The Federal Government has launched an initiative to convert 50 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas initiative.

The move has been touted as a game-changer for Nigeria’s transportation sector, with promises of reduced fuel costs and increased efficiency.

The team Lead for the CNG conversion initiative at the National Institute for Transport Technology Centre, Dauda Suleiman, said the P-CNG iis providing free conversion kits and installation for commercial drivers with the first 50 vehicles.

Suleiman made this known on Saturday during the pre-conversion tests for 50 vehicles belonging to commercial transport union members in Zaria.

The beneficiaries, he said, include members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, National Association of Transport Owners, and Association of Taxis, among others,

Suleiman explained that the removal of the petrol subsidy and the government’s emphasis on CNG was due to its abundance and lower cost.

He said, “A kilogram of CNG goes for N230 in Abuja and N455 in Kaduna, making it cheaper than petrol. Additionally, CNG covers more distance than petrol, making it a cost-effective option.”

“The removal of subsidy on petrol and the government’s emphasis on CNG is due to its abundance and lower cost.”

He also noted that the cost of conversion varies depending on the location and availability of kits, pointing out that “we are committed to making this initiative accessible to all.”

“While the initial 50 vehicles will receive free conversion kits, others can access the kits at a reasonable cost. We are working to ensure that the cost of conversion is not a barrier to adoption,” he added.

He noted that currently, CNG availability was limited in Kaduna, with only one refilling station available while however, expressing confidence that the government would establish more CNG stations across the country.

Addressing concerns about maintenance and durability, Suleiman emphasized that CNG was 90% maintenance-free, saying, “CNG requires minimal maintenance beyond regular vehicle maintenance. We also offer training programs for mechanics to address any concerns.”

Suleiman, who is an Assistant Director at the NITT, also acknowledged that public awareness and education are crucial to the success of the initiative.

“CNG is the future of Nigeria’s transportation sector. We are committed to making this initiative a success and ensuring that Nigerians benefit from the reduced fuel costs and increased efficiency that CNG offers.

“CNG is not just a fuel, and it’s a game-changer. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to seeing its impact on Nigeria’s transportation sector,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Zaria branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Lawal Abdullahi, commended the Federal Government’s initiative to convert commercial vehicles to CNG.

Abdullahi, who spoke to newsmen at the event, said the conversion would significantly reduce operating costs for commercial vehicle owners, leading to decreased transport fares and improved economic benefits for Nigerians.

“We thank God for providing this opportunity for our members, who are primarily commercial vehicle owners. Abdullahi said.

“The conversion to CNG will significantly boost our economy in terms of transportation. We appreciate the Federal Government’s consideration and our leaders’ follow-up efforts to make this a reality,” Abdullahi said.

According to him, the removal of subsidy on petrol made the CNG conversion even more critical for commercial vehicle owners.

“With the removal of subsidy, fuel costs will increase, but with CNG, our members will save significantly. This will enable them to reduce transport fares, making transportation more affordable for Nigerians,” he added.

He disclosed that many NURTW members were eager to convert their vehicles, with 50 vehicles already converted and 500 members awaiting conversion.

“Our members are enthusiastic about this initiative. We have 500 members who are eager to convert their vehicles, and we are working closely with the Federal Government to ensure a seamless process.

“I urge them to cooperate and understand the Federal Government’s intentions. The government means well, and this initiative aims to ease the transportation system following the removal of subsidy on petrol.”

The PCNGi is a key component of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s palliative measures aimed at mitigating the effects of the fuel subsidy removal policy on the masses.

The initiative seeks to provide relief to Nigerians by promoting the use of CNG as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to fuel.

The move was part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal and ensure a smoother transition to a more sustainable energy future.

One person lost their life in a hit-and-run accident that occurred in the Onipanu area of Lagos State late on Saturday.

According to the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, the accident happened around 9 pm.

Okunbor noted that an eyewitness reported that the driver of the vehicle fled the scene after hitting the victim.
He added that upon receiving the report, the LASEMA team rushed to the scene to assist the victim, who had sustained a head injury.

However, despite the efforts of the Pre-Hospital Care Unit officials, the victim died due to severe injury.

Okunbor said, “Upon the arrival of the Agency’s Response Team at the scene, it was observed that an adult male had been hit by a vehicle with an unknown registration number, and the driver absconded immediately after the incident.

“The victim, an unidentified adult male, sustained head injuries and was given urgent medical attention by the Agency’s paramedics before being swiftly transported to the Trauma Centre, Gbagada, for further treatment.

“The unidentified adult male victim of the hit-and-run incident died while receiving urgent medical treatment at the Trauma Centre in Gbagada.”

The LASEMA spokesperson noted that the deceased’s body was handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit for further action.

“The body was bagged and handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit office at Bolade Bus Stop,” he added.

A former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has publicly sought apology from the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, for any wrong he committed against him during his eight-year tenure as governor.

Mr Oshiomhole, who spoke during a goodwill message at the banquet celebrating Mr Igbinedion’s 90th birthday on Saturday in Benin City, described Mr Igbinedion as a good father

He praised the elder statesman’s contributions to society and took the opportunity to seek atonement.

He said, “You brought together people from all parts of the country; North, South, East, and West and across political and religious divides.”

Mr Oshiomhole publicly recognised the crucial support he received from Mr Igbinedion during his political career.

He stated, “I want to publicly acknowledge your support for me in 2007 and 2008, without which I might never have become the governor of Edo State.”

He also expressed gratitude for the advice and guidance Mr Igbinedion provided both known and unknown to him, over the years.

The ex-governor stated, “As a Catholic, I want to confess that I might have done some things I shouldn’t have done as governor. At 90, it is only right that I ask for your forgiveness for any of my actions that may have irritated you.”

He compared Mr Igbinedion’s vast influence and large number of supporters to a parent with many children, some of whom inevitably cause frustration.

He added, “That is the challenge of having too many children; you have tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones. And the small one turns out to be one of those that caused you harm. I have always looked for one opportunity to say to the Esama of the universe that I am sorry for any of the things that I said knowingly or unknowingly or any of the things that I did that a son should never have done to a father. On your 90th birthday, I ask for your forgiveness, and I pray that you grant it.”

He light-heartedly reflected on parenthood, stating, “The only way to avoid children doing things you don’t like is not to have any. But with as many children as God has blessed you with, some are bound to irritate you. Even me that have six children, sometimes I wonder why they do the things that I do not approve of. Having said that, I believe that you have forgiven me and I feel now I am able to reunite and hug my own brother, Lucky Igbinedion.”

He also lauded Esama’s visionary leadership in establishing Nigeria’s first private university and other ventures that had brought the country international recognition.

One person died while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injury in an accident involving a Mazda bus at the Saapade Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Saturday.

The spokesperson for Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident in a statement in Abeokuta.

According to her, the accident occurred at 2:58 p.m and it involved a white Mazda Bus with registration number GGE 858 XY.

Ms Okpe stated that the accident was caused by excessive speed, tyre burst and loss of control.

She said, “A total number of 17 people were involved comprising eight men, seven women and two children. Unfortunately, one woman died while 10 people —- two men, six women and two children —- sustained injuries.’’

Ms Okpe explained further that the injured victims were taken to Patmag Hospital at Ogere for medical attention while the deceased was deposited at the FOS Morgue at Ipara.

Meanwhile, the Ogun Sector Commander of the FRSC, Akinwumi Fasakin, in the same statement advised motorists to always pay more attention to their tyres by checking the expiry date.

He stated that the bursting of a tyre while a vehicle was on motion could have been better handled.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Edo says it has so far rescued six and recovered two bodies in an effort to recover more passengers and a bus that plunged into the Ovia River.

Cyril Mathew, Edo sector commander of FRSC, told journalists on Friday in Benin that divers had been contacted to recover the passengers trapped in the river.

He said FRSC began the rescue mission on Thursday evening after the accident.

“Six people were rescued alive, while one was recovered dead yesterday. Another body was recovered dead today.

“Unfortunately, the chances of survival of the remaining passengers in the river are slim, given that the accident occurred Thursday evening.

“We have engaged divers to help recover the bodies, but negotiations are ongoing. The divers are asking for N2 million to carry out the recovery,” he said.

He said the accident occurred about 4:20 p.m. on Thursday when a bus from Lagos to Port Harcourt veered off the highway and plunged into the river.

Mr Matthew said, “According to passengers who survived the crash, the driver lost control of the bus after experiencing brake failure.

“In a desperate attempt to avoid colliding with vehicles in front, the driver veered into the opposite lane, leaving the Ore-Benin-Lagos route and crossing over to the Benin-Ore road.

“Due to the speed of the vehicle, the driver was unable to regain control, causing the bus to hit a pavement and plunge into the river.”

Osun State Fire Service on Friday said five lives were lost in the fatal accident involving a gas tanker and a commercial bus that occured in Ile-Ife, Osun state.

Many commuters were trapped in the accident, which happened along Ife/Ibadan Expressway on Thursday.

The spokesman for Osun Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kehinde Adeleke, whose agency was among the first security agencies to arrive at the scene, said about 17 people were in the bus when the accident occurred.

However, while providing an update regarding the accident on Friday, the spokesman for Osun State Fire Service, Ibrahim Adekunle, said five passengers, two male, two females and a toddler, were bought out of the wreckage dead.

According to him, the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife.

The statement partly read, “On Thursday, September 12, 2024 as a gas tanker overran a commercial bus popularly known as ‘Sabo-Lagere’ which conveyed an unspecified number of passengers and crushed them to death. They both swerved off the road into a ditch along Ibadan Express Road, Ajebandele, Ile-Ife.

“The incident was reported to our Ile-Ife Zonal Command at around 12 noon and they mobilised to the scene and joined the headquarters from Abere to give adequate backup because of the nature of materials involved in the crash (LPG).

“After frantic efforts by the men of the State Fire Service in conjunction with FRSC Ile-Ife Zonal Command led by SRC Kenny Olorundare and some local residents, five passengers were recovered from the wreckage which comprises two men and women each and a toddler. They are subsequently conveyed to the OAU Teaching Hospital morgue.”

Describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, the Director of Osun State Fire Service, Mr. Ismail Olaniyi, sympathised with families of the deceased, and Ile-Ife community.

The Lagos State government has announced plans to shut and divert traffic on the Eko Bridge to allow reconstruction work.

In a statement on Friday, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the commissioner for transportation in Lagos, said the diversion will commence on September 26 and last for eight weeks.

Osiyemi said the diversion will be done in sections, adding that motorists should use alternative routes.

“Motorists heading to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue can make use of the service lane at Alaka to connect Costain and access Eko Bridge to continue their journeys.

“Alternatively, Motorists heading to the Island can access Costain to connect Eko Bridge to link Apongbon for their destinations. Motorists can also connect Apongbon inwards Eko Bridge to link Costain to access Funsho Williams Avenue”, he said.

Osiyemi continued, “Motorists can also make use of Costain inwards Alaka/Funsho Williams Avenue or alternately go through Apapa Road from Costain and link Oyingbo to access Adekunle to link Third Mainland Bridge for their desired destinations.

“In the same vein Motorists heading to Surulere are advised to use Costain to link Breweries inwards Abebe Village to connect Eric Moore/Bode Thomas to get to their destinations.”

The commissioner assured motorists of the presence of traffic managers to help minimise inconveniences and ensure a steady flow of traffic.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police in Kenya, Gilbert Masengeli has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt by the country’s High Court.

In his ruling on Friday, Justice Lawrence Mugambi gave Masengeli seven days to surrender himself to the Commissioner-General of Prisons to commence his prison term.

Justice Masengeli ordered the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki to ensure Masengeli’s imprisonment if the Acting IGP fails to surrender himself.

The judge said, “Mr Gilbert Masengeli is sentenced to six months imprisonment, he is ordered to submit himself to the Commissioner of Kenya Prisons to ensure he is committed to a prison facility to commence serving sentence.”

The judge gave the ruling following the Acting IGP’s refusal to honour six consecutive summons to appear before the court.

Justice Masengeli had summoned the police boss over the whereabouts of two brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longton and activist, Bob Njagi.

They were kidnapped in August in Kitengela.

Russia has expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage and involvement in efforts to destabilize the country, according to a statement from the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Friday.

The FSB claimed that the United Kingdom has been actively engaged in escalating global tensions and undermining Russia’s internal stability.

In a statement, the FSB said it had obtained “documents confirming London’s coordination of the escalation of the international military-political situation.”

The agency further accused the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) of spearheading “subversive policies” aimed at delivering a “strategic defeat” to Russia.

The FSB noted that after the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the EECAD transformed into an intelligence service working against Moscow, which led to the conclusion that British diplomats operating under its umbrella posed a “security threat.”

In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with other departments, revoked the accreditation of six employees from the British Embassy’s political department in Moscow.

Officials stated that these diplomats had engaged in activities “showing signs of intelligence and subversive work” and demanded the early termination of their missions in Russia.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova supported the FSB’s assessment, telling TASS that British diplomats had been involved in “actions aimed at harming our people.”

The British government has yet to respond to the allegations.

Relations between Russia and the UK have reached historic lows since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, with both nations engaging in multiple rounds of diplomatic expulsions and sanctions.

In February, the FSB also accused the British Council, a UK cultural organization, of gathering intelligence for Ukraine by using refugees in the UK to obtain military and political information from contacts in Russia’s Kherson Region.

Two wood merchants have been rescued and two others are missing after a boat capsized in the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident occurred on Thursday at about 7:00 p.m.

The victims, identified as Ahohe Seido and Dogbon, alongside the survivors, Awhanse Jimoh and Ahohe Jimoh, were said to be transporting firewood to Benin Republic for sale.

Confirming the incident, Spokesperson of the Ogun Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said the command was informed about the incident by the survivors.

According to them, their boat capsized due to an unexpectedly strong current, causing everyone on the boat to fall into the water. Despite intensive search efforts by divers, the bodies of the missing individuals have yet to be found.

She said, “A report of a tragic incident was received at the Ipokia Division on September 12, 2024, at about 7:00 a.m. Two individuals, identified as Awhanse Jimoh M and Ahohe Jimoh M from Ilepa Village in Ipokia, reported to the Divisional Police Officer.

“The duo are wood merchants by profession. According to their account, two other individuals, Ahohe Seido and a person known only by the alias Dogbon, were transporting firewood along the Gbodo Jego River in Ijofin, Ipokia, Ogun State, on their way to Benin Republic for sale.

“During their journey across the river, an unexpectedly strong current caused their boat to overturn, leading to everyone onboard falling into the water. Despite rescue efforts, only two individuals were saved and brought to the riverbank.”

Odutola stated that investigations are ongoing to clarify the specifics of the boat accident and validate the statements made by the two survivors.

Ahead of the United States, US, Presidential election, President Joe Biden stirred controversy when he wore a red cap belonging to the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump.

Biden wore the Make America Great Again, MAGA, cap at an event to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

During a visit to firefighters in Pennsylvania on Wednesday, near where one of the four hijacked planes crashed, videos showed the president having a friendly chat with a Trump supporter before they swapped headgear.

In the video, Biden offers a Trump supporter donning a campaign cap another hat with the presidential seal on it, saying he would autograph it.

The man then asks Biden if he would sign it with his name on it.

Responding jocularly, Biden said “I don’t remember my name, I’m slow.”

After an exchange about his age, Biden hands the man the autographed cap and offers to trade it for the Trump hat, which he wore briefly, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The action immediately drew comments from social media users, with Trump’s campaign thanking Biden for the “support”.

But, a statement issued by the White House said Biden’s gesture was a way to underline the unity theme of the day.

The deputy White House Press Secretary, Andrew Bates said: “As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap.”

Five young men have been arrested in Adamawa State over alleged theft of copper cables and gas cylinder.

Operatives of the state command of the Nigeria Police Force arrested the men aged between 17 and 29 years.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje who confirmed the development on Thursday, said the arrests resulted from efforts to check crime in and around the state.

The five suspects are Abdulmunini Muhammad,18 years old; Ibrahim Ahmed, 18; Mubarak Abubakar, 29; Mahmud Ibrahim, 18; and Isaac Jonah, 17.

They were identified as residents of Malamre and Wauro Jabbe in Yola North Local Government Area.

While Abdulmuni Muhammed allegedly broke into a house around their community and stole a gas cylinder, Ibrahim Ahmed is charged with carting copper cables from a filling station and confessing that they usually born the cables and sell the wires to scavengers.

The trio of Mubarak Abubakar, Mahmud Ibrahim and Isaac Jonah allegedly invaded a filling station, broke into a building at the station through the ceiling and stole copper cables, with intention of selling to scavengers.

The mention of scavengers by the suspects calls to mind a recent outlaw of scavenging by the state government.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri had last month paced a ban on scavenging, prompting the state Police Command to declare that it would be all out to fight scavengers.

President Bola Tinubu was received on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace, London, UK, by King Charles III for a private meeting.

The President’s Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Thursday, said the meeting highlighted the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

He said this was the two leaders’ first meeting since they met in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year.

“The latest meeting was at the King’s request. Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change,” said Mr Onanuga.

He said Mr Tinubu and King Charles also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

Mr Onanuga stated, “President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the country’s energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigeria’s readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability. During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth.”

The Katsina State Community Watch Corps, a state-owned security outfit, intercepted a commercial vehicle carrying a large cache of ammunition in Batsari town.

Acting on a tip-off, the corps members stopped the vehicle with number plate BTR 45 XA, around 7:30 PM on Tuesday, September 10.

They discovered 610 rounds of ammunition hidden under a seat. The cache included AK-47 and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) rounds, along with two magazines.

A suspect, described as a man in white robes, was observed exhibiting suspicious behaviour throughout the journey but evaded capture during the inspection.

The Katsina State government has praised the Community Watch Corps for their vigilance and dedication to maintaining peace and security in the state.

Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, assured that the government would continue to support and enhance the capabilities of the security agencies to combat crime effectively.

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, Benedict Akiika, has regained his freedom days after he was whisked away from his Idi-Ape residence, Olorunda Aaba, by some gunmen on September 4.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the Oyo state police command, SP Osifeso Adewale, says the politician was freed from his captors after days of intensive Manhunt by the Command’s tactical, intelligence and operational assets, strategically extending the search and rescue mission by combing adjoining forests across; Ijagun, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, Ore,Ondo State and lastly Uselu in Edo State.

Adewale said the victim who regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday, September 11, is currently undergoing medical intervention prior to his final reunion with his loved ones.

He mentioned that efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act.

While appealing to residents of the State to assist the ongoing Investigation by providing timely and credible information to the Police, the Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that Oyo State is not turned into a playground for the sinister minded.

‘’In cases of emergencies, the Command can always be reached through these emergency control room numbers: 615 (Toll free) (Oyo State Security Response Center) and Oyo State Police Command Emergency line 08081768614, 09054133071 and 09061299291”Adewale said

A man in Adamawa State, 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal, has allegedly defiled his teenage daughter.

The state command of the Nigeria Police said in a statement that it had arrested the man over the offence.

The command said in the statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Nguroje, that it made the arrest on Wednesday, September 11.

“The Adamawa State Police Command has on 11/09/2024 arrested 35-year-old Muhammad Auwal for sexually assaulting his 14-year-old biological daughter,” Nguroje stated.

“The suspect has since confessed to committing the crime and will be charged to court,” the PPRO added.

A Nigerian nurse, Ruth Auta, based in the United Kingdom, has been sentenced to three years in prison for child negligence following the death of her 10-week-old son, Joshua Akerele.

The 28-year-old single mother reportedly left her infant unattended in her nurse’s accommodation for eight hours while she worked a shift at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

According to a Daily Mail report, the tragic incident occurred on December 20, 2022.

Upon returning home, Auta discovered Joshua unresponsive in his cot and immediately called emergency services.

Despite resuscitation efforts, the baby was pronounced dead an hour after paramedics arrived.

Tests revealed that Joshua may have overheated due to being excessively clothed and covered with heavy bedding.

Auta was charged with cruelty to a child and pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on May 24, 2024.

During the investigation, CCTV footage and text messages contradicted her initial claim that she had picked up Joshua from a childminder and found him unresponsive after falling asleep with him.

The footage showed her leaving and returning to her accommodation without her child, and messages revealed she had instructed the childminder to falsely claim she had cared for Joshua that day.

In June 2024, Auta attempted to flee the country but was apprehended at Gatwick Airport with a one-way ticket to Nigeria.

District Crown Prosecutor Sara Davie, in delivering the verdict, said, “As a nurse, Ruth Auta should have been aware of the dangers of leaving her child unattended.

“Her failure to provide the necessary care and her attempts to evade justice demonstrate her lack of remorse.”

Auta will serve three years in prison for her role in the tragic death of her son.

Six staff members with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees (UNRWA) were killed in Gaza on Wednesday when two Israeli airstrikes hit a school-turned-shelter and its surroundings.

“This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident,” UNRWA said in a post on X.

At least 34 people were killed in the strikes, according to media reports.

UNRWA said the shelter manager and other team members were among the victims.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres deplored the bloodshed.

“What’s happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable,” he wrote on X. “These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.”

The UNRWA school in Nuseirat, located in the Middle Area of the Gaza Strip, was sheltering around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children.

This marked the fifth time it had been hit since the conflict began 11 months ago.

Earlier on Wednesday, the UN said the site had been previously deconflicted with the Israeli forces.

UNRWA called on all parties involved in the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes.

“No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times. They are not a target,” the tweet said.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini lamented the “endless and senseless killing, day after day” in Gaza.

Writing on X, he said at least 220 agency staff have lost their lives since the war began.

“Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war,” he said.

He warned that “the longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions will become irrelevant.”

In a related development, the UN reported that health workers continue efforts to vaccinate young children in northern Gaza against polio, part of a wider campaign to defeat the disease, which can cause paralysis.

More than 81,600 boys and girls were vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the World Health Organisation.

Polio was detected in Gaza in June, and UN agencies and partners launched a two-round campaign this month to provide over 640,000 children with two doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2.

So far, nearly 528,000 children have been reached in the first round.

The United Nations on Wednesday joined its host city, New York, in commemorating the 2,977 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, when Al-Qaida terrorists hijacked four aircraft and flew them into buildings in the United States.

Two of the planes struck the twin skyscrapers of the World Trade Centre in Manhattan’s financial district, while another was flown into the U.S. military headquarters at the Pentagon outside Washington, DC.

The fourth aircraft crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers wrested back control from the hijackers.

Among those killed were 441 first responders, the greatest loss of emergency responders on a single day in the country’s history.

Thousands more were injured, and many still suffer from chronic illnesses, including respiratory diseases, mental health issues and cancer.

“Today my thoughts are with everyone who lost loved ones on 9/11 and with all the people of New York City,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in a post on X.

Ben Saul, special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, also paid tribute to the victims, who came from more than 90 countries, their families and loved ones.

He welcomed U.S. efforts to support the survivors but emphasised that justice remained elusive for many.

“The unfathomable violence on 9/11 against ordinary people going about their daily lives was a crime against humanity, but sadly, 23 years later, the victims remain starved of justice,” he said.

Mr Saul noted that unresolved issues, including prolonged detentions and limited accountability, continue to impact victims and detainees alike, underscoring the need for the U.S. to align its counterterrorism policies with international human rights standards fully.

He urged the U.S. authorities to fully implement the recommendations of his predecessor, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin, after her technical visit to the United States and the Guantánamo Detention Facility in Cuba in 2023.

Ms Ní Aoláin made specific recommendations and concluded that the U.S. Government must ensure accountability for all international law violations and victims of terrorism and counterterrorism.

Appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, special rapporteurs are mandated to monitor and report on human rights situations in the country or thematic situations.

They serve in their individual capacity, independent of the United Nations, and the mandate holders are not UN staff and do not draw a salary for their work.

A hit-and-run driver has k!lled an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Ekiti State Police Command.

The officer identified as Idris Lawal was reportedly crushed to d@ath at a checkpoint at Ayemi Garage along Iworoko Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

It was gathered that the incident happened during a stop-and-search operation around 11pm on Monday, September 9, 2024.

Although the deceased was reportedly rushed to the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for medical treatment, he was confirmed d£ad by doctors on duty.

According to a police internal memo on the incident, the body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy.

It described the hit-and-run vehicle as a white colour unmarked Mercedes Benz.

The police said effort is on top gear to arrest the culprit.