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Ukrainian soldiers killed in SUV donated by miners

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Six Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in an attack on a vehicle donated by Welsh miners just months ago.

The men died when their SUV was shelled by Russian artillery in August, according to a Ukrainian trade union.

The car was driven to Ukraine by Welsh miners as part of an aid convoy in February and some of the men who died were Ukrainian miners.

Attacks on donated vehicles have only now been revealed, including one which was destroyed in 2022.

It is not known if anyone was injured in that attack.

Former miner, Carwyn Donovan, has taken part in several aid trips to Ukraine
© BBC

 

Carwyn Donovan, 36 from Abercraf, Powys, drove the vehicle to Ukraine that was destroyed last month.

Looking at a picture of the wreckage, he points out the now barely visible sticker he placed on the front.

“You can just see the Ukrainian flag that we put on it before we left – it’s still there”, he said.

Mr Donovan has taken part in seven aid convoys to Ukraine.

He said knowing people were killed when the vehicle was attacked was “gut wrenching”.

“There’s an overwhelming sense of sadness for the lives lost but also a profound admiration for their bravery and their selflessness,” he said.

“There’s a feeling of helplessness and even guilt knowing that these people have paid the ultimate price for something which is in all of our interests.”

Thermal imaging of a vehicle donated in February and destroyed in August
© KVPU, the Independent Union of Ukrainian Miners

 

The attack in August happened in the Kharkiv area, not far from the Russian border.

“This aid is especially critical”, said Olesia Briazgunova, from the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine.

She said the vehicles in particular were “a vital aspect of Ukraine’s defence”.

The vehicles are used by “defenders, volunteers, medics and rescue services – and often save lives, especially in regions close to hostilities”, she added.

Welsh miners delivered medicine, warm clothing and vehicles to Ukrainian miners in Kyiv in February.

The link between Wales and Ukraine began in the 1980s when Ukrainian miners, then part of the Soviet Union, donated a portion of their wages to striking miners.

The donated vehicles have been used to take supplies to the front line and evacuate civilians from dangerous areas.

Mick Antoniw MS delivering aid and vehicles to Ukraine
© Mick Antoniw

 

There are currently hundreds, if not thousands of miners fighting in the war against Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers sent a video message to miners in Wales thanking them for the vehicles and aid.

They said: “Thanks to our British colleagues from the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers).

“Thank you to all the people of the UK for your continued support and help – the war continues,” they said.

Standing holding a Welsh flag in front of a donated vehicle they said: “We fight every day for our independence and peace in Ukraine and all of Europe.

“These vehicles help us to save lives – and bring our victory closer.”

The NUM, a cross-party Senedd group and Welsh businesses have donated 25 vehicles since the conflict began in 2022, with funds being raised for five more.

There are now plans for another aid convoy from Wales to Ukraine in October.

Ukrainian soldiers receiving vehicles and aid
© KVPU, the Independent Union of Ukrainian Miners

Former Welsh government counsel general Mick Antoniw travelled as part of the convoy in February.

The Pontypridd MS has Ukrainian heritage and relatives of his have been killed in the war.

He said the vehicles they were supplying “are vulnerable to artillery and drone attacks”.

“These vehicles which we deliver save Ukrainian lives on the front line”, he said.

 

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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