A heartbreaking accident occurred in Enugu on Friday morning, claiming the life of a 15-year-old boy and leaving others injured.

The tragedy struck around 8:30 am near the Nwanne Di N’mba Housing Estate when an articulated truck, owned by a construction company, ran over the pedestrian.

According to witnesses, the victim had just returned from church and was on his way to buy food at a nearby Mobil Filling Station on Enugu-Abakaliki Road when the accident occurred.

Witnesses offered differing explanations for the crash. Some claimed the truck driver had fallen asleep, while others said the truck swerved after a Sienna vehicle made an abrupt turn, causing the truck to veer off course.

The truck struck the boy, killing him instantly, while three other individuals sustained serious injuries, including the boy’s brother. The injured have since been rushed to the hospital, while the body of the deceased was taken to the mortuary by police.

“The boy had already bought Okpa for his parents and was returning home when the truck hit him. He was walking on the pedestrian walkway when the accident occurred. His brother and two others narrowly escaped but were injured,” an eyewitness told DAILY GAZETTE.

A 19-year-old student of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Usman Tijani, was attacked by his friend, Abdulmuqeet Musari, who allegedly lured him to a burial ground, robbed him, and slit his throat.

The victim, who also operates a Point of Sale (POS) business, was reportedly deceived by Abdulmuqeet on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and taken to the secluded location, where he was robbed of ₦200,000 before being brutally attacked.

Narrating the harrowing incident, a family member, Zainab Avosuahu, disclosed that Usman is currently undergoing surgery at a hospital in Lokoja, while the suspect initially fled the scene.

“We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. This is a call for justice for my nephew, whom his so-called friend lured into the bush, stole ₦200,000 from, and still butchered his throat.

“He is currently undergoing surgery in Lokoja, while the ‘devil in disguise’ is on the run. We are actively seeking justice, and this is all the information we have for now, as the victim can’t say much,” she stated.

However, the suspect was later apprehended by local vigilante groups and security operatives after tracking him to a neighboring community in Ekiti State.

Suleiman Abdulrazaq Acheneje, Senior Special Assistant to the Adavi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bashiru Okatenwu, commended the swift response of the security team in apprehending the suspect.

“In the late hours of December 23, 2024, around 7 p.m. to 8 pm, an unfortunate incident occurred near the Adavi burial ground, where Usman Tijani, a 200-level Cyber Security student at CUSTECH, was brutally attacked by Abdulmuqeet Musari, who had clear intent to kill him.

“The victim was found nearly lifeless around 2 a.m. on Christmas Day in New Zango, Adavi LGA. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Lokoja, where he is currently receiving treatment.

“Despite the suspect’s attempt to flee, security operatives tracked and apprehended him in Ekiti State, thanks to the coordinated effort of the local government security team and intelligence units.”

It was gathered that the suspect has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for swift justice to be served.

An Anambra High Court has dissolved the leadership of the Nimo Town Development Union (NTDU) in Njikoka Local Government Area, leading to the establishment of a caretaker committee.

The committee, chaired by Nduka Aguofia, will manage the affairs of the union until new elections are held.

The court ruling came after a legal challenge brought by plaintiffs Dr. Valentine Oliobi, Emmanuel Obiweluzor, and Ifeanyi Ajagu.

The judgment also ordered the former NTDU leadership, led by Ben Anakpe, to cease representing themselves as officers of the union.

In response to the court’s decision, Aguofia, who now heads the caretaker committee, called for calm and cooperation from the people of Nimo.

He emphasized the need to respect the court’s ruling, urging the community to avoid any acts of violence or disruption.

Aguofia also clarified that while there may be intentions to appeal, such actions do not equate to a formal legal challenge.

“The court’s judgment has brought an end to the leadership crisis that has affected NTDU,” Aguofia stated.

“We urge everyone to respect the decision and work together for a peaceful resolution. Any form of violence will not be tolerated.”

Aguofia pledged to run the NTDU with transparency and accountability, ensuring that all members’ interests are protected.

He also cautioned against any further occupation or lockdown of NTDU offices, labeling such acts as unlawful.

Wishing the people of Nimo a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, Aguofia called for unity in the community, urging everyone to work together for the development of Nimo Town.

He stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and supporting the caretaker committee’s efforts to move the union forward.

The court’s judgment, which effectively places the NTDU under the control of the eight-member caretaker committee, follows the NTDU constitution and aims to restore peace and order.

In addition, the Royal Stool of Nimo has called for the suspension of all NTDU activities until further notice to maintain peace during the holiday season and beyond.

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has announced the tragic passing of his 24-year-old son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, just 24 hours after the death of his mother.

In a statement shared on his personal C account on Thursday, the governor confirmed the loss, revealing that his son died in a fatal motor accident along the Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

The statement, signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, reads:
“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

“The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him,” the statement reads.

The police in Anambra State have successfully recovered the vehicle of Mr. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the state’s House of Assembly, who was abducted on December 24.

The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Onitsha on Thursday.

Ikenga explained that the recovery came after an intensive operation by the Inland Town Division of the Anambra Police Command.

The lawmaker was kidnapped by armed men around 9:20 pm on December 24 while traveling home along Ugwunabampa Road in Onitsha.

The vehicle was later found abandoned on Upper Iweka Road by the police’s rescue team.

Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nnaghe Itam, has directed the rescue team to increase efforts aimed at rescuing the lawmaker and apprehending the criminals responsible for the abduction.