Abia State Advertising and Signage Agency, ABSAA, has said that the advert company whose billboard crashed and killed a resident of Aba a few weeks ago, has offset the full cost of the victim’s burial.

ABSAA also said that the company is in advanced discussion with the State government for the payment of compensation to the injured victims and other affected parties.

The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of ABSAA, Mrs Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko who made this known in a press statement, said that her agency did not keep silence on its responsibilities or abandoned the victims as was claimed by some people.

She noted that ABSAA as the government agency responsible for regulating outdoor advertising, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, engaging with the owners of the collapsed structure, who she said, has been cooperating fully with the agency and other relevant authorities.

“So far, they have offset the full cost of the burial of the deceased and entered into advanced discussions with the Government regarding compensation for the injured and other affected parties”, Onwubiko said.

According to her, ABSSAA is also reviewing existing billboard structures across Abia State to ensure strict compliance with safety standards, noting that her office is intensifying inspections, enforcing structural audits, and working to remove any unapproved or potentially hazardous installations.

She added that personnel from her agency joined in the rescue and evacuation of injured victims to hospital.

“Our priority is and will always be, the safety of lives and property in Abia State.

“In due course, we will provide the public with a detailed report on the outcome of our engagements and the steps being taken to ensure justice and reform”, the ABSAA Managing Director said.

Kaduna State Police Command, has confirmed a gun battle with armed robbers at Gashash Estate, Barnawa, in the state.

According to the police, the incident began at about 3:10 am, when eight armed criminals stormed the quiet residential estate.

The gang, wielding a locally made pistol and other dangerous weapons, broke into homes and carted away phones, laptops, gaming consoles, wristwatches, and jewelries, leaving terrified families in their wake.

A swift distress call triggered immediate response as the Barnawa Divisional Police Officer, in coordination with officers from Kakuri, Sabon Tasha, and troops from the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi, launched a coordinated pursuit.

The gang was eventually tracked to Makera Main Road in Kakuri. Upon sighting the operatives, the robbers opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange. Two of the robbers were fatally shot, while two others were captured alive.

Police spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the operation also led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, ammunition, and other dangerous items.

He said, “Upon receipt of the call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Barnawa Division immediately mobilised patrol teams in conjunction with DPO Kakuri, Sabon Tasha and a detachment of gallant military personnel from the 312 Artillery Regiment, Kalapanzi and swiftly proceeded to the scene.”

Tragically, one police officer sustained injuries during the shootout and currently being treated at the police clinic.

The police added that investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the gang who managed to escape during the chaos.

Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, praised the bravery and rapid coordination between the police, military, and other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS).

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps.

He faced a single charge of culpable homicide, in violation of Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty.

Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the judgment, found Ajayi guilty of murdering and dismembering Adaidu.

He was charged with a single count of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty.

Details later…