The Enugu State Police Command has sustained its fight against human trafficking, arresting a transnational trafficking suspect, Raymond Sunday Wonna (male, aged 30), and rescuing two young female victims, Miracle Ogar (aged 18) and Angela Kingsley (aged 16), all of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State. They were intercepted on 30th July 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., by operatives of the Command’s Crack Tactical Squad during a routine patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were being trafficked to Ghana under the guise of securing job opportunities. Without the knowledge or consent of their parents or relatives, the suspect, who claimed to be a casual labourer, lured them from Ogoja, Cross River State, to work in a restaurant allegedly owned by his “baby mama” in Ghana.
Further findings indicate that the suspect also attempted to rape the victims while lodging them in a hotel, where they were kept pending departure. The victims have been safely returned home and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the trafficking network.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift intervention. He has further ordered a meticulous investigation, timely conclusion, and prosecution of the case, while urging personnel to sustain the momentum.
CP Giwa reiterats the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking and other violent crimes. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call the Command’s Control Room via 08032003702 or 08086671202, or the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre on 112.
SP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
State Headquarters
GRA, Enugu
13th August 2025
In order to significantly enhance the infrastructure of Onitsha, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has officially launched the construction of St. Stephen’s Road by the Emmanuel Church Road junction.
This initiative marks a new chapter in his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the urban landscape of Onitsha, especially the internal roads in the city.
During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Soludo highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts since he took office, which include extensive infrastructural developments in Okpoko, initiatives aimed at cleaning up the Ochanja area, numerous infrastructure projects in Onitsha.
“This project is just the beginning of our plans for Onitsha inland,” he declared, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to improving the city’s infrastructure and environment.
The event took a turn as the Governor observed a moment of silence in memory of the late Justice Azuka, a respected lawmaker whose untimely death he described as a profound loss for the community and a challenge to the government’s security efforts.
Governor Soludo assured the people that some of the suspects linked to the incident have already been apprehended, vowing to ensure accountability: “We will work tirelessly to restore our societal values and eliminate those who act with impunity,” he stated.
Addressing the importance of political representation, Governor Soludo underscored the need for the constituents of Onitsha North Constituency One to elect the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Barr. Mimi Azikiwe, in the upcoming bye-election on Saturday. “With APGA’s majority in the state House of Assembly, it is vital for you to support a candidate who can effectively advocate for your community,” he urged.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, who also spoke at the event, praised Governor Soludo’s contributions to Onitsha, noting improvements in water supply, road infrastructure, and educational opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Mr. Tony Nworah shared a hopeful outlook for the upcoming elections, expressing confidence in an APGA victory.
The ceremony drew attendance from notable groups, including Agbalanze and Umu Ikporo Onitsha, demonstrating community support for the governor and the promising developments to come to the bustling city of Onitsha.
President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil.
The President will stop over in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before proceeding to Japan.
In Japan, President Tinubu will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in the City of Yokohama from August 20 to 22.
With the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” TICAD9 will focus on Africa’s economic transformation and improvements in the business environment and institutions through private investment and innovation. It will also promote a resilient and sustainable African society for human security, peace, and stability.
In addition to attending plenary sessions on themes linked to the conference, the Nigerian President will hold bilateral meetings and meet the chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with investments in Nigeria.
Initiated in 1993 by the Japanese government and co-hosted by the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD is a triennial conference held alternately in Japan and Africa. The last one took place in August 2022 in Tunisia.
The forum fosters high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners.
At the end of the TICAD9, President Tinubu will leave for Brasilia, the capital of the Federative Republic of Brazil, on a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25.
This follows an invitation by the Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
While in Brazil, President Tinubu will hold a bilateral meeting with his host and attend a business forum with Brazilian investors.
His delegation—comprising key ministers and senior officials—will explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation and sign agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Brazilian government.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
August 13, 2025
The Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah led government of Enugu State has announced that it will launch 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for public transport and commission five modern bus terminals across the state on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
The disclosure was made by Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
The terminals to be commissioned include two at Holy Ghost, and one each at Nsukka, Abakpa, and Gariki, marking a significant upgrade in the state’s public transportation infrastructure.
The initiative is part of the administration’s efforts to enhance sustainable, efficient, and safer urban transport.
“I’m pleased to share that tomorrow, Thursday, August 14th 2025, we will launch the Enugu State Transport Management System, commission five brand-new modern bus terminals at Holy Ghost, Nsukka, Abakpa & Gariki, and roll out our CNG-powered buses,” the governor’s post read in part.
Accompanying the official X post was a short video announcement by Dr. Malaki Uchennabu, Honorable Commissioner for Information and Communication, featuring a voiceover over visuals of the newly built bus terminals and the CNG buses.
The video noted that the 100 buses set for launch form part of 200 procured by the state government, and extended an invitation to the public and transport stakeholders to attend the commissioning.
The inauguration was described as a “giant leap towards modernizing Enugu’s transport system,” expected to make travel across the state faster, safer, and more convenient for both residents and visitors.
A high court in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, has sentenced four men to seven years imprisonment for vandalising the property of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
EEDC is the power distribution company in charge of electricity supply in South-east Nigeria.
The convicts were tried on a three-count charge of conspiracy, vandalism, and stealing. They are Ikechukwu Esseh, Ikedinachi Uche, Ukpai Godwin, and Uchenna Kalu.
They were arrested on 28 November 2023 for attacking a 7.5MVA injection substation belonging to the EEDC.
The substation is at Education Board Road, Afikpo, in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Delivering judgement, the judge, Nicholas Nwode, found the defendants guilty on all the charges against them.
The judgement was delivered on 23 July, the document showed.
Mr Nwode said his decision followed a careful review of all evidence presented before him and consideration of the “high incidence of vandalism and stealing of electrical installations in Afikpo.”
The judge subsequently sentenced the defendants to five years imprisonment on count one, seven years imprisonment on count two, and five years imprisonment on count three.
The sentences will run concurrently without the option of a fine, the judge ruled.
The spokesperson of the EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, said the EEDC management has commended the judiciary for the judgement and appealed for a speedy trial of other pending matters.
“We hope that this will serve as a deterrent to others out there, who may engage in such criminal acts,” Mr Ezeh said in a statement on Wednesday.
The spokesperson said the electricity company appreciated the efforts of the youth leader in Afikpo and the community’s Task Force Team for mobilising for the arrest of the vandals, now convicts.
He said the effort of the youths was a clear indication of community support and collaboration in the protection of the electricity infrastructure in the community.
Mr Ezeh appealed to customers to support efforts aimed at safeguarding installations in their neighbourhood.
He decried the activities of vandals, which he said have negatively impacted the company’s operations and the quality of service to its customers.
“As a result, we continue to commit scarce resources to restore vandalised equipment – funds that would ordinarily be channelled to other areas of our operations that will benefit our customers,” Mr Ezeh stated.
The EEDC spokesperson urged customers to remain vigilant and protect electricity installations in their neighbourhood from vandalism.
He pointed out that vandalisation of installations inevitably lead to service failure and inconvenience. Premium Times
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained that appointing repentant offenders as ambassadors for good conduct in the aviation sector is a voluntary, unpaid role similar to community service.
In a statement via his X handle, Keyamo noted that it is common practice globally for individuals who have shown remorse to publicly campaign against the misconduct they once engaged in.
He stressed that the title “ambassador” in this context should not be mistaken for a formal government position with benefits.
The statement reads: “For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to Community Service. It is not paid for and it is voluntary service.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.
“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct. It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.”
Cattle breeders in Oyo State have threatened to halt the sale of milk, cows, goats, and rams within two weeks.
They also vowed to shut down butcheries and intermediary businesses, including all cattle markets across the state.
The ultimatum, which took effect on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, follows the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Prohibition Law (2019).
In 2024, the state government established the Oyo State Rule of Law and Enforcement Authority to implement various laws, including those against open cattle grazing, traffic violations, open defecation, and indiscriminate waste disposal.
The two-week deadline was announced on Tuesday during a media parley held at Akinyele in Ibadan by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani, the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, and other socio-cultural associations in the cattle business value chain.
The groups urged the state government to address their grievances promptly or face an indefinite strike. They complained that even cattle not grazed in open fields were being seized by enforcement teams.
MACBAN Chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Jiji, expressed frustration over the implementation of the anti-grazing law, describing it as harsh.
He appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to “have compassion on Fulani cattle breeders,” citing years of peaceful coexistence and their contributions to the state’s security and economy.
According to him, their concerns include the seizure of cattle in enclosed settlements, the imposition of heavy fines, and the prosecution of owners in court.
“Cattle breeders felt they were not consulted before the law’s implementation began,” Jiji said, adding that buying land for ranching has been nearly impossible because locals refuse to sell to them. He stressed the need for viable ranching alternatives.
Jiji revealed that Fulani breeders had resolved that if the government fails to meet with them within two weeks, they will halt the sale of livestock products and close butcheries, intermediary businesses, and cattle markets indefinitely.
South-West Woman Leader of MACBAN, Hajia Aminat Idris, also appealed to the government, saying, “If there’s no peace for us cattle breeders, there’s no peace for those in the value chain.”
South-West Leader of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria, Olagoke Lateef Apata, added, “We’re not against the law, but the enforcers are doing beyond what the law says.”
Chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Fulani, Alhaji Sanni Mohammed, urged the governor to intervene.
“I appeal to the governor to have mercy on us. This is where we get money to feed and train our children. We don’t know any other business we can do. The government should look for a way to accommodate us in the scheme of things,” he said. Punch
The Federal Government has announced plans to engage Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Similarly, charges against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who was accused of assaulting Ibom Air crew and who’s uncladded video was released by unknown persons.
Thess were disclosed on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
Find the full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS
1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.
2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:
THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON
(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.
THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)
(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.
AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.
FINAL COMMENTS
8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.
The governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Ohaneze President-General, John Azuta-Mbata, and other prominent Nigerians will be present to pay tribute to the late football coach, Christian Chukwu at the Night of Tribute.
The event organized by Enugu State Government in collaboration with Nigeria Football Federation is to be held on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at the International Conference Center (ICC), Enugu, and will take place at 4pm to 8pm.
The Night of Tribute being part of a week-long funeral program in celebration of the life and legacy of Christian Chukwu, is expected to attract football lovers, former teammates, football administrators, and other notable dignitaries from sports and political echelon of the society paying their respects to the former Super Eagles Captain and Coach who passed away recently after a prolonged illness.
Christian Chukwu, fondly known as “Chairman,” was a towering figure in Nigerian football. He captained the national team to its first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 1980 and led Enugu Rangers to multiple domestic and continental triumphs in the 1970s. As coach, he managed both Rangers and the Super Eagles, cementing his status as a national sports icon whose leadership, discipline, and passion left an indelible mark on Nigerian football.
The approved programme of events for the funeral ceremony is as follows:
*BURIAL PROGRAMME FOR LATE COACH CHRISTIAN CHUKWU (CON)*
• Sunday, 10th August 2025
Service of Songs
Venue: St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, 13th August 2025
Night of Tributes
Venue: International Conference Centre, Enugu
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, 14th August 2025
Colloquium: “Life and Times of Christian Chukwu, the Chairman”
Venue: Enugu Sports Club, Enugu
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Friday, 15th August 2025
Novelty Football Match
Venue: Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu
Time: 9:00 AM
Christian Wake
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State
• Saturday, 16th August 2025
Lying-in-State / Burial Ceremony
Venue: His country home, Obe, Nkanu West LGA
Time: 9:00 AM Prompt
• Sunday, 17th August 2025
Thanksgiving Service
Venue: St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Obe
Time: 10:00 AM
Coach Christian Chukwu’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and Nigerians alike.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has extended the deadline for the enforcement of the tinted glass permit to October 2, 2025, to allow for what the force describes as “meticulous scrutiny” of applications.
The deadline had earlier been shifted to August 12 to give the police additional time to enhance and refine the application process.
In a statement issued by Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the latest extension would enable the police to carefully assess requests to ensure only eligible persons are granted permits in line with national security considerations.
“This decision follows a significant surge in applications via the official portal, reflecting heightened public compliance with the directive,” the statement reads. “In light of this, the Force considers it imperative to allow sufficient time for the meticulous scrutiny of applications to ensure that the permit is issued only to eligible and qualified individuals, in line with national security considerations.”
Adejobi explained that the extension would also give the police time to fine-tune digital and physical verification processes “to maintain the integrity of the permit system and prevent abuse”.
He stressed that all applications should be submitted exclusively through possap.gov.ng and urged Nigerians to report cases of extortion, hidden charges, or unauthorised processing to the police via the hotline 08147818871.
Adejobi added that the IGP commended Nigerians for their cooperation, noting that the measure was aimed at balancing public convenience with robust security measures.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, a former House of Representatives member, the new Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission.
She succeeds Dr Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure was dogged by controversy.
President Tinubu appointed Mohammed Musa as the Commission’s secretary while retaining Kayode Oladele from Ogun as commissioner.
Oladele, a former House of Representatives member, was appointed by President Tinubu in 2024. He served as the Commission’s acting chairman.
The President renewed the appointments of Lawal Ya’u Roni, Abubakar Atiku Bunu, and Eludayo Eluyemi, who represent Jigawa, Kebbi, and Osun States, for a second term. The President also reappointed Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla, the commissioner from Lagos State.
The newly appointed Commissioners are:
Hon. Obina Oriaku, Abia
Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi, Adamawa
Obongawan Dora Ebong, Akwa–Ibom
Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria, Anambra
Babangida Adamu Gwana, Bauchi
Sir Tonye Okio, Bayelsa
Aligba Eugene Tarkende, Benue
Engr.Modu Mustapha, Borno
Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo, Cross River
Ederin Lovette Idisi, Delta
Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka, Ebonyi
Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror, Edo
Hon. Sola Fokanle, Ekiti
Peter Eze, Enugu
Ibrahim Baba Mairiga, Gombe
Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso, Imo
Ruth Jumai Ango, Kaduna
Muhammad Awwal Nayya, Kano
Hon. Anas Isah, Katsina
Bello Idris Eneye, Kogi
Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, Kwara
Alh. Isah Jibrin, Niger
Comrade Ajimudu Bola, Ondo
Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye, Oyo
Hon. Pam Bolman, Plateau
Aaron Chukwuemeka, Rivers
Alh. Aminu Tambar, Sokoto
Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, Taraba
Hon. Jibir Maigari, Yobe
Sani Garba, Zamfara
Solomon Ayuba Dagami, FCT
Four persons are receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, following a collision between two tankers that triggered a fireball explosion on Monday morning in the Dan Magaji area along the Zaria–Kaduna Expressway.
The accident, which occurred around 8:30am, involved a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)-laden tanker and an empty tanker. The force of the impact ignited a blaze that engulfed both vehicles and injured the victims with varying degrees of burns.
Confirming the incident, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Zaria, Nasir Falgore, said that preliminary investigations showed the LNG tanker rammed into the back of the empty tanker after the latter suffered a sudden tyre puncture.
“Our initial findings indicate that the gas-laden tanker crashed into the rear of the empty tanker, which had a tyre blowout. The driver of the LNG tanker could not stop in time, leading to the collision and subsequent explosion,” Falgore said.
The FRSC chief said the accident caused significant traffic disruption on the busy highway, which serves as a major link between Kaduna and Kano.
Falgore appealed to tanker drivers to exercise greater caution, especially when transporting hazardous materials.
“Drivers should conduct pre-trip inspections, avoid overspeeding, and maintain safe following distances. Tankers carrying LNG or fuel should be driven with extra care because the consequences of a crash can be devastating,” he said.
The Area Commander of the Federal Fire Service in Zaria, Aminu Kiyawa, said his men swung into action immediately after receiving a distress call from passers-by.
“We mobilised our trucks and personnel within minutes. By the time we got to the scene, both tankers were already on fire. Our priority was to rescue any trapped victims and prevent the fire from spreading,” Kiyawa said.
According to him, three victims sustained burns from the LNG tanker explosion, while another person was rescued from the second tanker.
“All four were stabilised on the scene before being rushed to ABUTH, Shika, for further medical attention,” he said.
Kiyawa noted that, contrary to speculation on social media, no smaller vehicles were involved in the accident.
“When we arrived at the scene, only the two tankers were involved. No deaths had been recorded as of the time of our departure,” he clarified.
Kiyawa added that his team had to approach the blaze with extreme caution.
“Gas fires behave differently from petrol fires. We had to use specialised foam and water in calculated bursts to cool the tankers while preventing further explosions,” he explained.
According to Punch’s report, eyewitnesses reported that the explosion could be heard several kilometres away.
A local trader, Mallam Musa Garba, whose shop is close to the highway, said the sound was “like a bomb blast.”
“I was arranging goods in my shop when I heard a loud bang, followed by thick smoke and fire. People ran in different directions, shouting for help,” Garba recounted.
Another resident, Mrs. Jummai Umar, said she initially feared a terrorist attack.
“We didn’t know what was happening. Everyone was screaming, and some people were trying to pour water on the fire, but it was too big,” she said.
Monday’s crash is the latest in a string of tanker-related accidents in Kaduna State over the past five years. In 2021, a petrol tanker explosion along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway claimed at least seven lives. In 2023, another incident in Makarfi Local Government left three dead and several injured.
Residents say the Zaria–Kaduna highway, in particular, has become a hotspot for such tragedies, given the high volume of heavy-duty vehicles and poor road discipline among some drivers.
“We see reckless driving every day. Tankers overtake on curves, they speed downhill, and sometimes they are overloaded,” lamented commercial driver Haruna Bello, who plies the route daily.
A volunteer from the Red Cross in Zaria, who assisted in evacuating victims, said better coordination could save more lives.
“We need more emergency stations along the expressway, especially in high-risk areas like Dan Magaji. Sometimes, by the time help arrives, the fire has already consumed everything,” he said. Punch
According to him, three victims sustained burns from the LNG tanker explosion, while another person was rescued from the second tanker.