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Victims of Anambra stampede buried amidst tears

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The victims who died in a stampede that occurred before a Christmas rice distribution in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, have been buried.

No fewer than 21 people, mostly women and children reportedly lost their lives during the tragic incident that occurred on December 21, 2024, during the palliative distribution being donated by a notable member of the community, Chief Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, through his foundation, Obijackson Foundation.

The inter-denominational burial service for the victims held at St. Mary’s Field, Okija, on Friday, had families of the victims, survivors, community members, and other notable personalities of the community in attendance in the low-key event.

The event was organised by the Okija community.

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During the service, the Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria Okija Zone, Bishop Rommy Nzomiwu who anchored his lesson from the book of Revelation 21:1-8, asked the Almighty God to console everybody who lost their loved ones and prayed that such would not occur again in the community.

Chukwudolue said, “We ask God to wipe away every tear and console the families of the deceased. We pray such an accident will not occur in Okija again. Okija mourns, Anambra mourns, and Nigeria mourns.

“Nobody would hear such tragic news and not feel sober. Only the Lord can console those who lost their loved ones and we pray the Lord will continue to comfort the families of the victims.”

During his sermon, the Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Ralph Okafor, who read from the book of Psalms 23, urged the families of the victims to move and continue to look to God for consolation, saying, “Past is past, we must move on.”

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While mourning the victims, the Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, Chief Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, thanked the traditional ruler of the community and other members of the community for their support and show of love.

Azudialu-Obiejesi said, “Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to honour the memory of those we lost in the tragedy that happened on December 21 in the community. I, as the founder of the Obijackson Foundation sincerely expressed my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the entire Okija community for the incident.

“The foundation remains steadfast in its resolve to human development, this incident has strengthened our resolve to ensure there such tragedy will not occur again. Let this tragedy bring us closer and make us stronger as a community and have a resolve to forge ahead.

“This kind of tragedy can deter you from engaging in service, but we as a foundation, are going to continue to ensure that we do everything that God has empowered us to do to ensure that Okija never suffers this kind of calamity again.

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“We are humbled and reminded of the importance of doing good. We are taking decisive actions and our resolve to serve the Okija people will remain steadfast. Together, we will rebuild, together, we will make Okija a safer place where you will always eat and remember your brothers and sisters.

“The Obijackson Foundation will continue to do good. As the founder of the foundation, we have done this for 15 years and I assure you, we will continue to bring succour and love to Okija. May all those families that lost their loved ones continue to relate and we will support them with all the things they deserve.”

In his speech, the traditional ruler of the community, Emeka Okezie, urged the foundation to continue in its philanthropic gestures as these have impacted positively on the community and the lives of the people.

Okezie urged Azudialu-Obiejesi to continue in his community service and impact on lives and not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident.

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The Chairman of Dozzy Group of Companies, Chief Daniel Chukwudozie, consoled the victims and donated a sum of N10 million to them.

Some of the victims, who spoke at the event, expressed sadness over what happened while calling on the Almighty God to grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest.

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Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

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Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.

The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.

Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.

The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.

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The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.

The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.

Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.

“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”

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Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.

A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.

The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .

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In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.

The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.

“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.

“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.

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“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.

“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”

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FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.

Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.

“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.

Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.

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“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.

The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.

“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.

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“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.

“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.

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Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

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A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,

Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.

Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.

Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.

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One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.

Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.

He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.

According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.

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“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.

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