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House of Reps orders Federal Govt to investigate recurring boat accidents on Nigeria’s Waterways
House of Reps orders Federal Govt to investigate recurring boat accidents on Nigeria’s Waterways
The House of Representatives has ordered investigation into causes of the incessant boat mishaps on Nigeria’s waterways.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Unyime Idem (PDP-Akwa-Ibom) on the floor of the House in Abuja on Tuesday.
Presenting his motion, Idem said that Nigeria had witnessed a disturbing surge in boat mishaps in recent times, resulting in the tragic loss of numerous lives.
He cited the most recent incident, being the Kogi boat mishap, which occurred on Nov. 29.
This, he said, took place on the Dambo-Ebuchi waterway of the River Niger in Kupa Local Government Area.
The rep said that the tragic incident involved over 160 passengers, with only 24 rescued, and 54 confirmed dead, while a yet to be determined number were still unaccounted for.
According to him, the Kogi boat mishap marked the third passenger boat accident in Nigeria within a span of just 60 days.
“In a similar tragic incident, precisely on October 3, 2024, a wooden dugout canoe carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized and sank on the River Niger,” Idem said.
This, according to him, resulted in the loss of nearly 200 lives.
He further said that just last week, a collision between two boats in Delta State, southern Nigeria, claimed the lives of five people.
Idem stated that the reccurrence of these devastating incidents culminated in the recent Kupa boat mishap in Kogi State.
This, he added, underscored the urgent need for improved maritime safety measures in Nigeria.
He stated that maritime experts had identified a combination of critical factors contributing to the alarming frequency of boat accidents in Nigeria.
Idem listed the factors to include inadequate boat maintenance and poor design, overloading, a lack of essential safety equipment and emergency response plans.
Others listed are insufficient training for boat operators and a lack of strict regulatory enforcement.
He expressed concern that if nothing was done to improve safety and emergency response systems, Nigerians would continue to face psychological trauma, economic losses, and untimely deaths.
Adopting the motion, the House, after observing a minute of silence for the departed souls in the Kogi Boat Mishap, urged the Federal Government to proffer solutions to the challenges.
The lawmakers stated that the investigation should be done jointly by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Transportation “and provide insights and recommendations on improving maritime safety.”
The House also urges NIMASA and NIWA to enforce safety regulations and ensure compliance with international maritime standards.
The House mandated the House Committees on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, and Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority to ensure compliance.(NAN)
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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing woman’s death
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Fake Medical Doctor sent to jail for allegedly removing womb causing Woman’s death
An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 55-year-old fake doctor, Moyosore Johnson, in a correctional centre for allegedly causing the death of a woman.
Johnson, whose address was not provided, was arraigned on a four-count charge bothering on conspiracy and accelerating cause of death.
Magistrate Kausarat Ayofe did not take the plea of the defendant for lack of jurisdiction.
She directed the police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for advice.
Ayofe adjourned the case until March 27, for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Segun Adegboye, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 5, 2024, at about 10.00 a.m, at Apata Igbala Hospital Iseyin, Oyo State.
Adegboye alleged that the defendant unlawfully accelerated the cause of the death of one Badirat Adebayo, 26, by carrying out surgery on her.
He alleged that the defendant removed Adebayo’s womb, which led to her death.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Sections 516 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.(NAN)
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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists
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Group seeks support for military to capture Bello Turji, other Terrorists
The North-West Youths for Peace and Development (NWYPD), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the suppprt of the people in the region for the military in its renewed onslaught against Bello Turji and other terrorists in the region.
The Coordinator of the group, Salihu Bello, made the call while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bello also urged the people to show appreciation to the Armed Forces of Nigeria for its relentless efforts to tackle the activities of Bello and other bandits.
‘The military needs our to restore peace and order in the North West.
“While our region is seeking ways to advance economically, here we are dealing with forces of retrogression, people who don’t want our region to make progress.
“Unfortunately they are our people. How did we get here? Who are the people directly or indirectly supporting them?
“The North-West Youths for Peace and Development commend the Gen. Christopher Musa led Armed Forces of Nigeria for what is been done to restore peace in our region.
“We once more appeal to our people to support the military,” he said. (NAN)
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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander
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Police operatives arrest 5 suspects for alleged murder of 7-year-old boy, Vigilante Commander
The Police Command in Edo says it has arrested five suspects in connection with two different killings in the state.
This is contained in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in charge of the command, CSP Moses Yamu.
Yamu said that the killings include an alleged gruesome murder of a 7-year-old boy, and the assassination of a local vigilante commander.
He said that one Mr John Okojabhole, a resident of Jehovah Witness Road, off Elebesunu Street in Irrua, reported the murder of his son, Evans Okojabhole, on Feb. 22.
According to him, the boy, who had been declared missing 24 hours earlier, was later found dead with his stomach ripped open, his ankles severed, and some fingers cut off.
”His mutilated body was dumped in a bush near their home.
”Following preliminary investigations, two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime.
“The police transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin for further investigation.”
The PPRO said that in another incident, the command was investigating the killing of one Victor Ogedengbe, 50, the Vigilante Commander of Erah Camp in Owan East Local Government Area of the state.
”Ogedengbe was reportedly attacked and killed in his farm on Feb. 25 by suspected herdsmen.
”The Chairman of Owan East LGA reported the incident at Afuze Police Division, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of three suspects.
”The suspects are all residents of Erah community, and they have also been transferred to the SCID for further interrogation,” he said.
Yamu, disclosed that the police had also increased security in Uzanu and Okpekpe communities following the recent killing of two farmers by suspected herdsmen.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in the state.
He quoted the commissioner as urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agents by reporting suspicious activities.
“We appreciate the support from the general public and appeal for continued cooperation. If you see something, say something,” the police boss was quoted as saying. (NAN)
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