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Fuel Price Hike and Blackout Cripple Businesses in Akwa Ibom

Phinadon Mag

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Quick Summary:
Residents face hardship from ₦1,300 fuel price and three-week blackout, crippling businesses and daily life across the state.

The sudden increase in fuel price and a prolonged power outage have plunged Akwa Ibom State into severe hardship, with businesses and households struggling to cope.

Residents are battling the outrageous pump price of ₦1,300 per litre, while enduring a blackout lasting nearly three weeks, which has crippled economic activities across the oil-rich state.

A short tricycle ride that previously cost ₦100 now goes for ₦200, while sachet water that sold two for ₦50 now costs ₦100. Photocopying charges have also doubled from ₦50 to ₦100 per page.

Businesses Grounded by Power Failure

In Uyo, the state capital, small business owners have been hit hardest.
Chimaobi, an ice block seller from Afaha Ube, said his business has been grounded since the blackout began.

Households are also struggling, with many unable to store food or cook in large quantities due to the lack of electricity.

PHEDC Blames Faulty Transmission Line

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) attributed the outage to a fault on the Aba–Itu 132kV transmission line, assuring that repairs are ongoing and urging residents to remain patient.

Akwa Ibom currently receives power from three sources — the Aba–Itu line, the Itu–Adiabo (Calabar) line, and the state-owned Ibom Power Plant.

However, the Itu–Adiabo line was vandalised years ago, leaving the aging Aba–Itu line as the only grid connection.

Experts Call for Urgent Infrastructure Repairs

An insider at Ibom Power revealed that the Aba–Itu line, built decades ago, now has limited capacity and requires reconductoring.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) also raised concerns about frequent vandalism on the Ikot Abasi–Eket line, which transmits Ibom Power’s output.

TCN urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to educate residents on the importance of protecting power infrastructure, warning that community unrest and vandalism continue to delay key transmission projects.

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Police arrest Bauchi man accused of poisoning motorcyclist and stealing his bike.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested a 27-year-old man, Isiyaka Badamasi, for allegedly poisoning a commercial motorcyclist in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, Badamasi and his alleged accomplice, Ma’aruf Sani, reportedly offered a 21-year-old motorcyclist a sweet containing a harmful substance. The victim, who resides in the Yelwa Tudun area of Bauchi, allegedly became intoxicated after consuming it.

The suspects were said to have attempted to dispossess him of his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle. However, the victim raised an alarm after sensing danger, attracting members of the public who apprehended Badamasi. Sani, both of whose residents are reportedly from Na’ibawa in Kano State, escaped and is currently the subject of a police manhunt.

The victim was taken to Gamuwa Primary Health Care Centre, where he remains on admission and is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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Entertainment

Lojay: My uncle told me I would never succeed in music.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian singer Lojay has revealed that he faced significant opposition when he decided to pursue a career in music, including doubts from members of his family.

Speaking during a recent livestream with content creator Gilmore, the “Monalisa” hitmaker recalled that one of his wealthy and influential uncles, who is now involved in politics, told him he would never succeed in the music industry.

“I have an uncle who is now in politics. I won’t mention his name, but he is very rich and popular. When I wanted to start music, he told me I would never blow,” Lojay said.

Despite the discouragement, the singer remained committed to his ambition and used the criticism as motivation. He expressed satisfaction that his perseverance had eventually produced positive results.

Lojay also encouraged his fans to remain confident in their dreams and avoid allowing negative opinions to define their ambitions.

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Benue Police Deny Withdrawal of Mobile Personnel from Ayilamo.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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The Nigeria Police Command in Benue State has dismissed reports alleging that Mobile Police personnel were withdrawn from Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the report was described as unfounded and baseless. He stated that Mobile Police personnel remained deployed in Ayilamo alongside the Divisional Police team and other tactical units.

Aondogwu also said additional military personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area, urging the public to disregard the report.

However, the traditional ruler of Ayilamo, Mue Ter, Chief Torkoer Samuel, contradicted the police account. He claimed that the Mobile Police personnel left the community on Wednesday with their equipment and Armoured Personnel Carriers.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about the current security situation in Ayilamo and the extent of military presence in the community.

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