A fire outbreak at a mechanical workshop in the Isheri-Idimu area of Lagos has affected about 21 exotic vehicles, with emergency responders preventing the inferno from spreading to a nearby petrol station and averting a potentially major disaster.

The fire occurred at about 3:05am on Friday, October 30, at a workshop on Oladunni Street, beside Eternal Filling Station in the Isheri-Idimu area of Alimosho Local Government Area.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said its Dolphin Response Team, stationed at Igando, was immediately activated following a distress call and arrived at the scene within minutes.

On arrival, emergency officials discovered that the fire had engulfed the mechanical workshop, where several luxury vehicles were parked dangerously close to the filling station.

A coordinated intervention involving LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force helped contain the inferno before it could spread to the petroleum facility and neighbouring buildings.

Preliminary assessment indicated that approximately 21 exotic vehicles were affected by the fire, while part of a nearby building sustained minor damage.

LASEMA confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished and damping-down operations concluded, with no fatalities or injuries recorded.

The proximity of the burning workshop to the filling station raised concerns over the possibility of the fire triggering a much larger emergency, particularly given the potential danger of flames spreading to petroleum storage facilities.

However, the swift response of emergency personnel prevented the situation from escalating, limiting the damage to the workshop, the vehicles and a section of the nearby building.

The Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, commended the emergency responders for their prompt intervention and professionalism in containing the incident.

He reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents and business operators to prioritise fire safety, particularly in mechanical workshops and other facilities where inflammable materials are handled.

Police operatives in Ondo State have rescued two suspects from a mob attack after he was accused of murdering a farmer in Ala community, Akure North Local Government Area. They also arrested 14 persons over the incident.

Spokesperson for the police command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed this in a statement in Akure on Wednesday.

He said the death of a farmer, Rasheed Hassan, was reported on October 24 to the police from General Camp in the Government Reserve Area.

According to him, police operatives who visited the scene evacuated the farmer’s body, which had deep cuts on the head and other parts, while his belongings were missing.

Jimoh said the Ala Youth President arrested two suspects on October 26 and was taking them to the police station when an irate mob intercepted them and attempted to lynch them.

“At about 01:45 hours on October 27, upon receipt of a distress call, our operatives swiftly moved to the scene and successfully rescued the two suspects from the mob. However, the patrol team conveying the suspects back to Akure came under attack,” he said.

He added that two police officers sustained gunshot injuries from pellets allegedly fired from a youth’s pump-action firearm. The officers were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The police spokesperson said 14 people suspected of participating in the mob action have been arrested, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the farmer’s death.

He added that tactical and rescue teams have been deployed to restore order and protect lives in the community.

Jimoh said normalcy has returned to the area, urging residents to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.

He assured the public that discreet investigations are ongoing, adding that justice would be served.

The Pad Me A Girl Empowerment Foundation has taken its menstrual health campaign to Igbesa High School (Junior), in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, providing free sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene pamphlets, exercise books and pens to over 100 schoolgirls to promote menstrual health, dignity and education.

The outreach, held on Wednesday, October 21, commemorated the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child, whose global theme is “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!”

The programme brought together girls from Junior Secondary School (JSS) 1 to 3 who participate in the school’s reading clubs for mentorship, reading activities and menstrual health education.

It was convened by Oyelami Yetunde Anuoluwapo and Blessing Kappo, teachers and Teach For Nigeria Fellows at the school, following an appeal for sanitary products, learning materials and health education support. The Foundation’s founder, Theresa Moses, responded by providing the requested items and facilitating an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management.

Speaking at the event, Moses said she was inspired by the girls’ determination and aspirations, stressing the need for sustained investment in their health, education and future.

“Invest in girls and Nigeria will rise. Every girl deserves dignity, education and the right to dream beyond child marriage. That is why we are here; to ensure no girl misses school because of her period,” she said.

She emphasised that access to menstrual hygiene products and accurate information helps girls manage their periods confidently and participate fully in school activities.

In a letter of appreciation, Oyelami and Kappo described the outreach as impactful and inspiring, noting that it enhanced the girls’ understanding of menstrual health, hygiene and self-confidence. They also said the support would help promote the students’ hygiene, school attendance and dignity.

“You did not just give pads; you gave our girls confidence and hope,” the teachers wrote on behalf of the school community, expressing gratitude to the Foundation and hope for future collaboration.

Mrs Amarachi Eze, Assistant Divisional Commissioner of the Nigerian Girl Guides Association, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State Branch, also commended the Foundation for supporting the girls’ hygiene needs and development.

“We sincerely appreciate the Management of Pad Me A Girl Foundation for joining hands with the Association in supporting our girls on hygiene management. May God Almighty continue to uplift your foundation. Thanks for joining hands in the development of girls in our schools. Bravo,” she said.

The Foundation’s Media Coordinator, Mr Oluwatosin Simon Faleye, called on corporate organisations, non-governmental organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support initiatives that address period poverty and help girls remain in school.

“For over a year, we have been committed to ending period poverty and keeping girls in school. We call on corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause for the betterment of Nigeria,” Faleye said.

The celebration also featured a student drama presentation highlighting the effects of child marriage, alongside reading and mentorship activities designed to encourage the girls to understand their rights, value their education and pursue their aspirations.

The Foundation also acknowledged the continued support of its sponsors and partners, including Access Bank, Pro Star Sports International, BL Consulting, Vita Baites Foods, Checkers, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly, the Senate Committee on Women Affairs (SCOWAS), as well as individuals and media organisations whose contributions have supported its broader mission of ending period poverty, promoting menstrual health education and empowering girls and women.