a ransom of N3,500,000 before releasing her.

The statement read, “On 26th August, 2025, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressing report, suggesting the kidnapping of one Humphrey Wagbara, m of Igwuruta-Atali.

“Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annexe, acting on this information and in a daring and coordinated operation on 19th September, 2025, at about 0200hrs arrested three suspects at different locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the State in connection with the kidnapping of the victim.”

Iringe-Koko said during interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnappings in the State.

Among their past kidnappings are those of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, at School Road, Igwuruta-Atali, where they collected a ransom of N6,900,000 before killing the victim.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one G-3 rifle with Breech Number 10398, one magazine, one Itel phone belonging to Humphrey Wagbara, a kidnapped victim, three short daggers, one jack knife and one stainless short knife,” Rivers police imagemaker said.

Iringe-Koko added that the suspects and exhibits remain in police custody while detectives track other fleeing members of the syndicate and search for additional weapons.

The Command said it arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

According to Iringe-Koko, George committed the offence on September 6, 2025, after luring the minor while she was sent on an errand by her aunt.