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Carnival Tragedy in Anambra as Two confirmed dead from Fireworks Explosion
At least two persons have been confirmed dead, with several others injured, following a fireworks explosion at a community Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, December 29, when a high-intensity firework, popularly referred to as a “knockout,” detonated unexpectedly near the main stage of the event, triggering panic among attendees at the peak of the celebration.
Eyewitnesses said the blast caused instant chaos, forcing revellers to flee for safety. One of the victims, identified simply as Ugochi, reportedly died at the scene, while another victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to injuries sustained from the explosion.
Residents expressed fears that the death toll could rise, as several injured persons reportedly suffered severe burns and deep lacerations. According to an eyewitness, the explosion was extremely loud and violent, likening it to a bomb blast, with those closest to the stage collapsing immediately amid widespread confusion and distress.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke enveloping the venue, people running in different directions, and injured victims being hurried away for medical treatment. Among those affected was a teenage girl, estimated to be about 14 years old, who sustained serious injuries to her neck.
A family member confirmed Ugochi’s death in a voice message shared with journalists, stating that she had returned to Umuchu for the Christmas holidays and was dancing at the carnival when the explosion occurred.
Residents also disclosed that several children were among the injured, some of whom sustained burns to their faces and other parts of the body. The fireworks used at the event were said to have been stored in cartons and capable of multiple explosive discharges, which reportedly intensified the impact of the blast.
As of Tuesday morning, no official statement had been issued by community leaders, local authorities, or the Anambra State Government. Emergency agencies were also yet to comment on the incident, raising concerns among residents over the lack of an immediate official response.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Anambra State Police Command proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
It will be recalled that the Anambra State Police Command had earlier banned the use of knockout bangers and other ceremonial explosives during the Christmas and New Year festivities. The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, had announced the prohibition in Awka, warning residents to comply with safety guidelines as part of measures to ensure peaceful celebrations across the state.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
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