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The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has decried the surge in the rate of vandalism of transmission towers in the country.
The national transmission company said that over 18 transmission towers were vandalised between January 9 and 14, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States.
General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Okpa, reported that routine patrols by linesmen on January 10, 2025, uncovered damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184.
“On January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State, removing base brackets and compromising the stability of the towers.
“In Abia State, Engr. Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department for the Region, reported the theft of bolts, nuts, and structural members from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was under repair on January 13, 2025,” TCN general manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, stated in a statement on Sunday.
According to her, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line in Kano State, were critically damaged by vandals on January 9, 2025, compromising their structural integrity and risking collapse.
“In the early hours of January 17, 2025, vandalised 132kV underground transmission cables were discovered by TCN engineers near Millennium Park in Abuja. This affected power supply to the central area and its environs.
“These incidents pose a significant challenge to our operations as a company. We have bolstered security measures, increased line patrol, and the number of vigilante groups, and we are also collaborating with security operatives. However, we need and are appealing for the full support of every Nigerian, particularly those in communities hosting our installations. We must collectively recognize that the transmission network is our collective asset and essential for our socioeconomic development.
“The vandals and those who buy stolen materials are sabotaging the nation. All hands must be on deck to ensure the growth of the nation’s power sector, which is critical to the development of our country
“TCN’s grid expansion plans are under tremendous strain due to the persistent vandalism of its installations. The financial implications of constant repairs to vandalised transmission installations, along with the stress on the grid, are having adverse effects on TCNs grid expansion drive,” Mbah said.
The company made a “clarion call” for everyone to join forces with TCN to put an end to the menace and safeguard our electricity network.
Petrol Ex-depot Price Hike: Dangote Refinery Absorbs Logistics Costs For Nationwide Uniform Pricing
AFOLABI
Dangote Refinery has announced a five per cent increase in the ex-depot price of petrol from N899.50 to N950 per litre due to a significant rise in global crude oil prices, which surged from $70 to $82 per barrel. This adjustment is lower than the 15 per cent increase in crude prices, and the refinery has absorbed about 50 per cent of the cost increases to maintain retail prices at N970 per litre across Nigeria.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has clarified that the recent adjustment in its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) is directly related to the significant increase in global crude oil prices.
This is as key distribution partners MRS Oil, Heyden, and Ardova have agreed to sell petrol at N970 per litre nationwide.
Group branding and communications officer for the group Anthony Chiejina, who made this known said as crude remains the primary input in the production of PMS, any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.
The company said as crude remains the primary input in the production of PMS, any fluctuation in its international price inevitably impacts the cost of the finished product.
According to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we recognise the critical importance of affordable fuel for all Nigerians, and we remain committed to offering the best value with guaranteed quality to our customers.
“While we have made a five per cent adjustment to our ex-depot price from N899.50 to N950 per litre, it is important to note that this increase is considerably lower than the 15 per cent rise in global crude oil prices, which has seen Brent Crude rise from $70 to $82 in a matter of days, in addition to the premium for Nigerian crude (approximately $3 per barrel) in international markets. Furthermore, Dangote Refinery has maintained the Single-Point Mooring (SPM) ex-vessel price at N895 per litre.”
It added that “all our partners, including Ardova, Heyden, and MRS Holdings, will offer petrol to Nigerians at a retail price of N970 per litre nationwide. We have absorbed the increased logistics costs to guarantee uniform pricing across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Dangote Refinery has absorbed approximately 50 per cent of the cost increases in the international oil market.”
Dangote Refinery stated that “this is due to our unwavering commitment to quality and affordability, as well as the ownership of the refinery by Nigerians, which remain central to our mission.
“If Dangote Refinery were to pass on the entire increase in the price of crude oil to the market, the retail price of PMS would be approximately N1,150 to N1,200 per litre in some locations, compared to the current price of N970 per litre.
“We are committed to providing reliable, top-quality petrol to the Nigerian people at competitive prices. In these challenging times, we continue to prioritise the best interests of Nigerians, striving to shield consumers from the full impact of global price volatility while adapting to evolving market conditions.”
The Company appreciated the continued trust and support of Nigerians as we strive to deliver the best value for their money and contribute to the development of a self-sufficient economy that is resilient to international price fluctuations.
“In the interest of transparency and good governance, Dangote Refinery will commence publishing its ex-depot price, ex-vessel price as well as pump price on a weekly basis so that consumers are not exploited.
“We would like to express our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the introduction of the visionary naira for the Crude Initiative. This groundbreaking initiative has enabled consistent access to high-quality PMS for all Nigerians, while also insulating the Nigerian consumers from the volatility of the global oil market,” Dangote Refinery added.
We Sell Each Child Stolen From Akure, Ilesa For N500,000 — Child Trafficking Syndicate Confess
AFOLABI
Members of a child trafficking syndicate arrested by the operatives of Ondo State Police Command have confessed that they usually sell each stolen child at the rate of N500,000 to their receivers.
The suspects, 43-year-old as Lukman Isiaka, Abosede Olanipekun, 23; and Mrs Sabira Izuorah, 68, were arrested by the police while in possession of 14 babies and toddlers stolen from Akure, Ondo State and Ilesa in Osun State.
The children were recovered from Izuorah who claimed to operate an orphanage in Ihiala in Anambra State.
Among the children recovered from the suspects are four three-week old babies, two weeks old, two months old, and ten other children.
Izuorah who was a former Director from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in Anambra State, admitted to having received the children from the other suspects.
Speaking with journalists at the Ondo State Police headquarters in Akure, Izuorah said, “I have a registered orphanage. I took care of the children. The name of my orphanage is Clarion Children’s Care and Reforms Initiatives, and it started full operation in 2020.
“Lukman and his wife brought a total of 11 children to me. I don’t pay them; it is the adoptive parents who pay them. The adoptive parents don’t pay me; they give us food items and supplies.
“I stopped Lukman and his wife from bringing children for me in November 2024. All the children were no longer with me, but I went to recover them from their adoptive parents. It didn’t start with me, and it will not end with me.”
However, Lukman who claimed to be a bricklayer said he had been involved in the business since 2023.
He said Izuorah introduced him and his wife to the illicit trade when he left Ondo State to work in Anambra.
While saying Izuorah always paid him N500,000 per child, which she in turn sold to her prospective buyers for N1 million and above, Lukman said, “I have been stealing children since 2023.
“I have given a total of 11 children to Izuorah. The method my wife and I use to steal the children is when we are going, and we see any child roaming about, we call them and say we will buy soft drinks and biscuits for them.
“After telling them that, they will follow us. After walking for about 10 minutes, we will board a bike to the park, where we will board a vehicle to Anambra State to give Izuorah the children.
“She normally gives us N500,000 for each child that we bring to her. I met Izuorah when we went to Anambra to work. I’m a bricklayer. She was the one who introduced me to the business after training me, and since then, I have been giving her children.
“I don’t know anything about the two-month-old and four-month-old babies. She is the one who can say where she got them from. I only operate in Akure, Ondo State, and Ilesa, Osun State.”
Parading the suspects, the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, stated that intelligence-led policing made the operation a success when Lukman and Abosede were traced to Ottah village in Edo State, where they were arrested.
Afolabi said the arrested couple led the police operatives to Anambra State, where Izuorah was arrested and moved to Akure.
“A case of a missing child was reported at Okuta Elerin-Nla Division in Akure. A complainant reported that Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for the baby.
“Meanwhile, Lukman distracted the complainant by engaging her in a personal conversation and requested that she follow him to Olukayode Plaza in the market to get a mobile phone. On getting to the market area, he abandoned her and left.
“When the complainant returned to the shop, she discovered that her child was missing, with no trace of Abosede, the supposed sister of the man she followed to the market; thus, a report was made at the Division.
“During interrogation, the suspects admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States and selling them to Sabira Izuorah, aged 62 years, in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of One Million Naira (₦1,000,000) per child,” the CP narrated.
The police boss added, “The following babies were found in her custody: Baby Favour (female, 3 weeks old), Baby Chidera (female, 2 weeks old), Baby Chinyere (female, 2 months and 5 days old), and Baby Uzoma (male, 1 week old).”
The CP added that on January 14, 2025, 10 children sold by Mrs Izuorah were rescued from various locations.
He stressed that their parents identified their children which include Dauda Alarape, male, 3½ years; Babalola David, male, 4 years; Asaolu Pamilerin, 7 years; Ayomide Abass, male, 2 years who was stolen from Orita-Obele in Akure; Komolafe Oluwasekemi, female, 4 years who was stolen from Igado in Ilesha and Adedeji Olalekan, male, 6½ years.
Others are Ahmed Abdulrasaq, male, 5½ years, stolen from Ibodi Town, Osun State; Mary Wuraola, female, 2 years, stolen from Ilesha, Osun State; Mubarak Akinwunmi, male, 6 years, stolen from Osogbo, Osun State; and an unknown child whose name and parents have not been identified but stolen from Osun State.
He added that some children are currently on the missing list while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them.
In the first of such public declarations ahead of elections, six politicians have taken to the stage of an event in Yola, Adamawa State to declare their ambitions to run for governor.
The aspirants seized the inauguration of the Council of Elders by the Gongola People’s Forum, GPF, to express their desires to fill the gaps in the governance of the state.
The aspirants, Senator Ishaku Abbo, Mr Denis Habila Gapsiso, Dr Ishaya Inuwa Durkwa, Mr Yuguda Garba, Dr Musa Maigana, and Mr Kube Dwana each stepped forward to articulate their vision for Adamawa State.
The most widely known of the six, Ishaku Abbo, the senator for Adamawa Central Zone between 2019 and 2023, said he is driven by a sense of commitment to fill gaps in governance.
In their separate speeches, the aspirants said they were poised to address the many challenges currently troubling the state.
DAILY POST reports that the Gongola People’s Forum which was formed last year to unite the minority ethnicities mostly within Old Gongola State, particularly the part now called Adamawa State, has been waxing in popularity among its vast membership.
It is unclear now whether the forum would try to endorse any of the known aspirants and more to come or allow everyone to test their individual strengths at the polls.
Other politicians within the fold of GPF who are rumoured to be equally interested in the Adamawa guber race but were not at the GPF meeting include Chief Maurice Vunobolki, Wafari Theman, Caleb Andrew Myebangara, and Alhaji Bello Ibrahim Hong
Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has said some of the challenges facing Nigeria could be solved in the South East with the right atmosphere.
Senator Kalu said there was a need to restore the region to its peaceful state to fasten productivity of the country.
He stated that most of the items produced in China and other foreign nations could be produced in the region if security was guaranteed.
Kalu stated this on Saturday in an interview with Arise News. He advocated for efforts to be made to fasten the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker noted that President Bola Tinubu would start the second phase of his administration’s policies as soon as insecurity was defeated.
“I think President Tinubu is coming there. I mean, Rome was not built in a day. We are just battling with the insurgents in our area and gradually we are coming up. And as we are coming up, we will now start thinking on the next step.
“Once we calm down the insurgents or banditry and our unknown government and all the rest of them, the President and his team and all of us will advise him to open the chapter two of the book. And the chapter two will be development. Once you have no insurgents, you have no unknown gunmen, and you don’t have any disturbances about our people, we will talk page two of development,” he said.
South East Potential
The former governor of Abia State emphasized that the South East region needs a peaceful atmosphere, electricity and good policies to maximize its economic potential.
While acknowledging the need for Kanu to be released for the security of the region, Senator Kalu called on IPOB lawyers and the judiciary to expedite action on the legal process.
“We have always, people we say, we have always asked the president, according to law, find the best way of law to address the issue of South East, both the issue of the IPOB, the issue of everybody, to address this within the context of law of Nigeria. So that possibly, very quickly, Nnamdi Kanu will be released from prisons and we will continue to live a better life and produce everything.
“Let me be honest with you. Nigerians are suffering because of the problem we are having in the South East. The South East can produce everything you buy in China. We can make them in Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha. Everything you buy from China. Just give us electricity, give us the way that we need and give us the direction. We will produce everything that you produce in China. The technologies are there, everything, we have it, but we need a better atmosphere.
“We need to clean away properly, in agreement, the sit-at-home which has cost hundreds of billions of Naira out of the South East. We need to bring back the I can do it spirit. We need to send back Eging by Eging. We need to go back to what we know how to do,” he stated.
Tinubu Believes In the Capacity of South East
The Abia North lawmaker explained that President Tinubu was waiting for the judiciary to conclude the legal process on Kanu’s case.
He added that as soon as the judiciary had done everything in line with the rule of law, the President would intervene.
He continued, “When I was governor, a lot of things were being manufactured in Aba. People have begged Aba people to stop putting made in Paris, made in Spain, made in Brazil. They should stop putting made in Aba. We can supply every equipment this country needs from that region of the country.
“President Tinubu himself knows this because I can tell you twice he slept in Abia when we were governors. He slept in Igbere and he saw it himself and he respects that.
“I’m sure once we have good atmosphere, the President will come back to do the needful in our zone. And I’m praying that both the lawyers of Nnamdi Kanu and the courts, they should speed up and make sure that it’s released according to law of Nigeria’ because I’m sure President Tinubu will always live to respect the judiciary.
“People are calling him to intervene. Yes, he will intervene through the judiciary. The judiciary has to do its job and President Tinubu will intervene. So I believe that as soon as possible and practical that Nnamdi Kanu will be released and the area will be very quiet. “
Tragedy struck on Sunday when gunmen suspected to be hired assassins shot and killed the Shepherd-in-charge of a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Idiroko Border town of Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.
The deceased, identified as Yomi Adetula was shot dead right inside his church during the Sunday service around 11a.m. while preaching.
An eyewitness at the scene told LEADERSHIP that Adetula’s assailants, wielding AK-47 rifles and numbering about six, all clad in Celestial Church’s garments, stormed the Hebrew Celestial Church located at the Odo Eran area of the Old Garrage Road in Idiroko where they rained bullets on the deceased pastor, waiting to certify him dead and dismembering his body inside the church before leaving the scene.
LEADERSHIP further gathered that the deceased was the Idiroko Unit Commander of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-SAFE Corps; one of the community security outfits established and funded by the Ogun State government.
While the reasons behind the murder could not be immediately ascertained, our correspondent however, gathered that late Adetula had for the past few months been having running battles with certain smuggling cartel in Idiroko Border town, which necessitated his transfer to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in December 2024.
Sources within his church in Idiroko also confided in this newspaper that the development led to the forceful closure of his church in December by some suspected smugglers.
The State Commander of So-SAFE Corps, Soji Ganzalo, who confirmed the incident said that he received the news of Adetula’s assassination with a rude shock.
Ganzalo however, assured that the Corp would not relent until the matter is properly investigated, while also promising to assist appropriate security agencies with necessary information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has urged the United Kingdom (UK)’s Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, to avoid denigrating Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the Nigerian-born politician made headlines in 2024 over the repeated onslaught against the country of her birth.
While delivering her first speech of the year at an event organised by Onward, a British think tank that researches economic and social issues, Badenoch said she does not want Britain to be like Nigeria’s terrible government, which destroys lives.
The Tory leader highlighted the importance of building trust, saying the Conservative Party is the right group to fix Britain, because the UK could become like Nigeria if the system is not reformed
Reacting in a post on X on Sunday, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, asked Kemi to stop using Nigeria as a weapon to please her far right support base.
He wrote: “I truly wish that sister Kemi Badenoch would avoid denigrating Nigeria, the country of her origin as a weapon to please her far right base.
“Rishi Sunak never weaponized the gang rape and other vices in India; the country of his origin just so he would impressed the far right base.
“She is smart, intelligent and we are proud of her rise in the politics of the UK; but we are equally saddened by her terrible rhetoric against Nigeria.”
Attempt by 26-year-old Esther Onyinyechi Uzodinma, a 200-level student of nursing at the Noida International University, Uttar Pradesh, India, to swallow 76 wraps of cocaine hours before her return flight to the South Asian country through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, has been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Esther was scheduled to return to Delhi, India from MAKIA in Kano on Qatar Airways flight 1432 on Friday, January 17, 2025, but was arrested in her room at 11:30pm on Thursday January 16 at Royal Park Hotel, Sabon Gari, Kano, while awaiting the cocaine consignment she was to ingest before her flight the following morning.
Her lid was blown open when NDLEA operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway in Kogi State on Thursday, January 16 intercepted 31-year-old Cosmas Okorie in a commuter bus coming from Lagos enroute Kano. Inside his black polythene bag was an audio speaker, which was used to conceal 76 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.340 kilograms, which he was going to deliver to Esther in Kano. A swift follow-up operation in Kano led to the arrest of the female university student later same day.
In her statement, Esther claimed the drug cartel she was working for recruited her in India and paid for her trip to Nigeria to enjoy her Christmas and New Year holidays. To avoid her parents knowing she was in Nigeria, Esther did not travel to her home state, Imo but was lodged for two weeks in a hotel in Enugu, from where she was flown to Abuja and then Kano where she was lodged at Royal Park Hotel to swallow the 76 pellets of cocaine sent to her from Lagos before taking her Qatar Airways flight to India on Friday morning. She said she was promised over $5,000 upon successful delivery of the illicit consignment in India.
In other operations along the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja highway, NDLEA officers arrested four suspects: Abdullahi Umar; Tijjani Samaila; Lucky Obotte and Abubakar Haruna, who were heading to Maiduguri, Borno state, Kano, and Abuja in commuter vehicles with over 38,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and 100mg concealed in audio speakers and cloths.
In Lagos, operatives of a special operations unit of the Agency on Tuesday, January 14 raided the hideout of a 59-year-old Nwokedi Emeka Jonas in Ojodu-Berger area of the state where they recovered 10 parcels of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis weighing 4.9kg as well as different paper bags he uses in dispensing the psychoactive substance in retail quantities. Printed on them include street names and codes such as ‘Dead man’; ‘Gelato top shelf smoke’; ‘Topshelf’; and ‘Gelato cake’
In other operations in Lagos, operatives of the state Command of the Agency on Wednesday 15th January raided a house in Igando New Town area of Alimosho where they arrested three suspects: Isaac Vincent, 32; Ebube Ikechi, 25; and Christopher Usifoh, 43, from whom 1,610kg skunk, a strain of cannabis and 6kg pills of tramadol were recovered. Also recovered from the house were a delivery van and three other vehicles used for distributing the illicit drugs.
Two suspects: Olashile Okoya and Mohammed Ibrahim were arrested on Saturday, January 18 when NDLEA officers raided their home at 5A Addison Palmer, Cadogan Estate, Castle Rock Avenue, Osapa, Lekki Lagos, where 28 kilograms of Cannadian Loud were recovered following credible intelligence.
Not less than 67kg skunk was seized from Saheed Sulaiman on Thursday, January 16 when NDLEA operatives raided his Edumare street, Lagos Island hideout, while various quantities of assorted illicit substances were recovered from Adamu Abdullahi on Tuesday, January 14 when Jerry Irabi Estate, Lekki hideout was raided by NDLEA officers. They include 3.7 litres of codeine syrup; 10,000 pills of tramadol; 1,670 tablets of rohypnol; 6.5kg cannabis; 3,100 tablets of diazepam; 10,090 tablets of Molly; 5,500 tabs of Exol-5; 1.2kg crisps of wrapped methamphetamine and a monetary exhibit of ₦623,650.00.
In Kano, two suspects: Usama Adamu, 25, and Isah Ibrahim, 29, were on Friday, January 17
arrested at Dawanau, Dawakin Tofa LGA where a total of 7.6kg skunk, 78 tubes of rubber solution and 356 bottles of ‘suck and die’, a new psychoactive substance were recovered from them. In another raid in Kano, Usman Isa, 29, was nabbed along Zaria road with 114 blocks of skunk weighing 49.8kg.
Three suspects: Lawali Isiaka, Umoru Isiaka and Mohammed Kabiru were on Wednesday, January 15 arrested by NDLEA operatives with 390 tablets of Molly and 65.5kg of cannabis at Bode Saadu in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, while Samuel Ogbu, 24, was nabbed with 25,000 pills of tramadol by operatives along Wukari- Zaki Ibiam road, Wukari LGA, Taraba state.
In series of raids in Abuja, a suspect, Rufa’i Hashimu, 27, was arrested at Gwarimpa village area of the FCT with 118 bottles of codeine-based syrup, while 13 others were nabbed in other locations such as: Area1 IDP camp, Gishiri, Zuba, Dei -Dei, AYA, Lagos Street Garki, Karu, and Lugbe. Recovered from them include different quantities of tramadol, diazepam, and methamphetamine.
With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of NUD Basic Primary School, Orile-Igbon, Oyo state; Corpus Christi College, Ilawe Ekiti; Holy Family International Schools, Calabar; Kudam Islamic School, Osogbo; Business Apprenticeship Training Centre, Kankia, Katsina, while Abia state command of NDLEA paid a WADA advocacy visit to Governor Alex Otti, among others.
While commending the officers and men of Lagos, Kogi, SOPU, Kano, Kwara, FCT, and Taraba Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, chairman/chief executive officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), urged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their oars as they intensify their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts
The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, on Saturday has risen to 86, while 55 people were injured and taken to hospital.
As of Saturday, the death toll was reported as 70, with 50 injured.
However, more corpses have since been recovered, and all have been given a mass burial in Dikko, Niger State.
The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday.
He stated that the agency, alongside Gurara Local Government Area and brave, kind-hearted volunteers, conducted the mass burial between 5 pm and midnight.
“A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their corpses recovered and buried.
“Eighty of them were buried in a mass grave at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, while five were taken by their relatives for burial in the town, and one died at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre.
“The mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara LGA and courageous volunteers between the hours of 5pm and midnight.
“The number of injured now stands at 55, with one death recorded at Dikko PHC,” Baba-Arah stated.
A speeding fuel tanker crashed on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction, located between Niger and Kaduna states.
While some residents attempted to scoop fuel spilling onto the tarred road from the tanker, it exploded in a massive blaze. The explosion killed both those collecting fuel and others attempting to rescue them.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the scene of the tragic explosion on Saturday and has issued a ban on vehicles coming from the Maje axis from passing over the Dikko Bridge.
The governor gave the directive while inspecting the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Bago, decrying the recklessness of some drivers, stated that it was unacceptable for vehicles coming from Maje to use the bridge, directing them instead to follow the underpass and take the appropriate U-turn.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the directive in a statement on Sunday.
“Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass over the Dikko Bridge.
“Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued this directive during his visit to the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara LGA.
“The governor, who criticised the recklessness of certain drivers, said vehicles from Maje must use the underpass and make the U-turn correctly.
“He also urged the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive and called on all relevant transport unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps,” Ibrahim stated.
The governor expressed his gratitude to NSEMA, the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Union of Road Transport Workers, among others, for their roles in evacuating the victims.
He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital.
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Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, shared a touching yet humorous exchange with President Bola Tinubu during a phone call on Saturday.
The President reached out to commiserate with the music icon over the loss of his beloved mother.
President Tinubu extended his condolences and prayed for the repose of K1’s mother’s soul, urging him to accept the loss as the will of God. The President, who has long shared a cordial relationship with the Fuji maestro, spoke with empathy and offered words of comfort.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace,” Tinubu said warmly. “I know how painful it is to lose a mother, but I pray that God grants you the fortitude to bear this loss. Take heart, Wasiu.
As the conversation unfolded, Tinubu, known for his witty sense of humour, lightened the mood with a jovial remark. “You will not suffer because you have lost your mother. God will protect you. Don’t forget you have me, your President.
The comment drew laughter from K1, who reciprocated with his own dose of humour and gratitude.
“Akanbi, you are the President of Nigeria. I can’t ever suffer because my mother is gone. I am your son, and you are my father. It’s your duty to take care of me!” he replied, his voice brimming with playful affection.
“As long as you are President, I cannot suffer. Nigeria cannot suffer,” he declared, adding, “With you in charge, there is hope for all of us.”
Their light-hearted banter continued as K1 jokingly threatened to hold Tinubu accountable if he ever found himself in distress. “You can’t be President and watch me suffer, o. It’s not possible! You’re my backbone now,” he quipped, prompting another burst of laughter on both ends.
The call, which could have been a somber moment, was infused with warmth and camaraderie, reflecting the strong bond between the two figures. K1, who has always been vocal about his admiration for Tinubu, used the opportunity to reaffirm his support for the President’s vision for Nigeria.
“Baba, with you as President, we are on the path to greatness. My mother may be gone, but I am at peace knowing Nigeria is in your hands,” K1 said with conviction.
K1’s response was both heartfelt and humorous: “If I ever feel like suffering, I’ll just remind you of this call! Thank you, Mr. President.”
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about the constant online trolling he and his wife, actress Mo Bimpe, face daily, including harsh comments labeling her barren. Despite the negativity, the couple has chosen to remain unshaken, with Lateef stressing that such remarks hold no weight in their lives.
In a recent interview, Lateef revealed that ever since they tied the knot, many critics have taken to social media to speculate about their personal lives, including their decision to have children. However, he clarified that these trolls know nothing about their private choices or the plans they are building as a family.
“People don’t know our decision or what we are building. They call my wife barren, but such comments don’t bother us,” Lateef said. “We’ve grown a thick skin, and we refuse to let these words weigh us down.”
The actor, whose latest film Lisabi is currently streaming on Netflix, noted that dealing with public scrutiny is part of being in the spotlight. He shared that he and his wife have learned to prioritise their happiness and block out the noise.
“Negative comments come with the territory when you’re in the public eye. What matters is how you handle them, and for us, it’s by focusing on what’s important—our love and our goals,” he added.
Mo Bimpe, who is also a prominent figure in Nollywood, has faced her share of criticisms, with some people even questioning their compatibility as a couple. Despite this, the pair continue to show unwavering support for each other, often sharing heartfelt messages on social media that demonstrate their bond.
Lateef acknowledged that being in the limelight can attract both love and hate but maintained that they choose to focus on the positive aspects of their journey. “We understand that not everyone will be happy for us, and that’s okay. We won’t give energy to negativity,” he said.
The couple’s resilience and refusal to engage in online battles have earned them admiration from fans who praise their maturity and strength.
Lisabi, Lateef’s latest Netflix project, has also garnered attention for its gripping storyline and his stellar performance. The actor expressed gratitude for the support he continues to receive from his loyal fanbase, noting that this motivates him to keep raising the bar in his craft.
The Police in Ondo State says it has apprehended a three person syndicate, 62 year-old woman, Sabira Izuorah, and couple, Isiaka Lukman and Abosede Lukman, allegedly specialised in child stealing and trafficking.
Mr Wilfred Afolabi, state Commissioner of Police (CP), made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Akure.
He said that the suspects were arrested after a case of a missing child was reported at Okuta Elerin-Nla Division in Akure.
Afolabi said that four babies between one week and two months old, and 10 children between two and seven years, were recovered.
The CP explained that Izuorah, from Ihiala in Anambra State, was the buyer, while Isiaka aged 42 and Abosede aged 23, from Ibadan, Oyo State, were the seller.
He said that the couple were arrested through intelligence-led policing when traced to Ottah Village in Edo State.
“During interrogation, the suspects (couple) admitted to abducting the child and other children from Ondo and Osun States.
He said that the couple admitted to sell their victims to Sabira in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the rate of N1 million per child.
The police boss said that Sabina was arrested in Ihiala and four babies were found in her custody.
“A complainant reported that a man, Samuel Adejobi (real name: Lukman Isiaka and a woman, Ewatomi (real name: Abosede Olanipekun), came to her shop pretending to be siblings to eat.
“While playing with the complainant’s child, Abosede deceived her by claiming she wanted to buy biscuits for the baby.
“Meanwhile, Lukman distracted the complainant by engaging her in a personal conversation and requested she followed her to Olukayode plaza in the market to get a mobile phone.
“On getting to the market area, he abandoned her and left.
“The complainant, on getting back to the shop, discovered that her child was missing with no trace of Abosede, the supposed sister of the man she followed to the market,” he said.
Afolabi said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations, while efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue some children. currently on the missing list.
Their blistering exchange didn’t just ignite tension—it exposed deep-seated rivalries, insecurities, and power struggles that are bound to unravel as the season progresses.
Nollywood heavyweights Ini Edo and Annie Idibia unleashed a firestorm of drama in the explosive premiere of Young, Famous and African season three on Netflix, delivering a confrontation that has already etched itself into reality television history.
The third season introduces a mix of fresh and returning personalities, promising more chaos than ever. Newcomers like South African content creator Kefilwe Mabote, celebrated Nollywood actress Ini Edo, and entrepreneur Shakib Lutaaya join the star-studded cast, featuring Zari “The Boss Lady” Hassan, Swanky Jerry, Diamond Platnumz, Annie Idibia, Naked DJ, Kayleigh Schwark, Fantana, Luis Munana, and Nadia Nakai.
The drama kicked off during a “peace talk” orchestrated by Annie with the help of Ini. The sit-down was intended to mend fences with cast members Annie had clashed with during the previous season.
But what began as a fragile attempt at reconciliation quickly devolved into chaos when tensions, grudges, and egos clashed head-on.
The tipping point came when Ini Edo, unafraid to speak truth to power, accused Annie of sabotaging the peace talk by refusing to acknowledge her own faults.
According to Ini, Annie’s stubbornness and need to always be right were the root causes of her strained relationships with others.
Annie, visibly shaken but defiant, refused to back down. She accused Ini of ambushing her and silencing her during the meeting while the other cast members piled on criticism.
Her frustration boiled over as she demanded the opportunity to defend herself, but Ini, unimpressed, doubled down on her accusations.
In an emotionally charged moment behind closed doors, Ini expressed her utter disgust with Annie’s behavior, vented her disbelief that Annie had the audacity to challenge her so publicly.
“She wouldn’t dare speak to me like that anywhere else,” Ini fumed, questioning why Annie chose the reality show as the stage for such blatant disrespect.
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