The Oyo State Government has announced a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas as part of renewed efforts to address growing security concerns in parts of the state.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved the restriction following recent security challenges, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area.
According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the curfew will take effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
The restriction will run from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and is expected to remain in force for an initial period of 48 hours. It applies to local government areas located around the Old Oyo National Park.
The affected local government areas include:
Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile)
Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho)
Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi)
Saki West (Headquarters: Saki)
Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu)
Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede/Ago-Are)
Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu)
Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin)
Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti)
Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo)
The decision comes after a series of protests across the state over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area in May.
Speaking during the latest protest held on Monday, National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration was part of the group’s ongoing campaign to secure the release of those still in captivity.
According to him, the protest “is a continuation of actions the organisation has embarked upon since the abduction of children and teachers” in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May.
He added: “We will continue to protest for the release of all abducted victims until they are free. We believe that government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent 46 students and their teachers are languishing in the kidnappers’ den.
“We are demanding freedom for all captives in the North, South, West, and East of Nigeria.”
Sanyaolu also criticised political leaders for focusing on preparations for the 2027 elections while insecurity continues to affect citizens across the country.
“We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive.
“So that is why we are at the heart of Ibadan in Oyo State, where the abduction took place. The state and federal governments must act, or they will continue to witness mass action,” he added.
The curfew is expected to strengthen security operations in the affected areas while authorities intensify efforts to tackle criminal activities and secure the release of abducted victims.
DRC have suffered a 1-0 defeat in their second match against Colombia.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has lost their second group-stage match 1-0 to Colombia, putting their qualification for the World Cup knockout stage hanging in the balance.
Colombian coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his side’s composure and attacking variety in the Group K match on Tuesday in Guadalajara. With the victory, they have now qualified for the round of 32 with a match to spare.
Colombia, who opened with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, moved to six points from two games after breaking down a disciplined DRC side, with Lorenzo saying his team had grown in performance despite the pressure of a tight contest.
Colombia face Portugal, DRC face Uzbekistan
Lorenzo said Colombia had to use different channels and lanes to find space against DRC compact defence.
Colombia face Portugal next with Lorenzo calling them “a huge team” and a major contender to win the World Cup.
Colombia must not focus only on Cristiano Ronaldo. “You have to be very careful and not leave him alone in different situations, especially whenever he is close to the goal area. But Portugal is a complete team. You should not only point out Cristiano.”
Lorenzo thanked the large Colombian support in Mexico, saying the players were inspired by the “yellow shirt” filling the stadium.
DRC had drawn 1-1 with Portugal in their first game and will now face Uzbekistan, who lost their first match 3-1 to Colombia. Congo will look for 3 points here to hope on any chance of advancing as best losers.
We are nearly two weeks into the World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo belatedly showed up. The 41-year-old became Portugal’s most prolific player of all-time at the World Cup with his ninth and 10th goals, surpassing the great Eusebio. The difference is it took Ronaldo six World Cups. Eusebio played only one, 60 years ago in 1966.
Meanwhile in Boston, England huffed and puffed but could not blow Ghana away. They had 79 per cent of the ball, hit 19 shots, many of them in the final half-hour but couldn’t make a breakthrough. It was only the fourth 0-0 of an otherwise entertaining tournament in which we have probably been spoilt for goals.
“Very important the highs don’t get too high and the lows don’t get too low,” Thomas Tuchel, England’s head coach, said. “It’s not a low, it’s a difficult match of football, that can happen at any time.”
And in the final game of the day, Colombia sealed their spot in the knockout rounds with a hard-fought 1-0 win against DR Congo. Who do they have to fend off if they want to finish top of Group K? Only Ronaldo’s Portugal…
Here is what happened on day 13…
Group K: Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan Group L: England 0-0 Ghana Group L: Panama 0-1 Croatia Group K: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo
Are World Cup stars stat-padding?
“I’m back!” Cristiano Ronaldo defiantly announced. The criticism he seemed to address wasn’t about the perceived absence of someone ever-present, as he became the first man to score in six World Cups. It was more about questions such as: why is Ronaldo still around? Can he still do it without burdening this talented Portugal team?
Two goals against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 win was Ronaldo’s answer. “Oh my God, this is what he does!” his former team-mate, friend and hype man Rio Ferdinand said from his Airbnb in LA. Scoring against a World Cup debutant, a team ranked 59th in the world and who couldn’t beat Oman less than a year ago.
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored in six different World CupsPaul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images
The expanded World Cup is a game of inches. The gaps, in some cases, are bigger than usual. Kylian Mbappe could have had a hat-trick against Iraq, as could Erling Haaland. Iraq is another nation proudly making its inaugural appearance in this competition. The squad flew to the United States a place below Uzbekistan in the FIFA rankings. Haiti is even lower and has not played on its own soil for nearly five years — its qualification for the first time since 1974 is remarkable. Brazil was too much for them, and Vinicius Junior was involved in all three goals in a 3-0 win.
The expanded World Cup is a game of inches. The gaps, in some cases, are bigger than usual. Kylian Mbappe could have had a hat-trick against Iraq, as could Erling Haaland. Iraq is another nation proudly making its inaugural appearance in this competition. The squad flew to the United States a place below Uzbekistan in the FIFA rankings. Haiti is even lower and has not played on its own soil for nearly five years — its qualification for the first time since 1974 is remarkable. Brazil was too much for them, and Vinicius Junior was involved in all three goals in a 3-0 win.
None of these teams have rolled over. They have honoured the shirt and provided us with some of the stories of the World Cup. Heroes have been made out of goalkeepers from Cape Verde and Curacao. But if Vozinha and Eloy Room did so against Spain and Ecuador, it was because of the mismatch, the pressure they came under. DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi stood firm against Colombia for 75 minutes until Daniel Munoz’s deflected effort.
By the same token, if the stars came out to play last week and Ronaldo belatedly emerged from “a difficult, dark week” to take his place in the World Cup constellation, it’s because a 48-team tournament should allow for more stat-padding and flat-track bullying. Some also feel the Trionda ball is giving attackers an advantage.
In the mixed zone after the Uzbekistan game, Ronaldo was asked about Lionel Messi. He dodged it. Next question. Perhaps because Messi’s five goals have come against teams ranked in the top 30.
Is England’s weakness actually its defence?
A lot was made of Harry Kane’s miss, the three touches he made in Ghana’s penalty area, how closely Thomas Partey man-marked him and England’s overall difficulty breaking down the low-block set up expertly by Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz. If the focus fell on the spluttering attack, what about the defence? A clean sheet was an improvement on Croatia, wasn’t it? “But you can never, never for one second open spaces for counter-attacks,” Thomas Tuchel insisted.
While Nico O’Reilly hit the woodwork, Kane hit a field goal instead of an actual goal and Marc Guehi had a header cleared off the line, Ghana looked sporadically and worryingly dangerous in the second half in Boston.
Harry Kane fires the ball over at Gillette StadiumReuters/Brian Snyder via Getty Images
Anthony Gordon let a ball drop, goal-side, to Marvin Senaya on the way into the England penalty area. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford later raced outside his box to confront Caleb Yirenkyi, one of those brave and foolish moments that could, on another day, have yielded a red card. To make matters more anxious, Ezri Konza then slid in on Prince Adu in the England penalty area without getting the ball.
Many expected the referee to point to then spot. The linesman seemed to raise his flag instead. It was a let-off. This vulnerability, borne out of England’s desire to commit men forward and break the deadlock after going 56 minutes without a shot on goal, should give Tuchel some preoccupation even if, in Pickford’s opinion, “the lads’ defending” in the latter stages was “top drawer”.
Croatia scored a couple of beauties against England, goals that are hard to defend. Except Jude Bellingham gave the ball away for Martin Baturina’s initial, ultimately futile equaliser. If recent World Cups have told us anything, you either need to play dull, Deschamps-style tournament ball, restricting opponents by making your own uber-talented team play with the utmost restraint, or you need your goalkeeper (Emiliano Martinez) to help win shoot-outs while Lionel Messi does the rest.
If England are to make good on their potential this tournament, Tuchel surely has to tighten them up a little.
Are ‘joke’ VAR concerns serious?
Carlos Queiroz felt that the VAR “was on vacation” and “went for coffee” after two key incidents went against his Ghana team in the second half of its 0-0 draw with England.
First, he was upset about the aforementioned Pickford collision with Prince Adu. Queiroz said in his post-match press conference that it was a “clear shock” and that Pickford “should have been sent off, there is no doubt about that”.
Then, with just 12 minutes left, the Konsa incident was, in his opinion, a “clear penalty and red card”. The former England striker Wayne Rooney also said afterwards he believed this was a “penalty” and that Konsa took a “huge risk” as he “gets the man, not the ball”.
Should this have been a penalty for Ghana against England?Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images
Queiroz tried to make light of the situation afterwards with a series of jokes about the decision-making. “Is VAR still working in the World Cup?,” he asked. “Do we still have VAR? I have doubts about that.” He returned to the same theme afterwards, saying: “The VAR referee was on vacation second half apparently”.
“Once again, the VAR went for coffee,” Queiroz continued afterwards. “I like to take my coffees once in a while! It’s a clear penalty and a red card (on Konsa). Do you have any doubts about that, or was it only me who was at the game?”
At the end of the press conference, Queiroz appeared to apologise for his repeated jokes about the officiating. “I am sorry for my sarcasm,” he said, “but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they punish me. So I am joking.”
He isn’t the only one to feel aggrieved. Algeria complained to FIFA after its 3-0 defeat by Argentina, believing Messi should have been sent off for a studs-up challenge on Captain Aissa Mandi’s calf and Achilles tendon. Messi stayed on and the rest is literally history, as he scored his first-ever World Cup hat-trick.
Minutes after the World Cup opener straight from everyone’s wildest dreams, a group of believers gathered at midfield to pray.
They huddled in a circle and bowed their heads, just as they’d done six days earlier and previously. Most, in fact, had been glorifying God for years, at church or at home or at soccer matches. Within the broader brotherhood of the U.S. men’s national team, roughly seven players regularly convene for prayers or bible studies.
But on Friday, June 12, after a 4-1 win over Paraguay, something spontaneous happened. The entire USMNT — teammates and coaches and staff — rushed to join the circle.
Mark McKenzie, a backup defender who plays club football for Toulouse in France, suddenly found himself leading the full group in a post-match prayer.
“It was a powerful moment,” McKenzie said. And instantly, a snapshot often overlooked by the secular soccer world became one that defined the team’s togetherness.
And a week later, the USMNT reproduced it. This time, after a 2-0 win over Australia, it was less spontaneous. “After the first game, it just happened,” McKenzie recalls. “And then the second game, guys are like, ‘Hey, let’s go, let’s go.’”
This time, rather than crowd around the prayer circle, dozens of them joined arms in one big ring. McKenzie stepped to the center, knelt, raised his arms and spoke. Some teammates bowed their heads. Others looked straight at McKenzie. Some soaked in his words. All listened.
Some of them do not practice religion. “You have players and people on this team and this staff from all walks of life, from all different backgrounds and different experiences,” McKenzie knows.
But “there’s power in prayer,” he says. “It unites people in ways that you may have never even thought could. … And I think there’s beauty in that.”
It united a group of players and people who, for the past month, and in some ways for the past several years, have been pushing toward a common goal: World Cup success.
And the image of that postgame gathering became emblematic of the bond that’s fortifying this USMNT.
“Although it starts out as a moment of prayer, it invites people into what this team is about,” McKenzie says. “It’s about love, it’s about togetherness, it’s about welcoming people. It doesn’t matter what your background is, we are family.”
And he, a 27-year-old center back who has not yet played a minute at this World Cup, is at the center of it.
The United States government has identified a Nigerian citizen and three Nigeria-based companies among individuals and organisations sanctioned for allegedly facilitating financial transactions linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The latest sanctions target a broader international network involving three individuals and six entities accused of helping ISIS move funds across multiple countries to support its operations.
In a statement issued on Monday and seen on Tuesday, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the designations cover individuals and organisations operating in France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria.
According to Pigott, the sanctioned network played a role in enabling ISIS to transfer funds across international borders.
“Today’s designations target three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa who have enabled ISIS to move money across borders — exposing a network that spans from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria.
“Among those designated is a France-based facilitator who provided information concerning the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, a Syria-based operator who used cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States, and a Nigeria-based facilitator whose money exchange businesses served as conduits for ISIS financing,” the statement added.
The U.S. government later released the identities of the individuals and companies included in the sanctions list.
The Nigerian named in the designation is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, while three Nigerian companies allegedly linked to the network are based in Lagos and Kano states.
Individuals Added to the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List
ABDELHAKIM, Boukich (a.k.a. “ALHOLANDI, Abu Sulayman”; “BABILI, Muhammad”); Syria; DOB 15 Dec 1993 (alt. 01 Jan 1991); POB The Hague, Netherlands (alt. Aleppo, Syria); nationality Netherlands; male; National ID No. 02040063438 (Syria) [SDGT] (Linked To: ISIS).
ABDERRAHMANE, Miloud (a.k.a. “GHAZI, Ibrahim”); France; DOB Aug 1992; nationality/citizenship France; male; Digital Currency Addresses: TRX TBXMiRqUp1XH1zLazWu8cWitMAScv4HsYq; TRX TDFj8tYzfLDkwEMo4MJ2DfrbpMztuCCnan [SDGT] (Linked To: ISIS).
MUHAMMAD, Mukhtar Adamu (a.k.a. ADAMU, Mukhtar; MUKHTAR, Muhammad); No. 45 Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, Morcas Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria; DOB 02 Aug 1990 (alt. 03 Aug 1990); nationality Nigeria; male; Passport Nos. A11904741; A07422697 [SDGT] (Linked To: ISIS-WEST AFRICA).
Companies Added to the SDN List
ALKARAM DANISMANLIK GAYRIMENKUL IC VE DIS GENEL TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI (a.k.a. AL-KARAM COMPANY; AL-KARAM MONEY TRANSFER COMPANY; SPIDER COMPANY ISTANBUL EXCHANGE RATES); Fatih, Istanbul, Türkiye; [SDGT] (Linked To: ISIS).
GENERATION CURRENCY BUREAU DE CHANGE LIMITED; Lagos, Nigeria; RC 1555604; [SDGT] (Linked To: Mukhtar Adamu / ISIS network).
MANHATTAN BUREAU DE CHANGE LIMITED; No. 59 Murtala Mohammed Way, Wapa, Kano, Nigeria; RC 1763824; [SDGT] (Linked To: Mukhtar Adamu / ISIS network).
NINE TO NINE EXCHANGE BUREAU DE CHANGE LIMITED; Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria; RC 1462752; [SDGT] (Linked To: Mukhtar Adamu / ISIS network).
SPIDER GAYRIMENKUL VE GENEL TICARET LIMITED SIRKETI (a.k.a. SPIDER MONEY TRANSFER COMPANY; SPIDER TICARET); Istanbul, Türkiye; [SDGT] (Linked To: ISIS).
The U.S. government also reiterated its commitment to working closely with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts.
According to Pigott, Nigeria partnered with the United States during the May 16, 2026 operation that led to the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified by U.S. authorities as the second-highest-ranking official within ISIS.
“We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable — wherever they operate and however they move money. We remain fully committed to protecting American lives, defending religious minorities, and working with international partners to eliminate the threat that ISIS poses to global peace and security,” he said.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended, which targets individuals and organisations linked to terrorism and terrorist financing.
The U.S. State Department also noted that ISIS, formerly known as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organisation in 2004.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally closed its case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Oluwole Aladedoye informed the court that the DSS would not be presenting any additional witnesses, effectively bringing the prosecution’s case to a close.
Following the announcement, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, disclosed that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has not provided enough evidence to warrant the former governor being called upon to enter a defence.
The defence requested two weeks to prepare and file the application.
In response, the prosecution sought two weeks to file its reply and also asked the court to review some of the bail conditions previously granted to El-Rufai, describing them as difficult to satisfy.
The defence maintained that the bail requirements were overly stringent, particularly the conditions requiring sureties who are level 17 civil servants with property ownership in Abuja’s Maitama or Asokoro districts, as well as verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.
However, the prosecution opposed the application, insisting that eligible public servants capable of meeting the conditions exist and urging the court to retain the existing terms.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik rejected the request to vary the bail conditions, holding that there are civil servants who own properties in the specified locations and can serve as sureties.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22 for the filing of the no-case submission and further proceedings in the trial.
El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023 and is currently facing charges linked to allegations of unlawful interception of communications, an accusation he has denied.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a constitutional amendment bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police, a move aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s security framework and improving policing across the country.
The proposed legislation, conveyed in a letter dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to the president, the bill seeks to create a legal basis for a dual policing system that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
Tinubu explained that the proposed amendment forms part of broader efforts to reform the nation’s security architecture and strengthen the protection of lives and property. He noted that communities, municipalities, and local government councils would play more active roles in maintaining security under the proposed arrangement.
Following its presentation, the Senate President referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review and directed the committee to report back on Wednesday.
Akpabio stressed the importance of community-driven security measures, arguing that local authorities are often better positioned to identify threats and suspicious activities within their jurisdictions.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” the lawmaker said, expressing confidence that collaboration between the executive and legislative arms would ensure the success of the initiative.
Speaking further, Akpabio explained that the proposed state police structure would be implemented through a phased process involving constitutional amendments and additional legislation by the National Assembly.
“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain extensive debates on other major issues due to the death of House of Representatives member Yahaya Tongo.
Meanwhile, the Senate Leader urged members to attend the next sitting, emphasizing the significance of the state police proposal.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.
The latest development comes just weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading. Akpabio noted that the newly transmitted Constitution Alteration Bill builds on the earlier proposal and seeks to provide the constitutional backing necessary for the establishment and operation of state police services across Nigeria.
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 3-2 victory over Senegal in New Jersey.
The Manchester City striker continued his remarkable form, taking his tournament tally to four goals in just two matches — the most by any Norwegian player in World Cup history.
Norway broke the deadlock late in the first half when substitute Marcus Pedersen capitalised on a poor clearance from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and found the net.
Haaland doubled the lead shortly after the restart, racing onto a precise through ball from Martin Odegaard before finishing clinically. The goal also saw him become Norway’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup.
Senegal fought back through Ismaila Sarr, who reduced the deficit and gave his side hope. However, Haaland quickly restored Norway’s two-goal cushion with a composed volley that bounced in off the crossbar.
The Norwegian striker has now scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for his country and has registered at least two goals in each of his last six appearances.
Sarr struck again in stoppage time to make for a tense ending, but Senegal could not find an equaliser as Norway held firm to secure a second straight win.
The result confirms Norway’s progression from Group I alongside France, while Senegal must defeat Iraq in their final group game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
With four goals already in his first World Cup campaign, Haaland has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the race for the Golden Boot.
The United Kingdom’s Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Sir Charlie Collins, has visited Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of efforts to strengthen defence collaboration between the UK and Nigeria.
The visit, confirmed by the British Defence Staff West Africa through its official X account on Tuesday, focused on assessing ongoing military cooperation and exploring ways to enhance joint security initiatives aimed at promoting stability across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
According to the statement, the visit reflects the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats.
“Welcome to Nigeria, Lt Gen Sir Charlie Collins KBE DSO, UK Deputy CDS (MSO). In Maiduguri with @HQNigerianArmy colleagues, seeing UK-Nigeria defence cooperation first-hand and supporting Nigeria-led efforts to strengthen security and regional stability,” the post stated.
During his visit, Collins was accorded full military honours, including a ceremonial guard mounted by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
Images released from the event showed senior British and Nigerian military officials exchanging handshakes, participating in security briefings, and presenting commemorative plaques to one another as a symbol of the growing defence partnership between both countries.
The visit comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen cooperation with international and regional partners in response to ongoing security challenges, particularly the activities of insurgent groups and armed bandits operating in parts of the North-East and other regions of the country.
Military observers say engagements such as Collins’ visit provide opportunities for both nations to review existing defence programmes, improve operational collaboration, and reinforce efforts aimed at enhancing regional peace and security.
Indian authorities have launched an investigation after a devastating fire tore through a commercial building in the northern city of Lucknow, killing at least 15 people and injuring several others.
The blaze broke out on Monday afternoon in the densely populated Aliganj area, trapping dozens of people inside a three-storey building that housed a pet shop on the ground floor and an animation and 3D gaming centre on the upper floors.
Officials said the building lacked adequate emergency exits, and the only staircase was quickly engulfed by flames and thick smoke, cutting off escape routes for those inside.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people desperately tried to save themselves. Some climbed down power cables, while others jumped from windows as smoke filled the building. Residents nearby attempted to help by breaking windows to create escape routes for those trapped inside.
Firefighters reached the rooftop through a neighbouring building and broke through a side wall to rescue victims. However, many people, including trainees and employees working in the animation centre, were unable to escape.
Families of the victims recounted heartbreaking final conversations with loved ones trapped in the fire. Several victims reportedly called relatives pleading for help as the smoke spread through the building.
Authorities are also investigating claims that a biometric access system inside the premises may have complicated evacuation efforts during the emergency.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed that an official inquiry had been ordered and pledged measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Police have filed charges related to acts endangering life and have arrested four people in connection with the incident. Four public officials have also been suspended as investigations continue.
The disaster has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in India, where a series of deadly fires in commercial and residential buildings in recent months have exposed widespread violations of safety regulations.
The Lucknow tragedy comes less than a month after another fatal fire at a guesthouse in New Delhi claimed several lives, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety laws across the country.
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