An unfortunate event took place on the East-West Road in Eleme, Rivers State.

Four individuals feared dead in tanker explosion in Rivers State

A tanker transporting petroleum products exploded close to the Indorama Petrochemical Company, causing a devastating fire. The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. on Friday, claiming the lives of at least four people and causing significant damage to multiple vehicles.

• An explosion occurred in a notorious high-traffic area along the Akpajo-Onne axis, exacerbating the effects on nearby vehicles and infrastructure.

• A local resident from Akpajo in the Eleme Local Government Area told ASM that the explosion was so powerful it generated a deafening noise audible from a significant distance, underscoring the blast’s severity.

– The source, identified as Vikko, mentioned, “I heard an extremely loud sound around 20 minutes ago, and people were screaming.”

“The sound came from the Petro-Chemical company area. So when I came out, I saw a thick smoke with fire from a distance.”

A Port Harcourt-based broadcast journalist, Segun Owolabi, who gave a live update from the scene aired on his company’s Radio Station (Super FM, 93.3), painted a gory picture and said he counted four bodies burnt.

Owolabi stated, “I saw four dead bodies burnt. Some may have been in the bushes because many ran away. I saw a whole stretch of vehicles burnt down, trailer burnt down.”

On what may have caused the fire, which he said was still raging, he said, “There seems to be a truck carrying substances, and it was as if it had a collision with another vehicle that may have ignited the fire. Over 20 vehicles burnt down and several people trapped.

“There may be more bodies. Oh my God this is a tragedy. A stretch of vehicles burnt.”

He mentioned that three fire-fighting trucks from the Indorama Petrochemical company had arrived at the scene and were attempting to extinguish the still-raging fire.

He added, “Our call right now is to other companies to assist in putting out the fire because it may overwhelm the three fire trucks by the Indorama Company.

“Some security agents are here too, but we call for security presence to ensure nothing else happens here. Also the Rivers State Government and other relevant agencies should rise to the occasion in seeing that the situation is brought under control.

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“Also, the Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area should swing into action and make every necessary call he needs to make to save people of his area and others using the road.”

• Owolabi mentioned the fire was still burning intensely as he departed, with dense smoke rising into the air.
• After the event, reports indicated that numerous travelers and commuters were left stranded due to the road closure leading to Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and other areas.

In a recent development in Adamawa State, a 33-year-old man, Aliyu Musa, known as Imam Mahdi, found himself in Police  custody for using derogatory language against public office holders.

The Case of Aliyu Musa’s Arrest for Abusive Language Towards Public Officials

The arrest followed the circulation of a video on social media featuring Aliyu Musa, a resident of Kwacham Ward in Mubi South LGA, under the Tiktok handle @faty5076, where he made unfounded accusations and abusive remarks towards Adamawa stakeholders.

The Adamawa State Police Command, through its spokesperson Suleiman Nguroje, expressed deep concern over the content of the video, labeling it as “disturbing.”

The command highlighted the potential consequences of such actions, emphasizing that baseless allegations and disrespectful language could not only damage the reputation of public officials but also incite disorder due to their critical roles in maintaining law and order.

In response to this incident, the police command unequivocally denounced such behavior, affirming a strong stance against any form of disrespect towards public office holders and vowing to enforce the laws of the land rigorously.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsible expression, especially when addressing individuals in positions of authority.

As we navigate the complexities of public discourse and civic engagement, it is crucial to uphold civility and evidence-based criticism while fostering constructive dialogue that contributes to transparency and good governance.

The arrest of Aliyu Musa underscores the significance of maintaining decorum and respect in public communication, highlighting the need for a culture of accountability and integrity in our interactions with those entrusted with public service.

Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri tragically slumped and passed away on Monday, 3rd June.

Tragic Loss: Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri Passes Away

The late DCP, who was in his uniform at the time, collapsed in his office, leaving colleagues and staff in disbelief.

According to sources, the late DCP was seated in his office when he suddenly slumped, prompting immediate action to rush him to the Clinic located inside the Police headquarters for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the clinic.

The sudden demise of DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri has left many stunned, especially considering he appeared healthy and engaged in pleasant interactions with fellow officers and Mopol department staff earlier that day. As of now, no official reasons have been provided for his untimely death, leaving a sense of sorrow and loss among those who knew him.

The law enforcement community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the profound impact even a moment can have on those around us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of DCP Abubakar Mohammed Guri during this difficult time.

The EFCC has alleged that certain ministers and associates of the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, are protecting him from prosecution.

“₦80 Billion Fraud Scandal: EFCC Exposes Individuals Protecting Yahaya Bello, Condemns Actions as Disgrace to Nigeria”

This comes as Bello is facing legal challenges with the EFCC regarding an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

After failing to arrest him and with his repeated non-appearance in court for arraignment, the EFCC announced Bello as wanted, while the Nigerian Immigration placed the governor on a watchlist.

The EFCC’s Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Command, Effa Okim, expressed during a visit to the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Asaba that Bello’s avoidance of court had brought ridicule to the Nigerian justice system.

Okim mentioned that the delay in arresting the governor was due to alleged protection from certain ‘political masters’ and associates.

Additionally, Okim emphasized that the case had implications beyond just legal aspects; it had moral dimensions as well.

He said, “This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It’s not me, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That politically-exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by the allegation and has been invited by EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame!

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“Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria’ What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.

“Where are the ministers? Where are Yahaya Bello’s colleagues, even in his hiding? So, Nigerians can’t tell him ‘This is not fair, go and report; they are not going to kill you’? But people are still eating and dining with him.

“Where has morality gone before legality that we can’t summon that man and tell him to go and report himself to the EFCC? Some persons are writing, supporting him, while some are criticizing the commission.

“The problem is our own problem that borders on Nigeria’s image. Our children are watching their parents behave like children.

“To me, the truth has vanished. Even in Animal Farm, this will not happen, that a man who was part of the system that was a custodian of our culture, rules and laws can behave like this and you are asking questions.

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“The media should come out for the first time to harmonise, criticise that action and forget about prosecution but tell him to make himself available; thereafter we know what to do.”

The Bayelsa state government has cautioned that consuming dead Whales could lead to mercury poisoning.

Bayelsa Government Warns against Consuming Dead Whales

Toyin Azebi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, issued this warning during a press briefing following a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunisation and Health Services in Yenagoa.

Residents of Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State reportedly slaughtered a dead whale for consumption, marking the second instance of such an incident.

The residents used hacksaws, axes, and machetes to butcher the whale, similar to what occurred in 2019.

Azebi emphasized that eating dead whales could also result in botulism and bacterial infections, posing significant health risks.

The state government refuted Bayelsa State’s inclusion in the list of states affected by the cholera epidemic outbreak, as reported by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control in its surveillance report.

Azebi clarified that there had been no confirmed cholera outbreak in the state recently, denouncing the NCDC’s declaration and urging people to disregard it.

Following communication with the NCDC, the ministry confirmed that the initial report was inaccurate, leading to an agreement to issue a rebuttal statement.

She said: “The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.

“Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases. We can even report these cases of watery diarrhoea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.

“Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests carried out, only 14 returned positive. Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.

“Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.

“In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no confirmed positive case. The state government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety”.

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