NEWS
Tears, Losses As Gas Explosion Ravages Orile Market In Lagos
Tears flowed freely on Sunday as traders at the Orisunmibare Market, off Baale Street in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, counted their losses following a devastating gas explosion that destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of naira.
The explosion, which occurred around 2:13 p.m., sparked widespread panic in the busy commercial area as thick smoke billowed into the sky and traders ran for safety.
The fire, traced to a gas retail outlet that stored multiple cylinders, quickly spread through adjoining shops, consuming properties and merchandise.
SEE MORE: Panic In Zaria As Tankers Explosion Leaves Four Injured
Although no lives were lost, one person sustained a minor hand injury during the chaos.
An eyewitness, identified simply as Ejem, narrated how he narrowly escaped the inferno.
“I was inside when it happened. There are three filling stations around this area — one opposite my street, another behind it, and a man who has a very big shop where he sells gas. They said one of the boys at the gas shop was pressing his phone when the explosion occurred. The fire spread fast because some nearby traders were also using camp gas,” he said.
For many of the affected traders, the explosion came without warning and left them in despair.
Several stalls filled with food items, clothing materials, and household goods were reduced to ashes before firefighters could contain the flames.
Confirming the incident, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, said emergency teams responded promptly to prevent the fire from escalating.
“No lives were lost, except for one person who sustained a minor injury. Our operatives acted swiftly and successfully curtailed the spread of the fire,” she stated.
Adeseye also disclosed that within the same 48-hour period, firefighters battled two other emergencies in different parts of Lagos.
One of the incidents involved a 33,000-litre petrol tanker with registration number AAB-942YC, which collided with a Mercedes-Benz Jeep (LSR 606HX) and seven other stationary vehicles along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway near Berger Car Depot.
The prompt intervention of the Ajegunle and Ijegun-Egba fire crews, she said, prevented another major tragedy.
“The remaining fuel was safely transferred to another tanker, and recovery of the damaged vehicles is ongoing,” Adeseye added.
In another case, firefighters rescued a 55-year-old man who fell into an underground drainage channel along Ikorodu Road, near Idiroko Bus Stop, inward Maryland, Anthony Village.
The victim was pulled out alive after a sustained rescue operation and handed over to the Police for further action.
Adeseye reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to protect lives and property across the state.
“Despite multiple emergencies within 48 hours, all incidents were contained efficiently without loss of life,” she assured.
As calm gradually returned to Orile on Sunday evening, several traders were seen rummaging through the debris, hoping to salvage what remained of their goods. For many, however, the reality of their losses was too much to bear.
“I just stocked my shop yesterday. Everything is gone,” one distraught trader cried as emergency workers secured the area.
Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has reportedly died, according to sources said to be close to his family.
The sources confirmed the development on Monday, October 19, 2026, although details surrounding the circumstances of his death remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
“Uduaghan is no more; he is dead,” one of the sources reportedly said.
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The reported death comes months after claims that the former governor had died circulated on social media before being dismissed by his media aide, Henry Unini.
In June, reports of Uduaghan’s alleged death spread across Facebook and WhatsApp, prompting Unini to publicly debunk the claims and assure the public that the former governor was alive.
“I can tell you for a fact that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is alive,” Unini said at the time.
“Frankly, I don’t know where the writer got his information from. The death of someone is not something you take and write about casually,” he added.
Unini acknowledged at the time that Uduaghan had been experiencing health challenges but maintained that he was receiving medical attention.
“It is now common knowledge that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been sick, but he is receiving proper medical care,” the media aide said.
He also stated that the former governor was recuperating, assuring the public that there was no immediate cause for concern.
“There is no cause for alarm whatsoever,” Unini said.
The media aide thanked friends, well-wishers and residents of Delta State who contacted the family to verify the former governor’s condition. He also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information.
“The rumour was uncalled for,” he said while addressing the earlier reports.
As of the time of filing this report, further details about the circumstances surrounding Uduaghan’s reported death had yet to emerge.
The Delta State Government has commenced a ₦5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.
The initiative, announced on Monday, will see each beneficiary receive ₦50,000 to support small businesses, strengthen household finances and stimulate economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: Two Arrested as Delta Police Uncover Cache of Illegal Weapons
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba.
Ifeajika explained that the programme was designed to complement the state government’s investments in critical infrastructure with direct financial assistance to residents.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori directed local government councillors to facilitate the distribution of the funds, with each of the 500 wards expected to reach at least 200 beneficiaries.
He added that the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities for Deltans, in line with the people-centred objectives of the MORE Agenda.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among young Nigerians.
According to a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, October 19, 2026, the initiative is expected to benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above, with each eligible student expected to receive 10 IPO shares without requiring prior investment or share purchase.
The minister said the programme would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by connecting education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
According to Alausa, the initiative reflects the importance of partnerships between the education sector and private organisations in equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the economy.
He said the Federal Ministry of Education remained committed to strengthening private-sector partnerships to improve educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while preparing learners for a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He urged businesses to support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed and economically productive generation.
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