Fire Razes Over 100 Shops at Zamfara Central Market
A devastating fire engulfed the perishable goods section of the Central Market in Gusau, Zamfara State, and destroyed at least 103 shops. The blaze, suspected to have been caused by an electrical surge, started around 10:30 pm on Sunday and raged for several hours before being contained by federal and state fire service personnel. Victims and market leaders have blamed the scale of the destruction on the inadequate response from the Zamfara State Fire Service, which reportedly lacked functional firefighting equipment. Read more
Athena Commentary: This Zamfara market inferno is yet another tragic reminder of Nigeria’s failure to invest in basic emergency response infrastructure. Fires are sometimes inevitable, but their impact can be significantly mitigated with proper preparation. The fact that a market fire station lacked functional vehicles is both alarming and unacceptable. Beyond emergency response, fire safety regulations must be enforced, including proper electrical installations and periodic inspections in markets. The government must take urgent action to prevent such incidents from recurring, as continuous losses of livelihoods will further deepen economic hardship for traders and their families.
Middle-Aged Man Commits Suicide in Ibadan
A yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man has reportedly taken his own life in Ibadan, Oyo State. The tragic incident occurred on Monday morning in the Adisa area of Akinyele Local Government. According to investigations, the deceased was found hanging from a tree in a bush behind a World Oil Petrol Station along the Ibadan-Oyo expressway. The circumstances leading to his death remain unclear. Read more
Athena Commentary: Suicide cases like this highlight the growing but often ignored mental health crisis in Nigeria. While economic hardship and societal pressures continue to mount, access to mental health support remains limited, with stigma preventing many from seeking help. This tragic event calls for urgent action—more awareness, stronger support systems, and better access to mental health care. The government and relevant agencies must take proactive steps to address this crisis, ensuring that those struggling with depression and despair find help before it’s too late.
3 Million Nigerians in North-West Suffer from Drug Addiction – NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that approximately three million people in Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone are struggling with drug addiction. Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the North-West anti-drug campaign in Kaduna on Monday. Marwa cited the 2018 National Drug Use Survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which estimated that 14.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 64 use psychoactive substances. Read more
Athena Commentary: The NDLEA’s revelation that three million people in the North-West are struggling with drug addiction is deeply concerning. This crisis, compounded by its link to violent crimes, underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach involving government agencies, community leaders, and civil society. While the establishment of rehabilitation centres and sensitisation campaigns is commendable, addressing the root causes—unemployment, poverty, and weak enforcement—remains crucial. Without sustained intervention and structural reforms, the drug menace will continue to fuel insecurity and social decay in the region.
IPOB Rejects New States, Demands Referendum for Biafra
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has rejected proposals for the creation of new states in Nigeria, insisting that the South-East is only interested in a referendum to decide its exit from Nigeria. IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, criticised the move, arguing that existing states are already economically unviable and dependent on federal allocations. The group maintains that continuous state creation has weakened regional development and fuelled ethnic divisions. Read more
Athena Commentary: IPOB’s rejection of additional states in favour of a referendum reflects deep-seated grievances, but its approach is politically unrealistic. While concerns about economic viability and historical injustices are valid, demanding an exit without a strong legal framework or broad regional consensus makes their position impractical. Rather than outright secession, a more strategic path would be advocating for restructuring, economic empowerment, and political negotiations to address the South-East’s concerns within a functional Nigerian framework. A rigid stance without practical engagement risks further alienation without achieving meaningful progress.
Mohbad’s Widow Agrees to DNA Test Amid Family Dispute
Omowunmi, the widow of the late singer Mohbad, has stated that she is undergoing a DNA test to counter media speculation, not to convince her father-in-law, Joseph Aloba. She insists that Aloba is already certain of her son Liam’s paternity but is using the issue to stall Mohbad’s reburial. Omowunmi also expressed her grief, recalling how her husband’s absence affects her daily life. The ongoing dispute within Mohbad’s family continues to draw public attention, with Aloba demanding the test while Mohbad’s mother accuses him of deliberately delaying it. Read more
Athena Commentary: This paternity dispute appears less about establishing truth and more about power struggles within Mohbad’s family. Omowunmi’s decision to proceed with the DNA test suggests an effort to regain control of the narrative, while Aloba’s insistence on delaying Mohbad’s reburial raises questions about his intentions. The situation points at the unfortunate tendency of public tragedies to devolve into personal and legal battles, diverting attention from the real issue, which is seeking closure and justice for Mohbad’s untimely death.
Compiled by Aliyu Jalal