A youth corps member, Tayachibiyacha Ebal, who was deployed to Kebbi State, has tragically collapsed and died at the Dakin Gari NYSC orientation camp.

Reports indicate that Ebal suddenly slumped and was quickly rushed to the camp clinic for medical attention. She was then transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Birnin Kebbi for further treatment. Despite efforts by doctors to revive her, she sadly passed away.

Kebbi State's Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaji Muhammad Fingila, confirmed the incident, adding that her body has been sent to her home state of Adamawa. He expressed his condolences on behalf of the Kebbi State government, calling the incident unfortunate.

Efforts to reach officials from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kebbi for comment were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, Mrs. Hadiza, did not respond to calls or a text message inquiry.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed the rescue of 49 individuals and the recovery of three bodies following a tragic boat accident along the River Benue in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, December 15, around 7:00 PM, involved a boat carrying 76 passengers. According to NEMA’s statement, the accident happened when the boat’s driver unknowingly navigated into a submerged tree, causing it to capsize.

The passengers were returning home from the Ocholonya Market, a major trading hub for communities in Agatu and neighboring Nasarawa State. While one passenger managed to swim to safety, 23 individuals remain unaccounted for, with most passengers reported to be from Odenyi Magaji and other Nasarawa State communities.

NEMA has been working alongside the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, local authorities, and divers to intensify search and rescue efforts. The agency has also reached out to the Nigerian Navy to provide additional support.

In the aftermath of the incident, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) expressed condolences to the government and people of Benue State. The NGF commended emergency responders for their swift actions, which saved 11 lives during the rescue operation.

The NGF Chairman, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, issued a statement on Monday, offering prayers for the repose of the deceased and support for those affected. He wrote, “We send our commiserations to His Excellency, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the people of the state on this tragic incident. May God Almighty grant the victim’s eternal rest.”

Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue their efforts to locate the missing passengers and provide support to the affected communities.

At least 20 people, mostly women and children, are feared dead after a boat mishap on the River Benue on Saturday near Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. The victims were reportedly returning to Doma in Nasarawa State after attending a market day in Ocholonya village when their wooden boat capsized.

Community leader Adanyi Adanu confirmed the tragedy, explaining that the boat, carrying women and children, was returning to Odenyi-Doma in Nasarawa State when it capsized, drowning everyone aboard. Agatu Local Government Chairman Melvin James also confirmed the incident, saying reports suggested over 20 people had died. Local divers have recovered some bodies, but the exact number of casualties is still uncertain.

James added that efforts are being made to coordinate with Nasarawa State officials to support the affected families. The Nigerian Navy has also been contacted to assist in the rescue operations. While some reports claim 20 bodies have been recovered, others suggest several people are still missing.

A tragic accident involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck occurred on Monday morning at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the collision claimed one life and left four others injured.

In a statement shared on X.com, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, reported that officials led by General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki promptly arrived at the scene and initiated rescue operations. The statement noted that a J5 Ford bus (FKJ 724 YC) and a Mercedes truck (FKJ 746 YC) were involved in the accident. Five individuals were affected, with four victims rescued from the wreckage. Tragically, one person, trapped inside the J5 Ford bus laden with pepper and other perishable goods, succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.

Survivors were transported to the Lagos Island General Hospital for immediate medical attention. Preliminary investigations suggest that the J5 Ford bus experienced brake failure while traveling at high speed, leading to the collision with the Mercedes truck.

Emergency teams, including the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Nigerian Police Force, collaborated with LASTMA to manage the aftermath of the accident. The incident caused significant traffic congestion, extending from the accident site to the Unilag waterfront. LASTMA reported that their rescue team had cleared the accident scene, removing the vehicles and spilled goods to restore the free flow of traffic along the bridge.

General Manager Bakare-Oki extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasized the need for strict adherence to road safety measures, especially during the festive season. He urged drivers, particularly those operating heavy-duty vehicles, to avoid excessive speeding and to ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition, with special attention to brake systems, before embarking on any journey.

This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle maintenance and responsible driving on Lagos roads.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭

A fatal accident involving a J5 Ford bus and a Mercedes truck occurred at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge on Monday morning. According to the… pic.twitter.com/dSPrDHZZ4R

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) December 16, 2024