
Traders and residents at Egor market in Edo State narrowly escaped injury when Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN power lines exploded and caught fire. The incident disrupted the Benin-Egbin 330KV and Benin-Omotoso 330KV transmission lines, leading to voltage instability across the Lagos corridor, loss of some generating stations, and electricity supply interruptions in Lagos and its environs. Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs for TCN, stated that the Benin鈥揈gbin 330kV line has been restored, and engineers are working to rectify faults on the Benin-Omotoso 330kV line. The Edo state government has marked buildings and shops under the power lines for demolition, issuing a seven-day ultimatum for occupants to vacate. Eugene Okoloise, Chairman of the Committee for Protection of Government Properties, stated that all structures under the power lines are illegal and will be demolished to protect lives and property.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, stated that a recent court ruling in Lokoja is an unnecessary setback for Nigeria's democracy, weakening its democratic institutions. Obi shared this message on social media after learning of the judgment while in Imo State. He expressed concern that every Nigerian committed to the country's progress should be worried about the implications for democracy, noting that some political actors are undermining democratic institutions. Obi, former Anambra State governor, highlighted that both the legislature and the judiciary are increasingly experiencing institutional decline, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive without independent and credible institutions. He maintained that his stance is based on principle, not political interest, and recalled condemning a similar situation involving the African Democratic Congress. Obi clarified that his concern is not about who becomes president but about ensuring Nigeria's institutions function effectively. He urged Nigerians to defend democratic institutions, stating that their survival is crucial for the nation's survival. This statement followed a Federal High Court ruling in Lokoja that set aside a previous judgment directing INEC to register the NDC, citing that the earlier judgment affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of the logo and was not included in the original suit. The court ordered all parties to revert to their pos
Must ReadOyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the safety of residents, particularly the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, is his administration's top priority. Security agencies are conducting intensive and coordinated operations for their safe return, with the state government providing necessary support. To strengthen security and facilitate the rescue mission, a temporary 16-hour curfew has been approved for 10 Local Government Areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. Residents in these areas are urged to cooperate with security agencies. The governor also mentioned that preparations are underway for schools to resume safely, with precautions to protect pupils, teachers, and communities. Additionally, the delivery of Oyo State's surveillance aircraft is in its final phase, with technical procedures delaying the expected June delivery to ensure all operational, regulatory, and safety requirements are met. This aircraft is expected to enhance aerial surveillance, emergency response, and broader security operations. Makinde reiterated his administration's commitment to public safety, education, infrastructure, and strategic investments, while thanking the people of Oyo State for their cooperation.
Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk announced on Friday that he is vacating his three world title belts. The 39-year-old Ukrainian, who has an unbeaten professional record, stated his intention to make the belts available for other contenders. Usyk clarified that he is not retiring from the sport, indicating he still has a "last dance" ahead. This announcement follows a recent fight where Usyk secured an 11th-round stoppage against kickboxer Rico Verhoeven, who was leading on the scorecards despite it being only his second boxing bout. Usyk has been an undisputed world champion in both cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions, holding a professional record of 25 victories with 16 knockouts. His notable victories include multiple wins against Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Daniel Dubois. He won the WBA, WBO, and IBF belts from Joshua in September 2021 and the WBC belt from Fury in May 2024. He had previously vacated the IBF belt for his rematch with Fury, won it back from Dubois in July 2025, and then vacated the WBO belt a few months later, which was subsequently won by Daniel Dubois in May.