Category: Tragedy

  • 32 rescued after 63-foot Lamborghini yacht sinks off Miami Beach

    32 rescued after 63-foot Lamborghini yacht sinks off Miami Beach

    Thirty-two passengers were rescued Saturday evening after a $4 million Tecnomar for Lamborghini yacht began sinking near Flagler Monument Island in Miami’s Biscayne Bay.

    The 63-foot vessel, designed to carry a maximum of 16 passengers, was reportedly overloaded when it started taking on water.

    Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Miami Beach Fire Department, responded swiftly to the emergency. No injuries were reported.

    The high-performance yacht, a collaboration between Lamborghini and The Italian Sea Group, can reach speeds up to 72 mph and weighs 24 tons.

    The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

    The rescue took place during the high-profile Formula One Miami Grand Prix weekend, which drew over 275,000 fans.

    Authorities praised nearby Good Samaritan boaters for assisting in the rescue. Commercial salvage efforts are underway.

  • Six crushed to death in India temple stampede

    Six crushed to death in India temple stampede

    Six people were crushed to death at a Hindu temple in India’s coastal state of Goa, officials said Saturday, after thousands gathered for a popular fire-walking ritual.

    Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened by the tragic stampede” at Lairai Devi temple in the village of Shirgao in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    “Six people died even before they could be brought to the hospital,” Sawant told reporters.

    He visited the hospital and said that “all possible support” would be given to the families of those killed or injured.

    Vishwajit Rane, Goa state health minister said “approximately 80” people were injured.

    “Five are critical and on ventilator support, while the remaining are being treated in the specially created emergency ward,” he said.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office expressed “condolences to those who lost their loved ones”.

    The Lairai Zatra is a key Hindu celebration in Goa and is marked by a fire-walking ceremony.

    Deadly stampedes are notoriously common in Indian religious festivals.

    Earlier this year, at least 30 people were killed in an early morning crush at the Kumbh Mela, a Hindu mega-festival in the northern city of Prayagraj.

  • Nigerian nurse found dead in her UK apartment after hospital shift

    Nigerian nurse found dead in her UK apartment after hospital shift

    Grief and shock have rippled through the nursing communities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria following the sudden death of a Nigerian nurse, Nnena Miriam, who was based in Leeds.

    Her lifeless body was discovered in her apartment by UK police after she was declared missing, according to Fellow Nurses Africa — a platform committed to the growth and support of African nurses.

    Concerns were raised when Miriam failed to show up for work and did not respond to calls from friends. One close friend, alarmed by her silence, ultimately filed a missing person report. Police later found Miriam dead in her home.

    In an official statement released on Wednesday, Fellow Nurses Africa expressed sorrow over the loss: “It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we report the sudden passing of one of our own, Nnena Miriam, a dedicated and professional nurse based in Leeds, United Kingdom.

    “Nurse Miriam was found dead in her room earlier this week under heartbreaking circumstances. According to reports, her last shift was on Sunday of last week.

    “Alarm bells were raised when her close friend tried reaching out to her repeatedly from that Sunday without success. Growing increasingly worried, the friend filed a missing person report—only for the police to later discover her lifeless body in her apartment.”

    It was also revealed that Miriam had recently returned to the UK after travelling to Nigeria for her introduction ceremony, a customary step ahead of her traditional marriage.

    “Tuesday, April 29, was meant to be her special day — a day of joy, celebration, and new beginnings,” the statement continued.

    “Instead, her sudden death has left colleagues and loved ones overwhelmed with unspeakable grief and unanswered questions.”

    Her colleagues remembered her as a compassionate and resilient professional who dedicated herself fully to her work.

    “Her untimely passing is a profound loss to the healthcare family she served with pride and to the many patients whose lives she touched with care and compassion.“As the investigation continues, we join the family, friends, and the global African nursing community in mourning this tragic loss,” the organisation added.

  • Good Friday herders’ attacks: Death toll now 20 – Benue gov

    Good Friday herders’ attacks: Death toll now 20 – Benue gov

    The death toll in the Good Friday attack on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen has risen to 20.

    Armed herders invaded communities in the two LGAs on Thursday and Friday, killing several persons, including a family of eight and leaving many others with severe injuries, while some are still missing.

    The Benue State Police Command reported the recovery of 17 corpses from the two LGAs as of Friday afternoon while the search for survivors in the bushes was still ongoing. And more corpses were recovered moments later in the course of the search.

    This was made known by Governor Hyacinth Alia while addressing the people of the state on the development. He disclosed that 20 deaths had been recorded in the two affected LGAs.

    Hear him: “It is with a heavy heart that I address the people of Benue State regarding the recent coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on our beloved communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.

    “As of this moment, we have confirmed the tragic loss of 20 precious lives in the Sankera axis. Five corpses were initially recovered in Gbagir and taken to the mortuary. Two more were later found by residents searching for their loved ones.

    “One family, devastated by their loss, insisted on an immediate burial of their relative in Gbagir, and our security forces stood by them, ensuring their safety as they laid their relative to rest.

    “Simultaneously, in Logo, the police recovered 12 more bodies, bringing the total number of lives lost to 20. These are not just numbers; these are fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters whose lives were cut short by senseless violence.

    “I have spoken directly with our security operatives and I want to assure you, we are not backing down. We remain committed to protecting every Benue life and will continue to work relentlessly to restore peace and order to our communities.

    “To our people, I appeal once again, speak up. Share information with our security agencies. Help us fish out the perpetrators of these evil acts. Our strength lies in our unity.

    “Benue will not bow to fear. We will rise, rebuild, and remain unshaken.”

  • Building housing restaurant collapses in Lagos, many feared dead

    Building housing restaurant collapses in Lagos, many feared dead

    A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning as a building housing a local restaurant known as Equal Right collapsed on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State, leaving many feared dead.

    According to eyewitnesses, the structure came crashing down around 8 a.m., catching occupants by surprise.

    Emergency response teams and local residents have since launched search and rescue efforts, attempting to pull survivors from the rubble.

    As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, but fears are growing that several lives may have been lost in the disaster.

  • 3 NDLEA officers hospitalised after sustaining gunshot injuries

    3 NDLEA officers hospitalised after sustaining gunshot injuries

    Three officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have been hospitalized for gunshot injuries sustained after they came under attack from some armed men during a raid operation in the Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Thursday night.

    A statement by the Director Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said, “The incident occurred when a team of NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence and surveillance report raided an uncompleted building at NNPC area of Jahi where 74 bottles of codeine, 10 liters of codeine syrup, 48 grams of tramadol 225mg and 4.9kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, as well as five android phones were recovered.

    “As the NDLEA team made their way out of the location, they came under gun attack.

    “Three of the NDLEA personnel involved in the raid sustained gunshot injuries: one in the rib and two others on their back and leg.

    “The wounded officers were initially stabilized at the Police Clinic in Garki Area 1 before they were transferred to the National Hospital Abuja for further medical attention.”

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), expressed appreciation to the staff of the Police Clinic for their prompt support.

    He also thanked the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, whom he reached out to for assistance in overseeing the treatment of the wounded officers.

    The NDLEA boss, who is in Kano on official engagements, also spoke on the phone with the injured officers to wish them a quick recovery.

    He assured them that the Agency would deploy every means at its disposal and work in collaboration with other security agencies to identify those responsible for the attack on them.

  • Suspected herders kill 17 in two Benue LGAs

    Suspected herders kill 17 in two Benue LGAs

    A family of eight and nine others have been reportedly killed in what appeared to be a coordinated attack by armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Benue State.

    Several persons also sustained severe injuries while many have gone missing.

    The attack came less than 24 hours after residents of the area raised the alarm over the influx of AK-47-bearing herders who freely moved around the communities unrestricted.

    A source in the area disclosed that the armed herdsmen stormed Tyuluv, Saror and Mbawar communities Thursday night “and started shooting indiscriminately into early Friday and killed several persons and injured many.

    “Before the attack, they came to our communities with thousands of cows armed with AK-47 rifles, but no one could talk to them because they were ready to kill anyone.

    “As we speak, people are fleeing their homes, and the painful thing is that nowhere is safe anymore because they are almost everywhere.

    Confirming the development, the Benue State Police Command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent CSP Catherine Anene, said 17 bodies had been removed from the scenes of the attacks.

    Part of the statement read, “On April 17, 2025, at about 9pm, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum LGA.

    “Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, Mr.Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on the ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

    “Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them. Five persons were recovered in the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

    “Unfortunately an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo LGA where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.

    “However, security agencies within the Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis.

    “The police commissioner warns social media users that are reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions that are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.

    “He reiterates his commitment to fight the attackers and encourage the good people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing.”

    “Among those they killed in Ukum was a family of eight, including children and women who could not escape before they got to them.

    “From what we heard, the people also attacked neighbouring Logo LGA, and this morning corpses were being moved from the villages to the mortuary at Anyiin; those killed in the two LGAs were so many.

    “From all indications, they want to take over the Sankera axis of Benue State, which is the food basket of the state. It is a dire situation because our people are already preparing to commence the season’s farming, and this is happening. Food is already very expensive in the state, and now this is happening.”

  • Anambra traditional rulers call for peace amid Plateau, Uromi killings

    Anambra traditional rulers call for peace amid Plateau, Uromi killings

    In response to the recent spate of killings in Uromi, Edo State, and Bassa in Plateau State, traditional rulers in Anambra State have called on Nigerians to embrace peace and shun violence.

    The monarchs, under the aegis of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council (ASTRC), condemned the attacks and urged citizens to avoid actions that could trigger reprisals reminiscent of the 1966 crisis in which many innocent Nigerians lost their lives.

    Speaking from his palace in Obosi, Chairman of the Council and traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom, His Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka III (Ogalagidi), described the killings as “very unfortunate and condemnable.”

    Igwe Iweka praised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for the arrest of an individual who, in a viral video, threatened mass killings of southerners residing in the North. He also commended the IGP for deploying additional security personnel to Plateau State in the wake of the crisis.

    The monarch further urged the Federal Government to urgently find a lasting solution to the persistent herder-farmer crisis, which he said has claimed countless lives and significantly impacted agricultural productivity across Nigeria.

    “Farmers in various parts of the country can no longer access their farmlands due to fear of killer herdsmen,” he lamented. “This has worsened the food shortage and increased hunger and suffering among Nigerians.”

    On the proposed bill at the National Assembly seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers, Igwe Iweka expressed strong support, describing it as a “step in the right direction.”

    “Traditional rulers are the custodians of peace in their communities, they bridge the gap between the people and the government. Recognizing their role constitutionally is long overdue,” he stated.

    He also appealed to southeastern states that are yet to implement the 5% local government allocation for traditional institutions to do so, stressing the financial burden many monarchs bear in maintaining peace and order in their communities.

    On security in Anambra, the Obosi monarch lauded Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his proactive approach, particularly the creation of the Udo ga Achi/Agu Nechemba security outfit, which he said has drastically reduced crime rates in the state.

    “Our governor has taken the bull by the horns. While crime cannot be completely eliminated, his initiatives have brought security to a commendable level,” Igwe Iweka noted.

    He concluded by commending Soludo’s infrastructural strides and urged that the governor be supported for a second term to complete his ongoing development projects.

  • Three feared dead in multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan expressway

    Three feared dead in multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan expressway

    Tragedy struck in the early hours of Friday—Good Friday—following a multiple auto crash on Kara Bridge, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The accident reportedly claimed at least three lives and left several others injured.

    The incident has caused a severe traffic gridlock in the area, as desperate motorists resorted to driving against the flow of traffic (One-Way).

    One of the deceased victims was seen lying lifeless on the road.

    An eyewitness, Mr. Akeem Abdul, said the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m. when the vehicles involved were traveling at high speed.

    “At least three bodies have been removed from the debris,” Abdul reported.

    As of 7:00 a.m., only first responders were on the scene, working to rescue victims and clear the wreckage. Emergency response teams were still being awaited at the time of reporting.

  • Benue: 13 killed, 50 houses burnt in Otobi Akpa attack

    An attack on the Otobi Akpa community in Benue State on Tuesday evening left at least 13 people dead, several others injured or missing, and over 50 houses destroyed.

    The violence reportedly began around 6:00 p.m. near Otobi Junction when armed herdsmen launched an assault on the town. Eyewitnesses said that sporadic gunfire created panic, causing residents to flee for safety. Unfortunately, several people were caught in the crossfire and lost their lives, while others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.

    Local sources say the absence of community vigilantes—many of whom had travelled to a neighboring village for a burial—contributed to the attackers’ unchallenged entry into the area.

    According to residents, the attackers used weapons including firearms and machetes during the assault. Some of the victims were reportedly targeted in their homes, while others were attacked while trying to flee. At least 14 bodies have so far been recovered and taken to the mortuary, though the search for missing persons is ongoing.

    Community elder Adikwu Ogbe, expressing sorrow over the incident, said Otobi Akpa has historically been a peaceful part of Idoma land and had coexisted with herding communities for many years. He noted, however, that tensions have risen in recent times over open grazing and related security concerns.

    Three weeks prior to this attack, a security guard at the Otukpo Dam was reportedly killed during a nighttime incident in the area.

    As of the time of this report, no security personnel were visibly present in Otobi Akpa. Many residents have begun relocating to nearby areas for safety, and several are currently taking refuge at the Federal Government College in Otobi.

    Benue State Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, visited the affected community alongside a contingent of security operatives to commiserate with victims and assess the situation. He assured the residents that the government is taking steps to prevent further violence and restore peace to the area.

    The atmosphere in the community remains tense, and residents continue to flee due to fears of additional attacks.