Nation
Kaduna Blasts: Casualty Figure Hits 24 …As Moslem Congress Condemns Attacks
Eight more people have been confirmed dead, as hospitals in Kaduna metropolis battle to save lives of victims of Sunday bomb explosion, The Tide source has confirmed.
Five of the victims on admission at the St. Gerard Hospital were confirmed dead by the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr Sunday Ali.
He said three of the patients had also been referred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, leaving only two at the hospital.
He said one of the remaining victims had a successful surgery on Monday night.
Officials of Barau Dikko Specialists Hospital also confirmed that three of the eight victims on admission at the hospital had lost their lives .
The figure raises the death toll to 24, after the 16 confirmed killed on the day of the incident by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
The Police are however claiming that only 11 people were killed in the explosion.
Meanwhile, the victims are still waiting for the assistance promised them by the Acting Governor of the state, Alhaji Ramalan Yero, during his visit to hospitals where the victims are receiving treatment.
Relations of some of the victims urged the state government to take over the payment of the medical bills of all those affected by the blast.
“Nobody assisted us with anything since their admittance to the hospital,” one of the relations, Mai Unguwa Ali said.
Ali, whose brother, Mansur Ali, a commercial motorcyclist, was a victim, said he paid for the drugs and other medical charges.
“I found it difficult to pay for the treatment due to the nature of the injury,” Ali said.
Another relation, Ubale Awwal, said his brother, Nura Leko, a student, sustained injuries on his leg and parts of the body during the incident.
“I need help for his treatment. I was not happy with government’s response to the victims’ treatment,’’ he said.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Reuben Buhari, assured that the government would refund the medical bills incurred by the victims.
He said the government was still compiling the list of those affected and the hospitals they were admitted, for easy handling of the payments.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Congress (TMC) on Tuesday condemned the Easter Sunday bombing in Kaduna and described the Boko Haram sect as questionable crisis that should be tackled by government at all levels.
The congress, in a statement by its President, Mr Luqman Abdulraheem, in Lagos, said the killing was a ploy to turn Christians against Muslims and to endanger the peaceful coexistence of the country.
“Boko Haram insurgency is indeed a questionable crisis that must be proactively resolved by the federal, state and local governments, as well as security operatives.
“The Muslim and Christian communities in Nigeria are tired of the senseless bombings,’’ the statement said.
The TMC noted that the activities of the Boko Haram had dented the image of the country nationally and internationally, as well as created fear, terror and panic among the people.
It urged government at all levels to close ranks toward making activities of the sect “a thing of the past”.
“We see the continued bombings of sanctuaries and innocent Nigerians by the Boko Haram as a total failure of the nation’s security system that has consistently displayed incompetence in securing lives and property of Nigerians.
“We are tired of empty assurances and promises from the security agencies that they are on top of the situation,’’ it said.
The statement appealed to politicians, statesmen and opinion leaders to support the Federal Government in putting the situation under control.
The congress lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for the establishment of a special Almajiri School in Sokoto State and urged leaders from the north to embrace the initiative.
The Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, Bishop Victor Uzosike, has described love as the bedrock of human existence, family stability and societal harmony, stressing that without love, nothing meaningful can thrive.
Bishop Uzosike made this assertion while speaking to journalists during the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Praise Uzosike, to Architect Chibuzor Akubueze on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The solemnisation was held at the Kingdom Life Gospel Ministries Outreach, Port Harcourt, and was attended by dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to the cleric, love is not only the foundation of relationships but also a powerful force that determines the success of individuals, families and communities.
“If you do not love a place, that place will not bless you. If you do not love your children, they will not be useful to you. If you do not love your family, your family will become a strange island to you. What you do not love, you do not have. Love is the key,” he said.
Reflecting on his family’s journey, Bishop Uzosike said God’s love had sustained them through seasons of challenges and triumphs, noting that unity had remained their greatest strength.
“We have stayed together as one family. God has shown us love in miraculous and mysterious ways, especially during difficult times,” he stated.
Describing the wedding as an amazing and beautiful experience, the bishop expressed appreciation for the show of love from his daughter’s friends, many of whom travelled from the United Kingdom and Ghana to attend the ceremony. He revealed that some of them personally paid for their flights and accommodation, which he described as a rare display of genuine friendship.
He also disclosed that his first daughter, who lives in Manchester, United Kingdom, with her husband, could not attend the wedding due to tight schedules, but noted that she remains happily married and fulfilled.
While thanking guests for honouring his family with their presence, prayers and goodwill, Bishop Uzosike said he felt proud and grateful to God.
“One of the greatest gifts God can give to a man is children who are sound in all ramifications. My children can see, hear, speak and walk. That alone is enough reason to be grateful,” he said.
He praised the bride, describing Praise as an exceptional achiever who had distinguished herself academically. According to him, she completed secondary school at 15, graduated with First Class honours at 19, and earned distinctions in her MBA as well as her first and second master’s degrees.
“For a long time, people believed that highly educated women may not marry early or at all. Today, Praise has proved otherwise. She has made her mother and me very proud,” he said, describing her as a rare gem.
Bishop Uzosike also expressed joy over his son-in-law, whom he described as God-fearing, disciplined and professionally sound.
“He is well brought up, passionate about God and morally upright. His parents did a great job. My wife, Pastor Esther, also did an excellent job,” he added.
The wedding ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu; the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemeyie; and several senior clerics.
Bishop Fidelis Ugbong officiated the solemnisation, while Apostle Chika Onuzo delivered the sermon, identifying communication, sex and money as key factors that can strengthen or weaken marriages.
Prof. Ngozi Odu also prayed for the couple and paid glowing tributes, drawing admiration from attendees.
The reception, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, was equally colourful. Justice Matilda Ayemeyie proposed the toast, describing marriage as not always a bed of roses and emphasising patience, commitment and understanding.
The event was chaired by Chief Henry Nwabugo and attended by notable personalities, including retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili; Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey; Hon. Otunba Jumbo; Nze Best Anele; and Prof. Henry Ogiri, among others.
Guests were entertained with dance performances by the couple, while the parents’ outing added elegance to the celebration. The master of ceremonies, Ambassador Kingsley, kept the audience engaged with humour and interactive sessions.
Overall, the wedding was a remarkable blend of spirituality, culture and celebration, marked by love, joy and unforgettable moments.
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