Category: News

Supreme Court restores Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary

ABUJA–The Supreme Court, on Friday, restored Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel, vacated the concurrent verdicts of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal in Enugu, which sacked him from office.

In the lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the apex court held that the two lower courts were bereft of the jurisdiction to dabble into domestic affairs of a political party that was not justiciable.

Consequently, the Supreme Court panel affirmed the minority judgement of the appellate court which nullified the decision of the trial court on account of lack of jurisdiction.

More so, the apex court held that the plaintiff, Mr. Aniagu Emmanuel,whose suit led to Anyanwu’s removal from office, lacked the locus standi (legal right) to institute the action.

It held that the plaintiff failed to establish how he was affected by who occupied the office of the National Secretary of PDP.

The appellate court had in a judgement it delivered last December, upheld the High Court verdict that sacked Senator Anyanwu and recognized Chief Udeh-Okoye Enemchukwu as the authentic national scribe of the party.

In its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the appellate court dismissed as incompetent and lacking in merit, Anyanwu’s bid to upturn the decision of the high court.

The court held that Anyanwu’s continued stay in office as National Secretary was in breach of PDP’s Constitution, having contested and emerged as the party’s candidate in the governorship election that held in Imo State last year.

However, dissatisfied with the concurrent judgements of the two courts, Anyanwu approached the Supreme Court to set them aside.

Aside from his substantive appeal, he equally filed a motion for accelerated hearing and for the abridgment of time within which the matter would be determined, citing the crucial role of the office of National Secretary in the affairs of the political party.

It will be recalled that both the Board of Trustees, BOT, and the National Working Committee, NWC, of the PDP, had earlier endorsed Chief Okoye as the National Secretary of the party, in line with the subsisting court judgements.

Anyanwu outrightly rejected the decisions, insisting that the position was the subject of a pending litigation.

March 21, 2025
Namibia to inaugurate first woman president

Southern Africa’s desert nation of Namibia swears in its first woman president Friday after Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah won elections last year that extended the ruling party’s 35-year grip on power.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, will become one of the few women leaders in the region when she is inaugurated at a ceremony to be attended by heads of states of neighbouring countries including Angola and South Africa.

Previously the vice president, she is a stalwart of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) that led the sparsely populated and uranium-rich country to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

Popularly known by her initials NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah secured 58 percent of the vote in the chaotic November elections, which were extended several times after logistical failures led to major delays.

The youthful opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) mounted a strong challenge but took only 25.5 percent of the vote, underscoring continued loyalty to SWAPO even as the popularity of other southern African liberation parties has waned.

A key issue at the polls was massive unemployment among the young population, with 44 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds without work in 2023 in a country of just three million people.

On the eve of her inauguration, NNN said tackling unemployment was a priority.

“In the next five years we must produce at least 500,000 jobs,” she told South Africa’s national broadcaster SABC, adding it would require investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars ($4.67 billion, 4.3 billion euros).

Key sectors for job creation are agriculture, fishing and the creative and sports industries, she said.

She appealed for unity after political divisions surfaced during the elections, which the IPC sought to annul in a failed court action.

“We can make our politics during the campaign and so on but once it’s over, we must build Namibia together,” she said.

On her election as Namibia’s first woman president, she told SABC: “Of course it’s a good thing that we are breaking the ceiling, we are breaking the walls.”

NNN, a conservative daughter of an Anglican pastor, has taken a strict stance against abortion, which is banned in Namibia except in exceptional circumstances. Gay marriage is also illegal.

A member of SWAPO since her early teens, she was exiled in Moscow during the liberation struggle. As foreign minister between 2012 and 2024, she praised her country’s “good historical relations” with North Korea.

Namibia is the world’s third or fourth biggest natural uranium producer, depending on the year, and supplies the radioactive metal to countries producing nuclear power, including France.

The sun-baked and dry Atlantic Ocean country is also rich in diamonds and hopes to exploit its natural gas and oil deposits.

It has enormous potential to produce solar and wind energy, although media reports say Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed doubts about the viability of the sector.

March 21, 2025
64-yr- old lawyer allegedly shoots 16-yr-old student to death in Imo

Owerri – The Imo State Police Command on Friday said it has arrested 64-year-old
Barrister Donald Mbamah, over alleged shooting to death a 16-year-old student of Urban Development Secondary School, Owerri, Paul Victor.

The Imo Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri.

It should be recalled that the incident which was said to have happened last Monday, an eyewitness said that the diseased had jumped over the fence into the suspect compound to retrieve a football when he was shot at the buttocks. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

However, the Police said it’s still investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.

According to the command, “The Imo State Police Command has arrested Barrister Donald Mbamah, a 64-year-old man, in connection with the shooting of a 16-year-old student, Paul Victor, on March 17, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 12:34 PM at Mbamah’s residence located at Area N, World Bank, New-Owerri. The victim, a student of Urban Development Secondary School, was allegedly shot in the buttocks under circumstances that are still under investigation.

“Police operatives from the New Owerri Division, led by the DPO, swiftly responded to a distress call from a concerned neighbor who heard the gunshot. They arrived at the scene, apprehended the suspect, and rushed the victim, Paul Victor, to General Hospital, Umuguma for treatment. Despite efforts to save him, the victim was confirmed dead on March 20, 2025.”

The police added that; “Following the incident, Barrister Donald Mbamah was transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning. A thorough investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to recover the alleged firearm used in the shooting. Photographs were also taken at the crime scene as part of the investigation.

“The Imo State Police Command expresses its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and assures the public that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. The suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed and sufficient evidence is gathered.”

“The Command also call on the public to refrain from taking laws into their hands and allow the police and relevant authorities to handle the matter through legal means,” he said.

March 21, 2025
Elon Musk offers voters cash to sign state petition against ‘activist judges’

Tech billionaire Elon Musk promoted a cash giveaway Thursday for Wisconsin voters who sign a petition against “activist judges”, as President Donald Trump demanded courts stop blocking his agenda.

Judges have dealt Trump a number of setbacks in recent weeks as his administration pursues its wholesale overhaul of the federal government through Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency.”.

The America PAC, a pro-Trump political action committee established by Musk, said it would give $100 to Wisconsin voters who sign the “petition in opposition to activist judges”.

The petition, which Musk reposted on his social media platform X, urges Wisconsin voters to sign by April 1, when the northern state elects a judge for its Supreme Court.

America PAC has thrown its weight behind conservative candidate Brad Schimel for the crucial seat in the swing state’s top court.

“Judges should interpret laws as written, not rewrite them to fit their personal or political agendas,” it wrote on X.

“Wisconsin registered voters receive $100 for signing the petition & $100 for each signer they refer.”

America PAC has launched a series of controversial initiatives, including cash incentives for voters who refer others to sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments to the US Constitution, which protect free speech and the right to bear arms.

It also launched a daily $1 million lottery prize for random petition signatories in election battleground states in the 2024 presidential race.

The Justice Department warned Musk and America PAC in October that the sweepstakes may violate federal law, which prohibits paying people to register to vote.

The Wisconsin petition comes after Trump launched a scathing attack Tuesday on a judge who suggested his administration had ignored an order to block the deportation of alleged illegal migrants to El Salvador.

Trump personally called for the impeachment of District Judge James Boasberg, calling him “a troublemaker and agitator” in remarks that drew a rare public rebuke of a sitting president from the Supreme Court chief.

Federal Election Commission filings in December showed that Musk, the world’s richest person and Trump’s top donor, donated $238 million to America PAC.

March 21, 2025
Akpabio told me I’d make good movements with my waist – Natasha

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of making repeated lewd and suggestive remarks towards her, both in and outside the Senate chamber.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate on March 6 for what was described as “gross misconduct and unruly behavior” following a seating arrangement dispute with Akpabio.

However, her suspension came just a day after she formally submitted a sexual harassment petition against the Senate President on the Senate floor.

In an interview with the BBC, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that the allegations of misconduct were merely a cover to silence her.

She alleged that Akpabio frequently made inappropriate advances toward her, sometimes in the presence of other senators.

“He would squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way,” she said.

Recalling a particular incident, she stated, “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there. And Akpabio said, ‘Oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?’”

She further alleged that Akpabio made sexually charged comments about her marriage.

“There was another time he made a statement like, ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist.’”

“He makes such sexist statements. And then they (other senators) all laughed,” she added.

During the interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan broke down in tears when asked about the impact of her allegations and the backlash she has faced.

“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa,” she said, her voice breaking.

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”

Despite the challenges, the senator said she has received support from female parliamentarians across Africa, who have reached out to share their experiences of similar struggles in male-dominated legislative environments.

March 21, 2025
What Akpabio said about my waist – Natasha Akpoti

Suspended senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has said that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, once made a suggestive comment about her waist movements.

She made the allegation in an interview with BBC, adding that Akpabio would “squeeze my hands in a very suggestive way”.

“We women, we know what it means when a man squeezes our hands in a suggestive way,” she added.

Natasha Akpoti told the BBC reporter: “There was a time I forgot to wear my ring because I rushed to work. And there were about five senators there.

“And Akpabio said ‘oh Natasha, you are not wearing your ring… is this an invitation to treat?

“There was another time he made a statement like ‘Natasha, your husband is really enjoying. It looks like you’d be able to make good movements with your waist’.

“He makes such sexist statements.”

Asked how other senators react, Natasha Akpoti said: “And then they (other senators) all laughed.

“People don’t understand what it means to carry this. Maybe we don’t talk about it enough in Nigeria or Africa.

“I just want a place where I would just work. I thought the worst was over, but I guess for a woman, it’s never really over, right?”

Recall that the Senate suspended Natasha Akpoti on March 6 for “gross misconduct and unruly behaviour” after an altercation with the Senate President over seating arrangements.

The suspension came barely 24 hours day after she submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio.

However, the Senate had insisted that Natasha Akpoti’s suspension had nothing to do with the petition.

March 21, 2025
State of Emergency: Your action unconstitutional, recipe for anarchy – Kwankwaso tells Tinubu

KANO – The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has said that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but could lead to anarchy.

Kwankwaso who opposed the action also criticized the 10th National Assembly for drifting into becoming more rubberstamp than its predecessors for failure to check what he described as the excesses by the executive.

The former Senator in a post he titled “My stance on the Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State” on his verified Facebook handle, said, “Reflecting on our journey in 1992/93 and the events leading to the annulment in 1993, I remember our mistakes as parliamentarians in the National Assembly, where we focused on leadership tussle instead of holding our primary legislative work. Our failure to hold our responsibility distracted us from the happening that brewed on the Executive side, and which led to the sad events that still define our political history.

“I have closely followed developments in Rivers State in the past two days, and my initial silence was informed by the desire to let the authorities and parties in the conflict to do what is right.

“First, I am perturbed by the unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State, his Deputy and all elected state legislators from office.

“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive responsible and not always play to its tune. It is therefore appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more rubberstamp than any of its predecessors.

“More disturbing is the unilateral decision by both chambers of the National Assembly to ratify the president’s proclamation. I had hoped that the legislators would not add salt to injury by passing this illegality. The Constitution is clear on the method of voting on issues of such importance, and the decision to use the voice vote in deciding this is not consistent with the proper procedures and transparency.

“The decision by the legislators to speedily discuss and decide on a state of emergency that alters the democratic leadership structure in Rivers State undermines our democracy.

“Our judiciary also has the very important task of balancing the balance of power by being fair to all parties in any conflict. I believe that the custodians of the Law in Nigeria need to wake up to their responsibility of calming nerves by being as just as possible, with judgments devoid of any hint of external influence.

“At this age of our democracy, this action by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it.

‘Moreover, for a politician that prides himself as a consistent advocate and defender of democracy in our country, the decision by President Tinubu to draft in the military into a position of leadership is hugely dangerous to the progress we have made in the 26 years of democratic journey.

“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did of confining them to their barracks while he led this country.
This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in states led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedence for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre.

‘I am of the view that the political situation on the ground in Rivers does not justify such a flawed interpretation of section 305(1) of the 1999 constitution.

“The action constitutes an unconstitutional overdrive, and it could foster a culture of impunity if unchecked,” Kwankwaso stated.

March 21, 2025
Asaba 1967 massacre: Our people need apology, Obi of Asaba tells Tinubu

ABUJA —– THE Obi of Asaba, Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, yesterday told President Bola Tinubu that the people of Asaba in Delta State need an apology over the 1967 Asaba massacre.

The Asagba of Asaba also demanded more federal government presence in Delta State, lamenting that Asaba is the only state capital without any federal university.

This is as the first-class monarch has commended President Bola Tinubu’s governance, describing him as being on the right track despite the complexities of leading Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists at the State House in Abuja on Thursday after a courtesy visit to the President, the traditional ruler acknowledged that while challenges exist, Tinubu’s administration remains committed to national progress.

Prof. Azinge, who was on the visit with other members of a delegation from Asaba Kingdom, said “there might be some hiccups, but on the whole, we score him highly in that regard, and we pray for him.

He said: “It is a very difficult country to govern. There will always be criticisms here and there, but I believe he is on the right track, and we wish him the very best.”

The natural ruler stated that a key purpose of his visit was to advocate for greater federal presence in Delta State, particularly in Asaba.

He highlighted the absence of a federal university in the state capital, calling it a “worrisome” oversight.

“Asaba remains the only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university. We need institutions in our locality, and that for us is a major concern”, he noted.

The monarch also used the opportunity to remind President Tinubu of the 1967 Asaba massacre, expressing the need for an official acknowledgment or apology from the federal government.

“Among other requests, we mentioned to him the massacre of Asaba people in 1967 and that our people need some apology if need be in that regard,” he said.

Prof. Azinge revealed that the visit was also a gesture of appreciation for various federal projects benefiting Delta State.

He specifically mentioned the construction of the access road to the Niger Bridge and the routing of a gas pipeline through Asaba and Awka.

“Secondly, we acknowledged and appreciated some of the gestures extended by the federal government to our area, especially the access road to the Niger Bridge and the passing of a gas line through Asaba to Awka, all of which are in progress,” he stated.

The Asagba of Asaba described the meeting as both a “thank you” and a “solidarity” visit.

He expressed gratitude to the President for sending a delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to represent him at the burial of his predecessor, the 13th Asagba of Asaba.

“So, on the whole, it turned out to be a wonderful visit. He appreciated our coming and indicated that whenever he visits the South-South, he will make a stop in Asaba,” Prof. Azinge concluded.

March 21, 2025
FG rehabilitates 3,030 inmates, fortifies prisons

ABUJA: The federal government has rehabilitated no fewer than 3,030 inmates across prisons in the country, training them in various skills and vocations.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who disclosed this at a ministerial briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja yesterday, said the government had also boosted security across some of its facilities to ward off external attacks.

He said: “3,030 inmates were rehabilitated between July and December 2024 in various vocational skills including: carpentry, tailoring, poultry, fishery, hairdressing and others.

“Violent extremist offenders, VEOs, were rehabilitated under the Dr radicalization Programme of the Nigerian Correctional Service within the last quarter of 2024.

“Over 50 inmates in the various prisons across the country are currently undertaking academic courses at the NOUN Special Study Centres.

“The Service empowered over 32 discharged inmates with after care materials to facilitate their reintegration back to the society in 2024.

“The Service has successfully emplaced measures to safeguard our prisons against external aggressions.”
He also disclosed that the Service has concluded arrangement with the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, for the inmates’ biometrics data capturing.

According the him, the ministry has also commenced full operations in its newly established federal marriage registries in Jalingo, Taraba State; Akure, Ondo State; Ibadan, Oyo State; Makurdi, Benue State, Asaba, Delta State and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He also recalled that the ministry had recently rolled out the enhanced e-Passport at various missions abroad, including Italy, Sweden, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Russia, Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia and others
The minister said the Federal Fire Service had undertaken comprehensive measures to modernize and enhance its firefighting capabilities.

“Key accomplishments in this area include enhancement of communication systems, implementation of an advanced communication network to ensure seamless coordination during emergency operations, including the integration of Geographic Information System, GIS, technology for better incident mapping and response planning,’’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Dr Tunji-Ojo had brought remarkable innovation towards repositioning the interior ministry, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Under his leadership, the ministry has undergone transformative changes that have significantly enhanced the ease and efficiency with which Nigerians engage with and access its services,” Idris said.

March 21, 2025
10 killed, 30 suffer burns as another truck explodes in Abuja

ABUJA—The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Emergency Management Department, FEMD, has confirmed that 10 persons lost their lives in the Wednesday evening truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge, along the Abuja – Keffi Expressway.

This came as President Bola Tinubu directed a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion that resulted in multiple accidents and loss of lives in Karu.

Also, wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has mourned victims of the tanker explosion.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed grief over loss of lives in the tragic tanker explosion, noting that it adds to the scary upsurge of disastrous incidences that have persistently befallen the country due the worsened state of infrastructure under the current insensitive and inept All Progressives Congress, APC, administration.

Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one at the Asokoro District Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.

According to him, over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.

Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedarcrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.

No fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt in the incident.

Head, Public Affairs of FEMD, Nkechi Isa in a statement said the acting Director General of the Department, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed again appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.

“He cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles.

“Abdulrahman appealed to FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency,” she added.

Tinubu directs investigation into tanker explosion

A statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu ordered priority treatment of the injured in various medical facilities in the capital city.

It further said: “The President directed security agencies, particularly those concerned with road safety, to pay closer attention to traffic around the capital city’s entry and exit points.”

President Tinubu prayed for the souls of the departed and the grace of the Almighty God to comfort families that have lost their loved ones.

First Lady mourns victims

The First Lady, in a statement, yesterday, said: “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of the tanker explosion which occurred on March 19, 2025, by the Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Highway which led to the loss of many lives and property.

“I commiserate with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesome Wike, the families of the deceased and injured, the residents, affected business and property owners and the people of Abuja.

“I urge owners and drivers of vehicles, especially articulated vehicles, to ensure the road worthiness and good condition of their vehicles before putting them on the road to avert a reoccurrence of such incidences.

“I pray Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal rest and their family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. To the injured, I wish them speedy recovery.”

PDP mourns the dead, blames APC

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja, said current administration has continued to demonstrate utter disdain for the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Ologunagba argued that, “This avoidable heartrending incident in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital sadly points to the general poor management of urban infrastructure and heightened insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory under the current APC government.

“Our party is saddened that due to the misgovernance of the APC administration, innocent Nigerians continue to perish with families in peril, anguish and devastation over the death of their breadwinners and loved one.

“The PDP calls on the Federal Government to institute a system-wide investigation into the Abuja explosion and similar incidences in other parts of the country and take urgent steps to ensure safer roads in our nation.

“The PDP salutes the efforts of rescue teams including the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Federal Fire Service, other agencies and patriotic Nigerians for their prompt intervention which helped to save the lives of many of the victims.

“Our party prays to God to grant speedy recovery to the injured and divine comfort to the families of the deceased.”

Residents tell scary tales

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses and residents, who spoke with our correspondent recounted harrowing experiences of people trapped in their vehicles as raging flames engulfed them.

An eyewitness, a vulcanizer who has his tools mounted on the road side for fast services, narrated a case of a child screaming as flames took over the vehicle until the child’s voice was no longer heard.

A night of horror —Returning civil servants laments

Tears, wails, and the acrid smell of burnt metal and flesh filled the air as residents and onlookers watched helplessly.

The explosion, which occurred about 6p.m., reportedly started when a fully loaded fuel tanker lost control and crashed into several vehicles during a traffic jam, sparking a fire that quickly escalated.

“It was like a scene from hell. People were screaming, banging on their car windows, begging for help, but no one could do anything. The fire was too intense,” said Mrs. Aisha Ibrahim.

Another witness, Mr. John Eze, recounted the horrifying last moments of some victims, saying: “I saw a man trying to break his windshield to escape, but the fire caught up with him. He was burnt right before our eyes. God have mercy.”

A proprietor, Pastor Ukanwa Reminjus whose house is a stone throw away from the accident scene, said: “This accident was too much for one night. It was very bad. I wasn’t at the scene. I was on my home. And each explosion that happened, shook the walls of my building. The total explosion was more than 10 and each explosion had a deeper impact like that of the bomb blast we experienced in 2014.”

‘No emergency rescue; Nigeria’s a failed state’

Amidst the chaos, many residents lamented the absence of emergency responders.
According to witnesses, neither firefighters nor medical teams arrived in time to rescue those trapped.
“For over 45 minutes, there was no single fire truck. We had to use buckets of sand and water in vain. This country has failed us. People died because there was no proper response.

“When emergency responders finally arrived, many felt it was too little, too late,” said Yusuf Abubakar, a commercial driver who narrowly escaped the blaze.

“By the time they came, all that was left were charred remains. How can a country be like this? Where is our government?” cried Joy Okonkwo, who lost a friend in the fire.

Demand for justice

Some residents called for justice and better safety measures for tanker drivers.

“This is not the first time we are witnessing such an incident in Nigeria.

“These reckless tanker drivers must be regulated, and our roads must be safer,” a trader Chief Emeka Nwosu.
Another resident, James Nwachukwu, complained about the reckless driving of some truck drivers, saying: “I don’t think the government is doing a good job in taming some of these truck drivers. These guys are not human beings. Many of them know that their brake is not good and may not function well when on speech, yet, they will be moving as if there are no humans on the road. The government must wake up and address this issue if not, we should be ready to see more of this around us.”

Another resident, Janet Albert said: “I was there live and I can tell you that many people died. I saw on the TV that it was just six people that died, that’s a lie. Many people died. Many cars got exploded and destroyed and many of those cars had people in them. Many of them were trapped.”

FCT Police confirm death of several people, damages

The Police, yesterday, confirmed that six people were killed and 15 vehicles impacted by the inferno.
The statement by FCT Police Command, Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh said: “A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene, a trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.

“The impact engulfed 14 vehicles in a raging inferno.

“Panic and chaos followed as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety.

“Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped.
“Six victims were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty.

“Their remains have been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue.

“Police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, other security agencies, and courageous individuals at the scene, contained the inferno, and normal traffic flow has been restored.

“The FCT Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assures the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of this disaster and prevent future occurrences.”

March 21, 2025