The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed a gas explosion at the Onitsha Head Bridge market that claimed one life, leaving six others injured.

The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Onitsha.

Ikenga explained that the explosion happened at a plumbing market along Uga Street on Friday.

According to him, preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on a metal due to exposure to excess heat.

“The police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion.

“The incident took place at a plumbing market along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.

“The six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a mortuary,” he said.

He noted that the police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.

Ikenga said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, was concerned about the unfortunate incident and emphasised the need for a regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment.

The commissioner stressed the need for gas cylinders to be stored securely and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines to forestall future occurrences.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has announced a prohibition on the use of firecrackers, popularly known as knockouts, ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, explained that the measure aimed to ensure the safety of lives and property during the festive period.

According to him, using firecrackers often causes unnecessary panic, poses fire risks, and could lead to other avoidable incidents.

Disu said, “This ban is implemented to ensure the safety of all residents and to protect lives and property throughout the festive season.

“The use of these items creates unwarranted fear and anxiety in the community. This ban is essential to maintaining peace and safety. Anyone found using or selling firecrackers will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.”

The police urged community leaders and residents to support efforts to sensitize the public on the dangers of using firecrackers, adding that it was important for residents to adhere to the directive.

“Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or violations of the ban through our emergency hotlines,” he added.

Disu, however, assured residents of the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the holiday season.

Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, has handed over a barge and two trucks laden with products suspected to be stolen crude oil to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Commander, NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin, handed over the items to the anti-graft agency on Tuesday in Warri.

Muhsin, represented by the Executive Officer, NNS Delta, Commander Ayi Archibong,  said the barge and trucks were intercepted on Thursday at the jetty of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Warri.

He said that the arrest was effected by the Gunboat Team of the NNS Delta.

According to him, the Gunboat Team intercepted and arrested a barge named ‘Barge Oghenekome’ and two trucks laden with suspected stolen crude oil at the NIWA jetty in Warri.

“They were intercepted last Thursday following credible information, and today, we are handing them over to officials of the EFCC.

“The arrests is one among other series of actions in support of the Operation Delta Sanity of the Nigerian Navy and Operation Delta Safe of the Defence Headquarters.”

Muhsin also said that the NNS Delta remains resolute in steming illegalities in its areas of operation in line with the coastal guard functions.

He expressed gratitude to all the government agencies and good-spirited individuals in the state that had supported the operations of the NNS Delta.

The Navy Boss warned those indulging in crude oil theft and illegalities in the maritime domain to desist from such or face the full wrath of the law.

“If you do not change, we shall unleash our ruthless operations team on you and rid you out of the state,” he warned.

Mr Abdullahi Nuhu, a Superintendent and team lead from the EFCC Benin Zonal Directorate, received the exhibits on behalf of the anti-graft agency.