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Angry residents attack Osun firefighters for late response

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2025

The State Controller, Federal Fire Service in Osun State, Femi Akinjobi, has lamented the ill-treatment meted out to his men while attempting to put out a fire from a burning vehicle in Osogbo, the state capital.

There was pandemonium at the Old Garage Area of Osun State capital on Thursday as a vehicle was observed burning near the MDS Road, as people ran in different directions, seeking fire extinguishers and water to suppress the flames.

Tempers, however, rose when operatives of the Federal Fire Service got to the scene and were about to disembark from their truck after the fire had been subdued.

Some displeased people at the scene, after hurling missiles at the firemen, also threatened to pounce on them if they should stop at the scene.

Reacting, Akinjobi, who witnessed the incident, said the mob misdirected their anger, adding that he deployed operatives to the scene of the incident immediately he got the distress call.

Further lamenting the attack on his men, Akinjobi said the police operatives present did not prevent the mob from venting their anger on the firemen deployed to the scene.

“We got information from the State Fire Service and immediately, we moved to the scene. We ran into a gridlock on the road.

The people concerned did not call us. It was an official of the state Fire Service who called my men.

“I followed my men with my private vehicle. Immediately we got there, the hoodlums started throwing stones at my men. My men quickly left the scene. They could not work there. There was no damage to our appliances. Police operatives were at the scene and they could not do anything. That was the most painful part,” Akinjobi said.

But while responding to the allegations, the spokesperson, Osun Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said operatives at the scene prevented the firemen from attack.

“The vehicle caught fire. We don’t know how it happened and the police responded immediately by calling the fire service. The fire service was delayed in coming. We have both state and federal fire services. So, the fire service they called is the state fire service but they gave excuses.

“The Federal Fire Service men were on their way, even people who witnessed the incident were already angry that they called the fire service, but no quick response. So, when people saw the Federal Fire Service, not that they were attacked, but people shouted at them.

“That made them leave the scene. If they had remained there, something else might have happened. So, they did not even stop to put out the fire, for people not to start attacking them.

As at that point when they came, the fire had already been put out, though not completely,” Ojelabi said.

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News

PHOTOS: Three teenagers killed after car enters river

Published

17 minutes ago

September 30, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Three teenagers have died after a car entered the River Wear – and a boy who reached safety has been arrested, police have said.

A black Audi A3 went into the water in Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon, killing two boys and a girl, Northumbria Police said.

Four people are understood to have been in the car at the time. Following a major emergency operation, the three bodies were recovered from the water.

The search centred on the area around Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, where the car entered the water around 1.30pm on Tuesday.

A 17-year-old boy who managed to reach safety has since been arrested, the force said. He is in hospital with non-serious injuries, and remains in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, area commander for Sunderland, said: “This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives.

“Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can, and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.”

He added: “Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened.

“We would ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident, both on social media and in the community.

“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”

Northumbria Police have asked members of the community to avoid the area.

Earlier this afternoon, police, ambulance crews, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Coastguard were on the scene.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also sent two fire engines and a boat to assist with the rescue operation.

In a post on X, Lewis Atkinson, Labour MP for Sunderland Central, said: “I’m aware of the serious incident in the Wear this afternoon. My thoughts are with everyone involved and their families, and with the emergency services responding to the scene.”

Kim McGuinness, mayor for the North East, said: “I’m aware of the serious incident on the River Wear today after a car entered the water in Sunderland.

“Rescue teams are at the scene and right now we must hope and pray for those involved.”

Dated: 29/09/2026 CAR RIVER WEAR SUNDERLAND RESCUE An emergency operation is underway after reports of a car entering a river. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the Monkwearmouth Bridge area in Sunderland while emergency services are at the River Wear. Several emergency vehicles are in attendance. A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 1.30pm today (Tuesday), we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Monkwearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. “Emergency services are

Source: MSN.COM

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News

Kebbi warns civil servants against lateness, absenteeism

Published

2 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Kebbi State Government has directed civil servants across the state to strictly observe the official working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, warning against lateness and absenteeism.

The directive, according to a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, was contained in a circular issued by the Head of the Civil Service, Malami Shekare, dated September 23, 2026, from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Cabinet Office, Birnin Kebbi.

Shekare said the directive followed observations that some civil servants had developed the habit of reporting late for work or staying away from their duty posts without official communication or approval.

He said, “The approved official working hours for the State Civil Service are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and all civil servants are expected to strictly adhere to them.”

The Head of Service added that the prescribed working hours were provided for under Chapter 13, Section 4, Sub-section 140122 of the Public Service Rules, 2021 Edition.

He directed civil servants to “be punctual at their duty posts and comply strictly with the approved working hours.”

Shekare further warned that any absence or lateness must be officially communicated to and approved by the appropriate authority.

“Any absence from duty or lateness must be officially communicated to, and approved by, the appropriate authority,” he said.

He also directed heads of ministries, departments and agencies to bring the circular to the attention of their staff and ensure strict compliance.

The circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff, Government House; Director, Deputy Governor’s Office; Secretary to the State Government; commissioners; permanent secretaries; and chief executives of commissions, boards and parastatals across the state.

Source: punchng.com

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News

Army activates three new battalions to boost security in Zamfara

Published

2 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Nigerian Army has operationalised three new Infantry Battalions in Zamfara State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and improve rapid response across the state.

In a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade Nigerian Army, Gusau, on Tuesday on X, the newly activated units are the 12 Infantry Battalion in Bakura, 23 Infantry Battalion in Kaura Namoda and 28 Infantry Battalion in Anka.

The battalions are expected to expand the Army’s operational coverage and secure their respective Areas of Responsibility (AOR).

Speaking during the activation ceremonies, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General BP Koughna, represented by the Acting Commander, 1 Brigade, Colonel Joseph Umaru, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to strengthening security operations in the state.

Colonel Umaru said the military would continue to work towards protecting law-abiding citizens, stressing that lasting peace required cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions and communities.

He called on residents to support security agencies by providing “timely, credible, and actionable intelligence.”

Addressing the newly deployed troops, Umaru charged them to maintain discipline, professionalism and operational vigilance while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities and adhering to established Rules of Engagement.

The traditional rulers in the three locations also welcomed the establishment of the new battalions.

The Emir of Bakura, Alhaji Bello Sani; Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad; and Emir of Kaura Namoda, Maj. Dr Sanusi Mohammed Ahmed (rtd), commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the additional units.

The monarchs described the deployments as a “crucial milestone” towards restoring normalcy and improving safety in communities across Zamfara.

They also assured the Army of the continued support of traditional institutions, particularly through community mobilisation and information sharing.

“We urge residents to provide timely, credible, and actionable intelligence,” Umaru said

The army said the new battalions are expected to enhance its ability to respond rapidly to security threats and strengthen operations across their respective areas of responsibility.

Source: punchng.com

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