
Eight people have died and 26 others have been rescued after a three-storey building collapsed in the Alakija area of Lagos State. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the figures, stating that the collapse occurred around 11:37 a.m. on Old Ojo Road by Alakija Bus Stop. Among the fatalities is a baby girl. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with reports indicating that additional individuals, including shop owners, may still be trapped under the debris. Heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, has been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. Multiple agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, are involved in the coordinated operation. Members of the public are advised to avoid the incident scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadColombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, has issued an ultimatum to the country's guerrilla groups, giving them one month to surrender. This stance was a key part of his campaign, which saw him win Sunday's presidential election by a narrow margin. De la Espriella stated that his administration would not offer "generous offers or unacceptable concessions" to armed groups, contrasting with the outgoing administration's approach of dialogue. He previously expressed intentions to conduct bombing campaigns against guerrillas and build "mega-prisons." His victory marks the end of Colombia's first leftist government, led by President Gustavo Petro. De la Espriella also plans to form a military alliance with the United States and Israel, having stated that Colombia and Israel would share an unprecedented relationship after speaking with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. The United Nations reported on Thursday that drug crops in Colombia increased by 3.5 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, successfully rescued eight individuals who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in various communities within the Akure North Local Government Area. The victims, including a teacher and a pastor, were freed during an operation in a forest hideout. According to the Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, operatives acted on intelligence, tracked the kidnappers, and engaged them in a gun battle. The criminals fled, allowing the security operatives to secure the release of all eight victims without any ransom payment. Adeleye stated that the rescue was achieved through technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic operations. He commended the operatives and noted that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families, and security has been enhanced in the affected communities to prevent future attacks. It was reported that the kidnappers had demanded ransom from the victims' families prior to the rescue operation.

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a former member representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, has called for the creation of specialized policing structures like highway and tourist police in Nigeria, in addition to state police. He congratulated Nigerians on the Senate's approval of state police, describing it as a historic milestone for a more effective and community-oriented security architecture. Oyintiloye, an All Progressives Congress stalwart, emphasized that security is most effective when locally driven and intelligence-led. He stated that the approval of state police is a step in the right direction, but a multi-layered policing system is needed to address emerging security concerns. The former lawmaker expressed satisfaction that his long-championed cause for state police gained traction under President Bola Tinubu's administration. He recalled advocating for decentralized policing since 2018 as a solution to Nigeria's security challenges. Oyintiloye believes state police will strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance rapid response, deepen community policing, create employment, and empower law enforcement to address local issues. He also called for modern security technology, such as CCTV, drones, and digital communication systems, and a strong community policing framework involving traditional rulers and youth groups. The debate over state police has been contentious, with advocates citing improved intelligence and response times, while cri