Metro
Abia police uncover baby factory, rescuing 16 pregnant women, eight children
Sixteen women who are in various stages of pregnancy have been rescued by the Rapid Response Squad of Abia State Police Command.
They were rescued on March 7, 2024 following credible intelligence gathered by the Rapid Response Unit about the notorious activities going on at the baby factory.
The Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, who briefed journalists at the Police headquarters in Umuahia, while parading the rescued women and their children, alongside two suspects, said a total of 16 pregnant girls and eight children were rescued.
She noted that the eight children comprise of five males and three females.
She said that two suspects, Onyinyechi Okoro from Ihechiowa (F), Arochukwu LGA who is 29 years and one Ekene Okezie (M) from Arondizuogu, Imo State, were also nabbed at the baby factory.
The police spokesperson pointed out that discreet investigation is already ongoing on the matter.
The Command advised the Abia public to be security conscious by reporting any suspicious person or activities around them, assuring that it is committed to securing the safety and security of law-abiding residents of the state.
Speaking to journalists during the parade, the male suspect, Ekene Okezie from Arondizuogu, Imo State, claimed that he was just a lawful tenant living in the building where the baby factory was located.
But the female suspect, Onyinyechi Okoro, said she was employed by another male suspect who provided money for her to use in taking care of the pregnant women and their babies, adding that she regretted her actions.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Alex Otti, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, commended the efforts of security agencies, especially the Abia State Police Command.
He made it clear that the state government has zero tolerance for abuse of young girls and children, saying that no suspect arrested in the crackdown would be left unpunished.
He recalled how young women were also rescued from a baby factory in Isiala Ngwa South, even as he maintained that it was not the culture of Abia people to be involved in child trafficking.
Ekeoma assured that the rescued girls and their babies would be rehabilitated and reunited with their families.
In her speech, Abia State Commissioner for Women Affair and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ngozi Felix, who was represented by Ogechi Oguama, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stressed that the government was against every form of abuse of women and children, saying that the girls would be counseled .
The commissioner also advised parents to train their children well.
Metro
SAD! 25 k!lled during Eid-El-Maulud festivities in Kaduna road accident
By Mario Deepromoter
The death toll from the auto crash that occurred along Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday has risen to 25.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna State, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed the increase in fatalities to PUNCH Metro on Monday.
“Ten more victims died due to injuries sustained in the crash, bringing the total number of deceased to 25 out of the 63 people involved,” Nadabo said.
PUNCH Metro reports that the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying 63 children, mostly youngsters traveling to celebrate Eld El Maulud, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.
The Sector Commander, FRSC, in Kaduna State, Nadabo, had said, “The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over speeding, resulting in the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
However, Nadabo added that due to the nature of the injuries sustained during the crash, 10 more victims died bringing the toll number of fatalities to 25.
“Sadly, at about 18:45 hrs today(16/9/2024), the command received an update that 10 more victims had died due to injuries sustained. This is truly sad and tragic. The total amount of the deceased has risen to 25 people out of the 63 people involved.
“I want to express the Corps’ profound condolences to the families of all those who have lost their dear ones in this fatal accident. I also want to reiterate the FRSC stance and position on overloading of humans or goods and excess speeding. In this case, both contributed to the fatal calamities witnessed.
“These are avoidable, hence our resolve to continuously engage motorists on safety ethics and general Road behaviour. The FRSC Kaduna is poised to ensure the overall safety of motorists in Kaduna and beyond,” the Sector Commander added.
Nadabo emphasised the importance of road safety measures, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.
“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.”
An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, “I saw the bus swerve out of control and collide with the articulated vehicle.”
“It was a horrific sight, and my heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he added.
Nadabo said due to the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained, some of the victims were moved to the ABU Teaching Hospital at Shika, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital respectively for proper and comprehensive medical attention.
He also said the FRSC had launched an investigation into the incident.
“This accident is a wake-up call for all drivers to prioritise road safety,” Nadabo said.
“We will continue to educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.”
As the families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the nation is reminded of the need for vigilance on the roads.
“We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such incidents in the future,” Nadabo emphasised.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Nadabo said.
Metro
One Dead, Eight Injured In Crash On Third Mainland Bridge
No fewer than eight persons have been injured and one was reported dead in a head-on collision between two buses on the Third Mainland Bridge, near the Ilaje area of Lagos State on Monday.
The crash occurred as the two Mazda commercial buses, with number plates — LND 624 YE and EKY 804 YH, “recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele,” according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq.
The statement noted that the intervention of the LASTMA officials “facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures,” adding that this serves as a reminder of the “catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.”
“The injured were immediately transported to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent medical care, courtesy of the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).
“Police units from Bariga and Alonge Police Stations were instrumental in providing critical security support during the rescue operation, ensuring order and expediting the efforts to restore normalcy.
“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and implores all motorists to strictly observe speed regulations and exercise caution while driving,” the statement read.
The agency also sympathised with the family of the bereaved and “wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.”
In another related development, an accident was recorded on Monday, involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the bridge near the University of Lagos’ waterfront, also inbound Iyana-Oworonsoki.
“The crash, attributed to excessive speeding, resulted in no casualties. LASTMA personnel acted swiftly to clear the wreckage, preventing any further obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the bridge,” it added.
PUNCH
Metro
Enugu market boss reportedly assassinated
Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA) Enugu, Stephen Aniagu, was on Saturday night, murdered by suspected assassins.
Aniagu was reportedly shot dead around 7pm at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in the Amaechi area of Enugu South Local Government.
Sources said Aniagu was likely to be on his way home after the close of the day’s market.
“We heard gunshots and ran for safety. When we emerged from hiding a few minutes later, we found his lifeless body on the ground, and his car was missing.
“His body was riddled with bullets. He was shot multiple times by his attackers,” the source, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
At the time of sending this report, the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, could not be reached for confirmation.
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