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Oko Building Collapse: Police launch rescue operation

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By Our Correspondent

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the ongoing rescue operation following the collapse of a three-storey building at Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state, with some occupants reportedly trapped under the rubble.

The building, identified as Elite Five Star Lodge, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, Amokpala, Oko, reportedly collapsed late Sunday night, July 26, 2026.

The Police-led joint security team, on receiving the distress call, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area and commenced coordinated rescue efforts in collaboration with other relevant emergency agencies.

The Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) were also said to have responded promptly and joined the rescue operation.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said rescue operations were still ongoing as emergency responders worked to reach persons who might still be trapped beneath the debris.

Ikenga explained that the exact number of casualties or affected persons could not yet be ascertained as rescue operations were still in progress.

He, however, disclosed that some injured victims had been successfully rescued from the rubble and evacuated to a hospital in Oko, where they were receiving medical attention.

The Police spokesperson urged residents and members of the public, particularly those within the vicinity of the collapsed building, to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.

He also appealed to members of the public to stay away from the scene to enable emergency responders to carry out rescue operations without obstruction and ensure the safety of residents and responders.

The Command assured that further updates would be made available as soon as more verified information emerges from the ongoing rescue operation.
Building Collapse: Oko Poly Management desmiss reports of students death as false, misleading

Meanwhile the Management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state has dismissed reports alleging that large number of students of the institution were trapped in the building that collapsed late Sunday night within the area as false and misleading

According to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka on Monday, the two persons still trapped in the rubble are not students of the Polytechnic.

According to him, the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic, but a neighbouring community.

While saying that the structure which is privately owned has both students and non-students as occupants, he noted that incident occurred after students had completed their second-semester examinations, with significant number of them already out of their hostels and travelled home for the ongoing short break.

He said, “Attention of the Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been drawn to various reports and narratives circulating on social media concerning the unfortunate collapse of a multi-storey building in Amaokpala, a neighbouring community to Oko town, Anambra State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, wishes to state categorically that the collapsed building is not located within the premises of the Polytechnic.

“The incident occurred at Amaokpala, a neighbouring community, and involved a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.

“The building, reportedly known as the 5 Elite Storey Building and located beside Tonimas Filling Station, collapsed late Sunday night.

“Contrary to some misleading reports circulating on social media, the incident did not occur inside the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, neither were all the occupants of the building students of the Polytechnic.

“The Polytechnic further wishes to clarify that, as of the time of filing this report, no student of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, has been confirmed dead, and no life has been lost in the unfortunate incident.

“Upon receiving information about the incident, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, was at the scene as early as 6:36 a.m. to personally ascertain the extent of the incident and establish the welfare of students who might have been affected.

“The Rector was received at the scene by the President of the Students’ Union Government, Giant Comrade Anuluonye Ifechukwu Joseph, the Public Relations Officer of the Polytechnic, Dr. Oguegbu Celestine Udoka, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Comrade Chibuzo Asomugha, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the polytechnic, and other members of staff of the Polytechnic.

“The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, alongside the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, was s of the time o

As at the time of filing this story, it was gathered that some occupants have of the building have already been rescued and are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital for injuries reportedly described as not life threatening

It was also gathered that approximately two persons, who are reportedly not students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, may still be trapped, with rescue personnel even as effort is being made to locate and rescue them.

While urging the public to disregard unverified reports and misleading narratives over the incident, the Polytechnic’s spokesperson gave assurance of the institution’s deep concern about the students’ safety and welfare, saying that it will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ongoing rescue operations.

He added, “The institution also commends the emergency responders, government officials, local volunteers, security personnel, and other individuals involved in the rescue operation.

“Further updates will be provided as credible information becomes available.”

General News

NNPC announces nationwide N66 fuel discount for fuel bought through app

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By Our Reporter

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign offering customers a ₦66 discount on fuel purchases made through its NNPC Fuel App.

The promotion, which began on October 1, will run until October 7 at NNPC filling stations across the country.

NNPC announced the initiative in a post on its X handle on Friday, saying customers had already started taking advantage of the offer at various stations.

“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!

“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!

The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.

The company said activities had commenced at several of its stations nationwide, with highlights from the first day of the promotion shared with the public.

NNPC urged motorists and other customers to continue using the Fuel App for their transactions throughout the seven-day campaign in order to benefit from the discount.

“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.

The national oil company also said it would continue to release pictures and updates from participating stations as the promotion progresses.

Customers have been advised to take advantage of the offer before the promotional period ends on October 7.

The ₦66 discount applies to eligible transactions made through the NNPC Fuel App during the promotion.

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Hardship: Public servants begin three-day warning strike

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By Our Reporter

Public servants across Nigeria have commenced a three-day warning strike following a directive by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council over what the workers described as worsening economic and mental hardship.

The industrial action, which began at midnight on Friday, October 2, 2026, is expected to run through Sunday, October 4.

The council directed its national and state leadership to mobilise workers for the action, with the directive contained in a circular dated October 1 and signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Olowoyo Gbenga.

The circular urged the council’s leadership to ensure that the strike notice reached workers across the country.

The decision, according to the council, followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to demands earlier presented to President Bola Tinubu in a letter dated September 21, 2026.

READ ALSO:Unions reject TUC suspension of strike, demand reversal of King’s College concession

Explaining the commencement of the industrial action, the council stated, “Consequent upon the above, the strike shall start with effect from midnight on Friday, 2nd October, 2026 to Sunday October 4th, 2026.”

The council called on public servants at the federal, state and local government levels to participate in the warning strike, saying the action was aimed at drawing attention to the economic difficulties confronting workers and their dependants.

It stated, “In the same vein, all public servants in the services of federal, state and local governments are to join the warning strike because an injury to one is an injury to all, most especially, all workers, their dependants, vulnerable and hapless Nigerians are groaning terribly under the present economic hardship.”

The JNPSNC further expressed concern over the impact of the economic situation on workers, saying, “The economic and mental hardships are becoming unbearable and frustrating.”

It also directed its leaders to commence immediate mobilisation for the industrial action, declaring, “The time to act and mobilise workers for the three-day warning strike is now!!!”

The warning strike comes against the backdrop of demands earlier submitted by the council to the Federal Government for measures to ease the pressure of rising living costs on workers.

Among the demands were a reduction in the price of petrol, an immediate wage award for workers and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.

The council had reportedly asked the Federal Government to bring down the pump price of petrol to N500 per litre, approve an immediate wage award and constitute a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage.

The demands followed continued concerns over the declining purchasing power of workers amid increases in the prices of essential commodities, transportation and other household needs.

In its latest circular, the council urged its members to circulate the strike notice and expressed optimism about the outcome of the industrial action.

“Please, disseminate the information!!! Surely, there is victory for us!!!” the circular added.

The council maintained that the warning strike would proceed as scheduled, with public servants across the federal, state and local government services expected to take part.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Ministry of Labour were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

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Olokoro Community Eulogises NDPHC MD/CEO Adighije for School Renovation, Development Projects

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Johnchuks Onuanyim, Abuja

The people of Olokoro Clan in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have showered encomiums on the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for executing key development projects in the community, including the comprehensive renovation of a block of classrooms at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara.

The community described the projects as landmark interventions that have not only improved learning conditions for students but also reinforced Adighije’s commitment to grassroots development and community service.

Speaking during the commissioning of the projects on Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration, community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and youth organisations hailed Adighije as a worthy ambassador of Olokoro whose contributions have brought honour and development to the clan.

The projects commissioned include the renovation of a classroom block at Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara Olokoro, and the landscaping and installation of modern 3D flooring at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters Complex in Ahiaukwu.

The event attracted a large gathering of traditional rulers, government representatives, community stakeholders and indigenes who turned out to celebrate what many described as a historic day for the clan.

In his remarks, the Federated President-General of the Olokoro Clan Development Union (OCDU), Dr. Odinakachi Umekwe, commended Adighije for her dedication to the welfare of her people and for consistently identifying with the aspirations of the community.

He noted that the renovation of the school facility would significantly improve the learning environment for students and contribute to educational development in the area.

Umekwe urged community members to safeguard and maintain the facilities, while offering prayers for greater accomplishments in Adighije’s public service career.

Speaking shortly before commissioning the renovated classroom block, Adighije attributed the successful execution of the projects to God’s grace and the productive partnership between the community and government institutions.

She assured the people that her intervention in the school would not end with the renovation, announcing plans to undertake solar electrification of the classroom block as the next phase of support.

According to her, quality education remains critical to community development and nation-building, stressing that investments in educational infrastructure are investments in the future of young people.

She also pledged to continue collaborating with the leadership of the OCDU to identify and execute additional projects that would improve the living conditions of residents.

The community further applauded the NDPHC boss for her contributions to youth empowerment, employment opportunities and other initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of Olokoro people.

Traditional rulers, women leaders, youth representatives and elders who spoke at the event described Adighije as a role model and a source of inspiration to younger generations, noting that her achievements in engineering, public service and community development have made the clan proud.

In an emotional response during a grand reception held in her honour at the Olokoro Clan Headquarters, Adighije thanked the people for their overwhelming support and goodwill.

She reaffirmed her commitment to serving humanity and promoting the development of Olokoro, assuring residents that she would continue to contribute her quota to the progress of the community whenever the opportunity arises.

Her father, Senator Chris Adighije, also expressed gratitude to the people of Olokoro for the honour accorded his family and pledged continued support for initiatives that would advance the development of the clan.

The event featured cultural performances by students of Boys Secondary School, Umuoparazara, and was attended by prominent traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders from across Olokoro Clan.

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