JUST IN: Again, Reps ask FG suspend telecom tariff increase - Newstrends
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JUST IN: Again, Reps ask FG suspend telecom tariff increase

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Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani

JUST IN: Again, Reps ask FG suspend telecom tariff increase

The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani as well as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until telecom companies improve their services.

This call was made on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Oboji Oforji, representing Bayelsa in the PDP.

In the debate, Oforji said that telecom companies must improve their service delivery before increasing tariffs. He warned that the proposed hike would deepen financial struggles for the average Nigerian, threaten the country’s vision of leveraging technology to drive economic revival, exacerbate poverty, and widen existing inequalities.

His words, “According to the Minister, consultations are ongoing as some of these companies have agitated to increase tariffs to as high as 100 percent. He, however, said it would not be a 100 percent increase and that the Nigerian Communications Commission would approve the new tariffs and announce them in due course.

“The argument of the telecommunications companies for the hike includes the cost of investment, better networks, and increasing demand for digital services across sectors such as education, banking, and healthcare amongst others.

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“The telecommunications companies have been advocating for the hike for the last eleven years, according to the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

“They argued that the telcos need cost-reflective tariffs in the face of adverse economic reality like record inflation of 34.6 percent in November 2024 and losses resulting from foreign exchange fluctuations.

“The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has rejected the proposed increase in tariffs, describing it as insensitive and a further burden on consumers already grappling with economic hardship, and poor network service delivery.

“It is imperative that the telecommunications companies improve on their service delivery (poor network), which Nigerians have been yearning for in years, before embarking on the increase in their tariffs.

“The far-reaching effects of these price hikes will deepen financial struggles for the average Nigerian, threaten the country’s vision of leveraging technology to drive economic revival, exacerbate poverty, and widen existing inequalities, hitting lower-income families the hardest.

“Affordable connectivity is a must for progress in critical sectors like digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture and e-governance. Informal sector workers who depend on affordable mobile data to access gig work opportunities may find it harder to stay connected.

“Saddened that those small businesses, which rely heavily on affordable telecommunication for operations, marketing, and customer engagement, will face additional financial burden. Imagine a scenario where a 10 percent increase is approved.

“It is estimated that a 10 percent increase in telecommunications costs would reduce small business profitability up to 7 percent, potentially leading to the closure of businesses.

Billy Osawaru, representing Edo in the APC, supported the motion, stating that Nigerians will not mind paying increased tariffs if the services rendered are effective. However, he emphasized that the telecom companies should first demonstrate why they need to increase their tariffs.

On the other hand, Dominic Okafor, representing Anambra in the APGA, argued that telecom operators should be allowed to increase their tariffs since the cost of doing business in the country has increased substantially.

It is worth noting that telecom operators have already begun increasing the price of their services, with some reporting up to 200% increases.

JUST IN: Again, Reps ask FG suspend telecom tariff increase

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Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

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Rivers State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko
Rivers State police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko

Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

A tragedy occurred in Amaji Village, Umuoyoro Community, Omuma Local Government Area, Rivers State, when a man allegedly slit his wife’s throat during an argument on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The victim, a mother of two, reportedly died from a deep cut inflicted by her husband while they were at their farm, sources said.

According to witnesses, a domestic dispute escalated into violence after the suspect, identified as Mr. Abuchi, reportedly grabbed a kitchen knife and attacked his wife. Her screams attracted nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene, overpowered the suspect, and handed him over to the Rivers State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe‑Koko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a detailed investigation to ensure timely justice.

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Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect has been arrested and a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served,” she stated.

The incident has drawn condemnation from the Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign (CBRAC), which described the killing as the height of man’s inhumanity to man. The group called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure that justice is both served and seen to be served.

Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of CBRAC, said, “There is no justification for anyone to take another person’s life. This is a clear case of murder, and the Rivers State Police Command must ensure accountability.”

Residents of Amaji Village remain shocked and grieving, while community leaders urge peaceful resolution of disputes and enhanced measures to prevent domestic violence.

The case highlights the ongoing risks of domestic violence in Nigeria and the critical role of law enforcement and community awareness in protecting vulnerable family members.

Man Arrested for Slitting Wife’s Throat During Farm Argument

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Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

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Armed Bandits

Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

At least 30 people have been killed and several others abducted following a late-night attack by armed bandits on Dutsin Dan Ajiya village in Anka Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The assault occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when gunmen on motorcycles surrounded the community, blocked all exits, and opened fire on residents, witnesses said.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers stormed homes, shot indiscriminately, and kidnapped villagers, leaving many unaccounted for. Bodies were reportedly recovered early Friday morning, while several abducted residents were taken into nearby forests, according to local sources.

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The attack comes just two days after the Zamfara State Government unveiled new security hardware, including drones and armoured vehicles, as part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and rural violence. Despite these measures, the fresh raid highlights the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, where bandit attacks, kidnappings, and property destruction have become recurring threats.

This incident follows a similar deadly raid in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, where at least 33 people were reportedly killed, underscoring the escalating insecurity across northwest Nigeria.

Attempts to obtain an official statement from the Zamfara State Police Command were unsuccessful as of press time. Security experts and residents are calling for urgent government and military intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further bloodshed.

The latest attack is a grim reminder of the challenges facing rural communities in northwest Nigeria, where armed bandits continue to operate with impunity, threatening public safety, livelihoods, and social stability.

Armed Bandits Kill 30, Kidnap Villagers in Zamfara Attack

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Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

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Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa

Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

President Bola Tinubu has summoned Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to Abuja following deadly violence during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses in Ondo State, which reportedly claimed four lives in Idanre and Akure North local government areas.

The President was said to be deeply disturbed by the killings, which occurred during what was expected to be a routine APC ward congress, especially in a state firmly controlled by the ruling party.

A senior government source in Akure disclosed that Governor Aiyedatiwa travelled to Abuja on Thursday after receiving the summons, following a series of security reports submitted to the Presidency detailing the violence that erupted during the APC congresses in Ondo State.

According to the source, the governor had earlier lined up activities to mark his one-year anniversary in office, but was forced to scale down the programme due to the presidential invitation.

The governor reportedly left Akure shortly after inaugurating the Igoba and Alagbaka Extension roads, without waiting for the commissioning of the 100,000-litre water supply project at the Federal University of Technology Akure Teaching Hospital (FUTATH) complex. His deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, represented him at other anniversary events.

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The source revealed that the summons was issued late Wednesday night, following the President’s review of multiple intelligence briefings.

President Tinubu is said to be very angry over the Ondo killings and wants a clear explanation of what went wrong, particularly as the violence occurred within the APC, where there is no strong opposition,” the source said.

While it could not be independently confirmed if the governor met with the President, Aiyedatiwa was said to have returned to Akure later on Thursday, having been in Abuja ahead of a meeting expected on Friday.


Security Tension Deepens as Traditional Ruler Is Killed

Meanwhile, the security crisis in Ondo State worsened following the killing of the traditional ruler of Agamo Town, Oba Kehinde Jacob Faledun, who was murdered by suspected gunmen inside his palace on February 18, 2026, at about 7:10 p.m.

The killing triggered widespread fear and condemnation, prompting a swift response from security agencies.

The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, led a high-powered security delegation—including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS)—to the community.

Lawal assured residents that the police and military would track down the killers, stressing that justice would be served.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about six masked gunmen allegedly stormed the monarch’s residence, forcibly abducted him, and attacked him violently, leading to his death.

The Commissioner confirmed the deployment of additional security personnel, including tactical teams and operational assets, to Agamo and neighbouring communities, urging residents to provide credible intelligence to aid investigations.

He reassured the people of Ondo State that security agencies would continue to work together to restore peace, maintain stability, and protect lives and property.

Tinubu Summons Aiyedatiwa Over APC Congress Violence, Monarch’s Murder

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