A road accident has killed five people and injured 12 others along the Nkalagu axis of the Enugu–Abakaliki Federal Highway in Ebonyi State.

The Ebonyi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Daniel Asanya, confirmed the incident and described it as a lone crash involving a commercial bus.

Asanya stated that the accident occurred at Edema Bridge in Nkalagu, Ishielu Local Government Area, when a Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Abakaliki to Enugu crashed.

According to him, the vehicle, bearing registration number RSH 231 XE, was carrying 17 passengers, comprising 12 males, four females and one female child.

The Sector Commander said five occupants lost their lives in the crash, including four male passengers and a female child, while the remaining 12 passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He attributed the accident to excessive speed, disclosing that items recovered from the scene included three mobile phones, personal belongings contained in two sack bags and a quarter bag of rice.

He said the injured victims were taken to Annunciation Hospital, Emene, Enugu State, for medical treatment, while the deceased were deposited in a morgue.

Asanya urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, particularly on sections of the Enugu–Abakaliki Highway undergoing construction and maintenance.

He also called on the construction company handling the road project to provide adequate warning and reflective signs to alert motorists to ongoing work and enhance road safety.

The Joint Task Force, JTF, North Central Operation Savannah Shield, OPSS, deployed at Patrol Base Babasango, have rescued two civilians from the clutches of kidnappers in Kwara State.

A statement shared on its official X account, the army said on 3 June 2026, during an aggressive fighting patrol to Gidan Dogo Ekaa, the troops encountered and secured the victims who had daringly escaped their captors’ custody.

“This swift intervention highlights the Nigerian Army’s relentless commitment to neutralizing threats and restoring peace in vulnerable communities,” the statement said.

The statement added that the rescued individuals, Mr Temitope Samuel, 42 and Mr Mohammed Sani, 40,  were immediately taken into protective custody by the troops.

“Both men have been transferred to Patrol Base Babanla, where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and all necessary assistance. Arrangements are now in full swing to reunite them safely with their families, ensuring their swift return to normal life,” it said.

The Nigerian Army said it remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property through sustained, intelligence-led operations under Operation Savannah Shield.

“We commend the gallant troops for their bravery and professionalism, while calling on the public to continue providing timely information that strengthens our collective fight against insecurity,” it said.

Bandits have released a video showing abducted former Nigerian Army spokesperson, Rabe Abubakar, and his wife, following their reported kidnapping.

The video was shared on Saturday in a post on X by journalist Bakatsine, who monitors insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.

In the post accompanying the video, concern was expressed over the abductors’ reported demands, particularly a call for the release of detained associates as part of negotiations for the victims’ freedom.

The post also raised concerns that meeting such demands could encourage a cycle of abductions and further insecurity if authorities proceed with prisoner exchanges.

He wrote: “This is the video released by bandits of former Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Rabe Abubakar and his wife following their abduction.

“We hope for their safe and swift release. However, the abductors demands are equally alarming, particularly their reported call for the release of detained associates.

“If authorities agree to such exchanges, are we not reinforcing a cycle that could embolden bandits and endanger even more communities across the country in the long term?

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