Lagos Police Warn Against Fake Bomb Scares After Ikeja Schools Threat Messages

The Lagos State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents over the spread of false security alerts after anonymous messages sparked panic at two private secondary schools in Ikeja. The caution was given by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, following reports of an alleged bomb threat sent to the schools. According to the police, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the affected institutions separately reported the incident at the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters after receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. “The reports were made about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday after they received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number. “Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised a high-powered security team and personally led operatives to the schools for an on-the-spot assessment. “The team comprised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units of the command,” Adebisi said. She disclosed that EOD-CBRN experts carried out a detailed and methodical sweep of the school premises to rule out any danger. “The operation covered classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other dangerous materials. “No explosive or hazardous items were found, and the schools were subsequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities,” she said. Adebisi added that the police commissioner expressed displeasure over the circulation of false information and directed that investigations be intensified to track down those behind the threat messages and bring them to justice. She also revealed that joint teams of police operatives have now been permanently deployed to the schools to provide 24-hour security for students, staff and facilities. Reassuring parents, guardians and school authorities, the police spokesperson affirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State. She urged members of the public to remain calm, stay alert and report any suspicious activities to nearby police stations or through the command’s emergency lines. It was gathered that immediately after the threats were received, the two schools located in Ikeja GRA sent their students home as a precaution. Parents were contacted and advised to keep their children at home over the alleged bomb scare until security agencies confirmed that the situation was under control.

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FG Rejects North’s Allegation Over Gold Refinery In Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government established a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described the allegations as false and misleading. “There was no mention in the Minister’s announcement that the Federal Government owns or has established a gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else,” Tomori said. He added that Dr Alake had clearly stated that the upcoming refinery inauguration is part of broader plans, with other gold refineries being developed across the country, all of which are privately owned by different companies.

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Lagos State Orders Investigation Into Death Of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Lagos State Government has ordered an urgent investigation into the reported medical negligence that allegedly led to the death of Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the directive through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) following public concern over the incident, which occurred on January 6, 2026, the statement was said. In a press release signed by Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, the government expressed deep condolences to the grieving family, describing the loss as “a profound tragedy,” the statement was said. “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, we commiserate sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time,” the statement was said. The government reiterated its zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating in Lagos State, the statement was said. “Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State,” the statement was said. Dr. Ogunyemi added that HEFAMAA has already begun a thorough investigation and visited the facility involved, she was said. “The Governor has directed HEFAMAA to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to uncovering both immediate and remote causes of the death,” she was said. The investigation will include a detailed review of clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the responsibilities of all parties involved, she was said. HEFAMAA will also work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies to ensure the process is credible and professional, she was said. “Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” she was said. She further warned that any health facility or professional found culpable of negligence or regulatory violations would face the full weight of the law, she was said. The government urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and rights of all residents, the statement was said. “Lagos State remains committed to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents,” she was said, extending condolences to Ms. Adichie and her family and assuring that justice and due process would not be compromised.

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Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of Fire-Damaged GNI Building In Central Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the controlled dismantling of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building in the heart of Lagos after a fire left the structure severely compromised. The decision was taken on Friday during the governor’s inspection of the building on Martins Street. Sanwo-Olu said assessments carried out by a team of engineers and safety experts revealed that the fire caused extensive damage to the building’s structural framework, making it unsafe for continued existence. He noted that public safety remains the government’s top priority, adding that the demolition would be executed in stages and under strict safety protocols to prevent harm to nearby buildings, traders, and pedestrians. Following the directive, the state government ordered the immediate closure of shops along Martins Street, advising traders to evacuate their wares and relocate temporarily to safer areas. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has also set up a support desk at the site to assist families seeking information about persons who may have been inside the building when the fire occurred. Although a specific timeline for the demolition was not disclosed, the governor assured residents that emergency services and safety personnel would stay on ground throughout the operation, while the area is cordoned off to protect surrounding structures in the busy commercial district.

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Lagos State Arrests 45 Street Beggars In Alimosho, Agege, And Oshodi Operations

Lagos State authorities have apprehended 45 individuals involved in street begging across Alimosho, Agege, and Oshodi during a series of coordinated enforcement and mop-up operations. The arrests were carried out by environmental enforcement officers as part of the government’s ongoing compliance and sanitation initiatives. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the operation on Tuesday through his official X account. He said, “As part of our ongoing enforcement and mop-up exercises across the state, additional arrests were recorded today.” According to Wahab, 17 people were arrested in Alimosho, 12 in Agege, with subsequent operations leading to 10 more arrests in Alimosho and six in Oshodi. He explained that the crackdown is in line with Lagos State’s firm stance against street begging, describing it as an environmental hazard and a threat to public safety. “Street begging along highways, medians, and public spaces poses serious risks to both the individuals involved and other road users, while also undermining public order,” Wahab said. The commissioner emphasized that the state government remains committed to sustained enforcement efforts to maintain a cleaner, safer, and more orderly environment across Lagos.

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BREAKING: Lagos State Cancels 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta

The Lagos State Government has announced the cancellation of the 2025 Greater Lagos Fiesta, which was scheduled for December 31, 2025. In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved the cancellation and urged Lagosians to dedicate the day to personal prayers for the nation, the state, and the people of Lagos. The Governor called on residents to pray for “our continued prosperity, leadership, peace, productivity and our continued general wellbeing.” He also wished Lagosians a happy and prosperous 2026, noting that the coming year holds great promise for both the state and Nigeria. He encouraged citizens to maintain peace and harmony in their communities. “On behalf of my family, I wish every resident of our dear State a happy and prosperous new year. I want to assure you all that the year 2026 will be a better year for us in the State, as our administration is determined to work twice as hard to deliver the goods for the residents of the state,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.

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Ooni Of Ife Pays Christmas Day Visit To President Tinubu In Lagos

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the President’s residence in Lagos on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The visit took place on Christmas Day and was described as cordial, reflecting the close ties between the traditional ruler and the First Family. While details of their discussion were not disclosed, the meeting was seen as part of ongoing engagements between traditional institutions and the nation’s political leadership. The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between cultural authorities and the federal government, particularly on issues related to unity, heritage, and national progress.

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Sanwo-Olu Visits Great Nigeria Insurance House Fire Site, Confirms Partial Collapse And Demolition Plans

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the site of the devastating fire that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve. The blaze, which reportedly began on the fourth and fifth floors, quickly spread across the building, now primarily used as a storage facility rather than offices. Addressing reporters, the governor pointed out longstanding safety concerns. “This building has experienced fire incidents in the past. Its conversion into warehousing on nearly every floor, with flammable materials, made firefighting extremely difficult,” Sanwo-Olu said. He explained that the fire escalated after initial responders, trained for ground-level emergencies, struggled to contain the flames on the higher floors. Sanwo-Olu commended the prompt and coordinated response of the Lagos Fire Service, Lagos Emergency Response Team, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Port Authority, and other agencies. “Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, although several people received treatment and were taken to hospital,” he added. Confirming partial structural collapses, the governor announced that the building is slated for demolition to prevent further hazards.

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