Disaster/Tragedy
MASSIVE 8.8-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES RUSSIA’S FAR EAST, TRIGGERING TSUNAMI WAVES ACROSS PACIFIC
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East on Wednesday, triggering tsunami waves that hit several countries along the Pacific Coast, including Hawaii, Japan, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Alaska in the United States. The quake, which is the largest since 2011 and the sixth biggest in global history, occurred at 11:25 local time.
The epicenter of the quake was located near a small island settlement with a population of about 2,000 inhabitants. Although initial reports indicated only minor damage, the quake triggered a tsunami that caused widespread flooding and damage in coastal areas. Tsunami waves of up to 4 meters high were observed in some areas, with waves expected to reach up to 3 meters in Hawaii.
In Japan, nearly 2 million people were evacuated, with waves of up to 1 meter expected in Tokyo and Osaka. “Please evacuate quickly. If you can move quickly to higher ground and away from the coast,” a newscaster on NHK said. Unfortunately, one woman was killed as she drove her car off a cliff while trying to escape.
The US Tsunami Warning Centers issued warnings for the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii, with waves exceeding 3 meters above the tide level possible along some coasts. Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, where the quake struck, experienced aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 6.9.
Russian authorities reported minor injuries but no serious casualties. “The walls were shaking,” a Kamchatka resident told state media Zvezda. “It’s good that we packed a suitcase, there was one with water and clothes near the door. We quickly grabbed it and ran out… It was very scary.”
The quake was the strongest in the Kamchatka region since 1952, according to the regional seismic monitoring service, which warned of potential aftershocks of up to 7.5 magnitude.
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, has confirmed the death of six nursing students in a road accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso highway.
In a statement issued on February 24, the institution’s Registrar, Olayinka Balogun, described the incident as a devastating blow to the university community. He noted that the students were on their way to sit for final examinations when the crash occurred.
According to information gathered from within the university, the victims had boarded a commercial vehicle in Suleja, Niger State, heading to Ogbomoso before the accident happened at Otte, Kwara State, on Sunday.
The university identified the deceased as Shehu Nana Firdawsi Hamza, Idris Jamila, Abdulraheem Maimunah Hamza, Blessing Kevwe, Owoicho Elizabeth, and Aroke Ozavize Victoria.
Balogun explained that the students were final-year undergraduates enrolled in the Open and Distance Learning Nursing programme.
“It is with profound sorrow that the management announces the passing of six of our beloved Open and Distance Learning Nursing students in a tragic motor accident along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso road on Sunday, February 22, 2026,” the statement read.
“The victims were travelling in a commercial bus from Suleja, Niger State, to the university to participate in their final examinations when the fatal crash occurred at Otte, Kwara State.
“This heartbreaking event has plunged our entire academic family into mourning. These students embodied determination and aspiration, and their loss is deeply felt across our institution.”
The management extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on the public to offer prayers for the departed.
“We express our heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. The university stands with them in this moment of overwhelming grief.
“As we mourn, we invite all well-meaning individuals to join us in praying for strength and comfort for those affected by this irreparable loss.
“May the lives of these young souls inspire us to embrace compassion, resilience, and unity in the face of tragedy,” the statement added.
The crash is the second such tragedy involving final-year students in Kwara State in less than a month.
Earlier on February 5, Kwara State University confirmed the death of Idris Agboluaje, a 400-level student, in an accident near Malete. The university’s Registrar, Dr Kikelomo Sallee, said the student was en route to campus for an examination when the incident happened.
Disaster/Tragedy
GOVERNOR FINTIRI’S COUSIN KILLED AS TERRORISTS STRIKE ADAMAWA COMMUNITY, DEATH TOLL HITS 27
At least 27 people have been confirmed dead following a coordinated assault by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters on Shuwari Sholi community in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State in the early hours of Wednesday.
The attack, which lasted several hours, left the village head of Shuwari, Bademi Papka, among the deceased. Papka was identified as a cousin to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri.
A witness who recounted the incident on condition of anonymity said the insurgents arrived on motorcycles and began firing indiscriminately at residents gathered near the village market and at the market square.
“They opened fire on a group of people seated under a tree close to the market,” the witness recounted.
The source explained that residents fled in different directions as gunfire rang out across the community.
“By the grace of God, some of us managed to escape unharmed, but many were gunned down as we ran toward the mountains for cover,” the witness added.
He further disclosed that soldiers stationed in the vicinity were alerted but arrived after the attackers had already fled.
“Things are relatively calm now, but fear and uncertainty remain. We urge the government to intensify efforts to end this recurring nightmare,” he said.
Confirming the development, former Chairman of Madagali Local Government, Maina Ularamu, acknowledged the attack but noted varying reports on casualty figures.
“Some accounts indicate around 20 deaths, while others put the toll higher. The accurate number will become clearer once the dust settles and people regain composure,” Ularamu stated.
Despite repeated assurances from security forces and government officials, many communities across northern Nigeria continue to grapple with persistent threats from armed groups operating with near impunity.
A major fire outbreak has destroyed several shops and properties worth millions of naira in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday near the Rainoil Limited filling station, sending panic through the community .
The inferno, which specifically gutted the Opolo Furniture Market, swept through multiple shops and makeshift structures before officials of the Bayelsa State Fire Service arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control . Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze began at dawn and spread rapidly across sections of the market, triggering desperate attempts by traders to salvage their goods .
According to reports, the petrol filling station located adjacent to the affected area was untouched by the flames, a development residents described as a narrow escape from what could have been a far more catastrophic incident . Some families residing near the affected shops were reportedly displaced by the fire .
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire had yet to be determined, and no casualties have been confirmed . However, losses running into millions of naira are feared as traders watched their sources of livelihood consumed by the flames .
Residents have called on the state government to take urgent preventive measures and strengthen fire safety protocols around major markets, particularly those situated near fuel stations, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents .