About twenty travelers have been abducted by gunmen on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway. The travelers were ambushed on Sunday around the Sagamu area command of the Nigeria Police Force and Ilishan township. This incident has not yet been confirmed by the police authorities in the state.
According to Wemmy Osude, a resident and chairman of the Ilishan Development Council, one of the victims was shot in the knee during the incident. Osude confirmed that the injured victim, a resident of Ilisan Remo, is receiving medical treatment at Babcock University Teaching Hospital. "Information reaching me confirms a kidnapping incident between the Area Command and Ilisan City Gate. A resident was reportedly shot in the knee and is receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital.
Other victims were taken into the bush," he said. Osude added that he had spoken to the resident receiving treatment, who is in stable condition. He also mentioned discussing the incident with the Sagamu Area Commander, expressing hope that security agents would pursue the criminals and rescue the abducted individuals.
Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi, announced plans to designate one of the state's general hospitals as a specialized ophthalmic center to enhance care for patients with eye conditions. Speaking at the fourth Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society in Lagos, themed “Upscaling Retinal Services in a Resource-Constrained Economy,” Abayomi highlighted that the center will offer world-class diagnostic, medical, surgical, and ophthalmic services in Lagos and Nigeria.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to eye health, noting ongoing efforts to develop screening capabilities at primary healthcare facilities for early detection of eye diseases. “The conditions that affect the eyes often reflect the community's health conditions. For example, HIV was a major problem in South Africa and had a significant impact on daily medical practice. In Nigeria, we deal with hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell, and trauma,” Abayomi said.
The commissioner also mentioned initiatives to promote eye screening in schools, starting with training teachers to identify students with vision challenges. The state plans to leverage social health insurance to facilitate the screening, detection, and treatment of eye diseases as patients visit health facilities. Additionally, public awareness campaigns will focus on glaucoma and visual acuity.
Abayomi revealed a partnership between the state’s Ministry of Health and the Chagoury Group to establish a specialist eye hospital in Lagos, aiming to improve access to eye services. Recognizing that ophthalmology is equipment-intensive, the government will prioritize resources and human capital to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities, ultimately reducing medical tourism.
Prof. Linda Visser, Head of the Division of Ophthalmology at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, urged policymakers to integrate eye screening into diabetes care at the primary healthcare level, citing an increase in diabetic retinopathy (DR) cases among Africans. Data from the International Diabetes Foundation indicates that 537 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes globally, a number projected to reach 1.3 billion in 50 years. Visser emphasized that early detection and timely treatment of DR could prevent 95% of vision impairment and blindness.
Dr. Asiwome Seneadza, Chairman of the Africa Retina Society, underscored the significance of the conference theme, highlighting the importance of addressing the complexities and challenges in delivering advanced retinal care across the continent.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of two commission officers accused of assaulting a female staff member at a hotel in Lagos. In a viral video, EFCC operatives in plain clothes were seen forcefully entering a room at the Regional Hotel in Ojo, Lagos.
“The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of two officers of the Commission allegedly involved in the manhandling of a female staff of Regional Hotel, Ojo, Lagos,” said EFCC spokesman Dayo Oyewale in a statement on Thursday.
He mentioned that the incident occurred during an early morning sting operation, which resulted in the arrest of a sizable number of suspects still profiled.
"The EFCC’s boss has also ordered detailed investigations of the operation at the hotel and assured that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against any of the officers found to be culpable.
“Olukoyede assures the general public that the EFCC would continue to conduct its operations professionally and with profound respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.
Regional Hotel Operation: Olukoyede Orders Arrest of Officers Involved in Unprofessional Conduct
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has ordered the arrest of two officers of the Commission allegedly involved in the… pic.twitter.com/kn8Q8VPTyC
A devastating fire outbreak has struck Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory, leaving behind significant destruction and loss. As of this report, goods and properties worth millions of naira have been reduced to ashes, causing immense despair among traders and shoppers.
The FCT Fire Service, stationed at Karu Market, responded promptly to the incident but faced difficulties accessing the scene due to the large crowds flocking to the area. Traders who lost their wares in the blaze were seen wailing uncontrollably over their losses.
"Everything is burnt down. I couldn't recover anything. This is where we feed from. Ah, my children's school fees are gone," one distraught trader cried.
Traders Face Heavy Losses as Fire Devastates Abuja Market
Despite these challenges, soldiers were present to maintain order and ensure everyone's safety. Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical surge may have caused the fire, which quickly spread and engulfed parts of the market. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the fire's impact on the community is evident.
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) emphasized the importance of access in firefighting operations. Florence Wenegieme, Acting Director General of FEMD, issued this advice following the fire at the old Karu Market, which was engulfed by flames on Thursday evening.
According to a statement by Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, a combined team of the FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and Julius Berger Fire Service were on the ground and managed to contain the outbreak. Wenegieme, who was at the scene, noted that the fire started around 6:30 pm. Despite being activated promptly, the firemen struggled to access the market, located behind the new market under construction.
Traders Face Heavy Losses as Fire Devastates Abuja Market
"It was the illegal market/settlement behind the new market under construction that was engulfed by fire. We had enough fire trucks and firemen, but we could not gain access to the market. We had to break walls to access the fire fighting hose, which caused the delay in putting out the fire," Wenegieme explained.
She added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, though no lives were lost. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed. The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army, and Civil Defense Corps were also on the ground to ensure crowd control. The Acting DG commended the Department of Engineering Services for activating the Julius Berger Fire Service.
Traders Face Heavy Losses as Fire Devastates Abuja Market
