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Capsized boat: 54 bodies recovered

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Capsized boat: 54 bodies recovered

Capsized boat: 54 bodies recovered

 

No fewer than 54 bodies have been recovered from the boat accident involving about 200 traders in Kogi State.

The figure was disclosed to our correspondent on Saturday by the Head of Operations covering Kogi State at the National Emergency Management Agency, Justin Uwazuruonye.

Uwazuruonye said, “The figure of the recovered bodies as of today (Saturday), according to the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, and NEMA is 54. They were recovered dead.

“We tried to know if they could make the manifest available, but they said there was no manifest, and if there is no manifest, we can’t say the exact number of passengers on the boat. Besides, it was a night journey, and none of them had life jackets on.”

 

The National Inland Waterways Authority confirmed the boat accident on Friday.

The Head of NIWA’s Media Department, Suleman Makama, stated that the traders were traveling to a market in Niger State on the boat when it capsized along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger.

Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has called for inter-agency collaboration to prevent waterways accidents.

Ododo, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismail Isah, expressed sadness over the accident, saying he was concerned that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans involved in legitimate business activities.

He expressed concern about the dangers on the waterway linking Kogi with Niger State.

“The waterway linking Kogi and Niger State is becoming increasingly dangerous as a result of frequent boat accidents,” he said.

The governor called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures were put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.

“Efforts should be made through inter-agency collaboration to prevent further accidents and coordinate emergency response,” he noted.

Ododo commiserated with the families of those involved in the accident, promising that the government would support those injured in their recuperation.

 

 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

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NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

With a heart weighed down by grief and outrage, I, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), issue this statement to vehemently condemn the senseless killing of a young, innocent student by a reckless officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to eyewitness reports, officers pursuing a vehicle along Gbagi Market Road opened fire indiscriminately. A stray bullet struck a student who was calmly seated in his father’s car. This young boy, en route to sit for his WAEC examination alongside his twin brother, was rushed to Welfare Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).

This was not just a bullet—it was a bullet that pierced a family’s heart, shattered the dreams of a generation, and struck at the very soul of our nation. That boy had a future, a purpose, and a vision—but now, his life has been unjustly cut short.

Instead of providing protection, the Nigeria Police Force has once again inflicted pain. Instead of offering security, we are handed death in the form of stray bullets. This senseless act of violence has plunged another Nigerian family into irreparable sorrow.

We are devastated. We are enraged. We refuse to remain silent.

On behalf of over 20.1 million Nigerian Polytechnic Students represented by NAPS, I demand the following:

Immediate identification and arrest of the police officer responsible.

Transparent, public prosecution—no secret trials, no cover-ups.

State-funded compensation and formal apology to the bereaved family.

Urgent reform of police engagement protocols, especially the use of firearms in populated areas.

Declaration of all school zones as firearm-free zones for any police operations involving chases or conflict.

We will no longer accept deaths disguised as “mistakes.” We will not condone reckless policing dressed in the cloak of duty. We will resist the normalization of brutality against students and young Nigerians.

If justice is not served immediately, we will not hesitate to mobilize nationwide peaceful protests that will echo through every corner of this country. We will stand still until justice moves.

Enough is enough.
We demand justice for the slain boy.
We demand a Nigeria where every child, student, and youth can live and learn without fear.

Signed,
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
President of the Senate
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

BY
Joseph Monday

Owerri, Imo State, May 21, 2025 – The Igbo Heroes Foundation has issued a stern rebuke of recent remarks made by the Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, describing his comments as “a gross misrepresentation” of the collective aspirations of the Igbo nation. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, said Umahi lacked the mandate to speak onbehalf of Ndigbo on such crucial matters.

“Who is Senator Dave Umahi to articulate the needs and demands of the Igbo nation in such a myopic nature?” Nsofor asked pointedly. “Why would he equate a few infrastructural projects executed through his office as constituting the actual needs of the entire Igbo nation across all sectors of national development? This is a dangerous oversimplification and a betrayal of the larger Igbo agenda.” He further lamented what he described as a trend where certain leaders use their privileged access to the federal government to suppress genuine agitation and trade the interests of the region for personal and political gain.

Nsofor, who served as Special Assistant to the late Igbo elder statesman and former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, emphasized that the current generation of leaders, such as Umahi, have deviated sharply from the vision of their predecessors. “Our great leader, Chief Iwuanyanwu, was among the few who truly articulated the developmental needs of Ndigbo. His generation believed in equity, justice, and holistic development, not political tokenism,” Nsofor said. “We at the Igbo Heroes Foundation, where Chief Iwuanyanwu served as our founding chairman, cannot sit and watch his legacies and all he fought for be exchanged for cheap political rewards.”

The Foundation insists that the demands of the Southeast region are longstanding and non-negotiable. “For the avoidance of doubt, what the Igbos want has always been clear,” Nsofor said. “We demand for Igbo presidency; since no Igbo man has been President of Nigeria or head of state since after 1966, we demand for the creation of an additional state to bring the Southeast in line with other zones, the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu for peace to return to the region, and the inclusion of the Southeast in the national security council.” He also reiterated the region’s long-held call for the restructuring of Nigeria to allow each region develop at its own pace, and for the implementation of rotational presidency to promote equity and national unity. He cited several previous positions by prominent Igbo leaders in favor of restructuring and warned that ignoring these demands would only deepen national disunity.

Reacting to Umahi’s recent comments and the proposed Southeast Summit being reportedly convened by him, Nsofor described it as an “alleged gathering of selfish leaders poised to mortgage the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.” He stated, “Such a summit is unacceptable to us. The Igbo Heroes Foundation and indeed all true sons and daughters of Igbo land must reject attempts to dilute our collective struggle with staged narratives for political convenience.” He further alleged that “Umahi and his associates are attempting to scuttle the Igbo agenda for the sake of what they are personally benefiting from the Tinubu government. We are not against anyone serving in government, but no one should attempt to sell off the soul of Alaigbo for appointments.”

Nsofor admitted that Senator Umahi may be one of the most performing ministers in the current administration but warned against using performance as a license to distort Igbo demands. “Performance does not give you the right to betray your people,” he said. “Even the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani nations do not compromise their regional interests because a few individuals are appointed to government positions. Instead, they use such platforms to further project their collective agenda. Why should the Igbo situation be different? Are we really cursed in Alaigbo?”

He concluded by urging all Igbo political office holders, across party lines, to prioritize the regional interest above individual gains. “Let Senator Umahi face his job and use his office to advance the Igbo cause, not undermine it. That is what is expected of every well-meaning son or daughter of Alaigbo. The Igbo Heroes Foundation remains committed to protecting the legacies of great leaders like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR and upholding the true demands of our people.”

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

 

As the powerful ‘Recovery Conference’ gathering enters its second and final day today, Wednesday 21st of May, 2025, in Ottawa, Canada, hundreds of believers are already testifying and bearing witnesses to God’s work in their lives. In a world where young people and adults alike are dying for something to live for, the powerful sermons and prayers from the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleman are bearing testaments that are like water in the desert that brings life to parched souls.

The world is thirsty for spiritual fulfillment and long for tangible signs of God’s power. The world yearns for men of God with a mark of authenticity, truth, and a deeper connection with the divine, and it hopes for miracles to address suffering and hardship. At Apostle Suleman’s Canada conference, participants shared their stories about finding Jesus, experiencing God’s grace, and growing in faith. They testified to God’s presence through crisis, and about how God’s love has overwhelmed them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they declared that God used Apostle Suleman to reveal that He has been active in their lives.

Rev & Pastor (Mrs.) Daniels from Umuahia appreciates God for blessing them with miracle money, giving them a pay rise as well as reviving the work in their hands. Kehinde from Ibadan is grateful to God for fighting his silent battles. Joyce from Delta State thanks God for divine healing. Mercy Gabriel from France gives praises to God for healing her husband of stomach ache and rib pain. A participant was healed of ulcer after listening to the servant of God’s prayers. Many appreciate God for financial blessings. Prosper from Moscow, Russia, appreciates God for granting the wife a safe delivery. Sewa Naomi Seete, a member of the OFM in Gaborone, Botswana, is grateful to God for helping him recover his missing passport. Kelvin from Cameroon is thanking God for supernatural healing. A participant thanks God for deliverance from bed wetting.

“Sharing our testimony not only exposes God’s heart on the matter, but it also shows how He feels about us. Indeed, God’s love is further demonstrated by our testimony,” noted the ‘Restoration Apostle’, suggesting that when we truly believe that God is working all things for our good, we begin to experience the relentless love of God pursuing us over every mountain and valley.

Chioma from the US appreciates God for preservation of her job as well as vindicating her from all accusations at work. Shadrach Johnson from Cameroon thanks God for delivering him from addiction to drugs and smoking. Neba Boris Che from Douala, Cameroon, thanks God for providing a good accommodation for him as well as making provisions available for him. Gladys from Benin is thanking God for deliverance as well as restoration of her marriage. Osato from the US is grateful to God for granting her examination success. Edith from Germany appreciates God for granting her request of German citizenship. Comfort from Lagos thanks God for helping her graduate from fashion school. Miriam Chioma Ikechukwu from Togo is grateful to God for divine healing. Litonga Benjamin Ikome from Limbe, Cameroon is thanking God for blessing him with a job. Maidah Audu from Auchi praises God for the salvation of her soul.

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