By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

According to the police command in the state, the blast affected a newly completed building that had not yet been occupied.

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed an explosion that occurred last Sunday in Umuneke Community, Mbieri, within the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Speaking to Channels Television in a phone interview, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that although there were no casualties, an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

According to him, the blast affected a newly completed building that had not yet been occupied.

Okoye further disclosed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police, along with the command’s Anti-Bomb Squad, had visited the scene to ensure the area was cleared of any remaining explosives.

He reassured the community that the command was committed to uncovering the root cause of the incident and bringing any responsible parties to justice. Residents were also urged to go about their lawful activities without fear, as the police are working diligently to maintain security.

Meanwhile, local villagers reported that the affected building had recently been completed by a couple who planned to move in by February. They recounted hearing a loud explosion in the middle of the night, and upon venturing out hours later, discovered that the house had been reduced to rubble.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly killed at least 40 farmers in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

It was gathered that the attack which happened around 4:30pm on Sunday in a farming community, Kayakura village, in Doron Baga ward, also left dozens of farmers missing.

This is coming barely 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set ablaze in a similar attack on Chibok community, southern part of the state.

A local source said members of the deadly group invaded the villages in large numbers and started shooting sporadically.

“As we speak, many people are missing and they killed more than 40 farmers, predominantly those who escaped the attack in Gwoza local government area,” he said.

However, a security source in the area gave the number of people killed as 30.

“Thirty people lost their lives during the attack on the farmers in the Doron Baga ward,” the source said.

Efforts to speak to the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kenneth Daso, proved abortive as his telephone line was not reachable as of press time.

(Daily Trust)

A report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence, a research firm, has identified Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Lagos, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State, and Onitsha as the eight most dangerous areas for security threats in Nigeria.

The findings highlight major cities and highways prone to theft, attacks, and road hazards, offering critical insights into the country’s security challenges.

The report noted that Port Harcourt is the most perilous city, with 85 incidents reported, primarily involving violent crime such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

Maiduguri follows with 52 incidents, plagued by ongoing insurgent threats. Lagos recorded 32 incidents, with urban crime concentrated in high-density areas.

“The Makurdi-Jos route presents another troubling scenario, with a blend of youth gang violence and farmer-pastoral conflicts.

“These incidents often lead to roadblocks and attacks on motorists, highlighting systemic lapses in government security provisions,” the report stated.

Jos, Calabar, and Kano each registered between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft dominating the security landscape.

Eleme Junction in Rivers State, a strategic transport hub, accounted for 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s bustling trade routes saw 15 cases of theft and related crimes.

“The Port Harcourt-Warri route has now surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in danger levels,” the report added, noting the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom.

Beyond insecurity, the report highlighted infrastructural deficiencies, revealing that 84.6% of respondents had experienced or heard of security incidents on their travel routes. Only 42% found the roads somewhat safe, with just 2.4% considering them very safe.

The survey underscored challenges like potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, exacerbating road hazards. It called for “improved security measures to safeguard travellers” and enhance road infrastructure.

Nigeria’s roads remain fraught with danger, with uneven maintenance and inconsistent police patrols leaving residents and travellers vulnerable.

The findings emphasise the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure safer travel nationwide.