News

Petrol tanker explosion: FG condoles with Bago, people of Niger

The Federal Government has condoled with the Government and people of Niger over the petrol tanker explosion that occurred in Essa, Katcha Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, issued on Thursday in Abuja.

He expressed deep sorrow over the incident which claimed many innocent lives and left several others injured.

“We join the Government and people of Niger in mourning this painful loss.

“This heartbreaking incident has once again brought to the fore the devastating human and material consequences of fuel tanker accidents in our communities.

“The Federal Government is saddened that, despite sustained public sensitisation and repeated warnings about the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, some citizens still take such life-threatening risks.

“Every Nigerian life is precious, and such avoidable tragedies serve as a painful reminder of the need for greater vigilance and adherence to safety instructions in times of emergency,” Idris said.

He commended the swift response of the Niger Government, security agencies, and emergency responders who promptly mobilised to put out the fire, rescue survivors, and provide support to the affected families.

He said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has also been directed to complement ongoing efforts by the state government in providing relief and medical assistance to the victims and their families.

“The Federal Government also directs the National Orientation Agency to sustain and intensify nationwide public awareness campaigns on safety measures, particularly in rural and high-risk communities, to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire people of Niger in this moment of grief.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may God grant their loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

News

Maryam Sanda removed from Tinubu’s pardon list

The name of Maryam Sanda sentenced to death in 2020 for the culpable homicide of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello, has been removed from the pardon list by President Bola Tinubu.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.

Onanuga noted that President Tinubu was exercising his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy as captured under Section 175(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He stressed that the new list came about after consultations with the Council of State and the public opinion and signing of all relevant instruments necessary to formalise the updated list of beneficiaries.

According to the statement, Tinubu ordered the removal of individuals convicted of severe crimes, including kidnapping, drug offenses, human trafficking, fraud, and illegal firearms possession or trafficking, from the list.

Also, those who were previously pardoned on the old list have had their sentences reduced.

News

Fresh list of 34 persons granted clemency by President Tinubu released

A new list of those granted clemency by President Bola Tinubu has emerged from the Presidency.

The list contained about 15 Nigerians pardoned by the Tinubu administration.

Another four persons, whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment and fifteen others granted clemency, were also listed

Pardon:

1. Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaobia
2. Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar
3. Ayinla Saadu Alanamu
4. Hon. Farouk M. Lawan
5. Herbert Macaulay
6. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa
7. Ken Saro Wiwa
8. Saturday Dobee
9. Nordu Eawo
10. Daniel Gbooko
11. Paul Levera
12. Felix Nuale
13. Baribor Bera
14. Barinem Kiobel
15. John Kpuine

From death sentences to life imprisonment:

1. Emmanuel Baba
2. Abubakar Usman
3. Khalifa Umar
4. Mohammed Umar

Clemency:

1. Oroka Michael Chibueze
2. Adesanya Olufemi Paul
3. Daniel Bodunwa
4. Hamza Abubakar
5. Buhari Sani
6. Mohammed Musa
7. Muharazu Abubakar
8. Ibrahim Yusuf
9. Saad Ahmed Madaki
10. Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa
11. Richard Ayuba
12. Adam Abubakar
13. Emmanuel Yusuf
14. Chinedu Stanley
15. Johnny Ntheru Udor

News

Anambra election: Violence won’t be tolerated – NSA warns

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to politicians and stakeholders against violence in the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election.

The NSA warned that violence won’t be tolerated.

Ribadu gave the warning on Tuesday at the meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, held at INEC Headquarters, Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Internal Security, Hassan Abdullahi, the NSA reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the poll.

He charged political parties and candidates to promote peace and discourage violence before, during, and after the exercise.

“We are engaging with political leaders and local stakeholders to send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated,” he said.

According to him, the Office of the NSA is committed to implementing President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the strategic mobilization of security forces during the electoral period.

He further stated that enhanced surveillance, deployment of adequate security personnel, and improved intelligence gathering have been put in place to prevent any attempt by destructive elements or desperate politicians to undermine the electoral process.