General News
Aide to Delta Governor Slumps, Dies at Private Event
A Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Mr. Sunday Kotor, has died after collapsing at a private event.
Kotor reportedly slumped during the ceremony on Friday and was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. However, efforts by medical personnel to revive him proved unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead the same evening.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves across the Delta State Government, with colleagues and associates describing the incident as tragic and unexpected.
Kotor was widely known within government circles for his longstanding role in coordinating official functions. He was a familiar face at state events, where he served as a Master of Ceremonies for several years, earning respect for his professionalism and consistency.
Over the years, he served under multiple administrations, including those of former governors Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa, and continued in his role under the current administration.
The late aide hailed from Okwagbe in Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Oborevwori described Kotor’s death as devastating, noting that the deceased made significant contributions to the coordination of government activities.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, the governor paid tribute to Kotor’s dedication and years of service.
“Late Sunday Kotor was wholly dedicated to his job. His passing is a huge loss, not only to his family but to the government and people of Delta State,” the statement read.
The governor also extended his condolences to the bereaved family, including Kotor’s younger brother, Conference Kotor, who also serves in the state administration.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.
A late-night fire has destroyed the plumbing section of Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, leaving traders with significant losses and disrupting commercial activities in one of the city’s busiest hubs.
The incident occurred late Friday night along the Onitsha–Awka Expressway, near the River Niger Bridge. Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out around 11:55 p.m. and spread rapidly through sections of the market, making it difficult for traders to salvage their goods.
Despite frantic efforts by some traders to recover their wares, the intensity of the blaze forced many to flee for safety as goods worth millions of naira were consumed.
Fire service officials later arrived at the scene and successfully contained the inferno, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the market.
The Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Emeka Orji, reportedly led the emergency response by mobilising firefighters to the scene, which contributed to bringing the situation under control.
Speaking on the incident, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Chinedu Ezekwike, commended the timely intervention of the fire service and stakeholders. He noted that their swift action helped prevent the fire from spreading to the plywood and Ogbo Ogwu sections of the market.
He also praised the leadership of the plumbing materials section for coordinating efforts during the emergency.
The cause of the fire remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, affected traders have begun counting their losses and are calling on the Anambra State Government and well-meaning individuals for support.