The Gboko Local Government Health Authority in Benue State has evacuated 20,000 crates of expired Coca-Cola products from Gboko Main Market following a routine inspection that reportedly uncovered beverages that had expired since 2024.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Director of the Gboko Local Government Health Authority, Mrs Wede Victoria, alongside environmental health officers and market security personnel.

According to health officials, the expired products were still openly displayed for sale within the market despite having exceeded their recommended consumption dates.

Mrs Victoria stated that the action became necessary to protect consumers from potential health risks associated with expired beverages.

She noted that the consumption of expired carbonated drinks could result in stomach discomfort, food poisoning and other health complications.

As part of the exercise, health inspectors removed the affected products from traders’ stalls and transported them to a government storage facility pending destruction in accordance with applicable health and safety regulations.

Authorities also invited traders linked to the seized stock for questioning while investigations continue to determine how the products entered the market.

Officials said efforts are underway to trace suppliers and establish whether there were breaches in distribution, storage or retail practices.

Some traders reportedly claimed they were unaware the products had expired, while others expressed concern over the financial losses resulting from the seizure.

Residents of Gboko largely welcomed the intervention, noting that many consumers purchase packaged drinks without routinely checking expiry dates before consumption.

The health authority has warned traders to regularly inspect product expiry dates and adhere to proper storage standards.

Officials stressed that shops found selling expired or substandard products could face sanctions, including confiscation of goods and possible prosecution.

There was panic in Delta State on Saturday as passersby struggled to rescue a man being swept away by flood.

The incident occurred after a heavy rainfall in the Okpanam area of Asaba, the state capital.

In the video sighted by DAILY POST, it took a long time for the passersby to help the man in the speedy flood.

A voice crying behind the video was heard begging other passersby to join hands to rescue the man, whose head was deep inside the water.

The voice also warned a little boy against going close to the water to avert another incident of drowning.

“God save him. This other man in the vehicle can’t come and help to rescue this man? What kind of problematic rain is this? God of mercy please help this man,” the voice said.

Watch video.

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims who spent 40 days in captivity and arrested five suspected informants allegedly linked to the kidnapping syndicate. 

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the victims were rescued during a joint security operation involving officers from Fushin Kada and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Hunkuyi. 

Hassan stated that the operation followed sustained intelligence gathering, strategic surveillance and coordinated efforts that led operatives to a suspected bandits’ hideout.

 “Upon sighting the advancing security personnel, the bandits fled the area, abandoning the victims who were subsequently rescued unharmed,” he said. 

According to him, the rescued victims were identified as Ekechikwu Omale, Ummi Salisu of Kudan LGA in Kaduna State, and Pastor Daniel Tanko Bawa of Tufa Village in Niger State, adding that the victims received medical attention at the police clinic before being reunited with their families. 

The spokesman added that five suspected informants were arrested during the investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects allegedly provided information and logistical support to the kidn@ppers. 

“The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during interrogation,” he stated. 

Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, commended the professionalism and collaboration among security agencies that led to the successful operation. 

He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.