Chaos erupted on Thursday morning in Benin, the Edo State capital, when a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicle exploded at the NIPCO filling station along the Benin-Auchi Expressway.

The explosion sent shockwaves through the area, causing widespread panic as bystanders and residents fled for safety.

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A viral video captured the aftermath, showing the vehicle severely damaged while people ran to escape the scene. The loud blast rattled nerves and heightened fears in the vicinity.

According to eyewitness reports, three individuals sustained injuries of varying severity and were quickly transported to a nearby private hospital for emergency treatment.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the condition of those injured.

This incident has rekindled safety concerns about the ongoing conversion of petrol-powered vehicles to CNG.

The Federal Government has been advocating this transition as part of its effort to reduce transportation costs following the recent removal of fuel subsidies.

While CNG is considered a cheaper and environmentally friendlier alternative to petrol, questions remain about the safety measures in place for vehicles running on this fuel.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has successfully defended  his doctoral degree in Public Administration.

He attained the feat at the Department of Political Science and Administration, University of Uyo, according to a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X.

He expressed optimism that it will help deliver the dividends of democracy to his constituents and dedicated it to his late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.

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He stated, “This accomplishment is dedicated to my late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who encouraged me to pursue this academic goal.”

Gov Eno wrote, “I’m happy to share that I have successfully defended my Doctoral Degree in Public Administration in the Department of Political Science and Administration, University of Uyo!

“My thesis, titled “Government and Private Sector Development: A Study of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State,” is a blueprint that aligns with my vision for strengthening SMEs in the state.

“This accomplishment is dedicated to my late wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno, who encouraged me to pursue this academic goal. I know she is smiling down with pride.

“Thank you to the University of Uyo, my professors, and everyone who supported me on this journey!”

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported a staggering rise in unemployment in Gaza, which has soared to nearly 80% since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war one year ago.

The ILO’s findings reveal a catastrophic economic landscape, with the enclave’s economic output collapsing by 85%, plunging almost the entire population of 2.3 million into poverty.

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In a statement released Thursday, the ILO characterized the situation as causing “unprecedented and wide-ranging devastation” across the labor market and broader economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including both Gaza and the West Bank.

In the West Bank, unemployment averaged 34.9% between October 2023 and September 2024, with the region’s economy contracting by 21.7% compared to the previous year.

Before the onset of the conflict, unemployment rates were significantly lower, with Gaza at 45.3% and the West Bank at 14%.

However, as the war has continued, many Gazans have lost their jobs or been forced into informal, irregular work that primarily involves providing essential goods and services.

The conflict ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken.

In response, Israel’s military operations have reportedly claimed the lives of more than 42,000 individuals in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

U.N. satellite data indicates that two-thirds of Gaza’s pre-war structures—over 163,000 buildings—have been damaged or destroyed.

Israel has stated that its military actions are focused on rooting out Hamas militants hiding among Gaza’s civilian population.

However, the consequences of the conflict have reverberated throughout the West Bank, where movement restrictions and trade barriers have severely impacted the economy.

“The impact of the war in the Gaza Strip has taken a toll far beyond loss of life, desperate humanitarian conditions, and physical destruction,” said Ruba Jaradat, ILO regional director for Arab states.

She emphasized that the conflict has fundamentally altered the socio-economic landscape of Gaza and the West Bank, with effects expected to persist for generations.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the need for international intervention and aid is becoming increasingly urgent, with calls mounting for immediate assistance to address the dire conditions faced by millions caught in the conflict.