A petroleum tanker carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, on Thursday, exploded in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred at Celica junction, on the new Ife Expressway in Ibadan.
Eyewitnesses explained that the fire incident was as a result of break failure, which made the vehicle lose control.
One of the witnesses said, “The tanker hit a Prado jeep and another car. And in the process, the tanker fell and exploded.
“Although no casualty was recorded, the fire affected the car and the Prado jeep.”
Confirming the incident in a statement in Ibadan, the state capital, the state Fire Service Chairman, Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the development to our correspondent, adding that no casualty was recorded.
He said, “The incident was reported at exactly 18.27hrs on Thursday.
“The firemen swiftly swung into action by applying chemical foam compound and restricted the fire from spreading to the nearby Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation petrol station and surrounding properties. The fire was jointly extinguished with officers from the Federal Fire Service.
“The fire incident was as a result of failure of breaking in system of the truck whist on motion which made the vehicle lose control, hit a Prado jeep and a car, then fell and caught fire.
“No casualty was recorded but the fire affected the trailer tanker and a car, while a Jeep was hit by the trailer into the nearby gutter,” he explained.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Pays Tribute to a National Icon
In a heartfelt condolence message, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking KOF, the Group Chairman of Adron Group, has joined the rest of the nation in mourning the death of former President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, describing his passing as the departure of a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman whose legacy will remain indelible in Nigeria’s history.
In the statement released to the press, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the former Head of State and President, calling it a moment of “national grief and solemn reflection.”
“His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, was more than a leader, he was a symbol of discipline, duty, and commitment to national integrity. His life, marked by sacrifice and stoic patriotism, leaves behind a legacy that will resonate far beyond his years.”
The business leader and philanthropist praised the late Buhari’s journey from the military trenches to the highest civilian office in the land, noting the rare courage and conviction with which he navigated leadership in both roles.
“From the battlefields as a gallant general to the seat of power as a democratically elected President, he served with honour. He was austere, yet compassionate; firm, yet loyal to the unity of Nigeria,” Aare Adetola Emmanuelking remarked.
He extended his deepest sympathies to the family. “You have not only lost a patriarch, but the nation has lost a father figure, a sentinel of moral strength, and a resolute defender of the Nigerian dream”, he stated.
He urged Nigerians not to mourn as those without hope, but to reflect on and uphold the values of discipline, resilience, and unity, which were embodied by the former President.
“Though his voice may now be silent, the echoes of his convictions for a greater Nigeria will continue to inspire generations to come,” he concluded.
The former President, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a two-term civilian President from 2015 to 2023, passed away leaving behind a storied legacy of service to the nation.
Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuelking’s tribute joins a chorus of voices across the nation and the world, honouring a man whose life was an attestation of loyalty, sacrifice, and enduring national purpose.
The Coalition of Political Parties in Lagos State on Thursday applauded the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission for ”conducting a free, fair, and credible local council election” in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that LASIEC on Saturday conducted council election into the 20 Local Governments, 37 Local Council Development Areas, and 376 councillorship seats in the states.
The ruling APC won all 57 chairmanship seats and secured 375 out of the 376 councillorship positions, according the state electoral commission.
Some opposition parties have rejected the results of the election, saying the election was deeply flawed and so, not credible.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday in Ikeja, the Spokesman for the Coalition and Lagos State Chairman of defunct Alliance for Democracy, Chief Kola Ajayi, however, commended LASIEC’s Chairman, Retired Justice Bola Okikiola-Ighile and her team “for living up to expectations.”
Ajayi commended the umpire’s professionalism and commitment to what he called electoral integrity in the face of notable challenges.
“We equally appreciate the security agencies for their neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process, which contributed significantly to the peaceful conduct of the elections.
“To all the successful candidates across the state, we extend our heartfelt congratulations.
“We urge you to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and be magnanimous in victory, recognising that true leadership is measured by service and inclusivity,” he said.
Ajayi, however, expressed the coalition’s concern over recurrent voter apathy in the elections, which he said, was not good for democracy.
He said that democracy should be inclusive and participatory for best outcomes.
Ajayi added, “The coalition, comprising both registered and de-registered political parties, civil society organisations, and ethnic-based groups—also notes with concern the persistent issue of voters apathy.
“In view of this, we advocate the formation of a tripartite engagement mechanism involving the State Government, LASIEC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, National Orientation Agency, Civil Societies and other relevant stakeholders.
“This is to strategise on voters education, awareness, and participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We must collectively take urgent steps to reawaken the public interest in the electoral process and remind our citizens that voting is not just a right—it is a civic responsibility and a powerful tool for change.”
Ajayi reaffirmed the group’s commitment to deepening democracy and strengthening democratic institutions in the state and Nigeria at large.
The Defence Headquarters has stated that Nigeria remains an independent nation capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism matters.
This follows recent comments by the Turkish government alleging that members of a group it designates as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation are operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.
Speaking at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, claimed that FETO still has an active presence in the country.
He said, “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates… particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.”
Poroy added that Turkey continues to brief Nigeria on what it views as the group’s subversive activities and urged Nigerian authorities to remain “vigilant and cautious.”
However, in a response while briefing journalists on the military operations in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said the Defence Headquarters does not recognise the claims as official or verified.
“Information from the person you are talking about, as far as Defence Headquarters is concerned, is an unofficial announcement. Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information, “he said.
He noted that Nigeria cannot be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.
“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” Kangye said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries, Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.
“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment. Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines,” he said.
Kangye also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic manoeuvres.
“There are propagandists all over the world. Psychological oppressions go on everywhere. That’s why we must be vigilant,” he added.
Kangye, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism on its own terms, guided by national priorities and internal intelligence.
He reiterated that while the country values its international allies, its security decisions will always reflect its status as a sovereign state.
The Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, on Thursday, resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.
His resignation was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Andrew Esemuede.
Iduoriyekemwen cited recent developments within the party at both the state and national levels as the reason for his decision.
The letter read, “I am writing to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.
“This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development. For this, I remain deeply grateful and will always cherish the platform the party provided me.
“However, recent developments within the party—both at the state and national levels—have made it difficult for me to remain a member.
“The values and principles that once defined the PDP, as laid down by our founding fathers, appear to have been eroded. What we see today no longer aligns with the vision they had for a truly democratic, inclusive, and people-centred political party.”
He added that his decision was not driven by anger or haste, but by reflection and a commitment to his personal values.
“In view of this, I have decided to resign my membership of the party to enable me to concentrate fully on my family and business engagements.
“This is not a decision made out of anger or haste, but one rooted in deep reflection and a sincere desire to preserve my personal values and integrity.
“I sincerely thank the party leadership and all members of Ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, for their love and support over the years. I wish the PDP well in its future endeavours.”
Veteran journalist and former presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing what he described as the party’s hijack by “antidemocratic forces.”
Momodu’s resignation was contained in a letter dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of PDP Ward 4 in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.
In the letter, Momodu stated that his decision takes “immediate effect,” describing it as a necessary step to uphold democratic principles.
“My reason is simple and straightforward. Our party has been unarguably hijacked by antidemocratic forces, from within and outside, in broad daylight,” the letter read.
The media mogul further described the PDP as a “carcass” in the hands of those he accused of undermining internal democracy, stressing that it was honourable for him to exit the party at this point.
“It is, therefore, honourable to abandon the carcass of the party to them while the majority of us earnestly sign up with the new coalition party known as the African Democratic Congress,” he declared.
Momodu, who contested the PDP presidential ticket in the 2023 general elections, expressed gratitude to party members who supported him during his stay.
“I will forever treasure the kind support you gave me at all times,” he added.
The development comes amid a wave of defections rocking the PDP in recent months, as some party members and leaders complain about alleged imposition and lack of internal democracy.
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has launched a conditional cash transfer programme benefiting 8,225 secondary school girls across the state’s 14 local government areas.
The official rollout ceremony held on Wednesday in Gusau, the state capital was held under the state’s partnership with the ACReSAL and AGILE projects.
This was disclosed in a Wednesday statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, who said the beneficiaries were drawn from the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged households.
According to him, each girl is to receive ₦40,000 to support her education, with additional tranches of ₦10,000 each for the second and third terms, bringing the total to ₦60,000 per academic session.
“A total sum of ₦322 million has been approved for the first batch,” the statement noted, adding that arrangements were in progress for the disbursement to the second batch of beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Lawal said the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader agenda focused on education, social protection, and inclusive development.
“We are committed to tackling and overcoming all barriers, whether economic, infrastructural or social, that prevent our daughters from accessing and completing their education.
“When you educate a girl, you educate a village because these educated girls grow into empowered women who uplift their families, strengthen communities and drive progress in our state,” the governor said.
Beyond the education-focused grants, the governor also flagged off the disbursement of the Community Revolving Fund under the ACReSAL project to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
He said, “Under the ACReSAL project, we disburse the Community Revolving Fund to 500 beneficiaries in Gusau, Bungudu, and Kaura Namoda.
“The fund aims to support grassroots environmental and economic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to combating land degradation, promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihoods in the face of climate challenge.
“Our communities face hardships like women building small businesses, youths seeking opportunities and rural households accessing basic services.
“The Community Revolving Fund offers sustainable funding to support development, marking a shift towards resilience and accountability.
“I urge beneficiaries to use resources wisely and transparently, ensuring trust results in visible, measurable outcomes.
“The disbursement will keep circulating within communities, benefiting more people over time.
“Through proper use and repayment, this initiative will exemplify financial inclusion, local resilience, and sustainability accountability.”
Lawal also commended the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, and Education, Science and Technology, as well as technical partners, for their role in implementing the initiatives.
“Let me reassure the good people of Zamfara State that this administration will continue to pursue policies and programmes that deliver meaningful impact, especially at the grassroots.
“We remain committed to accountability, transparency, and service to our people.
“To the beneficiaries of these initiatives, remember that what you receive today is a seed.
“I urge you to nurture it, grow it and let it blossom into a tree of change for your families and your communities,” the governor added.
Former Super Eagles interim head coach, Monday Sinclair, is dead.
Sinclair died at the age of 88.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday by former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who played under him at Sharks FC and considered him a mentor.
Peterside wrote in a tribute shared via Facebook on Wednesday, “Our daddy is gone. What a man.
“He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.
“The first day he saw me come to train with Sharks, he said, ‘My friend, are you a boxer?’
“He said I was built like Tyson. From that day, I found me a football father. I became very close to him and his family, with Puppa K as a very close brother.”
Sinclair, who featured for the Green Eagles in the 1960s, was widely respected for his sharp eye for talent and enduring contribution to football development in Nigeria.
He began his coaching career with the now-defunct Sharks FC of Rivers State, before going on to handle Niger Tornadoes, Enugu Rangers, and Bayelsa United.
In 1997, he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles and later served as head coach of the Equatorial Guinea national team.
Sinclair was credited with mentoring some of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Peterside himself.
His grassroots influence left an enduring legacy on Nigerian football.
His passing comes just days after the death of another football legend, Peter Rufai, who battled a long-term illness.
Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has said that the letter announcing his principal’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party was leaked.
Ibe stated this during an interview on Wednesday night on Arise News, while reacting to the controversy surrounding the timing of Atiku’s exit from the PDP, which coincided with the nation’s mourning of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was buried on Tuesday.
Ibe claimed that individuals opposed to Atiku’s political ambition, including some members within the PDP and their allies in the All Progressives Congres orchestrated the leak and not voluntarily released.
“We’re here because people who never wished His Excellency Atiku Abubakar well leaked a communication of his. Yes, it was leaked,” Ibe stated.
He further criticised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for commenting on the matter, accusing him of abandoning pressing aviation challenges.
“It’s unfortunate that the Minister of Aviation, who rather should be concerned with serious issues of aviation matters and there are plenty of them, like runways and better infrastructure, jumped into this fray as though knowing what caused an accident even before investigation,” Ibe said.
He insisted that the leak resulted from “rogue elements in the PDP working in cahoots with APC members,” stressing that the matter should not overshadow national reflection over Buhari’s death.
“Those who claim to know why he resigned, are they clairvoyants? I would rather say we speak on something else and not this particular issue, considering the fact that the nation is still in mourning and the memories of the late President, Muhammadu Buhari, who was just interred yesterday, are still fresh,” he said.
Atiku formally resigned from the PDP via a letter dated July 14, 2025, submitted to his local ward chairman in Adamawa State and shared publicly by his media aide on X.
In the letter, he cited “irreconcilable differences” and noted his disappointment with the party’s current trajectory, which he believes has strayed from its founding principles.
The Federal Government on Wednesday said that there is no new terror group in the country.
This comes on the heels of a warning by the Turkish government that members of a terrorist group known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation operate in Nigeria, as well as in other countries around the world.
The Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, also claimed that the group was using schools and health services as a cover for its operations in the country.
Poroy disclosed this on Tuesday night in Abuja at a dinner organised by the Turkish Embassy to mark the country’s Democracy and National Unity Day.
“The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates.
“Unfortunately, the FETO terrorist organisation still maintains its activities in Nigeria, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
“We consistently inform our Nigerian friends about the nature and dangers of this organisation, and urge them to remain vigilant and cautious,” Poroy said.
However, speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj Gen Adamu Laka, urged Nigerians not to panic, stating that no new terrorist group existed in the country.
“There is no new terrorist group in Nigeria.
There’s no need to panic,” he said.
FETO is allegedly affiliated with the late Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who died in 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Once an ally of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Gulen was later accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in Turkey in 2016.
Gulen, who operated a global network of schools, charities, and organisations, was convicted in absentia of attempting to overthrow the Turkish state.
Though he denied the allegations, the Erdogan-led government classified his network as a terrorist organisation.
While Gulen-affiliated institutions reportedly exist in over 160 countries, including Nigeria, there has been no public evidence or official acknowledgement linking them to terrorist activities within Nigerian territory.
