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Illegal Miners Behind Ibadan Blast, Says Governor

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Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has revealed that illegal miners were the instigators behind the Tuesday night explosion that rocked Ibadan.

The Governor disclosed this on his verified X Page (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident resulted in numerous hospitalizations and impacted significant locations, including the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Oyo State House of Assembly, and the residence of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige.

The governor disclosed that preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by explosive devices stored by illegal miners in one of the houses.

The affected areas include Ologuneru, Apete, New Garage, Bashorun, Akobo, Sango, and Eleyele.

Following a visit to the site and various hospitals treating the injured, Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that two individuals lost their lives, while 77 others sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment in both public and private hospitals.

Makinde said: “Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.”

Governor Makinde additionally pledged that the state government would cover the hospital bills for the injured and instructed all hotels to provide accommodation for those displaced by the blast.

His statement read: “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.

“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan.

“Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident. In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.”

The Governor appealed to residents to contact 615 in case of emergencies and advised them to remain calm, staying away from the immediate incident scene to facilitate unimpeded rescue operations.

He added “We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured. Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations.”

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Lagos Market On Fire As Hoodlums Clash [Video]

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Numerous individuals sustained injuries following a confrontation between rival groups in the Ile-Epo vicinity of Lagos State.

According to reports, the altercation erupted within the local market on Wednesday night and persisted into Thursday morning.

During the clash, several shops were set ablaze, and merchandise was vandalized. Despite efforts by law enforcement, the intervention was hindered by the aggressors.

This morning, a fire service truck attempting to enter the market was compelled to retreat after being bombarded with stones by unidentified assailants.

See video below:

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NGX Group Releases Stellar Q1 ’24 Numbers

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NGX: Transactions maintain bearish trend with 0.0% loss

The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has unveiled stellar Q1 2024 results, signaling a promising trajectory for the company.

Biztellers reports that this is coming shortly after the company’s 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).

From the results made available on Thursday, the Group reported an impressive N2 billion in Profit before Tax (PBT), bolstered by robust growth in operating margins and operational efficiencies.

From the results, Profit After Tax (PAT) rose to N1.3 billion, marking a remarkable 332% increase from the N310 million recorded in Q1 2023.

The NGX claims that “This exceptional performance underscores the group’s unwavering commitment to excellence and strategic growth initiatives”.

Recall that at the AGM, the NGX Group announced plans to capitalize on digital distribution for the upcoming recapitalization exercises mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Additionally, the group disclosed a strategic acquisition of a stake in the Ethiopian Stock Exchange, securing a seat on the bourse’s board.

These decisive moves align with the group’s overarching strategy to expand its business operations and solidify its position in the regional market.

In a bid to secure long-term sustainability and drive growth, the NGX Group implemented a strategic optimization initiative. This comprehensive plan encompasses a strategic reduction in workforce size, accompanied by significant salary increases for retained staff.

The initiative aims to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and optimize resources, fostering a more competitive and agile organization.

The exercise follows a thorough review of the group’s operations, which revealed opportunities for optimization and improved competitiveness. The NGX Group remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and building a resilient organization poised for sustainable growth.

The recent approval by shareholders of a N10 billion capital raise underscores investor confidence in the NGX Group’s strategic direction and its unwavering commitment to driving sustainable growth and value creation.

The NGX Group remains dedicated to serving its customers, partners, and stakeholders, confident that these strategic measures will pave the way for future success. The company’s focus remains on innovation, customer satisfaction, and building a resilient organization poised for growth.

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Premium 86-Room-Under-Bridge Apartment Uncovered At Ikoyi, Lagos

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The Lagos State government has uncovered an 86-room under bridge apartment in the Ikoyi Area of the state, where tenants pay as much as N250,000 annually as rent, per room.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Lagos State, Tokunbo Wahab, made the disclosure in text and video clips on his verified X handle on Wednesday.

He revealed that the apartment is under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi, and has 86 partitioned rooms, sized “10×10 and 12×10”.

According to Wahab the enforcement team of Lagos State’s Ministry of Environment and Water Resources had successfully removed all structures, including a container utilised for various illegal activities, from beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

He wrote, “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

“They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.”

A Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kunle Rotimi-Akodu, shed more light on the matter.

He gave kudos to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI for the feat, who cleared up the mess on Tuesday, arresting some of people in the process.

Rotimi-Akodu, who also shared text and video clips of the development, wrote, “Squatters dwelling under the bridge leading from inward Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi were evicted today Tuesday, 30th of April, 2024 by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps LAGESC (aka KAI).

“These people created their illegal settlement under the bridge, thereby exposing the critical infrastructure to impending destruction. 23 persons have so far been arrested and MoE/KAI will continue to monitor the place. The law will take its course.”

He also confirmed that the bridge has hitherto housed 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10 with squatters paying an average rent of N250,000 per annum.

“Continuation of the removal of abode under Dolphin bridge. 11 more persons were arrested. It is important to note that wood materials were used to construct the shelters, some occupants used gas cylinders, and some had stored fuel for their generators, these are recipes for disaster,” he added.

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