Connect with us

NEWS

Pastor Escapes Into Bush as Gunmen Kidnap His 9-Year-Old Son in Ondo Attack

Published

on

Residents of the Igbosi area in Idogun, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Friday after armed gunmen invaded the community, destroyed properties, and abducted a nine-year-old boy.

The attackers reportedly stormed Ugbosi Quarters around 1 a.m., firing sporadic gunshots to scare residents before forcing their way into homes.

SEE MORE: Fresh Wave Of Violence As Bandits Hit Four States, Kill 29

During the attack, two houses were destroyed, while a child identified as Oluwatobi, the nine-year-old son of a pastor, Isaac Olaosebikan, was abducted and taken away to an unknown destination.

Eyewitnesses said residents fled into nearby bushes and surrounding communities for safety as the gunfire intensified.

In a desperate attempt to escape the attack, the pastor reportedly ran into the bush, leaving behind his son, who was subsequently taken by the armed men during the invasion.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said it had launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects and commenced a coordinated rescue operation to recover the abducted child.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi, said “The Command has commenced an intensive manhunt for suspected kidnappers who abducted a nine-year-old boy during a violent attack… armed men invaded the community, firing sporadically and causing panic.”

He added that the attackers forced their way into the residence of the victim’s father, prompting him to flee into the bush, while his son was taken during the chaos.

According to the police, operatives alongside personnel of the Amotekun Corps have been deployed to the area, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing across nearby forests and suspected escape routes.

The command further disclosed that investigations have begun, while tactical and intelligence units have been directed to intensify efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of the perpetrators.

Authorities assured residents that security agencies are working in collaboration with local vigilante groups to restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.

NEWS

TCN Restores Power Supply to Katampe Substation After Shiroro Line Fault

Published

on

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has restored bulk power supply to its Katampe 330kV Transmission Substation in Abuja following an earlier disruption caused by a fault on the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

The development was disclosed in a statement released by TCN management on Friday, October 9, 2026.

SEE ALSO: Kainji–Birnin Kebbi Power Line: TCN Begins Final Phase of Restoration

According to the statement, bulk power supply was restored to the Katampe substation at 4:15 p.m. through the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1.

TCN explained that the Shiroro–Katampe 330kV Line 1 remains out of service due to a fault, necessitating the use of the Gwagwalada–Katampe line to restore supply to the substation.

The company also announced the suspension of planned maintenance work on the Gwagwalada–Katampe 330kV Line 1 to enable the line to continue supplying the Katampe substation.

The suspended maintenance work involved replacing defective line isolators and the associated earthing switch.

TCN apologised to electricity consumers in the affected areas for any inconvenience caused by the disruption and maintenance arrangements.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

2027 Elections: FG Warns Politicians Against Promises on Fuel Subsidy

Published

on

The Federal Government has warned politicians against making promises that could reverse Nigeria’s economic reforms, insisting that it will not restore fuel subsidy amid renewed debate over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPC) petrol discount.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television on Friday, saying the government would not bring back subsidies on petroleum products.

“This government is not bringing back subsidy on fuel products. We need to be clear,” Oyedele said.

ALSO READ: NNPC Petrol Discount: Oyedele Explains How Lower Margins Could Boost Profits

The minister also criticised politicians who, according to him, make promises to win elections without fully considering the implications of implementing them.

He suggested that some politicians make sweeping promises during election campaigns only to offer excuses when confronted with the realities of governance.

“I think I would pardon people who say all manner of things because they want to get elected. It’s almost like ‘whatever I need to say, when I get there, I’ll give excuses.’ But we have the data,” he said.

Oyedele added that he felt a personal responsibility not to remain silent about the economic realities known to the government or allow populist positions to push Nigeria in the wrong direction.

“I feel the personal responsibility that I cannot see what I see and keep quiet, or populism to move our country in the wrong direction,” he said.

NNPC Petrol Discount Sparks Fresh Subsidy Debate

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed debate over fuel subsidy following the Federal Government’s announcement of a 30-day petrol discount at NNPC retail stations.

The initiative was introduced as a temporary measure to provide relief to Nigerians amid elevated global crude oil prices and concerns about the cost of petroleum products.

NNPC Retail had also announced a N66-per-litre petrol discount to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, with the offer scheduled to run until October 31, 2026, across its retail stations nationwide.

The company maintained that the discount was a customer-relief initiative and did not represent a return to the petroleum subsidy regime.

The distinction has become central to the debate, with the government insisting that temporary price relief at NNPC stations does not amount to restoring the subsidy policy abolished in May 2023.

The administration has maintained that the current arrangement differs from the former subsidy system, under which the government intervened to cover part of the cost of petrol.

FG Defends Economic Reforms

During the interview, Oyedele also referred to a World Bank update, saying the institution had acknowledged a reduction in poverty levels and increased spending on infrastructure, particularly roads.

He urged Nigerians not to reverse the progress he said had been made, arguing that the country was approaching a point where the benefits of ongoing reforms should begin to emerge.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Kaduna Moves to Clear 5-Year Promotion Backlog for 24,000 Teachers

Published

on

The Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has commenced a promotion exercise for 24,000 eligible staff as part of efforts to clear outstanding teachers’ promotions dating back to 2021.

The development was disclosed on Friday as the administration of Governor Uba Sani intensifies efforts to address promotion backlogs, recognise teachers’ years of service and improve staff welfare across the state.

The exercise covers outstanding promotions from 2021 to 2026 and is expected to provide eligible teachers and other staff with opportunities for career progression.

SEE ALSO: Kaduna Clears N18bn Pension Arrears, Raises Agric Funding to N100bn

According to the announcement, eligible personnel will undergo an assessment process, after which promotions will be implemented for those who successfully meet the requirements.

The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen the education sector by recognising the contributions of teachers and supporting their professional development.

The state government has emphasised the importance of investing in teachers, noting that a motivated and valued teaching workforce is essential to building a stronger education system.

The exercise is also expected to address long-standing staff concerns relating to career advancement within the state’s basic education sector.

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x