Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has promised to continue to provide adequate and timely motivation to teachers through emoluments, workshops and trainings to equip them with skills and modern strategies that will help them become more efficient.

He made his pledge on Friday while commissioning projects executed in the first 100 days of the chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba.

Governor Alia also promised to renovate and equip selected public schools in Benue State to provide a conducive learning environment for pupils.

He also stated the willingness of his administration to reinvigorate school supervision to ensure effective service delivery.

At the project commissioning, performed at the SUBEB Headquarters in Makurdi, the governor lauded the SUBEB chairperson and her team for the many achievements they have recorded in just a few days in office and promised to continue to support them to attract more development to the education sector in Benue State.

Governor Alia subsequently approved the construction of a storey building at the SUBEB Headquarters in Makurdi to provide a solution to the challenge of office accommodation, even as he ordered that a 33KV transformer be installed at the board immediately.

Earlier in her welcome address, the SUBEB Chair, Dr. Grace Adagba, thanked Governor Alia for his support without which it would have been difficult for her and her team to achieve that much.

According to her, the assistance of the Governor made it possible to automate the staff payroll system, remodel the SUBEB gate, install solar lights, dig a motorised borehole, renovate seven blocks, create new departments, provide internet services within the SUBEB premises and furnish the chairman’s office, amongst other things.

Others who spoke at the event include the representative of the State Coordinator of Universal Basic Education Commission, Brenda Atii; the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Levi Akuma; and a pupil of Holy Ghost Primary School, Makurdi, Mary Otor.

Another Improvised Explosive Device, IED, planted along Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala road has killed seven people, including a telecommunication expert, Mallam Abbashuwa Bulamarwa.

It was gathered that the incident happened over the weekend, when their vehicles drove on the planted IED in-between Dikwa and Logomani village, about 80kms drive from Maiduguri.

This is coming barely one week after a vehicle conveying members of the Civilian Joint Task Force exploded on the same road after stepping on an IED, leaving 10 of them dead.

The Saturday explosion occurred when the victims were returning from Gamboru, a border town with Cameroun Republic after attending a wedding.

A close relative to one of the victims, who posted on his social media handle on Sunday said: “I regret to announce the passing of our brother, Abbashuwa Bulamarwa. He died on Saturday afternoon due to a mine explosion along Gamboru Ngala road.

“May Allah forgive and have mercy on his gentle soul and may jannatul firdaus be his final abode. Amin Ya Rabb.”

It was further gathered that the remains of the victims were buried the same day according to Islamic rites.

Efforts to get confirmation from the Police Public Relations Officer, Daso Kenneth, proved abortive at press time.

Operatives of the Adamawa State Police Command have arrested a man over alleged sexual assault on his infant stepdaughter.

Thirty-year-old Idi Adamu allegedly assaulted his one-year-old stepchild sexually.

In a statement on Friday, the Command said that Adamu was arrested on Wednesday, following a complaint by the baby’s mother who happens to be his wife.

According to the statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Ngurore, the suspect is a resident of Wuro Ardo in Mubi North Local Government Area where he committed the act.

Customers of DStv and GOtv have been notified to expect a three-day “technical downtime” of its services.

In a notice shared on its official X handle on Friday, DStv explained that the downtime would be due to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction.

The pay TV operator, Multichoice said the project would force them to relocate from the office location between May 5,and May 7, 2024, assuring customers that disruptions would be minimised during the relocation.

It stated, “Our uplink facility will be impacted by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction project. As a result, we are forced to relocate. From Sunday, 5th May, 2024, to Thursday, 7th May, 2024, our technical team will be working tirelessly to relocate and minimize disruptions during the exercise.”

Appreciating customers for their patience and understanding during the period, it reiterated its dedication to delivering the quality service and support they expect from DStv and GOtv.

It added, “We’re relocating our uplink facility due to the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction. This means you might experience some technical downtime. Thank you for bearing with us during this transition.’’

The company assured that it would soon restore its services better than ever.

The Oyo State Government plans a free training of 1,000 senior secondary school students in coding and non-code technology skills, an official said in Ibadan on Friday.

The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration, Idowu Ogedengbe, told journalists that the gesture was part of the government’s efforts to ensure quality and sustainable development in the education sector.

He said, “The initiative is aimed at launching a groundbreaking technology programme to empower senior secondary school students with technology skills, across the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State.’’.

Mr Ogedengbe however said the programme planned to hold from July 15 to July 19 in Ibadan, would be implemented in partnership with some private investors in the technology sector.

The governor’s Executive Assistant on Administration added that the training would begin with selected schools in all the 11 LGAs within Ibadan and other cities of the state.

He said that other beneficiaries from the remaining LGAs would be trained later.

“The next phases of the initiative will see us taking the training to the remaining LGAs, with a view to ensuring that the impact is widespread and even across all the constituencies in Oyo State,” Mr Ogedengbe said.

He said the initiative marks a significant milestone in the state government’s commitment to providing quality education and preparing the state’s youths for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“CodeGarage Africa has been at the forefront of promoting digital literacy across Africa, and we are delighted to partner with them in this endeavour, with the support of Zeeh Africa and 386 Konsult. We aim to equip our students with the tech skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the increasingly digital world. The importance of coding or non-code tech skills cannot be overstated in today’s society. From driving innovation to solving complex problems, tech skills are a fundamental skill that opens doors to countless opportunities.

“Introducing coding education to our senior secondary school students will allow us to lay the foundation for a future, where they can excel in technology-driven fields and contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and beyond,” Mr Ogedengbe said.

He urged stakeholders, including parents, educators and the private sector, to support and participate in the laudable programme.

He said,”This is because it will help to unlock the full potential of the young stars to become leaders in the digital age.”

In their respective remarks, representatives of the partnering private investors CodeGarage Africa and Zeeh Africa said training students from the grassroots level was useful to the ecosystem.

Dolapo Ayeni of CodeGarage Africa said the initiative was another way of “catching them young” and also exposing the youths to entrepreneurship.

David Adeleke of Zeeh Africa called for more partners to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in programmes which would prepare the young ones for future engagement.

A community-based group in Katsina State, Pleasant Library and Book Club has mobilised special prayers across Juma’at Mosques in the state in memory of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Addressing journalists in Katsina on Friday, a member of the group, Dr Mukhtar Alqasim, said the prayer was part of their activities to mark the 14th Yar’Adua’s Remembrance Day.

The late president Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010 after a protracted illness.

According to the PLBC as a community organisation, Mr Alqasim, wrote to imams across the state seeking the prayer during their Friday sermons, and it was conducted.

He further revealed that as part of the activities, they had concluded arrangements to visit orphanages, aged people’s homes, and psychiatry among other places.

He said, “As part of the activities, we have plans during the visits on Saturday, to distribute food items, clothes and other necessary things to those homes and centres.

On Sunday, PLBC is going to launch a book with over 300 pages titled: ‘What Yar’adua Told and Taught Me,’ a reflection on 23-years of lifelong lessons learned under the mentorship of the late president.

The book was written and would be presented during the ceremony by the PLBC President, Dr Muttaqa Rabe-Darma. The programme is being organised by the PLBC, with full support from the state government.’’

Mr Alqasim said that during the event on Sunday, some notable personalities would speak on the late president, and also another prayer session would be held at the venue.

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, met with visiting British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, to discuss military aid to Ukraine, the presidential press service said on Friday.

At the meeting, which took place in Kiev earlier on Thursday, Mr Zelensky thanked the British government for recently approving the largest-ever military aid package for Ukraine, worth 500 million pounds (630 million U.S. dollars).

“The provision of this package, along with the crucial decision of the United States to provide assistance, is of great importance to us at this key moment,” Mr Zelensky stressed.

He briefed Mr Cameron on the situation on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and urged the British side to promptly deliver the weapons as part of the aid package.

Mr Zelensky specifically outlined the types of weapons Ukraine requires, including armoured vehicles, ammunition and various missiles.

According to the British parliament, Britain has pledged 12.5 billion pounds (15.8 billion dollars) in support to Ukraine since the outbreak of the conflict in February 2022, of which 7.6 billion pounds (9.6 billion dollars) was for military assistance.

This includes 3 billion pounds (3.8 billion dollars) for military assistance in 2024 to 2025.

Youths of Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State have threatened to picket the offices of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company if the company refuses to restore power supply in the next seven days.

Iperu is the hometown of Governor Dapo Abiodun and his closest rival in the 2023 governorship election, Ladi Adebutu.

Youths of Iperu said they have been experiencing total blackouts for the past 120 days, asking the IBEDC to do the needful or face the consequences.In a statement titled, ‘Total Blackout in Iperu Remo: Youth Gives IBEDC 7 Days Ultimatum to Restore Power or Face Consequences’, the Iperu Youth Development Association lamented that the IBEDC had shown blatant disregard for the plight of their people despite repeated appeals.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Friday, the Youth President, Ganiyu Hammed, stated that the community would no longer keep quiet.

“The residents of Iperu Remo have endured over 120 days of total blackout, enduring darkness and hardship on the excuse of being connected to 11KVA while neighbouring towns connected to the same 11KVA line enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

“The IBEDC has failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for this discrepancy, leaving the community in a state of frustration and despair.

“Despite repeated appeals and demands for action, the IBEDC has shown blatant disregard for the plight of the people of Iperu Remo. Therefore, the youth of Iperu Remo hereby issue a stern warning to the IBEDC to restore power to our town within seven days. Failure to do so will result in consequences, including potential protests and locking of their business offices for 120 days as well. We refuse to accept any further excuses or delays,” the youths said.

Hammed disclosed that residents of Iperu are concerned about the deteriorating situation of electricity in the town as well as the “escalating insecurity in our beloved town of Iperu Remo”.

The youths notified the Nigeria Police Force, Iperu Remo Division, of their intention to take action if power is not restored within the stipulated timeframe.

“We urge the police to support our peaceful protest and ensure the safety of all citizens. The recent incidents of insecurity, including the kidnapping of two individuals and the tragic killing of a Professor from Babcock University by hoodlums, are unacceptable.

“We urge the Nigeria Police Force, especially the Iperu Division, to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing these security challenges. We call on all security agencies in the town to collaborate and intensify efforts to ensure the safety and security of all residents,” the statement added.

The youths called on Gov Abiodun to urgently intervene in the matter, saying the people of Iperu Remo have suffered enough and deserve to have their basic needs met.

“In addition, we call upon the Iperu Development Association under the leadership of Chief Jide Oyeti, and the Iperu Traditional Council, including all the Oba’s in Iperu, especially the Alaperu of Iperu, Oba Adeleke Idowu; the Baale’s, and the Olorituns to stand with us in solidarity and demand justice from the IBEDC.

“The youth of Iperu Remo remain resolute and determined to fight for our rights. We will not rest until light is restored to our town.

“The Iperu Youth Development Association remains committed to advocating for the welfare and development of Iperu Remo and will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the provision of essential services and the maintenance of security in our community,” they said.

Contacted, the IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, blamed the blackouts on restricted allocation; a challenge she said affects Ogun generally.

“The major challenge in Ogun generally, is restricted allocation, and we can only give what we have.

“Some parts of Iperu are on 33kV, which is a Transmission Company of Nigeria line that supplies 11kv lines. So, the location of these communities gives them the advantage of better supply than others,” Tunwase noted.

She added that the IBEDC had held meetings to explain this to the community.

“We are working with other stakeholders to ensure a better supply. We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this,” she remarked.

A 56-year-old Houston resident has been arrested following her indictment in a fraud scheme with her son in which they allegedly tricked an elderly couple out of over $1 million, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities have arrested Regina Lynn Thomas aka Nikki Laday. She made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo who ordered her into custody pending a detention hearing May 6.

Regina Thomas and her son Isaiah Thomas, 38, Houston, are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 67 counts of wire fraud.

The indictment alleges Regina Thomas pretended to be a nurse and assisted a couple with caring for an elderly parent.

The couple allegedly allowed her to live at their home while they were out of the country for work.

Regina Thomas then told the couple federal authorities wanted them in connection for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fraud and provided them with whom she claimed was an attorney, according to the charges.

That individual was allegedly not a real attorney.

The indictment alleges the couple believed they were paying for the attorney’s services.

However, the money was allegedly deposited into Isaiah Thomas’ account who shared the funds with his mother. If convicted, both face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine for each count.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman is prosecuting the case.

The case is brought as part of the Elder Justice Initiative. Its goal is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

United States President, Joe Biden has described Japan and India as “xenophobic” countries that do not welcome immigrants.

Biden’s remark at a campaign fundraising event came just three weeks after the White House hosted Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, on a lavish official visit, during which the two leaders celebrated what Biden called an “unbreakable alliance.”

At the fundraiser where the donor audience was largely Asian American, Biden said the upcoming US election was about “freedom, America and democracy” and that the nation’s economy was thriving “because of you and many others.”

“Why? Because we welcome immigrants, Look, think about it. Why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants.

“Immigrants are what makes us strong. Not a joke. That’s not hyperbole, because we have an influx of workers who want to be here and want to contribute,” he said.

The executive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerians to ensure “compliance” with the rules and regulations of society.

He noted that a lack of compliance with given rules is the root of corruption in the country.

QIn a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Thursday, Olukoyede made the assertion when a delegation from the Compliance Institute, Nigeria, CIN, led by its President, Pattison Boleigha, paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Abuja.

He explained that the essence of their work is compliance and enforcement, adding that the Commission will not hesitate to apply the force of law to people who fail to play by the rules.

According to him: “The success of any process or procedure in any society is based on the issue of compliance. The difference between developed countries and underdeveloped ones is simply compliance. If you take compliance out of developed countries, they would be as terrible and as poor as the underdeveloped countries. If we get it right with compliance, we have gotten it right with governance and corporate governance in Nigeria.”

Earlier in his address, Boleigha, disclosed that the visit was an offer to the commission for collaborative engagement and to foster a mutually beneficial relationship on matters pertinent to compliance.

He thanked Olukoyede for his extensive contributions to the fields of compliance management, corporate intelligence and fraud management, adding that the EFCC chairman’s track record of undertaking anti-corruption surveys and reviews for various law enforcement agencies, government institutions and corporate organisations, as well as his commitment to manpower development, was a testament to his dedication and expertise.

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central senator, said on Thursday that the mastermind of the 2022 Kaduna-Abuja train kidnapping must be made to face justice.

Sani expressed pleasure that the mastermind of the train kidnapping was arrested.

Police had disclosed the arrest of the mastermind behind the killing of passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.

The mastermind was identified as Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known by the ominous moniker of Mandi.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known on Thursday.

He informed the media that the suspect had also participated in the abduction of students from Greenfield University in 2021.

Reacting, Sani wrote on X: “It’s pleasing and commendable to learn that the Nigerian Police have finally arrested the masterminds of the 2022 Kaduna Abuja Train kidnappings. They killed and destroyed the lives of others. Justice must be done.”

The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has launched the Schools Protection Squad, SPS, in Kano State.

The 60-man squad was inaugurated by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Gumel, on Thursday at the police command headquarters in Kano.

The squad is to protect schools, learning facilities, students and pupils as well as their teachers from kidnappers and armed bandits.

Gumel said the SPS was an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Ebegtokun to adequately provide a safe environment for schooling and protect both the students and teachers as well as the schools’ facilities and their critical infrastructures.

“The SPS comprised 60 adequately trained police personnel who have been provided with the necessary kits and tools for the task.

“They will from today, Thursday, May 2, 2024, be dispatched to intensify robust patrols around all primary and secondary schools, including all vulnerable tertiary institutions in all locations across each senatorial district of the state,” he said.

The police commissioner explained that the 60-officer squad was trained from Abuja on the tactics of school policing and protection and had been given operational vehicles and hi-tech tracking gadgets for the prevention of invasions and attacks by intending terrorists.

According to Gumel, the 60 personnel are not enough to protect schools in the 44 local government areas and the metropolitan city of Kano but such squads will be replicated to get enough personnel for the protection of schools as directed by the police inspector general.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi said operatives in the state have arrested a 24-year-old woman, Sofia Nkwor for dumping her one year and a month old baby in a well along the Araya Community’s road in Isoko South Local Government Area.

CP Olufemi disclosed this at a press briefing today.The State Police boss said children who went to play around the tree discovered the abandoned child floating in the well.

According to CP Olufemi, “The mother Sofia Nkwor ‘f’ aged 24yrs was immediately arrested and she stated that she dumped the child on 26th April 2024.”

He said, “Suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.”

No fewer than nine members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have been killed as they confronted armed bandits in Sokoto State.

It was gathered that many of the Civilian Joint Task Force members sustained various degrees of injuries during the incident.

It was also learnt that three CJTF members were abducted by the bandits during the ambush which occurred on Sunday at Isah Local Government Area of the state.

According to a resident, Ibrahim Muhammad, who spoke to newsmen on the phone, Isah Local Government Area has been a stronghold of bandits in the state.

“Nine members of the CJTF were neutralized on Sunday in an ambush in Isa LGA, many others sustained various degrees of injuries”, he added.

“Three other people were kidnapped in the attack after the CJTF member received a distress call to assist the conventional support security agencies”

This is the second time that the bandits have ambushed and attacked the CJTF members in Sokoto State.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old actor identified as Praise for an alleged abduction and defilement of a 14-year-old girl.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

The statement partly read, “The Divisional Police Officer of Mowe Division has arrested one actor, Praise, a 30 year old “m” for alleged defilement of a 14-year-old “f”.

“The arrest came following a report on the 1st of May at about 14 05 hours from the grandparents of the teenager that their granddaughter got missing since the 27th of April 2024.”

The statement further read that the girl’s grandparents alleged that the suspect defiled their granddaughter, stating that she was bleeding profusely upon being found.

It added, “The grandparents of the abducted teenager also alleged the suspect of having unlawful carnal knowledge of their granddaughter, who, under careful observation, was discovered to have been bleeding profusely.

“Medical forms have been issued for examination and treatment in a government hospital for more credible evidence.”

A preliminary investigation was reported to have commenced at the Mowe Divisional Headquarters; however, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for “discreet investigation.”

“No child in Ogun State should be subjected to such inhumane treatment, sexual assault, and sexual abuse,” Odutola added.

Lagos State’s Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on Wednesday said the government discovered 86 partitioned rooms, sized 10×10 and 12×10, under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, on Lagos Island.

Tenants are said to be paying N250,000 per annum for the makeshift apartment under the bridge.

Wahab shared this information via a post on X.com on Wednesday, along with videos.

He added that the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate bridge.

Sharing videos he wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

“A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, further confirmed the eviction of squatters from beneath the bridge towards Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi over illegal settlement and environmental violations.

Rotimi-Akodu mentioned that 23 individuals were arrested during the eviction, which was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as KAI on Tuesday.

He wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.

“He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added.

Court has granted former President Donald permission to attend his son’s high school graduation in Florida next month.

Trump had pushed for weeks to attend his son’s high school graduation on May 17.

“(Barron’s) a great student and he’s very proud of the fact he did so well and was looking forward for years to having his graduation with his mother and father there, and it looks like the judge isn’t going to allow me to escape this scam. It’s a scam trial,” Trump said.

However, a decision on the matter was left in limbo until Tuesday, with Trump speculating earlier this month he would be denied leaving Manhattan for the event.

On Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the case said, “I don’t think the May 17 date is a problem.”

It is unclear if trial proceedings will pause on May 17 or if Trump will simply be absent from the courtroom that day, which falls on a Friday.

The former President is currently on day nine of his ongoing trial in Manhattan.Trump is facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records.

No fewer than 14 male and two female adults lost their lives when their vehicle crashed into a fence and caught fire along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road late Tuesday.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe disclosed this in a statement shared on the X page of the command on Wednesday.

The accident, according to Ndukwe, occurred when an 18-seater bus with a Bauchi number plate DAS 215 XA crashed into the fence of Maduka Maduka and went up in flames.

The impact of the crash and the intensity of the fire that occurred during the accident were said to have led to the death of 16 passengers while two others were rescued alive.

Ndukwe added that further investigation revealed that the vehicle was speeding before it lost control and rammed into the fence.

The statement read, “The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred today, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be-identified 14 males and two females who burned beyond recognition.

“The accident involves an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

“A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the 16 deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

However, two other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.”

The PPRO stated that further investigation revealed that the vehicle which was also loaded with vegetables, food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road but the point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle was yet to be ascertained.

Ndukwe, however, urged members of the public to come forward with information that can help in identifying the victims.The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in the company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation and described the accident and the carnage therein as sad.

The CP further called on individuals that can help in identifying the victims or with information to trace the family members of the deceased to come forward with such information or call 08098880172 or 08086671202,” the statement concluded.