by admin | Apr 9, 2025 | business, innovation, news, news media, technology
PRNewswire
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), India, April 4:
Unimoni India
was one of the principal exhibitors at the
Travel & Tourism Fair
(TTF) In 2025 in Chennai, taking part along with
Tamil Nadu Travel Mart
At India’s biggest travel trade show networking event, which took place at the Chennai Trade Centre, key figures from the industry, various travel service suppliers, and national tourism organizations convened. Throughout this gathering, Unimoni received an award.
Excellence Award for Most Innovative Product
, acknowledging its impact on the travel industry. The accolade was accepted by Mahesh K, Deputy Vice President & Business Development Head for Holidays; S Sahul Hameed, Deputy Vice President & Business Development Head for Travel & Holidays; and Dileep P, Vice President & Regional Head for Tamil Nadu North, from Unimoni India.
India’s premier and longest-running Travel Trade Fair (TTF), which stands as the country’s biggest event of its kind, acts as an essential meeting ground for professionals within the tourism sector. This fair brings together companies and various participants from significant cities such as Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Patna, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. Notably, the recent iteration held in Chennai underscored new patterns shaping up in the field along with a rising importance placed on innovative approaches to travel-related services. Centered heavily around interactions between businesses, TTF 2025 promoted dialogue about upcoming travel inclinations, customer expectations, and tech improvements within the domain.
The Upcoming Trends in Travel Planning
PLAN A TRIP
An AI-powered trip planning tool developed by Unimoni showcases the company’s insight into changing traveler demands. This system leverages advanced artificial intelligence to evaluate personal tastes, hobbies, and financial limits, providing customized travel arrangements. Regardless of whether a tourist desires an adrenaline-pumping adventure, a culturally enriching journey, or a tranquil getaway, PLAN A TRIP guarantees a smooth experience designed specifically for them.
CREATE YOUR JOURNEY develops customized travel plans according to your specific choices, such as location, length of stay, and personal interests, ensuring an individualized adventure. This service crafts bespoke experiences through carefully selected attractions, organized excursions, and restaurant suggestions, utilizing current data for accuracy. With this tool, you can reserve air tickets, ground transport, and lodging—all from one convenient place—thus avoiding the hassle of switching between different sites.
Artificial intelligence-powered recommendations, along with insights into seasonal patterns and feedback from travelers, assist users in uncovering essential sites to visit, lesser-known treasures, and highly acclaimed eateries. The journey starts with inputting personal preferences and culminates in personalized tips generated by AI technology; throughout this process, customers enjoy real-time adjustments to prices as well as a straightforward reservation procedure. Additionally, Unimoni provides round-the-clock client service for aid following bookings, ensuring a seamless overall encounter.
Unimoni’s Acknowledgment at TTF 2025
The participation of Unimoni at TTF 2025 Chennai highlighted its position as a trailblazer within the industry. In addition to Plan A Trip, Unimoni offers various foreign exchange and travel services, encompassing
Outward Remittance
,
Foreign Exchange
,
Forex Travel Cards
,
Visa and Passport Assistance
,
Flight Ticket Booking
,
Accommodation Booking
,
Local and Global Tour Packages
, Document Attestation services and much more. This accolade reinforces Unimoni’s standing within the travel industry, addressing the changing needs of contemporary travelers.
Media Contact
[email protected]
To learn more about Unimoni India and its offerings, check out their website.
https://www.unimoni.in/
Or dial 1-800-102-0555
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by admin | Apr 9, 2025 | crime, criminal cases, criminal justice, news, women
Ibiamina Igbiri, the 78-year-old mother of Deborah Erema—who is among the 15 individuals imprisoned since 2019 for allegedly stealing Mrs. Patience Jonathan’s jewelry—spoke with CHUKWUDI AKASIKE and TEMITOPO ADETUNJI regarding the suffering she has endured because of her daughter’s incarceration since 2019.
How
old are you?
My name is Ibiamina Igbiri. I am 78 years of age.
Where are you from?
I hail from Okirika in Rivers State.
What is your connection to Deborah Erema, who is presently incarcerated?
She is my daughter.
Do you recall when she was taken into custody and sent to jail?
My daughter got arrested in 2019.
What had you been informed was her crime?
It was claimed that she was one of those who took possession of Mrs Patience Jonathan’s belongings, the spouse of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
Can you guarantee that your daughter is not a thief?
Certainly, I can. My daughter isn’t a thief. On the very day they claimed the jewelry was taken, she wasn’t present as she had gone on a mission.
What is the age of your daughter and how is she related to the former president’s spouse?
She is 57 years old. Previously, my daughter worked for Mrs Jonathan until she got arrested on accusations that she was involved in stealing jewelry from the ex-first lady. However, I firmly believe that my daughter would not take someone else’s possessions.
Don’t you believe she has had any chance to speak for herself?
In court, she stated that she had no knowledge of the jewelry theft, yet her claims were disregarded. Like I mentioned earlier, my daughter could not have participated in something like this. On the day the incident occurred, she was attending a church crusade in Mgbidi.
What reasons do you believe led them to disregard what she had to say?
I don’t know.
How was she arrested?
Prior to her return from the church crusade, several arrests had already occurred. Upon coming back from the church event, she traveled to Bayelsa State. There, in 2019, she was detained and transferred to Port Harcourt.
Was legal representation provided for your daughter through hiring an attorney to appear in court following her arrest and prosecution?
Yes.
Do you believe the proceedings were managed correctly in the courtroom?
The handling of the case did not proceed as it ought to have. From the start, whenever they brought my daughter and the others before the court, proceedings would be postponed repeatedly without resolution. There were just a couple of instances where those involved got an opportunity to address the court directly. Following these rare occasions when my daughter and the rest had their say, the court then proceeded with testimonies presented by witnesses aligned with Madam Patience’s faction. Eventually, after all this, my daughter along with the group was returned once more to incarceration.
What has your experience been like since Deborah went to jail in 2019?
Several individuals attempted to persuade Madam Patience, but she refused to heed their pleas. My granddaughter, Deborah’s eldest child, passed away while Deborah was incarcerated. This absence significantly impacted our family dynamics. Life has proven challenging for us all. Additionally, I almost met my end due to my daughter’s prolonged detention. For this reason, I relocated to my son’s home, hoping he would look after me.
Is your daughter married?
She isn’t legally wed.
In what ways has this influenced your well-being, feelings, and everyday life?
Ever since she was taken away, I haven’t felt like myself. I’ve had to beg for meals. Illness led me to be brought to my son’s home in Rivers State.
Have you managed to go see her in jail?
No, my son took care of that task for me once. I myself have never set foot there. Ever since my daughter was incarcerated in 2019 following her arrest, things have been extremely tough for me. Occasionally, I purchase some provisions and deliver them to her, or at times I transfer funds instead. Ensuring she gets enough to eat hasn’t been simple.
What steps has your family taken to secure Deborah’s freedom?
My son visited the King of Okrika and talked about it with him. The king agreed to summon several chiefs, and along with my son, they planned to travel to Abuja for an audience with ex-President Jonathan. The king provided my son and his relatives with a specific date to visit, which they adhered to. However, after this meeting, the king stopped paying attention to their concerns. He instructed them to inform my sister to hand over anything under her control; however, my son and others argued that my daughter didn’t possess anything and wasn’t content being incarcerated. They claimed she wouldn’t want to remain locked up if she held anything valuable.
They informed the king that she was not guilty of the accusations made against her. Additionally, my son and several other family members advised the king that she had attended a church mission in Mgbidi and was unaware of the incident.
What could have prompted the king to alter his decision regarding talks with the ex-president, leading to the release of your daughter?
I’m unsure. So far, my son along with the others haven’t managed to get an audience with the king to discuss their request for my daughter’s release. When my son talked to the king’s assistant seeking guidance, the assistant asked for some time to consult the king regarding this issue.
Subsequently, an assistant of the king contacted my son and instructed him to provide the names of our family members, mentioning that the king would reach out to them for a meeting. My son complied with this request. However, until now, none of us have been contacted by the king. This remains the current state of affairs.
At what point did you encounter the king to seek assistance?
It was approximately two years back.
Have you contacted any human rights organizations or government officials regarding the ongoing detention of your daughter in prison?
No.
Is it because you lack the ability to contact them?
I am unable to handle this situation myself. My son encountered one of his younger siblings, who happens to be a legal professional. During their conversation, the sibling committed to reaching out to another attorney based in Bayelsa. This was intended to facilitate moving the case to Port Harcourt for potential appeals. However, the lawyer failed to follow through on this commitment, possibly due to being occupied with other responsibilities.
Is there additional proof to demonstrate that the accusation against your daughter was unfounded, aside from her statement that she undertook a mission on the date of the alleged event?
Every time my daughter planned to travel, she first sought approval from Mrs. Jonathan. Only after receiving this consent could she proceed with her journey. Occasionally, Mrs. Jonathan instructed her to leave the key with Mama F. Upon returning, she always went to Mama F to retrieve the key again. This routine was consistently followed.
I recall that occasionally Mrs. Jonathan would entrust some money to my daughter, yet she would never dare to use it. My daughter was so cautious about handling this money that she wouldn’t even leave it in her possession. Instead, she would promptly contact Mrs. Jonathan to inform her to come and retrieve her funds.
Mrs. Jonathan would subsequently ask someone else to collect the money from my daughter. If my child had been dishonest, she might have kept that money. However, my daughter has always refrained from taking her PIN. Therefore, I felt distressed when such an accusation was made against her.
Was Mama F one of those detained in 2019?
Number 1: No arrest took place. She is friends with Mrs. Jonathan (Madam).
Given what has transpired since the incident occurred, have you managed to contact ex-President Jonathan for his intervention in this issue?
In reality, this hasn’t been accomplished yet. We are unaware of the procedure required to contact him.
What scares you most if your daughter stays in prison for an extended period beyond what she has already endured?
I’m most afraid that if she remains incarcerated, it will cause me greater pain. This situation is also having an ongoing impact on all of us at home. When she first went to jail, her younger daughter was still very young. Just think about how much time has passed; the child has grown up and finished secondary school without her mother being present. They haven’t seen each other since she was removed from their lives.
What is the age of the daughter?
She is 16 years of age.
How many children does she have?
She has four kids, and she was the sole individual providing for them until her arrest.
What do you want to tell the government regarding this issue?
The authorities should assist the family in getting my daughter freed from jail. We genuinely require support.
What are your thoughts on the repeated postponements of the case since 2019?
In my view, Mrs. Patience Jonathan seems to be exerting her influence over them, which is why the courts aren’t functioning properly. Every time my daughter and the others attempt to attend court hearings, their cases get postponed.
Do you have anything else to add regarding this issue?
Her actions amount to an act of injustice. It is crucial for justice to prevail in this situation. The court is aware of what the appropriate course of action is, and thus, it ought to take the necessary steps.
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by admin | Apr 8, 2025 | foreign policy, news, passports and international travel, politics, politics and government
The Foreign Office stated on Wednesday that Pakistani passports are invalid for traveling to Israel.
Regarding inquiries into alleged visits by Pakistani journalists to Israel, a spokesman from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs named Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the Pakistani government acknowledges these reports concerning journalists traveling to Israel. It should be made clear that Pakistani passports specifically indicate they are ‘not valid for travel to Israel.’ Consequently, according to current laws, such trips cannot occur.
He stated that Pakistan’s stance regarding Israel has remained constant. The country does not acknowledge Israel’s existence and strongly upholds the rightful claims of the Palestinian population. This includes their right to establish an autonomous and sovereign Palestinian nation founded on the boundaries from before 1967, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital.
“Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast dedication to achieving a fair and peaceful solution to the Palestinian issue, consistent with pertinent United Nations resolutions and the desires of the Palestinian people,” he stated. As reported previously by Israel Hayom, an Israeli daily newspaper, a group consisting of ten members from Pakistan—including journalists, thinkers, and social media personalities—visited Israel last week. According to the same source, these ten Pakistani reporters and academics, which included two women, entered Israel during the current month despite carrying passports marked as not valid for traveling to Israel.
The report stated, “Nevertheless, they courageously accepted an invitation from Sharaka, an entity aimed at enhancing ties between Israel and nations in South Asia.”
‘It maintained that to safeguard the delegates, their passports remained unstamped, and reports of their trip were postponed until they had safely returned home.’
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by admin | Apr 8, 2025 | disaster management, disaster preparedness, disasters, natural disasters, news
Thailand’s natural disaster early warning and alert system encounters significant hurdles following experts attributing a delayed reaction to the earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, which caused powerful shaking throughout Thailand, to inadequate coordination.
Seree Supratid, director of the Climate Change and Disaster Centre at Rangsit University, says he was appointed by the Interior Minister as an expert adviser at the National Disaster Warning Centre (NDWC) after the earthquake.
During an interview with the Bangkok Post, Mr. Seree mentioned that he had also been involved with the center back in 2005 when it was first established.
Bureaucratic loopholes
After coming back, I’ve already identified numerous gaps, especially within our operations involving collaborating organizations.
“Collectively, we function akin to a series circuit [where all elements are linked sequentially to create a solitary pathway for electrical current]… Data is transferred from one organization to the next as time progresses,” he stated.
He proposed that it might be more efficient if the agencies could function akin to contemporary computer circuits, operating concurrently without needing to await one another.
Specifically, the NDWC ought not to await information from other agencies. If flooding occurs, it shouldn’t rely on data from the Meteorological Department; similarly, during other natural events causing disorder, it shouldn’t depend on the DDPM.
Mr. Seree mentioned that the NDWS needs to seek out information independently and cross-reference it with other agencies prior to releasing warnings.
He stated that during the earthquake on March 28, the text messages alerting people about the quake were significantly delayed in being dispatched.
Passakorn Boonyalak, who serves as the director-general of the DDPM, mentioned earlier that the department had submitted the initial set of alerts to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for distribution at 2:42 pm. This was shortly after an earthquake occurred at 1:20 pm on March 28.
The notification assured recipients that they were free to go back into structures to retrieve their possessions.
Trairat Wiriyasirikul, who serves as the interim secretary-general of the NBTC, mentioned that the notification was sent out at 2:44 pm to approximately 10 million mobile phone numbers. The distribution occurred gradually, with each batch containing 200,000 contacts, covering areas within Bangkok and its adjacent three provinces.
He further stated that the identical message was subsequently resent to recipients across all 76 provinces.
However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated during a gathering on March 29 that it was excessively time-consuming to disseminate the information. She instructed both the DDPM and NBTC to devise a method for surpassing the 200,000-per-send restriction as efforts commence to enhance the system.
She encouraged them to increase this capability to one million recipients per broadcast as they awaited the complete rollout of the NBTC’s cell broadcast technology.
Mr. Seree stated that the NDWC now has the legal duty to be the first entity to release official natural disaster alerts.
In case of another seismic event, the Meteorological Department will inform the NDWC, which will then utilize this data to release warnings and communicate the necessary steps individuals should follow along with safe locations to head towards.
He stated that during this timeframe, the Meteorological Department requires additional time to analyze more detailed aspects of the earthquake’s intensity and determine which areas might be impacted before they can forward this supplementary data to the NDWC.
Cell broadcast service system
“When the cell broadcast service [CBS] system is rolled out, it will enable the NDWC to issue warnings directly to individuals in impacted regions through cellular networks,” he explained, noting that full implementation of the CBS system is anticipated by August 1st.
The CBS system enables the distribution of urgent weather and natural disaster alerts through mobile phone notifications.
He mentioned that initially, the media might get details regarding the location and intensity of an earthquake from the Meteorological Department.
Nevertheless, it requires some time to compute and analyze the impact levels, after which the NDWC will release warnings through the CBS system and keep providing periodic updates until the situation improves, he stated.
He likewise highlighted the importance of enhancing the current disaster alert mechanism to guarantee a more rapid reaction during an emergency.
The NBTC plans to work together with television networks and radio stations to issue warnings through the TV Pool system, he stated, noting that no such alert was disseminated on March 28.
Free inspections
The president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, Amorn Pimanmas, stated that owners and inhabitants of tall buildings in Bangkok ought to request an inspection from structural engineers following the earthquake to alleviate their worries about safety.
As things stand, Bangkok boasts over 1,000 structures exceeding 23 meters or eight stories tall. Following the March 28 earthquake, numerous individuals have grown worried regarding the structural integrity of these buildings, he mentioned.
People can get assistance through Traffy Fondue, a complaint mechanism managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Additionally, engineers who offer their services for free will inspect structures after an earthquake and provide guidance on making buildings more resistant to earthquakes at no cost.
Approximately 1,000 engineers are prepared to provide assistance at no cost; however, they do not have the authority to issue certifications for safety inspections.
“If property owners require certifications, they might need to engage private firms to examine their structures,” Mr Amorn stated.
He mentioned that a team of Thai investigators has created instruments for gauging structural movements. Currently, one such device is set up at the Thani Nopparat Building within City Hall’s Din Daeng district, while another is positioned at a facility in the Northern region.
Mr. Amorn stated that it is still not possible to accurately forecast precisely where and when an earthquake might strike beforehand. Additionally, issuing prompt alerts for shallow quakes similar to the one that hit Myanmar on March 28, which had a depth of merely 10 kilometers, continues to be challenging.
Scientists indicate that smaller earthquakes transmit rapidly and generally cause greater damage compared to those occurring at deeper depths. Waves generated by deep-seated seismic activities move slower through layers of rock, diminishing in intensity as they ascend towards the earth’s surface.
“Bangkok is approximately 1,000 kilometers distant from the epicenter located in Myanmar. However, vibrations were experienced in Thailand. Issuing prompt alerts was challenging because we required time to analyze the data,” Mr Amorn stated.
Itthaboon Onwongsa, the deputy secretary-general of the Thailand Consumers’ Council (TCC), stated that the organization has been advocating for the adoption of the CBS system ever since the tragic event at Siam Paragon in October 2023. This incident involved a troubled 14-year-old student who took the lives of three individuals and wounded multiple others.
He stated that delaying the installation of the system any longer would be unwise, and emphasized that it should also be tailored to meet the requirements of visually impaired and hearing-impaired individuals.
He stated that during natural disasters, the government must not abandon individuals to fend for themselves. Instead, it has an obligation to offer citizens essential information and prompt guidance.
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by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | crime, crimes, news, police reports, tragedies
Anger followed the mob attack that resulted in the deaths of 16 travelers from the north in Uromi, Edo State. These individuals were passing through from Port Harcourt in Rivers State en route to Kano State. It was reported by Weekend Trust that those killed were hunters heading back home for the Sallah festivities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu denounced the killing of the hunters, instructing state security forces to pursue the perpetrators and ensure they face justice. He emphasized that a comprehensive inquiry must be carried out to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The Northern Governors Forum and Amnesty International, along with other organizations, have likewise denounced the killings of the individuals.
The attack
The individuals who claimed to be hunters were traveling to Kano for the Sallah festivities when a group confronted and killed them out of suspicion that they might have been kidnappers.
Over the weekend, Weekend Trust discovered that local vigilantes intercepted the vehicle carrying the victims. During their search, they uncovered Dane guns being used by the hunters. This discovery prompted a crowd to assemble, and they ultimately decided that the travelers were kidnappers, resulting in the unfortunate burning of the individuals alive.
In a widely shared clip viewed by our correspondent, young individuals can be seen gathering the departed before ultimately setting fire to them.
The assailants bound the victims to discarded tires, doused them with gasoline, and lit them on fire.
Police confirm incident
The Edo State Police Command stated that they have apprehended 14 individuals suspected of being involved in the incident.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, on March 27, 2025, a truck bearing registration number KKF 225 XA, which originated from Port Harcourt and was carrying 25 passengers from Elele—a suburb within Rivers State—was stopped by members of a vigilante group near Uromi.
Some travelers caught with locally produced Dane guns were detained.
During this time, certain vigilantes triggered an alert claiming they were thought to be kidnappers, causing several group members and bystanders within the neighborhood to assault and lynch 16 of those inside the vehicle. Additionally, the truck transporting them was also set ablaze.
He mentioned that the police arrived at the location where 10 travelers were saved, whereas the two individuals with varying levels of injuries were quickly taken to a hospital and are currently receiving medical care.
He mentioned that members of the Police Mobile Force, along with other specialized tactical units, were dispatched to the region to prevent any potential disruption to public order.
The Police Commissioner emphasized the importance of harmony between different communities and asked citizens to stay composed and work together with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation, according to him.
He similarly warned against retaliatory assaults or illegal assemblies that could heighten the situation even more.
Survivors recount ordeal
A survivor named Dayyabu Yahya described their escape after the attack. He stated: “The trip was calm from Port Harcourt until we arrived at Uromi, where problems started. The vigilantes intercepted us. I was sitting upfront. They instructed our driver to exit the car, but he declined. As a result, they whipped him. Additionally, they demanded that all passengers leave the vehicle; during this process, they assaulted us and then gathered us collectively.”
They examined our possessions but discovered nothing suspicious—only some authorized Dane firearms. The vehicle contained roughly 27 passengers. I am unable to specify the number of individuals who are unaccounted for, however, I do know that two passengers required hospitalization.
A fellow survivor, Mustafa Ali Kassim, recounted: “As soon as we got off the vehicle, the vigilantes began assaulting us. They then herded us into one spot where the local residents took over and carried on with the attack. The vigilantes eventually withdrew, allowing the locals to continue their beating while they merely observed from afar. Understanding that our situation was dire and fearing for our lives, several individuals decided to flee—I was among those who ran. During my escape, I met compassionate Hausa people who provided me with funds so I could seek help from the local Hausa community leader.”
The village of Torankawa in Kano is in mourning.
Weekend Trust discovered that all the victims come from Torankawa village located within the Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to our correspondent, the village has fallen into deep sorrow due to recent events. A local informant revealed that the identities of three deceased individuals have been established, yet multiple families remain anxious about the fate of their loved ones—whether they are still alive or among the departed.
It was learned that each year, a band of hunters from the village goes on hunting trips across different regions of the country. According to the report, around 30 individuals departed from the village for this year’s hunting venture. It was also mentioned that these hunters claimed the casualties occurred as the targets were returning home at the time of the event.
“Our community is grieving; each household is filled with anxiety as they remain uncertain about their loved ones’ wellbeing—whether they are among the living or deceased. The information regarding this event reached us recently. Such occurrences were unheard of previously. According to reports we’ve gathered, three victims have been identified,” stated an individual from within the village.
Another villager living in Rano Malam, Alasan Ubale, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that this practice had been ongoing for a considerable time but they had never encountered an incident like this before.
Okpebholo assures of justice
At the same time, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo characterized the action as barbaric and unacceptable, pledging that those responsible would face legal consequences.
While speaking at Uromi, the governor conveyed his message via the Chief Security Officer (CSO) from the Government House, SP Solomon Osaghale. He expressed his intention to assess the extent of the damages incurred and emphasized the necessity for an investigation to be conducted. This approach aims to secure justice and prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.
He cautioned that no one had the authority to end another person’s life, emphasizing that the manner of the killing was troubling for the governor.
I can guarantee you that those responsible for this unjustified attack will face consequences, as His Excellency has instructed the Commissioner of Police to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“As I speak now, four individuals have been detained due to their involvement in this unfortunate incident,” he stated.
He appealed for tranquility and encouraged the law-abiding citizens of Uromi, particularly the Hausa community, to continue with their regular routines. He assured them that members of the Nigerian police force along with other security personnel have been dispatched to help reinstate peace and normality in the region.
Tinubu calls for investigation and a search for the assailants.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu responded by denouncing the event.
The president has urged security personnel within the state to pursue the assailants and ensure they face justice, emphasizing that an extensive inquiry must be carried out.
Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated in an official announcement that the president was shocked by the heinous incident. The president also instructed the police and other security organizations to carry out prompt and comprehensive inquiries, followed by punitive actions against those believed to be responsible.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised that perpetrators will not be permitted to continue harming innocent Nigerians.
The president stated that vigilante actions have no role in Nigeria, and every Nigerian citizen enjoys the right to travel unrestricted throughout the nation.
Northern govs condemn killing
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has likewise denounced the killings.
Yesterday, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahawa, who also serves as the chairperson of the Forum and governs Gombe State, released a statement condemning the assault as a severe breach of human rights. He firmly stated that such unauthorized use of force is “totally impermissible and should be denounced with unambiguous intensity.”
He stated that the forum conveyed its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and everyone impacted by the event.
We are profoundly troubled by the deaths of innocent people and the appalling way in which these individuals were assaulted.
This deplorable action erodes the principles of the legal system and tears apart the social structure we uphold. It is crucial for the appropriate agencies to carry out a comprehensive and meticulous inquiry into this irrational deed. The individuals responsible must be located, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay,” he stated.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that every Nigerian, irrespective of where they live, must have the ability to move around effortlessly and securely without worrying about being harassed, attacked, or coerced.
Atiku, Kwankwaso speak
Similarly, Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar responded to the situation with deep sorrow over the incident and urged for a comprehensive inquiry.
“I am profoundly distressed by the news of the unfortunate murder of several hunters in Edo State. I extend my sincere sympathies to their families and close relatives,” Atiku posted on his Facebook page.
He demanded an open and unbiased inquiry to guarantee justice and stop any further incidents of mob violence from happening.
“The safeguarding of innocent lives should take precedence, and I encourage the authorities to move quickly and resolutely to stop the repetition of mob rule. It is essential that justice not just be administered but also visibly enforced to rebuild trust in our law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last general elections, also condemned the mob action.
In his Facebook post, he characterized the event as barbaric and underscored the right of every Nigerian to move around freely without fearing harassment or intimidation.
Barau urges security agencies to pursue the killers.
Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I Jibrin called for immediate action against those responsible, urging security forces to pursue the culprits.
Characterizing the murders as brutal, inhumane, and demonic, the Deputy Senate President urged the Edo State Police Command and other security organizations to take firm actions to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Senator Barau, as stated by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged for tranquility and guaranteed that those responsible would face consequences.
He revealed his plan to propose a motion in the Senate aimed at ensuring accountability for those who carried out the killings.
‘I have been inundated with calls by my constituents and other Nigerians on the horrific murder of innocent individuals in Edo State. I condemn in totality the barbaric killing of innocent Nigerians.
I am urgently calling upon our security organizations to promptly take action to apprehend these wrongdoers and make sure that they face consequences befitting the severity of their crimes.
Amnesty International too
Additionally, Amnesty International issued a statement on Friday, signed by their Country Director, Isa Sanusi, denouncing the event.
“The Nigerian authorities should not only condemn the incident but also guarantee that the alleged perpetrators are arrested and undergo a just legal process,” the statement said.
Mr. Sanusi stated that the continuous inability of the Nigerian government to penalize acts of mob violence has fostered a situation where aggressive crowds feel justified in assuming legal authority for themselves.
Amnesty International characterized the lynching as indicative of an increasing pattern where vigilante organizations are illegally obstructing roads and carrying out violent actions without facing consequences.
The disturbing riotous behavior witnessed in Uromi is indicative of an increasing pattern where local militias from communities situated near roadways are obstructing traffic and engaging in illegal acts without facing consequences.
Mr. Sanusi stated that “The persistence of these murders over an extended period, coupled with the minimal investigation and prosecution of such cases, underscores the alarming inadequacy of the authorities in fulfilling their duty to safeguard individuals from injury and criminal acts.”
AYCF reacts
Additionally, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), as stated in a press release signed by their President General, Yerima Shetima, commented, “Following the baseless allegations of abduction, which enraged the public, a horrific and savage incident occurred, causing great sorrow and disapproval. This unfortunate event claimed 16 valuable lives, with several individuals’ remains unfortunately still enclosed within the burning vehicle.”
As eyewitnesses describe, the horrific sight involved alleged victims being transported away using wheelbarrows before reportedly being cast into the fire, serving as a grim reminder of the disturbing prevalence of mob justice within many Southern Nigerian towns,” he stated.
He voiced his worry about the incident of mob violence and demanded prompt and comprehensive inquiries into the tragic event.
Arewa groups in the South-South denounce murders and call for justice.
The Southern Coordinator of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has likewise denounced the killings.
Alhaji Musa Saidu, speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, stated
The victims were innocent individuals who were diligently striving to make ends meet.
He stated, “The Arewa people along with the whole Hausa community in Rivers State and throughout the entire South-South region strongly condemn the killings and
urge the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 5, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor of Edo State, and the federal government to probe the events leading to the deaths of these unarmed individuals. It is essential that this matter be fully examined with severe consequences for anyone deemed responsible.’
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by admin | Apr 7, 2025 | disasters, earthquakes, emergency management, natural disasters, news
A strong 7.7-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar on Friday, leading to considerable disturbances in local transport. This disruption impacted air travel as well as railway services not only within Myanmar but also extending into Thailand.
The number of fatalities resulting from the large earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,000, as reported by the governing military regime on Saturday. Additionally, over 2,000 people have been recorded as injured.
AFP.
Here are five points travelers should keep in mind:
Thailand airports are operational
Thailand’s major airports are operating normally, with most arriving and departing flights facing only slight disruptions, as reported.
The Independent.
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In Bangkok, women were seen using their phones as thousands of individuals emerged from structures following the quakes. The image was captured by Reuters.
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On Friday, Airports of Thailand, which manages the nation’s airports, stated that they have finished inspecting six of these facilities.
This ensured that the constructional robustness of their structures and air transport facilities complies with safety regulations.
By 2:30 p.m., all airports had resumed normal operations.
The inspection covered Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, as well as Hat Yai Airport.
According to FlightRadar’s flight monitoring information, most arrivals at Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves as Bangkok’s main gateway, occur on time. Delays are infrequent, and cancellations or diversions happen quite rarely too.
Concerning departures, the majority of flights have already taken off; however, a few have experienced delays lasting more than a couple of hours.
Suvarnabhumai Airport informed travelers about the recent earthquake and recommended checking for traffic updates prior to departure. They also suggested allowing extra travel time to avoid missing their flights.
The airport recommends getting there at least three hours ahead of international flights and two hours in advance for domestic ones.
Railway connections in Bangkok have been halted.
All metropolitan railway services were halted, and traffic jammed the streets in Thailand’s main city of Bangkok, as reported.
Reuters
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Worapa Angkhisirisap, who leads the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in London, stated: “The MRT Blue Line and Purple Line services are currently halted.”
The BTS Skytrain has also been halted temporarily as per the emergency procedures.
Moreover, the railway service heading towards Rangsit located in the north of Bangkok might face some delays because of continuous inspections being carried out on the raised sections of track.
Mandalay Airport in Myanmar has been closed down.
Mandalay International Airport, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, has been closed after suffering structural damage.
It is reported that the airport’s air traffic control tower has fallen down, resulting in at least five fatalities.
Videos from social media showed travelers at Mandalay Airport crouching and looking for cover on the runway as an earthquake struck.
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Following a powerful earthquake, people congregate on the street in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 28, 2025. The image was captured by Reuters.
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Aftershock warnings
Following the earthquake, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Thailand.
“There may be aftershocks. If you are in the area or planning to travel there, follow the advice of the local authorities or your tour operator and monitor local media,” its advice states.
Regarding Myanmar, the FCDO mentioned that the earthquake’s epicenter is located in the Sagaing region close to Mandalay City; however, effects could reach other areas as well.
The Mandalay airport is said to be closed, with several significant aftershocks possible. Should you be in the region or considering travel there, adhere to guidance from local authorities and stay updated through local news sources.
Refunds not guaranteed
As the Foreign Office hasn’t issued guidance against unnecessary travel because of the demonstrations, there aren’t specific arrangements allowing you to get a complete refund if you decide to cancel your trip.
The cancellation terms will depend on the policy of each respective holiday supplier.
Simon Calder,
The Independent’s
The travel correspondent clarified: “When the Foreign Office issues a warning against traveling to certain areas, it mandates tour operators such as Tui, Jet2, and easyJet Holidays to promptly repatriate vacationers. This is why an outright ‘do-not-travel’ recommendation is extremely uncommon.”
There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings even if customers cancel, and customers will not be able to claim travel insurance due to safety concerns unless the Foreign Office advice changes.
