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Appeal Court Judgement: Time To Mobilize For Accord Party Victory – Gov. Adeleke

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has urged members and supporters of the party to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the Osun State governorship election after the Court of Appeal affirmed the party’s legal standing.

 

Adeleke, in a statement shared on his X account, described the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, urging supporters to remain focused on the August 15 governorship election.

 

He said the judgment had reaffirmed that Accord remained “strong, lawful and fully prepared” for the poll.

 

“Again, Accord is victorious — democracy and the rule of law have prevailed.

 

“I congratulate every member and supporter of our great Accord family as the Court of Appeal has affirmed what we have always known, our party remains strong, lawful and fully prepared for the August 15 governorship election,” Adeleke wrote.

 

The Accord candidate thanked supporters for their resilience despite what he described as attempts to create confusion and fear around the party.

 

“I thank you for your steadfastness despite every attempt to create confusion and fear. Now, let us put this distraction behind us and return our full focus to the people,” he added.

 

Adeleke called on party leaders, youths, women and other supporters to step up mobilisation efforts across polling units, wards and communities.

 

“I urge every leader, youth, woman and supporter to intensify grassroots mobilisation across every polling unit, ward and community.

 

“Together, we will secure an even more convincing victory and continue the good work of building a better Osun,” he said.

 

 The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on Tuesday, nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the African Democratic Congress and four other political parties.

 

A three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice Abba Mohammed, held that the June 15 judgment of the Federal High Court was a nullity because the trial court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

 

The court ruled that the suit, which led to the deregistration order, was incompetent because it was filed by a non-juristic entity.

 

The appellate court further held that there was no valid legal basis for the order directing INEC to deregister the affected parties.

 

It also faulted the lower court for failing to properly consider evidence presented before it, including records showing that some of the affected political parties had won elective positions in previous elections.

Obi on Education: Bring Your Record, Let’s Compare

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

 

By Valentine Obienyem

 

Whenever the issue of education arises, I make one simple request: bring your record, and let us compare.

 

Peter Obi’s investments in education as Governor of Anambra State remain the most comprehensive educational interventions by any Nigerian governor. More importantly, even after leaving office, his continued interventions in schools across Nigeria as a private citizen rival what many serving governors are doing today.

 

For Peter Obi, education was never a campaign slogan; it was the foundation for development. He believed that the future of any society depends on the quality of its schools, teachers, and learning environment. His administration therefore invested massively at every level of education – from primary schools to universities.

 

Some of the landmark achievements include:

 

Basic and Secondary Education

● Returned mission schools to their original owners while maintaining government support, restoring discipline and excellence to many schools. He also gave them over 2 billion Naira to rehabilitate returned schools. This is why no school in any part of the country compares to aesthetics of Anambra schools.

● for those saying he built no school, Obi  constructed five classroom blocks in each of Anambra State’s 177 communities, one of the largest school infrastructure programmes ever undertaken by a state government. The town chairmen at that time can attest to that. Who has done so in Nigeria before?

● Renovated hundreds of dilapidated schools across the state, including schools in which trees had grown. Examples include Comprehensive Secondary School, Onitsha, and Oraukwu Grammar School.

● Distributed about 40,000 computers to schools—an unprecedented digital education initiative at the time.

● Equipped 450 secondary schools with Microsoft Academies, introducing ICT education long before it became fashionable.

● Connected all the schools across the state to the internet. If you doubt it, the pictures are with us.

● Supplied generators to schools throughout the state, many of which are still in use today. If you doubt it, people will post the pictures.

● Established libraries in schools to encourage reading and academic excellence.

● re-started schools’ sporting activities.

● Installed boreholes in over 300 schools, including all girls’ schools, ensuring students had access to clean water and reducing exposure to risks associated with fetching water.

● Distributed two buses to every public secondary school in Anambra State. Who else has done so in Nigeria?

● Released ₦525 million directly to schools for the construction of sick bays. That amount today runs into billions.

● Issued direct intervention funds to principals for erosion control and emergency infrastructure needs.

Teachers and Academic Standards

● Recruited 2,000 teachers for primary schools. He kept money to cover their salaries for two years in order not to burden his successor.

● Recruited 5,000 teachers and an additional 2,000 special subject teachers for secondary schools. He kept money to cover their salaries for two years in order not to burden his successor.

● Ensured prompt payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances. Cleared all the arrears of pensions and gratuities owed to teachers in the state.

● Restored teacher promotions, removing the ceiling that had prevented progression beyond Grade Level 16.

● Regularly recognised and rewarded outstanding principals and teachers.

● Improved accreditation and academic standards across educational institutions.

Technical and Adult Education

● Fully renovated and equipped the Government Technical Colleges at Onitsha, Nkpor, and Umuchu.

● Secured accreditation for multiple technical programmes.

● Strengthened vocational education through Adult Education Centres, Market Schools, and youth empowerment initiatives.

● Equipped 53 nomadic and migrant schools.

● Sustained campaigns against school dropouts through targeted interventions.

Higher Education

Peter Obi’s administration transformed tertiary education across Anambra State.

At Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, his government constructed or completed numerous landmark projects,  over 40. Some of them are:

● Faculty of Law Complex.

● Faculty of Engineering.

● Faculty of Agriculture.

● Faculty of Management Sciences.

● Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

● Mass Communication Complex with radio and television studios.

● Administrative Complex.

● Engineering workshops and laboratories.

● Departmental buildings.

● Hostels.

● E-learning and Research Centre.

● Internal road networks.

● Water supply infrastructure.

● Electricity-generating facilities.

● Campus landscaping.

● Master plan for university development.

● Tarring of access roads to the campuses.

His administration also:

● Released ₦5 billion to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University for infrastructure development. Unprecedented!

● Facilitated the construction of two 250-bed hostels through the Central Bank of Nigeria under the leadership of Dr. Kingsley Moghalu. What has anybody attracted after him?

Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe

His government provided:

● Major classroom and lecture hall construction.

● New staff office complexes.

● Library renovation.

● Boreholes.

● Electricity-generating sets.

● Security improvements.

● Accreditation of academic programmes.

● Improved research environment.

● Employment of staff.

● Construction of an auditorium.

● Significant upgrades to instructional facilities, with departments receiving national recognition for their equipment and facilities.

He provided buses, generators and ambulances to both  Odumegwu Ojukwu University  Nwafor Orizu College of Education as well of many for the teaching hospital.

College of Agriculture, Mgbakwu

Peter Obi remains the governor most closely associated with the physical transformation of the institution, with about 15 buildings constructed during his administration.

Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital

His administration built the teaching hospital from scratch, with over 25 buildings.

He also built classrooms in major nursing and health institutions in the state. Some of them—St. Charles Borromeo Hospital and Iyi Enu—are today teaching hospitals. I believe strongly that, in no distant time, Diocesan Hospital, Amichi; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu; and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital will become teaching hospitals. I have no doubt about that, knowing the level of support they received.

Support Beyond Government-Owned Institutions

Peter Obi believed that every school educating Anambra children deserved support, regardless of ownership.

Accordingly, his administration extended financial assistance to institutions such as:

● Madonna University.

● Paul University.

● Tansian University.

● Peter University.

These institutions reportedly received grants amounting to about ₦100 million each at the time, which translates into billions today, in addition to vehicle support.

Rewarding Academic Excellence

Peter Obi also introduced a policy of rewarding academic excellence by presenting ₦1 million to every Anambra indigene who graduated with a First Class degree.

The Record Speaks

Education is not measured by speeches but by investments, infrastructure, teacher welfare, technology, and opportunities created for young people.

Peter Obi invested simultaneously in classrooms, teachers, libraries, computers, internet connectivity, laboratories, universities, technical education, adult education, water supply, transportation, and academic excellence.

His commitment did not end when he left office. Across Nigeria today, he continues to support schools, donate educational facilities, build classrooms, provide learning equipment, and assist educational institutions as a private citizen.

The challenge, therefore, remains simple:

Bring your record on education. Let us compare—project for project, school for school, investment for investment, and impact for impact.

Army Col Ude Shot Dead By Abductors At His Abuja Residence

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Gunmen - Kidnappers

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Resistance by a serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, from being abducted has led to his death.

 

He was shot dead after resisting his assailants when they tried to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu district of Abuja.

 

The officer, a native of Enugu State, was widely regarded as a dedicated professional and had been due for promotion to Brigadier General in 2027,  according to sources.

 

The attackers ambushed him shortly after he arrived home on Monday evening, opening fire as he alighted from his vehicle.

 

The gunmen attempted to abduct him, but he fought back despite being heavily outnumbered, refusing to surrender.

 

His resistance, according to security sources, prevented the assailants from taking him away alive, though they eventually shot him multiple times at close range.

 

During the attack, the gunmen also opened fire on members of his household, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

 

The victims were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

 

Security sources described Ude as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer who remained composed even in the face of imminent danger.

 

“He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” one source familiar with the preliminary investigation said.

 

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, while security agencies have launched efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

Before his death, Ude held several strategic appointments in military intelligence and counter-terrorism within the Armed Forces.

 

He took part in numerous operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and served on specialised international assignments, including missions in Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.

 

He has since been buried on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja, in accordance with Islamic rites.

 

The killing has renewed concerns over attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT).

 

Investigations into Ude’s killing are reportedly ongoing, with security agencies working to determine the motive and identify those responsible.

Plateau State Records 14 Deaths, 441 Suspected Cholera Cases

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Cholera Outbreak in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, has disclosed that the State has recorded 441 suspected cholera cases, 26 confirmed infections and 14 deaths.

 

Ba’amlong made this disclosure in Jos, Plateau State Capital while providing an update on the outbreak, which began in June 2026.

 

He said the cases were reported in Mangu, Jos North, Jos South and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

 

The Commissioner said the Ministry of Health remained on high alert and had strengthened emergency response measures to contain the outbreak.

 

He said the Ministry was working with affected councils, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, and development partners to intensify response activities.

 

Ba’amlong said the state government had also increased community engagement through traditional rulers, religious leaders, community influencers and other stakeholders to raise awareness.

 

He added that preventive messages were being shared through radio, television and community outreach campaigns, while residents were advised to seek prompt medical attention and avoid self-medication.

 

He, however, stressed that government and partners had intensified Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, including house-to-house hygiene education, monitoring and treatment of contaminated water sources.

 

He urged residents to drink only boiled, chlorinated or treated water, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, maintain environmental sanitation, avoid open defecation and ensure proper food handling.

 

Ba’amlong advised residents experiencing sudden watery diarrhoea or vomiting to immediately report to health facilities for treatment.

 

He also urged public and private health facilities to promptly notify Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) of suspected cases for timely investigation and response, while reaffirming the state government’s commitment to containing the outbreak and urged residents to cooperate with health authorities by adhering to preventive measures.

Commonwealth Games: Nigeria Weightlifters Set Games Record, Win Four Gold Medals

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Edidiong Joseph Umoafia

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Nigeria has continued to prove its mettle as a force to reckon with at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as its Weightlifters are shinning like superstars.

 

The Team produced its most successful outing, delivering a stunning haul of four Gold medals in Weightlifting while athletes impressed on the track and in the field.

 

Leading the charge was defending champion, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, who dominated the men’s 71kg weightlifting event.

 

Umoafia lifted a Commonwealth Games record total of 319kg after opening with a record 147kg in the Snatch before adding 172kg in the Clean and Jerk to hand Nigeria its fourth gold medal of the Games.

 

The Gold Rush continued in the women’s 53kg category as Onome Didih delivered a flawless performance.

 

She also set a Commonwealth Games records with a 93kg Snatch, a 113kg Clean and Jerk, and a combined total of 206kg to comfortably finish ahead of India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav and Canada’s Rebeka Groulx.

 

Rafiatu Folashade Lawal defended the Title she won at Birmingham 2022, as she completed Nigeria’s Golden Treble by successfully defending her Commonwealth Games title in the women’s 58kg event.

 

Lawal lifted 103kg in the Snatch and 126kg in the Vlean and Jerk for a record-breaking total of 229kg, setting new Games marks in all three categories and finishing 14kg ahead of Canada’s Ann-Sophie Taschereau.

 

Nigeria also picked up a Bronze Medal through Eucharia Iyiazi, whose opening throw of 8.19m earned her a podium finish in the women’s F57 shot put despite failing to register another valid attempt.

 

However, Adedapo Opadeji was unable to finish the men’s 79kg weightlifting competition.

 

Nigeria’s sprinters also made an encouraging start to their campaigns.

 

Favour Ashe comfortably won his men’s 100m heat in 10.10 seconds after easing off before the finish, while Nicholas Fakorede advanced to the next round with a time of 10.21 seconds.

 

Miracle Ezechukwu also impressed on her Commonwealth Games debut, winning her women’s 100m heat in 11.32 seconds to qualify for the semifinals.

 

In the field events, Sade Olatoye booked her place in the

Women’s Hammer throw final after recording a best throw of 62.75 metres to finish 10th in Group A.

 

Her qualification added to Nigeria’s growing list of finalists across the athletics competition.

 

There was more joy in the women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball event as Nigeria recorded its first victory of the Games with a dramatic 7-6 comeback win over India.

 

Trailing by two points with less than two minutes remaining, the Nigerian side rallied late to snatch victory and round off a memorable day that further strengthened Team Nigeria’s medal push at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

 

Team Nigeria now has Six Gold Medals and Four Silver Medals so far in the Games, and sit comfortably in fourth position on the Medals Table.

ADC Alleges  Intimidation, Harassment Of Opposition Parties In Rivers State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
African Democratic Congress - ADC

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has raised an alarm over alleged orchestrated plots to muscle opposition parties in Rivers State.

 

The party’s alarm bell is tolling against the backdrop of a directive purportedly issued by the authorities of the Ikwerre Local Council  prohibiting all forms of political gatherings and activities without the express approval of the Chairman.

 

Ikwerre is the home Local Government Area of the 2027 Vice presidential candidate of the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi.

 

The 23 Local Councils of the State are  controlled by the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike-backed Rainbow Coalition , comprising mainly the All Progressive Congress APC and Peoples Democratic party PDP.

 

In a statement on Monday, July 27, 2026, from its spokesperson Chizy Enyi, the ADC  described the directive as an act of intimidation targeted at frustrating opposition parties in the area and the State as a whole ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The opposition Coalition maintained that the directive requiring the approval of the authorities of the Ikwerre Local Council Chairman before a political gathering can hold in the Council is a potent threat to the survival of constitutional democracy.

 

The source reports that the authorities of the Council had cited the renewed wave of kidnapping, and other criminal activities in  parts of the Council as a major reason for its action.

 

But while  acknowledging the security challenges facing parts of the Local Government Area, as well as sympathising with victims and their families, the ADC insisted that it should not be used as a smokescreen to erode democracy and suppress the rights of citizens.

 

The party further noted that while it supports every genuine efforts at restoring peace and stability, it nevertheless will resist any attempts to use the development as a bait to clamp down on opposition voices.

 

According to the ADC, the order raises critical constitutional questions especially as regards the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, freedom of association, and political participation.

 

The ADC maintained that such constitutionally guaranteed rights have exposed to mortal danger by such directives as issued by the Ikwerre Local Council authorities.

 

It expressed serious concern that legitimate political activities are being deliberately restricted and undermined under the guise tackling insecurity.

 

The party noted that allowing the directive to pass will, no doubt, embolden the progenitors into seeking more ways of shrinking the democratic space ahead of the 2027 polls.

 

The party lamented that for months now, its members and supporters have been subjected to series of acts of intimidation and threats,lead to the  disruption of their lawful activities and gatherings

 

The ADC called on all relevant authorities including the state police Command ,other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to pay attention to developments that have the potential to undermine free political participation in Rivers state.

Edo Security Squad Bursts Suspected Cultists Initiation, Arrests Four

By
Ayodele Oni
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Cultists Arrested in Edo State

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Edo State Special Security Squad codenamed “Operation flush out Kidnappers and Cultists” has announced the arrest of four suspected cultists.

 

The arrest was effected during a raid along with other security agencies on a hideout at Egbaen Community in Ovia North East local government area of the state.

 

Principal Security Officer (PSO) Saturday Okoh leading other security agencies, stormed the hideout at about 6am, to apprehend the suspects and dangerous weapons recovered from them linking them to cult related activities.

 

The weapon found with the suspects includes four locally made pistols, cut to size gun, one baretal pistol and one matchet.

 

Despite finding the evidence in their hideout, they all denied ownership, but confessed to be members of Aiye Confraternity.

 

Speaking to journalists, the coordinator of the squad Noah Idemudia commended the public for the provisions of useful information that has helped the squad record various successes in its operations.

 

He appealed for more useful information as the squad needs such information to continue to achieve successes in all its operations.

 

“In the early hours of Sunday we got an intelligent report that some members of black axe group wanted to carry out initiation at Egbaen Community which might lead to other disastrous activities that will cause a breakdown of law and order.

 

“We responded in the early hours of this morning, moved to the community and our operations was successful as we were able to apprehend four suspects and recovered dangerous weapons.

 

“We thank the general public and urge them to keep the information coming as it has been of great help to the squad in several successes recorded on various occasions. We will do our best and ensure Edo State is safe for citizens.

NAFDAC Seals Intercontinental Distilleries, Two Others Over Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
NAFDAC Officials on Duty

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Following its NJfailure to comply with the directives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on the ban on Sachet and PET Bottles below 200ml Alcoholic Drinks, NAFDAC has sealed three factories in Ogun State.

 

Kunle Ojo, NAFDAC’s Assistant Director on Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, confirmed the sealing the of Factories, stressing that the enforcement followed continued production of alcoholic products in packaging prohibited under existing regulatory directives.

 

The enforcement was carried out in Sango-Ota and Idi-Iroko axis of Ogun State.

 

Ojo stated that the factories sealed were Intercontinental Distilleries Ltd., Shashi Distillery Ltd. and an undisclosed factory owned by Nigeria Distillery Ltd.

 

Ojo further added that the undisclosed factory was discovered as a result of the agency’s ongoing second phase of nationwide enforcement of the Federal Government’s ban on the products.

 

The agency began enforcement on the ban of sachet and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic drinks in January, leading to nationwide protest from Distilleries Companies and their Unions.

 

Announcing the sealing of the Companies, Ojo stated that officials earlier visited Nigeria Distillery Ltd. at Kilometre 14, Idi-Iroko Road, but found nothing, thereafter, received intelligence report on the company’s undisclosed factory on July 24.

 

He said that prohibited packing materials of banned pet alcohol beverages below 200ml and sachet nylon were discovered, describing it as mind-boggling.

 

“We discovered uncountable 100ml alcoholic bottles, packaging materials for sachets and already producing sachet alcohol still on production machines at the facility.

 

“We also noticed today that after sealing the factory some of the items we found on Friday are missing, this is a serious violation and it will be dealt with administratively,” Ojo said.

 

He added that the agency had previously visited Intercontinental Distilleries and Shashi in January to stop the use of 22 machines producing sachet alcoholic drinks and evacuated packaging materials for alcohol beverages below 200ml.

 

Ojo noted that during its visit on July 24, the agency discovered old packaging materials for alcohol beverages below 200ml at the factories prompting NAFDAC to seal the factory.

 

“When we came in last week, we discovered old packaging materials and those machines we placed on hold were producing the banned products again.

 

“This is exactly why we decided to close down the entire factory because what NAFDAC said they should not produce, they are secretly producing,” he said.

 

Ojo said that NAFDAC would continue to intensified effort to sanitise the country of banned products to safeguard public health.

 

He urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity on production of such banned alcohol production to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Suspected Armed Herders Kill 15 In Renewed Wave Of Attacks On Benue Communities

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Gunmen

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The authorities of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have strongly condemned the latest round of attacks and killings of no fewer than 15 persons in parts of the Council.

 

The victims were reportedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen who allegedly invaded Efeyi/Ugboju communities of the Local Council early Tuesday morning.

 

According to eyewitness accounts, while 14 people were killed in Efeyi-Ugboju, one was killed in the nearby community of Ipom-Ugboju earlier on Monday

 

There are, however, strong indications that the casualty figures could be  more, especially in Efeyi/Ugboju communities where  dead bodies according to locals are still being recovered, with several others said to have been seriously injured.

 

The attackers who were said to be heavily armed, reportedly operated for several hours, without any intervention from either conventional security agencies and or local vigilante groups.

 

“The attack started at about 5.00 am on Tuesday and lasted till 9 am. 14 people were slaughtered in Efeyi-Ugboju, while the armed herders responsible for the attacks killed another at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday”, a local volunteered.

 

While confirming the development, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Council, Hon Maxwell Ogiri, described the attack and killings as barbaric and unprovoked.

 

He further noted that 14 bodies have been recovered, with several individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

 

“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill our people. 14 dead bodies have been recovered, while many others were wounded.

 

“The people are now living in fear, and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety”, Ogiri lamented.

 

This is as he expressed serious concern over the inability of security agencies to contain the  attacks and killings, wondering if there are actually sufficient presence of operatives in the affected areas.

 

The source reports that the twin Benue State Councils of Ohinimini and Otukpo have been visited with an orgy of violent attacks and bloodletting since the gruesome killings of the Chairman of the State’s Chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association MACBAN Ardo Risku Mohammad and his associate Yakubu Isah Mairiga on June 26 ,2026.

 

Although the authorities and the Fulani leadership have tended to downplay the widespread insinuations, the killing of the Miyetti Allah leader in Okukwu/Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace and security meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council is believed to have triggered spates of attacks and reprisal attacks across the two councils.

Ogun Probes Building  Collapse Which Claimed One Life

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Bulding Collpased in Ajuwon Ogun

By Ayodele Oni

 

Interim report has attributed structure failure for the collapse of a building in Ogun state on Monday just as governor,  Dapo Abiodun ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the collapse of a two-storey building.

 

The incident happened at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area, as the  State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and preventing similar incidents across the state.

 

The building, which collapsed on Monday afternoon following a severe thunderstorm, claimed one life, while several occupants narrowly escaped.

 

Preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only portions of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris.

 

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the vicinity.

 

Two women and their children reportedly escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before it gave way.

 

Emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated search-and-rescue operations.

 

Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also swiftly deployed heavy equipment to the site, joining the rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the collapse.

 

Although initial surface searches did not locate any victims, traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble prompted emergency teams to undertake a carefully controlled excavation exercise.

 

The operation eventually led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time of the report.

 

The investigation team noted that while adverse weather conditions preceded the collapse, the exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined at the scene.

 

Experts explained that only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would establish whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials, or other underlying factors.

 

Consequently, Governor Abiodun has directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to conduct comprehensive assessments of the collapsed structure, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials, and inspect adjoining buildings to determine whether they have also been compromised.

 

Governor Abiodun expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, while sympathising with all those affected by the collapse.

 

He also commended emergency responders, first responders, volunteers and community members for their prompt intervention, which led to the successful rescue of several occupants and helped minimise further loss of life.

 

The Governor assured residents that the State Government would provide every necessary support to those affected while investigations continue.

 

He stressed that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans, or compromised construction standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

The Ogun State Government also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.

 

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening enforcement of physical planning regulations across the state, the government urged property developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing any construction project and to adhere strictly to approved building plans and specifications issued by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

 

Government warned that unauthorised alterations to approved building designs, the use of substandard materials, and non-compliance with established construction standards pose grave risks to lives and property.

 

It stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains the most effective safeguard against avoidable structural failures.

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