Midnight fire outbreak  destroyed more than 500 makeshift shops at  Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Joyce Ramnap confirmed the incident to newsmen yesterday in Jos.

Ramnap, who visited the scene, said the incident occurred at about midnight yesterday.

The commissioner promised that  government would conduct an investigation to unravel the cause of the inferno.

“From eye witness report, particularly from the leadership of the market, we gathered that an electric spark may have caused the the fire outbreak.

“But we are not going to leave it at that, we will investigate to ascertain the root cause. 

“This is unfortunate because more than 500 shops have been destroyed; this is a huge economic loss to the state,”she said.

Ramnap, who commiserated with the traders, however, called on residents  to desist from spreading falsehood about the incident on the social media.

Chairman of the market, Mr Mustapha Ibrahim, who decried the huge loses incurred by the traders, called for government’s intervention to ameliorate the plight of the affected traders.

From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu 

Yobe State government has launched a major environmental sanitation initiative to ensure cleanliness and orderliness in Damaturu, the state capital, ahead of the North-East Governors Forum’s, NEGF, meeting that commenced yesterday.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Environment and Chairman of the Task Force Sub-Committee on Keeping Damaturu Clean, Alhaji Samaila  Nguru.

Nguru  directed business owners along major roads in four key areas within  Damaturu metropolis —Potiskum, Maiduguri, Gashua and Gujba roads – to immediately relocate any constructed shops or businesses near roadside structures and thoroughly clean their premises.

According to him, the committee’s mandate includes publicising the forum through various channels such as statewide media, public address systems, banners and social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.

He said the committee would also collaborate with traditional rulers and religious leaders in Damaturu to promote peace and community cooperation.

Emphasising the importance of public cooperation and compliance to ensure the success of the event, Nguru also warned that law enforcement agencies would take action against businesses that fail to comply with the directive.

From Owen Akenzua, Asaba 

Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has called for an all-inclusive approach towards mitigating the security challenges currently bedeviling the nation.

The governor made the call when he received in audience, participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course, EIMC, 2025 of the National Institute for Security Studies, NISS, Bwari, Abuja, who are on a study tour of the state, yesterday.

Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu, stated that security is everyone’s business, hence the need for state and non-state actors to collaborate in security management.

He therefore called for a comprehensive security agenda that would integrate non-state actors into security governance to foster sustainable peace across the country.

The governor stated that in incorporating non-state actors as part of government’s peace building initiative, his administration set up a peace building committee with members drawn from communities, a step he said had helped to nip in the bud, security threats before they arise through early warning signals from intelligence gathering.

Oborevwori thanked  NISS for choosing Delta State for their study tour, assuring them of the state government’s support throughout the period of the tour.

NISS Director, Mr Hyginus Ngele said Delta was one of the states chosen for the tour with a view to study its perspective in handling security issues, its experiences, strategies and results.

He said the activities and outcome of the study tour would have profound implications for  security and developmental plans, while assuring that the report of the study tour would be made available to  government when ready.

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has extended its solidarity to all Nigerian workers reiterating that their untiring commitment continues to drive the nation’s progress, even amidst daunting economic challenges.

This is contained in a statement issued by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission as the global community commemorates the 2025 International Labour Day otherwise known as Workers Day.

According to the statement, in commemorate the Day, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN said, Nigerian workers are facing unprecedented hardships due to high inflation rate which has significantly eroded the purchasing power of salaries, making it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic necessities of life.

Dr. Ojukwu also noted that the soaring cost of transportation has further compounded these challenges, often hindering workers’ ability to commute to their workplaces, thereby affecting overall productivity.

He said the Commission notes with great concern the harsh economic realities occasioned by the recent economic reforms which has exacerbated poverty.

Dr. Ojukwu lamented that the development has rendered individuals vulnerable to preventive illnesses and deaths due to inadequate access to nutrition, and healthcare.

“While we commend the Federal Government for some of the initiatives so far taken to alleviate the economic hardship, we call for economic reforms that prioritize human dignity, social justice and the well-being of citizens.

“Nigerians deserves policies that ensure decent work, fair wages and access to essential services, which will enable them to live with dignity and hope for a better future” Ojukuw said.

Continuing, the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria said the Commission has observed reports indicating that law enforcement agencies have at some times suppressed peaceful protests, organized by citizens and workers who attempt to draw attention to their grievances.

According to Dr. Ojukwu, “Such actions not only contravene the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but also stifle the democratic expression of concerns which is vital for national development.”

Dr. Ojukwu used the platform of the commemoration to call on the Federal Government to engage more in constructive dialogue, as promised during the end bad governance protests, one that fosters open communication channels with labour unions and workers’ representatives to collaboratively address their concerns.

He also emphasised the need to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in all aspects of their lives including economic concerns.

The NHRC Boss further urged labour unions to adopt more proactive measures in advocating for workers’ rights as they serve as robust platforms for voicing workers’ concerns and negotiating better conditions on their behalf.

The Learned Silk reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon.

He added that the International Labour Day serves as a strong reminder of the invaluable contribution of the Nigerian Workers to National Development.

International Labour Day is celebrated annually on the 1st of May.