More from Nigeria
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路27 mins ago
Benue boat accident leaves 11 feared dead, including pregnant woman and children
A boat capsized on the River Benue in Makurdi, Benue State, resulting in the feared deaths of 11 people, including a pregnant woman and six children. The incident occurred on Saturday night as the victims were returning from a burial ceremony in Wadata to the Daududawadawa island community. A local source, Daniel, reported that the boat, carrying approximately 40 people, overturned in the middle of the river between 7 PM and 8 PM during a downpour and windstorm. Nura Umar, Commander of the local vigilante group Operation Shara, confirmed the incident, stating that four bodies have been recovered and buried, with divers continuing the search for others. One survivor reportedly lost a baby who was strapped to her back. The state police command's spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, stated she had not yet received a report on the incident. This accident follows a pledge by the state government six months prior to enforce rigorous safety measures, including the mandatory use of life jackets, to address frequent boat mishaps on the state's waterways.
2 min read
馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路43 mins ago
NASU demands equal allowances with ASUU in federal government renegotiation talks
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions NASU is advocating for parity in allowances with the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU during ongoing renegotiations with the Federal Government. Mr. Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, stated this position to journalists in Geneva, Switzerland, following the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference. Adeyemi emphasized that non-academic workers deserve equal welfare benefits, specifically seeking parity after the Federal Government approved a 40 percent increase in allowances for ASUU members. He argued that NASU members perform critical roles and should not be treated differently in welfare benefits and entitlements, noting that both groups face the same economic realities. NASU rejected an earlier offer of a 30 percent increase, deeming it insufficient compared to what ASUU received. Adeyemi highlighted that the cost of living affects all workers equally, and landlords and service providers do not differentiate between academic and non-academic staff. He mentioned that negotiations for universities are nearing conclusion and will influence discussions for polytechnics and colleges of education. Adeyemi also urged the government to implement agreements reached with unions to prevent industrial disputes and emphasized the importance of sincere collective bargaining for industrial harmony, expressing hope for positive outcomes for non-academic staff.
Must Read馃嚦馃嚞Punch Nigeria路43 mins ago
Former Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Abubakar Rabe dies in bandits' captivity
Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Security Matters, has described the death of former Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Abubakar Rabe in bandits' captivity as a national tragedy. Major General Rabe reportedly died on Saturday after nearly two weeks in the custody of his abductors, having been kidnapped alongside his wife while traveling to Katsina State. Colonel Usman expressed profound grief, calling Major General Rabe a distinguished officer who devoted his life to Nigeria. He emphasized that this incident highlights the persistent threat of banditry and kidnapping, urging stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, and local communities. Colonel Usman also voiced concern for Major General Rabe's wife, who remains captive, and called on security agencies to secure her immediate release. He urged authorities to intensify efforts to free all Nigerians held captive by criminal groups and called for security operatives to track down the perpetrators. Colonel Usman extended his condolences to the family, the Nigerian Army, and Major General Rabe's associates.
2 min read