TodayPrice

Category: Tragedy

  • Ex-foreign affairs minister Dubem Onyia dies at 73

    Ex-foreign affairs minister Dubem Onyia dies at 73

    ABUJA – The family of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has announced his death at the age of 73.

    He died on Monday after a brief illness, surrounded by his loved ones.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by Engr. Emeka Onyia, on behalf of the family, confirmed the loss of the distinguished statesman.

    The statement reads, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Hon. Chief Dubem Onyia, a distinguished statesman and former Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

    “He passed away on Monday, following a brief spell of illness—surrounded by his family and loved ones.

    “Chief Onyia dedicated his life to God and public service, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape at home and overseas.

    “His tenure as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was marked by his unwavering commitment to national interest, which remains his legacy.

    “He was a devoted husband, father, brother, a trailblazer, respected leader, a mentor to many, and a man of great integrity.

    “His contributions extended beyond government service, touching the lives of many through his wisdom, generosity, and dedication to improving lives.

    “Chief Onyia is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, many relatives, political allies, and friends. Details of funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.”

  • Twelve injured in Toronto pub shooting

    Twelve injured in Toronto pub shooting

    At least 12 people were injured when masked gunmen indiscriminately opened fire at a pub in Toronto, Canadian police said Saturday, adding they were looking for three male suspects.

    Police did not provide a motive for the attack, which took place late Friday in an eastern part of Canada’s largest city.

    All of the victims were hospitalised but their lives were not in danger.

    “Twelve injured, including six with gunshot wounds… Injuries non-life-threatening,” Toronto police said on X.

    “Three male shooting suspects… Deploying all available resources to locate and arrest those responsible.”

    The suspects were armed with an assault rifle and handguns, police told local media at the scene.

    “They walked into the bar. They produced their guns, and they opened fire indiscriminately on the people sitting inside the bar,” police superintendent Paul MacIntyre said.

    “The motive for this shooting right now remains unclear. We’re chasing down all leads,” he added, quoted by CTV news.

    “Our investigation will tell us whether or not this pub was targeted for a particular reason.”

    Local media reported the shooting occurred on the pub’s opening night.

    Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said on X she was “deeply troubled” to hear reports of the shooting.

    She added that the police chief had assured her “all necessary resources have been deployed”.

  • Renowned novelist Mabel Segun dies at 95

    Renowned novelist Mabel Segun dies at 95

    The esteemed Nigerian poet, writer and advocate for children’s literature, Mabel Segun, has died at age 95.

    In a statement, her family expressed gratitude for a life dedicated to excellence, describing her as a versatile media personality who made significant contributions to literature, broadcasting, and sports. They also noted that funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.

    “It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in Literature, Broadcasting and Sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (nee Aig-Imoukhuede) in the early hours of the 6th of March 2025,” the statement reads.

    Born in Ondo City on February 13, 1930, Segun completed her secondary education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos before earning a degree in English, Latin, and History from the University of Ibadan in 1953. She later taught these subjects in Nigerian schools and served as the head of the English and Social Studies department, as well as vice-principal at the National Technical Teachers’ College in Yaba.

    Segun’s literary career spanned multiple genres including children’s literature, adult fiction and poetry. Her debut book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, became a widely used literature text in schools worldwide. Her works have been translated into several languages, including German, Danish, Norwegian and Greek.

    A champion of children’s literature, she founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and later established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan in 1990. She was also a fellow of the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

    Segun played a pivotal role in Nigerian literature, co-founding the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) alongside Chinua Achebe in 1981. As a broadcaster, she received the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s Artiste of the Year award in 1977. Her contributions to literature were recognised with numerous honours including the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM) in 2009 and the LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2007.

    Beyond her literary and broadcasting achievements, Segun was an accomplished athlete. She was Nigeria’s first female table tennis champion, winning a gold medal in the doubles category in 1954. She remained active in competitive table tennis until the age of 58 and also won a bronze medal in badminton at the Nigerian Regional Championship.

    Segun is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

  • Gunmen kill one, abduct three in Nasarawa community

    Gunmen kill one, abduct three in Nasarawa community

    Unknown gunmen invaded a pharmacy shop, shot a young lady and abducted the pharmacy owner and two of his sales boys at Agyaragu in Jenkwe development area, Obi local government.

    The operation which took place at about 8:44pm on Thursday, in the heart of Agyaragu town lasted for about an hour without any security interference.

    An eyewitness who preferred anonymity told our reporter that the gunmen invaded the popular ‘Emmy Gold Pharmacy Nigeria Limited’, shooting sporadically and gunning down an innocent young lady who was a passerby.

    “The gunmen were well armed. Their shutting scared everybody. They forced the owner of the pharmacy and two of his boys into the bush,” the eyewitness explained.

    He disclosed further that efforts by some youths in the community to resist the assailants from carrying out their act were resisted with heavy repealing shootings.

    The act of violence has sent shockwaves throughout the community, highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures and effective governance.

    One resident, Jonah Yakubu, lamented that Agyaragu community is living in fear, as the frequency and brazenness of kidnapping incidents continue to escalate.

    The demand for ransom has become a recurring theme, with families and loved ones being forced to pay exorbitant sums to secure the release of their abducted relatives.

    Mr. Yakubu called on the governor to increase security presence in Agyaragu community and surrounding areas.

    He also appealed to the security agents. Implement effective measures to prevent kidnapping and ensure the safe release of abducted individuals.All efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Nasarawa State Police Command to confirm the incident failed.

  • Doyin Okupe dies at 72

    Doyin Okupe dies at 72

    A former presidential spokesperson and prominent political strategist, Dr. Doyin Okupe, has passed away.

    His death was confirmed on Friday.

    Details surrounding his passing remain unclear at the time of filling this report.

    Okupe, 72, was Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    He was also the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.

    However, his political journey was marked by controversies.

    In December 2022, Okupe stepped down from Obi’s campaign after being convicted of money laundering.

    He later resigned from the Labour Party following the 2023 general election fallout and later became a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, frequently engaging in political debates and commentary.

    Okupe was known for his bold political stance and unfiltered opinions. His ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape made him both a respected and controversial figure.

    Okupe, was a physician and who co-founded Royal Cross Medical Centre and was the National Publicity Secretary of National Republican Convention (NRC).

    He was once detained under General Sani Abacha and subsequently disqualified from participating in United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries later on, he was once a governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State.

  • Rangers fan killed in Istanbul road accident

    Rangers fan killed in Istanbul road accident

    A Rangers fan who travelled to Istanbul to watch the Glasgow giants face Fenerbahce was killed in a traffic accident hours before the match, both teams said Thursday, offering condolences.

    The fan, who was not named, had travelled to Turkey’s largest city to watch Rangers face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday evening.

    Turkey’s SabahTV published traffic camera footage showing a person running over a pedestrian crossing on a wide boulevard before being hit by a car.

    The incident reportedly took place in the Besiktas district before dawn on Thursday, with the driver and a second driver taken to court, it said.

    The British embassy had offered consular assistance to the family of a British national, a spokesman said but gave no further details about the incident.

    “We are devastated to have learned of the passing of one of our supporters in a road traffic accident overnight in Istanbul,” Rangers FC wrote on X, saying their thoughts were with his family and friends “at this incredibly difficult time”.

    Fenerbahce also said they had “learned with deep sorrow that a Rangers FC fan who came to Istanbul to support his team in the first match of the UEFA Europa League last 16 round” had “died as a result of a traffic accident”.

    “We would like to express our condolences to the family of the fan, the Rangers club and the community,” the club wrote on X.

  • Temi Otedola mourns as Mr Eazi loses mum

    Temi Otedola mourns as Mr Eazi loses mum

    Musician Mr Eazi, born Oluwatosin Ajibade, has announced the death of his mother, Ifeoma Ajibade.

    The 33-year-old wrote a touching tribute published on Instagram on Thursday, describing his mum as his “greatest protector, toughest critic and truest fan”.

    “Thank you, Mummy for your strength, your sacrifices, your unwavering faith. For raising us with love, discipline, and devotion to God,” he wrote.

    “For teaching me confidence, entrepreneurship, forgiveness, and family. You were my greatest protector, my toughest critic, and truest Fan.

    “You were not perfect, but you were perfect to me. Your legacy lives on. Rest well lfeoma Edith Ajibade.”

    Mr Eazi’s wife Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire Femi Otedola, has begun mourning her mother-in-law. She wrote “You Forever Mommy” in the comment section of her husband’s post.

    Several of Mr Eazi’s colleagues also reached out to him in the comment section of his post with comforting words.

    Skales wrote: “May her soul rest in perfect peace!! Prayers up for you king.”

    Jaywon said, “So sorry, brother. May her soul rest in peace.”

    Comedian Ushbebe commented: “Deepest condolences my friend … mama is in a better place.”

  • Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos, Two Dead

    Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos, Two Dead

    Rescue efforts are ongoing at the scene of a three-storey building that collapsed during construction at Oriwu Street in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State, resulting in the deaths of two adult males.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, six people sustained serious injuries, while several others remain trapped under the rubble.

    LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 4 pm.

    “Following distress calls received via the CRM on the 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines at 1425hrs today, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency activated the state’s Emergency Response Plans and Response Team from its Lekki and Cappa bases,” the statement read.

    “Upon arrival at 1448hrs at the incident scene, LASEMA’s Shark and Eagle Response Teams discovered a three-storey building under construction had collapsed at the aforementioned location.”

    The six injured individuals received immediate medical attention from the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment.

    Oke-Osanyitolu added that while the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, further investigations will be conducted.

  • 4 dead as trailer collides with other vehicles in Anambra

    4 dead as trailer collides with other vehicles in Anambra

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, has reported that an accident along the Idemili River near the Second Niger Bridge resulted in four fatalities on Tuesday.

    The sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday, in Awka, attributing the accident to speeding and loss of control, which led to a head-on collision.

    Alexander said the crash involved a brown Mercedes trailer without a registration number, a white commercial bus registered as XED526XA, and four Bajaj tricycles that also lacked registration numbers.

    She said that eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the brown mercedes trailer, carrying an unsecured container, was descending a hill at high speed when he lost control and collided with five vehicles parked by the roadside.

    “A total of six individuals were involved in the crash—two adult males and four adult females. Four were confirmed dead, while two others sustained injuries.

    “FRSC officials arrived at the scene to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow. They transported the deceased to Crown Hospital and St. Edward Hospital in Obosi, while the injured victims were taken to Unity Hospital in Obosi,” she said.

    While extending condolences to the families of the deceased, Alexander urged road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents and ensure safe travel. She also advised motorists to avoid speeding and take precautions that could compromise their safety on the road.

  • OAU professor slumps during meeting, dies en route hospital

    OAU professor slumps during meeting, dies en route hospital

    Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State has been thrown into mourning as a senior Professor, Jimoh Olanipekun, was declared dead after falling ill during a departmental meeting.

    A statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said that the professor fell ill during a meeting on Wednesday at the department.

    According to him, during a departmental meeting this morning (Wednesday, 5th day of March 2025), it was noticed by his colleagues that he was breathing “abnormally” and was immediately rushed to the University Health and Medical Centre.

    Upon prompt medical examination by the team of doctors on duty, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), also in Ile-Ife, where he was pronounced dead.

    Vice Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Bamire, who led other members of his management team to the widow and children on a condolence visit, expressed “shock and disbelief that such a brilliant scholar could die so suddenly in the line of duty.”

    He charged the family to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled life of positive impact on those who were fortunate to come across him, counselling that as Christians, ” we should know that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away as He pleases”.

    Bamire, therefore, prayed that God should grant the immediate family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts and the entire university community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.