Max Air pilot grounds Maiduguri flight over debt dispute with management

By: Zagazola Makama

Passengers of a Max Air flight scheduled to depart Maiduguri on Monday were left stranded after the pilot reportedly refused to operate the flight over an internal dispute with the airline’s management.

The incident occurred after passengers had completed boarding procedures and were awaiting departure clearance at the Maiduguri International Airport.

According to eyewitnesses, airline staff suddenly informed the already boarded passengers to disembark and return to the terminal, citing the pilot’s refusal to fly.

A source at the airport told the Zagazola Makama that the pilot declined to fly the aircraft, alleging that the management owed him money.

“The passengers had already checked in and about to be boarded when the pilot insisted he would not fly until his entitlements were settled. The airline staff later announced that the flight had been cancelled,” the source said.

The development left many passengers frustrated, with some expressing anger over the abrupt disruption and lack of immediate alternative arrangements.

Max Air’s management and officials have remained mute on matters at the time of filing this report.

Max Air pilot grounds Maiduguri flight over debt dispute with management

FRSC launches Ember Months campaign in Gombe

The Gombe State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has launched the 2025 Ember Months campaign in the state, stating that 87 deaths were recorded between January and September 2025.

The Gombe Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr Samson Kaura stated this at the Command’s state headquarters in Lafiyawo community in Akko LGA of Gombe State on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference to flag off the 2025 Ember Months in the state, Kaura said that 870 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 579 went home unhurt.

He said that 319 vehicles were involved in the crash comprising 146 motorcycle/tricycles, 90 cars and buses and 83 pickups and others.

He said that 233 road crashes involving 1536 people in the state were recorded within the period under review.

He attributed the suspected causes of the crashes to over-speeding, dangerous driving, route violation and over-loading, among others.

“I want to use this medium to call on motorists to adhere to traffic rules during this year’s Ember Months.

“Don’t hurry while on the road; we must be very careful because one mistake can cause a crash,” he said.

On the 2025 Ember Months campaign, Kaura said that the corps had mapped out actionable measures to ensure hitch-free road use in the state.

According to him, personnel and special marshals have been deployed to ensure free-vehicle check exercise to improve road worthiness.

He said that the corps would strengthen awareness creation and collaboration with all road safety stakeholders in the state for a seamless ember-months campaign

He listed some of the violations often recorded during this period to include failure to adhere to road traffic rules and regulations; speed limit violations; driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Others include underage driving, seat belt violations; and, road rage; use of phones amongst other driver-related causes of road crashes.
Kaura urged road users to take caution to avoid human factors that cause crashes.

“The theme for this year’s campaign is “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving.”

“The theme reinforces the view that human factor is one of the major causes of road crashes. It also draws attention to the fact that drivers are largely responsible for crashes on our highways.

“This is why all motorists must take responsibility for their own safety and that of their passengers,” he said.

FRSC launches Ember Months campaign in Gombe

Young woman in Gubio takes her own life after being forced into marriage

By: Zagazola Makama

Tragedy struck in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday evening, when a young woman reportedly took her own life after being forced by her father to marry one of his friends.

According to sources , the incident occurred at about 6:20 p.m., when the young woman, said to have been under emotional distress, ended her life following pressure from her family to proceed with the arranged marriage.

A local child protection volunteer Bukar Fantami Gubio, confirmed the incident and described it as deeply unfortunate and heartbreaking.

He said the deceased had earlier expressed her unwillingness to marry the man chosen by her father, explaining that she was in love with another person of her choice.

“The emotional pain and pressure she went through as a result of this forced marriage pushed her into taking her own life. It is truly a sad situation that calls for urgent action,” Gubio said.

He called on human rights organizations, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take immediate action to ensure justice and prevent similar occurrences.

Gubio also appealed to parents and community leaders to respect the rights and choices of young women in marriage decisions, stressing that forced marriages remain a major violation of human rights.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the urgent need to protect the rights, freedom, and dignity of young women against all forms of abuse and coercion,” he added.

The police and government of Borno state were yet to officially comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

Young woman in Gubio takes her own life after being forced into marriage