Crime
Four Burnt to Death, 10 Injured as Fire Guts Passenger Bus in Jigawap
Four Burnt to Death, 10 Injured as Fire Guts Passenger Bus in Jigawa
By: Zagazola Makama
Four people, including three children, were burnt beyond recognition, while 10 others sustained injuries after a commercial Hummer bus caught fire in Gwaram, Jigawa State.
Security and emergency sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on February 22, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m., near the Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Gwaram.
The bus, a white Hummer with registration number ZAK 382 XA, was driven by Dalha Saleh, a 40-year-old resident of Galdimari Quarters, Saldigal Village, Zaki LGA, Bauchi State.
It was conveying 44 passengers—25 adults and 19 children from Zaki LGA in Bauchi State to Rabadi Village when the fire broke out from the vehicle’s exhaust system.
According to sources, the fire ignited after a mattress tied to the back of the vehicle caught fire from the exhaust sparks.
The four victims, all from Saldigal Village, Zaki LGA, Bauchi State, were identified as: Ziwaira Hassan, Fatima Hassan, Iyatale Hassan, Halima Muhammad (10 years, female)
Ten other passengers sustained varying degrees of burns and were rushed to Gwaram Cottage Hospital for treatment. The remaining passengers were rescued unhurt.
The sources said that the charred remains of the victims would be released to their families for burial after medical examination.
Zagazola reports that reckless overloading of commercial vehicles, particularly those transporting goods from Kano to Maiduguri, has become a serious safety and security concern.
Every day, buses and vans meant for passenger transport are stuffed with goods that should be carried by trailers, turning them into moving hazards on already dangerous highways.
Despite the presence of numerous security and road safety checkpoints, many of these vehicles pass through unchecked not because they meet safety standards, but because they pay their way through.
These drivers mostly traveled at night to evade strict checks from KAROTA in Kano- Jigawa and passed the night in Potiskum. Then proceeded with their journey in the early morning hours. And during that time, those responsible for enforcing compliance will all be out to collect bribes. No single vehicle will be stopped for any checks.
Various personnel at these checkpoints, instead of enforcing regulations, often turn a blind eye in exchange for bribes, allowing these overloaded vehicles to continue their journeys without scrutiny. Many of these vehicles exceed weight limits, causing faster deterioration of roads and bridges, which leads to costly repairs and more hazardous road conditions.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and other security agencies have been largely ineffective in stopping this dangerous trend. While FRSC officers are stationed at multiple checkpoints, many prefer to look the other way rather than enforcement of the regulations.
Overload vehicles have poor stability which increased braking distance, and there are higher chances of tire blowouts, which can lead to deadly crashes. Incidents like the recent Jigawa fire disaster, where four passengers were burnt beyond recognition, are tragic recollections of this recklessness.
The Drivers always give the excuse that they opted to overload their vehicles to carry more goods in order to cover the cost that they spent giving the security agencies at various checkpoints.
This lack of oversight has further created loopholes that terrorists and criminal groups exploit. There have been several reports of terrorists smuggling weapons, fuel, and other logistics under the disguise of commercial transport. These activities are sometimes being intercepted by the Military Intelligence troops of the Nigerian Army.
There is therefore an urgent need for strict enforcement of weight limits, vehicle safety regulations, and thorough inspections at checkpoints. The government must: Empower road safety officers and security personnel to perform their duties without compromise. Impose severe penalties on both drivers and security personnel who violate or neglect their responsibilities.
Without immediate intervention, the unchecked overloading of vehicles will continue to claim lives and compromise national security, making it easier for criminal networks to operate freely across Nigeria’s highways.
Four Burnt to Death, 10 Injured as Fire Guts Passenger Bus in Jigawa
Crime
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, who passed away while receiving medical treatment in Lagos.
The incident occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, at about 11:30 p.m., when the officer reportedly died at the Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, during a medical session for fibroid treatment.
Following the report, a delegation from the Command visited the hospital to confirm the development and make necessary arrangements.
“The corpse was evacuated to a public morgue for preservation and autopsy,”sources said.
The Command said arrangements were underway, in collaboration with the late officer’s family, to accord her a befitting burial.
CSP Ngbanoyen was described as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served the Nigeria Police Force with commitment and professionalism.
The Command expressed condolences to her family, colleagues, and friends over the tragic loss.
Festac DPO, CSP Matilda Ngbanoyen, dies during medical treatment in Lagos
Crime
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
By: Zagazola Makama
Decomposed body of a man earlier reported kidnapped has been discovered in a mining pond in Farin Lamba community of Jos South Local Government Area.
Sources told Zagazola that the discovery was made by the police at about 4 p.m. following a report by residents.
He said the Divisional Police Officer, Kaduna Vom Division, immediately mobilised a team of policemen to the scene where the corpse was identified as that of Mr. Cyril Nilanda, a resident of NITR Quarters, Vom.
Nilanda was reportedly kidnapped on Sept. 30, 2025, and had been missing since then.
Sources said the body, which was found in a decomposed state, was being prepared for evacuation and further forensic examination.
The police assured that concerted efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the abduction and killing of the victim.
Decomposed body of kidnapped man found in mining pond in Jos South
Crime
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
A man identified as Ocholi Cornelius Ochoni has been abducted after delivering ransom money for the release of a five-year-old girl in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident, which occurred on Oct. 22, 2025, took place around Echukwu area of Bassa, when Ocholi went to hand over ransom money to the kidnappers to secure the release of Omaojo Philip, who had been kidnapped earlier in the week.
It was gathered that the abductors released the child unharmed after receiving the ransom but seized Ocholi immediately afterward and took him away to an unknown destination.
Efforts are ongoing by security agencies to trace the whereabouts of the victim and ensure his safe return.
Man abducted after delivering ransom for kidnapped child in Kogi
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