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Kremlin Threatens Ukraine Missile Plants Over UK Backing

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Kremlin has accused Britain of undermining efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine by providing Kyiv with information that could help it manufacture SCALP long-range missiles domestically, warning that facilities producing the weapons could be targeted.

The warning came on Monday as British Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Kyiv and pledged to maintain the United Kingdom’s military support for Ukraine.

The British government has said it would authorise defence company MBDA to provide information on UK-made components used in the Franco-British SCALP missile, potentially allowing Ukraine to produce the weapon locally.

Asked about the missile blueprints, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of deliberately obstructing peace efforts.

“Britain is methodically and regularly throwing oil on the fire and methodically and regularly plotting schemes to prevent even the slightest progress in the peace process.”

Peskov said Russia was preparing to identify facilities involved in producing the missiles and other military equipment.

“Our armed forces are carrying out work accordingly, gathering the relevant intelligence to identify the production sites of such missiles and other military equipment, and taking measures to destroy these facilities,” Peskov said.

The SCALP is a long-range cruise missile capable of striking targets about 250 kilometres (155 miles) away.

France and Britain have supplied the weapon to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. However, Ukraine has not yet begun producing the missiles domestically.

Burnham travelled to Kyiv on Monday to attend Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorations, where he reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting the Ukrainian government.

“Despite Russia’s outrageous threats to my country, we will continue our support for Ukraine’s defence,” Burnham said in a speech delivered ahead of a meeting with Ukraine’s international supporters.

NRC Links Possible Wheel Defect To Warri-Itakpe Train Derailment, Rules Out Track Vandalism

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said a “possible sudden development of a bogie or wheel defect” may have been the main factor behind the June 8, 2026 derailment of the Warri-Itakpe Train Service in Delta State.

The corporation also identified the “possible manner of brake application” as a factor that may have worsened the severity of the accident. However, it stressed that both possibilities remain working hypotheses pending the completion of a comprehensive investigation.

The NRC disclosed this in its preliminary report on the incident, which occurred as the train approached the Outer Home signal of the Goodluck Jonathan Railway Station at kilometre 177, Owa-Oyibu, Agbor.

“Based on the internal investigation carried out by the NRC inquiry team, preliminary observations indicate the possible sudden development of a bogie/wheel defect while en route. This observation is being investigated further as a potential primary factor in the derailment,” the NRC said in the report signed by its Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, on Monday.

“A wheel defect of this nature may have generated abnormal wheel-rail interaction, excessive impact loading, and loss of running stability. The investigation also noted that the possible manner of brake application may have contributed to the severity of the outcome.”

The NRC said the train left Itakpe at noon with 482 people on board, including 442 passengers and 40 operational personnel.

Five coaches, one locomotive and a power car were affected by the derailment. Three coaches and the power car overturned, while the other derailed rolling stock remained upright.

The corporation said emergency response efforts began immediately and all passengers were evacuated within two hours.

“Tragically, the incident resulted in four confirmed fatalities, three adults and one child and 64 persons reported injured.”

According to the NRC, 28 passengers received treatment and were discharged from the Railway Hospital in Owa-Oyibu, while 36 others were taken to general hospitals in Owa-Oyibu, Owa-Alero and the Central Hospital Agbor.

“Most of those admitted were discharged within 72 hours. Three persons, including one NRC personnel who required surgical intervention, remain under specialist medical care, and two subsequently had surgical procedures carried out,” it said. “The initial report of five fatalities was subsequently corrected following verification with the Delta State Medical Team who handled all the deceased.”

The corporation said its preliminary investigation involved inspections of the accident site, collection of evidence, examination of operational records and technical assessments of the locomotive and rolling stock.

Investigators also interviewed witnesses, train crew members, operations and maintenance personnel as well as emergency responders. The track infrastructure, turnout arrangements and communication systems in the affected area were also examined.

The NRC said the investigation found no evidence of track vandalism, noting that the points at the scene remained intact.

“It is important to note that site examination by the inquiry team observed that the points were intact and that no evidence of track vandalism was found,” it noted.

The corporation said this finding differs from the Warri-Itakpe Train Service accidents recorded on November 1 and November 8, 2025, which it said were linked to track vandalism.

The NRC, however, emphasised that its internal inquiry does not constitute the final determination of the accident’s cause.

“These remain working hypotheses only. The definitive cause or causes of the accident will be determined through comprehensive analysis and will be set out in the final report,” said the NRC.

“In line with statutory requirements, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an independent investigation. The Nigerian Railway Corporation is fully cooperating with the NSIB investigation and will be guided by its findings and recommendations. The NSIB final report remains pending. The NSIB’s final report is still pending,” it added.

Based on its preliminary findings, the NRC recommended a series of safety measures, including comprehensive inspections and safety audits of railway rolling stock, tracks and infrastructure across all operational corridors before equipment is returned to service.

It also called for stronger maintenance and condition-monitoring systems, prompt replacement of defective components and adequate stocks of critical spare parts.

Other recommendations include a review of operational safety procedures, improved emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, stronger staff training and competency assessments, and sustainable funding for railway modernisation.

The corporation also recommended improvements to its insurance and compensation framework to ensure adequate coverage for medical treatment, disability support and compensation for fatalities.

The NRC said the affected track had been fully recovered and restored, while the locomotives had also been retrieved and were undergoing reconditioning.

However, it stressed that train operations would only resume after a detailed safety audit of the track and equipment has been completed.

The corporation expressed regret over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

It said its focus remains on improving railway safety, strengthening operational resilience and rebuilding public confidence in rail transportation.

Oyo Market Fire Destroys Hundreds Of Shops In Early Morning Blaze

By
Favour Enyosa
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An early morning fire has destroyed several shops at a market in Oyo State, leaving traders counting their losses after the blaze swept through parts of the market.

The fire reportedly started around midnight on Monday and affected businesses operated by gold dealers, furniture sellers, second-hand clothing traders and other merchants.

A trader identified as Iya Alia said the destruction was extensive, claiming that nearly 300 shops may have been affected.

“This is devastating. This is huge. I don’t even know how to explain it. Close to 300 shops were destroyed,” another eyewitness said.

However, the Oyo State Fire Service said it was too early to determine the exact number of shops destroyed or the total value of goods lost.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Reforms and State Chairman of Fire Services, Morof Akinwande, confirmed the incident, saying the fire started in the middle of the market following an explosion.

“Yes, it occurred. That number we cannot ascertain, but what is known is that some shops were destroyed and the fire incident started in the middle of the market with an explosion,” Akinwande said.

He explained that authorities had yet to determine whether the explosion was caused by gas or another source, noting that such an occurrence could contribute to the rapid spread of a fire.

According to Akinwande, firefighters successfully brought the blaze under control by about 1am.

He added that determining the number of shops destroyed and the value of goods lost would be part of the post-fire assessment.

“On the number of shops and inventory, that is too early because that’s post-fire outbreak investigation. So, I cannot be accurate about the number of shops that were destroyed. But shops were actually gone,” he said.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the recurring cases of market fires in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.

In 2024, more than 200 shops in the herbal section of Oranya Market were reportedly completely destroyed by fire.

The latest blaze also occurred just two days after another fire outbreak destroyed nine locked-up shops at the Nigerian Railway shopping complex along Aleshinloye Market in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

Goods, household items and other properties worth millions of naira were reportedly lost in that incident.

One of the affected traders, Busari Olayemi, estimated his losses at about N21 million. The destroyed items included window blinds, curtain fabrics, industrial sewing machines and other business equipment.

He also said fabrics belonging to customers and stored at the premises were destroyed in the fire.

Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage from the latest market fire, while the exact number of affected shops, value of losses and circumstances surrounding the explosion remain subject to further investigation.

Kenneth Okonkwo Criticises Tinubu’s Subsidy Removal, Says Naira Has Lost Value

By
Favour Enyosa
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Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to remove the petrol subsidy, arguing that the policy has increased economic hardship and weakened the purchasing power of Nigerians.

Okonkwo made the comments where he defended Atiku’s proposal to make petrol more affordable if elected president in 2027.

He described the subsidy removal as “ill-advised”, arguing that it had failed to provide sufficient benefits to Nigerians despite the government’s position that the policy had released funds for development.

According to Okonkwo, petrol now sells for about N1,300 per litre, meaning a vehicle with a 100-litre tank would require approximately N130,000 to fill.

“N130,000 is almost two times the minimum wage of a Nigerian. Meaning 70,000 naira paid to a Nigerian can only afford him half a tank of his vehicle. No rent, no food, no medical, nothing,” he said.

Okonkwo clarified that Atiku’s proposed approach would not involve returning to the subsidy system that existed before its removal. Instead, he said the former vice president would seek to reduce the cost of refined petrol by ensuring that crude oil is made available to local refineries at affordable prices.

“Atiku is not going back to that. And cannot even go back to that. Why? We have our local refineries now working,” he said.

The ADC chieftain also criticised the performance of the naira under President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the currency had lost significant value despite an increase in the minimum wage.

He compared the previous N30,000 minimum wage, which he said was equivalent to about $60, with the current N70,000 minimum wage, which he valued at roughly $50 using an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar.

“Naira has become useless in Tinubu’s government. This government is destroying our currency, destroying our economy,” he said.

Okonkwo said Atiku’s proposed Fuel Affordability Plan (AFAP) would focus on lowering production costs rather than subsidising fuel consumption.

“What Atiku is talking about is that oil is our product. We do not have any basis for producing it in our land by ourselves and still selling it to Nigerians at an unaffordable price,” Okonkwo said.

Addressing Atiku’s previous position that fuel subsidy was unsustainable, Okonkwo acknowledged the former vice president’s earlier stance but argued that the current proposal was different because it would rely on domestic refining and lower production costs.

He also accused the Tinubu administration of fuelling inflation and weakening the naira, saying that increases in nominal wages had not translated into improved purchasing power for Nigerians.

“50% of the 30,000 Naira people were earning before Tinubu came into office has greater value than the 70,000 he’s offering Nigerians,” he said.

Okonkwo further argued that higher government revenue had been offset by the rising cost of living and maintained that Atiku’s economic strategy would prioritise the purchasing power of citizens.

“Atiku is aiming at increasing the quality of Naira, not the quantity of it.”

When asked how Atiku would perform differently from the Tinubu administration, Okonkwo said the ADC candidate would bring “institutional memory and experience” to the management of Nigeria’s economy and security.

President Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The decision immediately triggered increases in petrol prices, transportation, logistics and production costs and has remained a major subject of economic and political debate.

On Wednesday, however, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the subsidy removal generated N15.8 trillion in resources for Nigeria between June 2023 and December 2025.

Atiku has also reignited the debate over fuel subsidy after promising to restore the policy if elected president in 2027, marking a shift from his position during the 2023 presidential election, when he supported the removal of the subsidy regime.

Trump Threatens Tough Economic Measures As Iran Warns It Could Halt Gulf Oil Exports

By
Favour Enyosa
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President Donald Trump has vowed to launch what he described as the “most crushing” financial operation as the United States prepares to impose fresh economic sanctions targeting Iran and countries that continue to trade with Tehran.

Iran has responded by threatening to halt oil exports from the Gulf if what it called an ongoing “economic war” continues.

Although the United States and Iran have avoided direct military strikes against each other for several weeks, there have been no significant negotiations aimed at resolving the six-month-old conflict.

Thousands of people have been killed since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran on February 28. Most of the casualties have been reported in Iran and Lebanon, while the conflict has also severely weakened much of Iran’s conventional military capacity and caused significant economic disruption.

The latest escalation has unsettled financial markets as investors await details of Washington’s new strategy to isolate the Iranian economy.

Oil prices fell on Monday, with both major crude benchmarks declining by 2.3 per cent. Brent crude was trading at around $92 per barrel.

Asian markets were also largely lower during early trading, with South Korea’s technology-heavy Kospi index falling 1.4 per cent after Samsung Electronics announced an $80 billion share buyback following weeks of volatile trading.

Global Markets Watch AI Sector

Investors are also focused on the artificial intelligence sector, with Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, expected to release its latest earnings report this week.

The company’s results are being closely watched for signs of whether the rapid growth in AI investment can continue as the technology expands into more areas of the global economy.

“The spending machine is still running, but the bill is getting heavier,” said Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management.

“Nvidia must now show that the most expensive investment boom in modern market history can still pay its bills.”

Chinese technology giant Alibaba is also drawing attention after announcing plans to raise $10.2 billion through a new share offering in Hong Kong to finance its global AI ambitions.

The company, which is known for its open-source “Qwen” AI models, has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, with investors increasingly looking for evidence that those investments can generate significant returns.

Tokyo, Shanghai, Taipei and Wellington recorded losses on Monday, while Sydney, Jakarta and Bangkok gained. Manila and Kuala Lumpur were largely unchanged.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped more than two per cent despite fast-fashion company Shein announcing that it would make its long-awaited market debut in the city on September 1.

The listing is expected to value Shein at approximately $27 billion.

US Steps Up Pressure On Iran

Attention is also on US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is expected to provide more details on Monday about Washington’s plans to increase economic pressure on Iran.

The United States has urged its allies and China to support Trump’s latest campaign as the Middle East conflict approaches the six-month mark.

Vice President JD Vance described the strategy as a “delicate dance”, acknowledging that Iran could attempt to respond by placing economic pressure on the United States.

Asked whether Washington would put additional pressure on China, Bessent told CNBC that “many conversations are best to have in private”, while urging Beijing “to get with the programme”.

The growing tensions have added another layer of uncertainty to global markets, particularly as traders monitor energy prices and the potential impact of disruptions to oil supplies from the Gulf.

Investors Await Jackson Hole Meeting

Markets are also looking ahead to the annual gathering of central bankers, economists and finance officials in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where investors hope to gain clearer signals about US monetary policy.

The meeting comes after the US Treasury purchased its own bonds last week in an effort to reduce borrowing costs following a rise in the 30-year yield to levels last seen in 2007.

Bond yields have climbed amid concerns about inflation and rising government debt, with US federal debt recently surpassing $40 trillion.

Key Market Figures

Around 0215 GMT, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 was down 0.3 per cent at 65,799.25, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell 2.1 per cent to 25,455.95.

Shanghai’s Composite Index declined 0.5 per cent to 3,887.81.

The dollar traded at 158.82 yen, compared with 159.03 yen on Friday, while the euro rose to $1.1684 from $1.1679. The pound also strengthened slightly to $1.3651 against the dollar.

West Texas Intermediate crude fell 1.9 per cent to $85.39 per barrel, while Brent crude dropped 1.8 per cent to $92.68 per barrel.

TUC Pickets Abuja Continental Hotel Over Alleged Unfair Labour Practices

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Hotel and Personal Service Senior Staff Association, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has commenced a picketing exercise at the Abuja Continental Hotel over alleged unfair labour practices and poor working conditions.

The union is also protesting issues surrounding the unionisation of hotel workers, freedom of association and what it described as indecent working conditions.

Speaking with correspondents, union officials said their attempts to engage the hotel’s management over the issues had been unsuccessful, alleging that management repeatedly rebuffed efforts to hold discussions.

As of the time of filing this report, the union was attempting to lock the hotel’s entrance, but police officers and some hotel officials were resisting the move.

The entrance to the hotel was, however, blocked by the protesting union members.

Further details are expected as the situation develops.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash: Seven Killed, Two Injured In Ibafo Multiple-Vehicle Accident

By
Favour Enyosa
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The Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that seven people were killed while two others sustained injuries in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The accident occurred around the Ibafo section of the expressway at Kara, Ibafo, in the early hours of Monday, August 24, 2026.

The Chief Superintendent Route Commander of the Ogun State Sector Command, Afolabi Odunsin, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Abeokuta.

According to the FRSC, three vehicles were involved in the crash: a white HOWO CNG/CIMC ENRIC, a white MACK trailer and a Mitsubishi Canter.

“The Federal Road Safety Corps Ogun State Sector Command, has confirmed a fatal multiple road traffic crash that occurred at about 0003hrs on Monday, 24 August 2026, along the Ibafo–Lagos corridor at Kara, Ibafo. Preliminary information indicates that nine persons, all male, were involved in the crash. Sadly, seven persons were killed, while two persons sustained injuries.”

Odunsin explained that the FRSC Ibafo Outpost Command received information about the accident at approximately 4:04am and arrived at the scene five minutes later, at 4:09am.

“The crash was classified as a fatal multiple road traffic crash, with speed violation (SPV) identified as the probable cause, subject to further investigation.”

The deceased victims were evacuated from the scene by the Ogun State Ambulance Service, while the two injured victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The vehicles involved were subsequently handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibafo for further investigation and necessary action.

The Sector Commander, Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists to exercise greater caution on the road, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles.

He advised drivers to avoid excessive speeding, maintain adequate following distances and remain alert throughout their journeys.

Ogunjobi also warned motorists to take extra care when driving at night, noting that poor visibility and driver fatigue can increase the risk of serious road crashes.

He sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured victims a quick recovery.

Netanyahu Vows To Block Iran-Linked Palestinian State Ahead Of Israel Election

By
Favour Enyosa
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0

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that a Palestinian state under Iran’s control will not be established in Gaza or the West Bank while he remains in office.

Netanyahu made the remarks in a series of posts on X on Saturday and Sunday, while also criticising political opponents as Israel prepares for its upcoming election.

“As long as I am Prime Minister, no Palestinian state controlled by Iran will arise: not in Gaza, and not in Judea and Samaria. Period,” Netanyahu wrote.

The Israeli leader also accused opposition politicians of planning to form a coalition with Arab political forces.

The PM said, “The price of a left-wing coalition with the Muslim Brotherhood has been exposed once again.”

He further criticised his political rivals, saying, “These are the partners of Eizenkot, Lieberman, and Tropper, who boycott Likud voters but warmly promote the supporters of Tibi and Balad.”

Netanyahu issued another warning against the creation of a Palestinian state in a separate post on Saturday, claiming that his political opponents would establish one if they succeeded in forming the next government.

“The truth they’re trying to hide is revealed time and again: Eizenkot, Lieberman, and Golan will form a left-wing government with Abbas that will establish a dangerous Palestinian state. The only way to prevent this – vote Likud!” he wrote.

He returned to the issue on Sunday, again linking Gadi Eisenkot with Yair Golan and Mansour Abbas.

“When you meet reality. Even Eizenkot knows he has no government without Yair Golan and Abbas, who will establish a Palestinian state – it must not be allowed to happen,” Netanyahu posted.

The comments come as Eisenkot, a prominent opposition figure and chairman of the Yashar party, considers possible coalition arrangements ahead of the October 27 election.

Recent reports have focused on the possibility of an opposition-led government that could depend on support from Arab lawmakers or political parties, according to The Times of Israel.

Netanyahu’s latest statements therefore combine his long-standing opposition to Palestinian statehood with a direct election message to Likud supporters. By portraying his rivals as a potential threat to Israel’s position on Palestinian statehood, he is seeking to strengthen support for his party ahead of the vote.

Opening Weekend Review: Premier League And La Liga Kick Off 2026-27

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Arsenal Cruise, But Real Drama Waits Elsewhere

The defending Premier League champions opened their title defence in style on Friday night, as Arsenal delivered a one-sided win over Coventry City, who are tipped to go straight back down after their promotion. Kai Havertz struck inside 15 minutes, Bukayo Saka doubled the lead on 23 minutes, and Martin Ødegaard added a third just after the break as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates. The result cements Arsenal’s status as bookmakers’ preseason favourites heading into the new campaign.

Manchester United’s Nightmare Start

While Arsenal impressed, it was a horror show at the other end of the table for Manchester United. Newly promoted Hull City confounded the doubters, securing a shock 2-0 victory over United on their return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring after United failed to deal with a corner, before debutant Nobel Mendy nodded home from a Regan Slater free-kick to double the lead. The result leaves Michael Carrick’s side under pressure after just one game, with calls already growing for further reinforcements in the transfer window.

Newcastle And Liverpool Share The Spoils

Sunday’s headline fixture at St James’ Park lived up to the billing. Anthony Elanga fired Newcastle into an early lead inside five minutes, sending the home crowd into raptures as Matthias Jaissle’s reign began brightly. But Liverpool responded through Cody Gakpo and Joe Willock either side of the hour before Dominik Szoboszlai converted a stoppage-time penalty to make it finish 2-2, denying Newcastle a winning start.

Maresca’s Dramatic Debut At The Etihad

Enzo Maresca’s first game in charge of Manchester City had everything. City marked his first Premier League match with a stirring late rally, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to grab a 2-1 win over Bournemouth. Josko Gvardiol struck in the first minute of stoppage time for the winner, initially flagged offside before being awarded on VAR review, after Marc Guehi had equalised with an 84th-minute header following Marcus Tavernier’s first-half opener for the visitors. Notably, Erling Haaland failed to score in a league opener for City for the first time since joining the club in 2022.

Chelsea close out the round with a London derby away at Fulham on Monday night.

Mourinho And Flick Make Their Statements In Spain

La Liga’s biggest names were held back from the true opening weekend, with Real Madrid and Barcelona both permitted to delay their season starts to August 25-27 as a concession for players involved deep into the 2026 World Cup. But both clubs’ true bows — moved forward as Matchday 2 fixtures, still provided plenty of drama.

Real Madrid 2-1 Espanyol: Jose Mourinho’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid began with a last-gasp victory, as Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before substitute Carlos Espi pounced in the 90th minute to grab the winner after Alex Calatrava had levelled for the hosts.

Elche 0-5 Barcelona: The reigning champions made their intentions clear. Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scored twice apiece as Barcelona romped to a 5-0 thrashing at Elche, with Raphinha converting an early penalty and new signing Karim Adeyemi marking his La Liga debut with a goal. The win marked Barcelona’s 13th consecutive victory in all competitions, while Elche suffered their 11th straight league defeat to the Catalans.

Quick-fire summary:

  • Arsenal 3-0 Coventry City
  • Hull City 2-0 Manchester United
  • Newcastle United 2-2 Liverpool
  • Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth
  • Espanyol 1-2 Real Madrid
  • Elche 0-5 Barcelona
  • Chelsea vs Fulham, still to play (Monday night)

Guinea Landfill Collapse: 30 Killed After Heavy Rains Trigger Disaster In Conakry

By
Favour Enyosa
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0

Thirty people have been killed in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, after a large mound of rubbish at a landfill collapsed onto nearby homes early Sunday following heavy rainfall, the government has confirmed.

The incident occurred around 2:00am (0200 GMT) in the Dar-es-Salam neighbourhood of the Bbessia district, on the outskirts of the capital. Six other people sustained serious injuries in the collapse.

The government said rescue teams and emergency workers had been deployed to search for anyone who could still be trapped beneath the debris, rescue survivors and recover the bodies of those who died.

“Significant material and human resources have been deployed to search for any people who may still be buried, to rescue the victims and to recover the bodies,” the government added.

Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah visited the site as rescue operations continued. AFP images from the scene showed excavators digging through the collapsed landfill while residents and onlookers gathered nearby.

Authorities said measures were also being taken “to ensure medical care for the wounded” and “assistance for those affected by this tragedy”.

Before the government announced the official death toll, local neighbourhood leader Lancine Sylla had raised concerns that the number of victims could be high.

“We have pulled out 18 bodies that were taken to the morgue,” he told AFP.

The disaster has also drawn reactions from political figures, including former Prime Minister and opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo, who is currently living in exile. He described the incident as “a tragedy that plunges us into dismay”.

“This tragedy is all the more worrying because the closure of the dump had been announced for this Sunday, August 23,” he said on Facebook.

“It is now up to the competent authorities to establish, with full transparency, the circumstances that led to this disaster and to draw all the necessary conclusions,” he added in the statement posted before the release of the death toll.

The collapse occurred despite recent government warnings over the safety of the area. Authorities had ordered residents living around the landfill to leave in recent days because of concerns that the site could collapse.

The disaster has renewed concerns over the safety of communities living near waste disposal sites, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Guinea is currently led by General Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power in a 2021 coup before being elected president in December 2025.

AFP

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