Niger Delta
Fire razes 4 shops in Edo
Fire on Wednesday destroyed four shops located at Ugbowo axis of the Benin metropolis, opposite the university of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin, the Edo State capital.
The Tide’s source gathered that the fire which started at about 2pm, started from one of the shops dealing on Hospital and Laboratory equipment, and later spread to other shops within the building.
Men of the Federal Fire Service, the University of Benin Fire Service (UNIBEN) and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) battled to put out the raging fire without luck.
Residents and shop owners made frantic effort to salvage some of the goods.
Speaking, Mr. Sunday Madubuko, one of the shop owners who operates a Boutique, said the fire started from a laboratory equipment shop next to his own.
“The sales girl of the laboratory shop where the fire started from ran to my shop telling me that fire is burning in their office, I told her I don’t have fire extinguisher. Before I knew it, the fire extended to my Boutique.
“All l know is that the fire started from the laboratory shop and spread to other shops. The cause of the fire, I still do not know. What I lost in the inferno is goods worth over N20,000,000″, Madubuko said.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal fire Service, Asimu Sumaila, told newsmen that operatives of the service were currently at the scene of the incident, adding that he was yet to get a full report from the operational commander of the unit.
Sumaila, however, promised to get back to journalists as soon as he gets full details of the fire incident.
It would be recalled that a similar fire incident on Tuesday, April 23, destroyed a building housing over 20 shops at Ekiosa market, located at third junction, Murtala Muhammed Way in Benin.
Continue Reading
The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
-
News4 days agoNSCDC, Navy, Army uncover illegal refinery in Anambra
-
Opinion4 days agoNigeria’s Insecurity And Co-Existence
-
Sports4 days agoBrighton Whip Wolves 2-0
-
Business3 days agoFG Bans Waivers For Threaded Pipes
-
Sports4 days ago22nd NSF: Ogun State Gov. Vows To Set benchmark
-
Rivers3 days agoNavy Saves 99 Persons From Drowning In Rivers
-
News4 days agoAddress Corruption, Institutional Weakness, ASUU Begs FG
-
Opinion4 days agoImbibing Leadership Qualities Of Pope Francis