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 Yobe State Police Command has arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the vandalisation of railway infrastructure within the state and recovered 85 vandalised railway steel sleepers.

The command, in a statement through its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this on Saturday, noting that in collaboration with members of the Hunters Group, the suspects were arrested in the Nannawaji area of Gujba LGA while transporting the vandalised railway steel sleepers en route to Potiskum LGA.

“The suspects were arrested in a Mitsubishi Canter vehicle with registration number YAB-234YJ (Abuja), loaded with 85 railway steel sleepers suspected to have been unlawfully removed from railway installations.

“The suspects are Abdullahi Habu, 27, of Potiskum LGA; Abba Muhammed, 18, of Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA; Salisu Adamu, 20, of Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA; Isiyaka Adamu, 20, of Potiskum LGA; and Muhammed Muhammadu, 23, of Kukareta, Damaturu LGA,” the command said.

It said that during preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed that the alleged mastermind behind the vandalisation is one Abba Chari, 45, a resident of the Yadin Buni area of Gujba LGA.

According to the police command, investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting other accomplices and ensuring the diligent prosecution of all persons connected to the crime.

Commissioner of Police Usman Kanfani Jibrin, in the statement, warned criminal elements to desist from acts of vandalism and other related offences.

He further reiterated that anyone found engaging in vandalisation of public infrastructure or any criminal activity will face the full wrath of the law.