The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu has been abducted from her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

The incident, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, has left the Arepo community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area shaken.

According to the police, the kidnappers executed a coordinated attack as Mrs. Odumosu was about to enter her home. Her Lexus Jeep was intercepted, and she was forcibly dragged out and taken through a swampy area to an unknown location.

“The divisional police officer has led a team of officers to the scene, and they are actively searching the swampy bush area,” Odutola stated.

Efforts to secure her release have also enlisted local community leaders. “The Baale of Warewa and Maaba have been contacted to mobilize local security forces in the riverine area,” she added.

The abduction has heightened tensions in the area, with police and local security forces intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the victim. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

The Enugu State Government has issued a public alert regarding an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, recently reported in Kano State.

In a statement, Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, confirmed that the outbreak has affected several bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowl, and turkeys. He warned that the disease poses a significant risk of spreading to neighbouring states, including Enugu, due to its epidemiology and the prevailing environmental conditions in Nigeria.

To mitigate this risk and protect public health and the poultry industry in Enugu State, Ubru directed government veterinary personnel to intensify preventive measures. Efforts are being ramped up to educate poultry farmers, traders, and the general public on the dangers of HPAI and strategies to prevent its spread.

Surveillance teams have been deployed to monitor poultry farms and markets closely for signs of infection. The Commissioner urged residents to report unusual bird deaths or symptoms of HPAI to designated veterinary officials or available contacts immediately.

“The cooperation of all stakeholders is crucial in maintaining strict biosecurity measures and promptly reporting suspicions. The Enugu State Government remains committed to safeguarding the health of its residents and ensuring the sustainability of the poultry sector,” Ubru emphasized.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and adhere to all preventive guidelines to minimize the risk of an outbreak in the state.

The Benue State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed a tragic accident in Okete Village, Otukpo Local Government Area, where a truck veered into a residential compound, killing nine members of a family.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Sewuese Anene, disclosed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Makurdi.

According to Anene, the unfortunate event occurred in the early hours of Thursday. She assured the public that the command has launched a thorough investigation into the incident and promised to provide additional updates as soon as they become available.

The community has been left in shock and mourning following the devastating loss of life.

No fewer than six people lost their lives, and 60 others sustained injuries in a road accident in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State.

The tragic incident occurred around 3 pm on Tuesday near the Zone 8 Roundabout along Hassan Katsina Road, Lokoja. According to reports, an articulated truck traveling from Bauchi to Enugu State lost control, resulting in the devastating crash.

“The remains of the six deceased have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary,” stated Samuel Oyedeji, the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

A local resident, who requested anonymity, described chaotic scenes as first responders worked tirelessly to manage the aftermath of the accident. “It was a horrific sight. People were trapped, and it took hours to clear the scene,” the resident recounted.

Commander Oyedeji called on drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly when operating heavy-duty vehicles. He also urged the government to intensify efforts to address road infrastructure challenges and enforce traffic regulations.

“As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, Nigerians are reminded of their shared responsibility to ensure safer roads for all,” he added.

This incident comes months after a similar tragedy in the state. On April 1, 2024, 13 people lost their lives, and two were injured in an auto crash involving a commercial Sharon bus and an articulated cement truck. The accident occurred near Obajana Market along the Obajana-Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area.

According to Oyedeji, the Sharon bus had stopped behind a truck near the market to allow passengers to make purchases when the cement truck, due to brake failure, rammed into it from behind.

The FRSC continues to advocate for stricter adherence to road safety measures to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.