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Gas explosion survivor’s father laments neglect, rising medical costs   

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Nearly two months after a devastating gas explosion at a Filling Station in the Edibe-Edibe area of Calabar South Local Government Area, the father of a seven-year-old survivor has cried out over what he described as abandonment and the crushing financial burden of his daughter’s treatment.

The victim, Happiness Ekere, suffered severe burns in the March 20 explosion and has remained on admission at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, where doctors continue efforts to save her life.

Her father, Mr. Anietie Ekere, said the family has been left to battle the situation alone, alleging that neither the filling station management nor its owner has reached out to them since the incident occurred.

Speaking emotionally with journalists, Ekere said he has struggled daily to meet the growing medical demands required for his daughter’s treatment.

According to him, doctors frequently ask the family to purchase drugs and medical supplies outside the hospital, expenses he said have become overwhelming for him as a casual labourer surviving on irregular income.

“Some days I spend close to N10,000 just on medication alone,” he said. 

“That does not even include transportation or feeding. I am only trying my best to keep my daughter alive.”

He disclosed that Happiness recently underwent surgery, while doctors have reportedly informed the family that another major procedure may cost over N1 million.

The grieving father said the situation has become even more painful following the death of his 15-year-old son, Solomon Ekere, who also sustained injuries in the explosion and later died about a week after the incident.

“My daughter is still struggling to stand or walk properly,” he said. “I don’t know where the money will come from anymore. I just pray she survives.”

A member of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, and a volunteer support group assisting the family, said sympathisers have already spent close to N1 million on drugs, tests and wound management since the incident happened.

The source, who requested anonymity, explained that many prescribed medications were unavailable within the hospital and had to be sourced from private pharmacies.

According to the volunteer, some injections cost as much as N13,000, while routine wound dressing expenses could rise to about N15,000.

The source, however, acknowledged that the Cross River State Government had intervened in aspects of the surgery and certain hospital procedures, though most daily treatment expenses were still being handled by volunteers and the family.

Ekere has now appealed to the Cross River State Government, public-spirited individuals and humanitarian organisations to urgently come to the aid of his daughter.

“All I want is for my child to live,” he pleaded. “I cannot bear losing another child.”

There are reports suggesting that about two days ago, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, distributed food palliatives and other supports originally meant for the victims of the gas explosion in Calabar but  most beneficiaries were not persons affected by the incident.



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Metro

Gunmen kill 85-year-old community secretary in Edo

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Gunmen have killed an 85-year-old secretary of the Iyowa community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

DAILY POST gathered that the deceased identified as Reuben Owie, was also the leader of the community.

He was reportedly shot dead by two unidentified armed men at his residence in Iguosa, near Okhunhun, Benin City

It was learnt that the octogenarian was attacked at about 8:15 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2026, in his residence.

The incident was confirmed by the Edo State Police Command.

Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement on Saturday, August 8, 2026, said the case was reported by the son of the deceased, identified as Osayomwanbo Owie.

“The police received a report from Osayomwanbo Owie, the deceased’s son, following the attack at the victim’s residence at No. 2 Abu Street, Iguosa, off Okhunhun Road, Benin City.

“On Aug. 2, 2026, at about 2015hrs, one Osayomwanbo Owie reported that his father, Hon. Reuben Owie, 85 years old, Secretary of Iyowa Community, was attacked by two unidentified gunmen at his residence.

“One of the assailants reportedly shot the victim in the head, resulting in his death,” she said.

Ikoedem said officers visited the scene, documented the incident and recovered the deceased.

She explained that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH.

The command’s image maker added that investigation into the incident was ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to identify and arrest the suspects.



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Metro

Kano records 20 fire incidents, 10 deaths in July

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The Kano State Fire Service recorded 20 fire incidents and responded to 13 emergency rescue calls across the state in July 2026.

The figures were contained in a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.

According to the report, the Service also recorded five false alarms during the month.

“Ten people lost their lives in various incidents, while six others were successfully rescued from different emergency situations. The report also showed that property worth N9.381 million was destroyed by fire, while firefighters were able to save property valued at N37.524 million,” the statement added.

The Director of the Kano State Fire Service, Alhaji Sani Anas, urged residents to exercise caution when handling fire and ensure that all sources of fire were properly extinguished after use.

He warned that failure to completely extinguish fires could lead to avoidable outbreaks and the loss of lives and property.

Anas also appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children, particularly around water bodies and other hazardous areas.

He advised them to prevent children from playing near puddles, ponds, rivers, and uncovered wells to reduce incidents of drowning.



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Metro

Kano Fire Service rescues 16 from collapsed building

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The Kano State Fire Service has confirmed that 16 people were trapped in a collapsed building at Dan Dishe, Kwanar Yashi, in Fagge Local Government Area.

The incident occurred at about 4:32 am on Saturday, August 8, 2026, according to a statement released by the Kano State Fire Service.

The Service explained that emergency responders were swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call from staff member Aminu Sani Warure.

It noted that, on arrival, they found that a building measuring approximately 20 × 30 feet had collapsed.

The Service stated that, among the victims, thirteen were rescued alive, including six children identified as Al-Mustapha Yusuf, 15, Khadija Yusuf, 7, Ummusalama Yusuf, 10, Madina Yusuf, 6, Hafsat Yusuf, 9, and eight others whose names were not immediately confirmed.

Three children, namely Affan Yusuf, 5, Hassana Yusuf, 7, and nine-month old Ummulkursum Yusuf, were rescued unconscious.

“All the victims were handed over to Usman Ibrahim, the brother of their father, for further necessary attention,” the statement further stated.

The Service said the cause of the collapse was still under investigation.



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