Why Is Ogun State Experiencing a Surge in Drowning Cases? Police Warn Hotels and Recreational Centres to Enforce Safety Measures

The Ogun State Police Command has raised alarm over a disturbing rise in drowning incidents across the state, issuing a public advisory to residents, hotel operators, and recreational facility managers to take urgent preventive measures. According to the advisory, dated January 7, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, there is an increasing trend of drowning cases, particularly in rivers, streams, and swimming pools, which poses a serious threat to public safety.

The police warned that all members of the public must exercise extreme caution when engaging in water-related activities. The advisory places significant responsibility on hotel owners and operators of recreational centres, emphasizing that swimming pools must be properly supervised, clearly marked, and staffed with trained lifeguards at all times. Furthermore, it stressed that essential safety equipment, such as life buoys, rescue hooks, and first aid kits, must be readily accessible to prevent tragic incidents.

The statement underlined that the Commissioner of Police considers avoidable loss of life unacceptable, adding that all stakeholders, from facility operators to individual swimmers, must take proactive steps to ensure their safety and that of others. “Hotel and recreational facility operators must ensure that all swimming pools are properly supervised, clearly marked, and have trained lifeguards on duty at all times. Safety equipment must also be readily available,” the advisory stated.

The rise in drowning incidents has reportedly been reported in various parts of Ogun State, prompting the police to take a strong stance on preventive measures. According to the Command, these deaths are largely avoidable, highlighting a need for stronger enforcement of safety regulations at both private and public facilities. The advisory specifically calls on hotels, resorts, and recreational centres to prioritize the implementation of international safety standards in their pools and water recreation areas.

Experts agree that drowning incidents often occur due to a combination of factors, including poor supervision, lack of trained personnel, absence of safety equipment, and neglect of precautionary measures. In Ogun State, the police noted that the situation is particularly concerning given the popularity of rivers, streams, and man-made swimming pools in residential and commercial areas. Families and young people who frequent these water spots are most at risk if proper precautions are not taken.

DSP Babaseyi further urged residents to adopt a culture of safety, warning against reckless swimming, especially in unsupervised areas. “Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution when swimming in rivers, streams, or swimming pools,” he said. The statement also encouraged hotel and recreational facility operators to develop emergency response plans and conduct regular drills to ensure staff readiness in the event of accidents.

The advisory highlights that drowning is preventable with a combination of vigilance, safety infrastructure, and proper training. Trained lifeguards, visible signage, marked depth levels, and ready-to-use life-saving equipment can drastically reduce the risk of fatalities. Hotel and recreation centre operators are advised to strictly comply with these guidelines to protect patrons and mitigate liability.

The police warning comes at a time when families, tourists, and residents increasingly frequent recreational facilities for leisure, particularly over weekends and holidays. Experts suggest that awareness campaigns, coupled with enforcement of safety regulations, are crucial in preventing further loss of lives. “Avoidable loss of life is unacceptable,” the statement emphasized, reflecting the seriousness with which the Ogun State Police are approaching the situation.

In conclusion, the Ogun State Police Command’s advisory serves as a reminder that water safety is a collective responsibility. Individuals, families, and facility operators must work together to ensure that swimming and other water activities are conducted safely. With rising cases of drowning, the state police are calling for heightened vigilance, strict adherence to safety protocols, and proactive intervention to prevent further tragedies. Residents and visitors are urged to take the advisory seriously, exercise caution around water, and ensure that any swimming activity is supervised and equipped with safety measures.

By enforcing proper supervision, ensuring lifeguard presence, and maintaining necessary safety equipment, Ogun State can significantly reduce drowning incidents and protect lives. The police advisory serves as a timely call to action, emphasizing that safety must be the priority in all recreational water activities.

“US Imposes $15,000 Visa Bonds on Nigerians for Business and Tourist Travel – New Travel Restrictions Explained”

The United States government has introduced stringent new visa requirements that may affect Nigerians and other nationals from high-risk countries seeking B1/B2 business and tourist visas. According to an official notice on the US Department of State website (Travel.State.Gov), applicants may now be required to post visa bonds of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, depending on individual circumstances assessed during visa interviews. Payment of the bond does not guarantee visa issuance, and any fees paid without a consular officer’s direction will not be refunded.
This directive, effective January 21, 2026, for Nigeria, affects 38 countries worldwide, with 24 African nations included. Visa bonds act as financial guarantees for nationals from countries classified as high-risk, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and departure requirements. Applicants must submit the Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 and make payments via the US Treasury’s Pay.gov platform. Bond holders are also required to enter the US only through designated airports such as Boston Logan, JFK in New York, and Washington Dulles.
The new restrictions follow a partial travel suspension imposed on Nigeria on December 16, 2025, due to security concerns linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State activities, alongside high visa overstay rates—5.56% for B1/B2 visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas (F, M, and J categories). The US government emphasized that bonds are refundable only when a visa holder departs on time, does not travel before visa expiration, or is denied admission at a port of entry.
This move is part of broader US efforts to tighten travel compliance for nationals from countries with security, immigration, or overstay concerns, highlighting the increasing scrutiny facing Nigerian travelers seeking entry to the United States.

Dozens Feared Dead, Over 100 Injured As New Year’s Eve Fire Engulfs Crowded Bar At Swiss Ski Resort In Crans-Montana

A New Year’s Eve celebration ended in devastating tragedy after a massive fire swept through a packed basement bar at the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing dozens of people and leaving more than 100 injured. The blaze broke out around 1:30am at “Le Constellation,” a popular nightlife spot frequented by young tourists celebrating the arrival of 2026.

Swiss police said the exact death toll is still being verified, but early estimates suggest that up to 40 people may have lost their lives, with many of the injured in critical condition. Authorities warned that identifying victims could take weeks due to the severity of burns sustained during the incident.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations point to sparklers being used inside the bar as a possible cause of the fire. Survivors reported that flames spread rapidly after a lit sparkler allegedly ignited the wooden ceiling, triggering panic as patrons scrambled to escape through the venue’s narrow staircase — the only public exit.

Residents and witnesses described scenes of chaos, with people smashing windows to flee while parents rushed to the scene amid fears their children were inside. Foreign nationals, including French tourists, are among the victims, prompting condolences from French President Emmanuel Macron and diplomatic visits from Italian officials.

The tragedy has raised serious questions about safety standards, crowd control, and the use of pyrotechnics in enclosed entertainment venues, particularly in popular tourist destinations. As investigations continue, Swiss authorities are under mounting pressure to tighten regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Christmas in Africa: 6 Countries That Don’t Celebrate the Birth of Jesus

While Christmas on December 25 is widely celebrated by Christians around the world, some African countries do not observe it as a public holiday. According to reports, Algeria, Libya, Somalia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, and Morocco fall into this category. In these countries, Christmas celebrations are either private, limited to small Christian communities, or geared toward tourists. Factors include low Christian populations, safety concerns, or religious laws prohibiting non-Islamic festivities. For instance, Somalia bans Christmas entirely, and in Morocco, public observances are rare despite minor decorations in cities and tourist centers.

CBN Orders Nigerian Banks to Reconfigure ATMs, POS and Online Payment Platforms to Accept Foreign Cards Nationwide

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks and non-bank acquirers to reconfigure all ATMs, POS terminals and virtual payment platforms to accept foreign-issued cards across Nigeria. According to a circular signed by the Director of Financial Policy and Regulation, the move is aimed at improving transaction efficiency for tourists and Nigerians returning from abroad. The apex bank mandated multi-factor authentication for foreign card transactions above $200 daily, strict compliance with withdrawal limits, transparent disclosure of exchange rates and charges, and support for contactless payments on low-value transactions. Banks are also required to strengthen KYC, AML and fraud-monitoring systems, ensure merchants are paid in naira, and resolve customer complaints within approved timelines.

A group of tourists was visiting a crocodile farm and they were in a floating structure in the middle of a crocodile lake.

The owner of the farm shouted: "Whoever jumps into the water and swims to shore, will receive $10 million "

The silence was deafening.

Suddenly, a man jumped into the water. He was chased by crocodiles, but with great luck he was unharmed.

The owner announced: "We have a winner!!!".
After receiving their reward, the man and his wife returned to the hotel room.

The man tells his wife: "I did not jump in myself ... Someone pushed me !"

His wife smiled and said coldly: "It was me!"

Moral of the story: Behind every successful man, there is always a woman to give him a little push.🥹

Trump Imposes Fresh Travel Ban on Nigeria, Others Over Terrorism Threats, Visa Overstays and Security Vetting Concerns

United States President Donald Trump has announced a new round of travel restrictions affecting Nigeria and several other countries, citing terrorism risks, poor security vetting, and high visa overstay rates. In a proclamation released by the White House, Trump said Nigeria’s security challenges, including the activities of Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates, have made effective screening of travellers difficult. U.S. authorities also highlighted Nigeria’s visa compliance issues, noting overstay rates of 5.56% for business and tourist visas and 11.90% for student and exchange visas. The move forms part of Trump’s renewed hardline immigration policy, reviving measures similar to controversial travel bans imposed during his previous administration. Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official response as the decision is expected to impact students, business travellers and tourists.

British Adult Film Star Bonnie Blue to Be Deported from Indonesia Over Visa Violation

British adult film actress Tia Billinger, aka Bonnie Blue, is set for deportation from Indonesia after authorities found she worked on a tourist visa. She was fined for a minor traffic offence but cleared of pornography charges.


#BonnieBlue #TiaBillinger #IndonesiaDeportation #AdultFilmNews #VisaViolation #InternationalNews #Bali #CelebrityNews

American Tourist Arrested for Assaulting Girlfriend — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Oct 26, 2025

American tourist Eric Christian Diaz was arrested in Botafogo after elevator security footage captured him assaulting his girlfriend, also an American citizen, inside a residential building.

Residents called police and handed over the video. The victim suffered a head injury requiring 26 stitches, and the assaults reportedly occurred multiple times within a single day in their vacation rental.

Diaz was charged under Brazil’s Maria da Penha law for serious bodily injury and domestic violence. He spent 15 days in custody before being granted provisional release with protective measures barring him from contacting or approaching the victim and requiring periodic court appearances.

The case is under judicial secrecy, and the U.S. consulate is monitoring and has assisted the victim.

Porn star Bonnie Blue has been arrested in Indonesia and could face up to 15 years in prison over her legendary “Bangbus” stunt

According to police, Tia Billinger had been filming OnlyFans content in Bali in the style of her notorious “Bangbus” tour — a minibus where she held group encounters with tourists during Schoolies Week.

Bethlehem Lights Christmas Tree for First Time Since Gaza War, Thousands Celebrate in Historic Square

Bethlehem brought back Christmas cheer for the first time in two years as the city lit its iconic Christmas tree in Manger Square, marking a hopeful moment amid ongoing tensions in the region. Thousands of visitors — Christians, Muslims, locals, and international pilgrims — gathered near the Church of the Nativity to witness the ceremony, which had been suspended since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
The festive event, filled with music, balloons, and emotional reactions, symbolized resilience for residents and visitors who endured years of conflict, travel restrictions, and economic hardship. Despite cautious tourist return and continuing instability in Gaza and Lebanon, Bethlehem’s celebration represents a tentative step toward recovery for the city, whose economy heavily depends on tourism.

The Maldives has begun enforcing a “generational smoking ban,” prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. The nationwide policy, effective November 1, aims to create a tobacco-free generation. The ban covers all tobacco products, applies to tourists as well, and requires retailers to verify age. The country also already bans vaping products for all ages. Violations carry fines, including up to 50,000 rufiyaa for selling to underage persons. Similar proposals exist in the UK, while New Zealand has already repealed its own generational ban.

UK Issues Fresh Travel Alert Over Fake Alcohol Risk in Nigeria, Seven Other Nations.

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory cautioning its citizens against the risk of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or contaminated alcoholic beverages in Nigeria and seven other countries.

According to a report by the BBC on Tuesday, the UK Foreign Office updated its travel guidance to include Nigeria, Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and Uganda as countries with a high risk of methanol-related poisoning incidents involving British nationals.

Previously, the list featured Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.

The Foreign Office explained that methanol, a toxic industrial alcohol made from wood distillation, is sometimes illegally mixed with genuine spirit-based drinks and cocktails. Even in small quantities, it can be fatal.

“Methanol is toxic even in small amounts. It can be found in products like antifreeze, fuel, and paint thinners,” the advisory stated.

To stay safe, the UK warned its citizens to avoid consuming unlabelled, homemade, or streetside alcoholic drinks while travelling.
“Avoid homemade or streetside alcohol. Don’t drink from unlabelled bottles. Local spirits or homemade alcohol are at high risk,” the Foreign Office advised.

Travellers were also urged to stick to licensed liquor outlets, bars, and hotels, and to only consume sealed drinks with intact packaging. “Be cautious about spirits, cocktails, shots, and unusually cheap or free drinks,” the warning added, noting that pre-mixed cocktails served in buckets or jugs in tourist areas could be especially dangerous.

Teen Jailed in Dubai Over Holiday Romance Dies at 19 in London Car crash Three Months After Release.

A British teenager who was jailed in Dubai for having sex with a fellow UK tourist has died in a car crash, just months after being freed by royal pardon.

Marcus Fakana, 19, was killed in Tottenham, north London, around 1am on Friday after the car he was travelling in failed to stop for police and later collided with another vehicle at The Roundway.

According to the Metropolitan Police, officers had pursued the car with flashing lights for about 60 seconds before “temporarily losing sight of the vehicle.” Moments later, they discovered it had been involved in a serious crash.

Marcus, who was a passenger, sufreed critical injuries. He received first aid at the scene but was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to hospital.

The driver, also 19, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He remains in custody.

Marcus’s death comes three months after his release from a Dubai prison, secured through a pardon by the country’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

He had been sentenced to a year in a maximum-security facility after being arrested during a holiday romance with a fellow British tourist. 

The girl was under 18 at the time, an age restriction Marcus reportedly did not realise applied under Dubai’s strict laws. Both teenagers had met while their families were staying at a luxury hotel in the Gulf state.

Gov Radda Pledges Support For Traditional Institutions At Sallar Gani Festival In Daura

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving culture and supporting traditional institutions.

He gave the assurance on Sunday while attending the annual Sallar Gani Festival in Daura, a centuries-old durbar marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Radda noted that his government is working to elevate the festival into an international cultural event and highlighted the recently signed Emirate Council Law, which increased the salaries of district and village heads.

He praised traditional rulers for their role in fostering peace and stability and commended the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq Umar, for upholding Hausa heritage.

The event drew dignitaries, tourists, and indigenes from within and outside Nigeria. Riders on horseback, drummers, and title holders paraded in colorful displays of Daura’s cultural heritage at Kangiwa Square, the climax of the festival known as Hawan Magajiya.

Sallar Gani, unique to the Daura Emirate — has grown into a major tourist attraction, with visitors converging yearly to witness the fanfare and strengthen social ties.

A man has been charged with murdering British tourist Steven Cook, who disappeared on holiday in Greece 20 years ago.

You Are Not a Tourist – Peter Obi Slams Tinubu’s Planned Trip, Questions Unstated Return Date.

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his planned 12-day trip to Japan and Brazil, describing it as insensitive and ill-timed given Nigeria’s worsening security and economic crisis.

The President’s itinerary, announced on Wednesday by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, indicates that Tinubu will depart Abuja on Thursday, August 14, for a stopover in Dubai before proceeding to Yokohama, Japan, to attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) from August 20 to 22.

He is expected to visit Brazil thereafter, but the official schedule does not indicate his return date.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi expressed concern that Tinubu was leaving the country again, barely weeks after returning from Brazil, at a time he said “the nation bleeds.”

“Our President, who has not found it worthy to visit any of our troubled states, takes joy in travelling abroad at the slightest invitation or excuse, often departing several days before the actual event,” Obi said.

“The itinerary is silent on the President’s return date to his visibly troubled nation,” Obi added.

He accused the administration of “indifference” to worsening insecurity, food shortages, and economic hardship, noting that Nigeria is now “among the most insecure nations, the most fragile economies, and the hungriest countries in the world.”

The former Anambra governor pointed to Tinubu’s recent attendance at the BRICS Summit, preceded by a one-week state visit to St. Lucia, as an example of unnecessarily prolonged foreign trips. He argued that the upcoming Japan conference could have been attended within five days rather than 12, with the remaining time spent addressing urgent domestic challenges.

Obi said the President’s foreign travels “contribute little or no tangible value” compared to the pressing need for on-the-ground engagement in Nigeria’s crisis-hit communities. He urged Tinubu to embark instead on nationwide tours to “see, listen, and learn” about the people’s suffering.

“Mr. President must know that he is not a tourist, but the Chief Executive of a troubled nation,” Obi said, calling for a “strict work schedule and disciplined travel plan” to reflect the urgency of the country’s situation.

BREAKING: UAE Bans Transit Visas for Nigerians, Introduces New Entry Conditions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a sweeping restriction on visa applications from Nigerian nationals, including a complete ban on transit visas and stricter requirements for tourist entries.

In a communication sent to travel agents on Tuesday, Dubai immigration authorities confirmed that transit visa applications from Nigerian nationals will no longer be processed.

The notification also introduced new eligibility conditions for tourist visa applicants. According to the directive, Nigerians aged between 18 and 45 are no longer eligible to apply for a tourist visa unless they are accompanied.

“For Nigerian nationals, please bear in mind that an applicant aged 18 to 45 years travelling alone is not eligible for the tourist visa category,” the notice read.

It further stated that Nigerians aged 45 and above must now present a personal six-month bank statement with each month reflecting a minimum balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent) in order to qualify for a tourist visa.

“Kindly note that the above points must be taken into consideration before sending your applications with other existing documents such as hotel reservation, data page, etc.,” it added.

This development comes barely a year after the diplomatic resolution of a two-year visa ban placed on Nigerian citizens by the UAE authorities. While the travel restrictions were lifted in 2023 following talks between both countries, the process of securing visas remained selective and tightly monitored.

Meanwhile, the development coincides with similar restrictions by the United States government. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State announced new visa regulations for Nigerian citizens, stating that most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas will now be issued as single-entry visas valid for only three months.

A statement by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja clarified that visas issued before July 8, 2025, will retain their validity and terms.

Keep your America, Mr Trump, and we’ll keep our Africa
In trying to shut us out, Trump may be doing what African leaders have long failed to do: Push us to stand on our own.

On June 16, The New York Times disclosed that United States President Donald Trump is considering broadening his travel ban list to include as many as 36 additional countries, most of them African – including my country, Zimbabwe.

Twelve days earlier, Trump had enacted a proclamation barring citizens from 12 nations from entering the US. Seven of them – Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan – are African.

He also imposed partial travel restrictions, rather than a complete ban, on individuals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Citizens from these nations are barred from permanently relocating to the US or obtaining tourist or student visas.

As promised on the campaign trail, Trump is cracking down on immigration.

For the first time in my life, I now face the extraordinary prospect of being barred from travelling to the US – a nation that several of my family members and friends call home.

My cousin, Dr Anna Mhaka, for example, completed her medical studies and practised exclusively in the US. Spencer Matare, a former classmate, has lived in Indianapolis for more than two decades and is a US citizen.

Despite the Trump administration’s political grandstanding and vilification of migrants – both legal and undocumented – Anna and Spencer, like millions of others, are industrious, law-abiding members of US society.

I know many in Africa hope to follow in their footsteps, and are deeply alarmed by the growing barriers to migration that Trump has erected.

Yet, I am not one of them.