Tanker explosion: Many Lagos communities plunged into darkness 

Several communities along the Lekki-Epe corridor of Lagos have been plunged into darkness after a devastating gas tanker explosion on Saturday that triggered widespread damage to critical power infrastructure.

The blackout, confirmed by Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), affected key areas including Medallion, Sangotedo, Awoyaya, Eputu, Lakowe and Elemoro.

According to the utility provider, the explosion—sparked by a collision involving a gas tanker—ignited a fire that severely damaged the Ibeju and Medallion 33kV feeders, crippling electricity supply across the axis.

In a statement, EKEDC said the blaze destroyed vital conductors and overhead line equipment, forcing an unplanned outage. “Our technical team is working diligently to replace the damaged components and restore power supply as quickly and safely as possible,” the company said, while apologising to customers for the disruption.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, has also been linked to significant loss of life and property.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the accident happened around 2:36 a.m. when a speeding 20-tonne tipper truck rammed into a stationary 30-tonne gas tanker that had reportedly failed to pull off the highway.

The resulting explosion sparked a massive fire that spread rapidly, engulfing three nearby warehouses and at least 10 roadside shops, including a gym and a generator house.

Emergency responders eventually brought the blaze under control, but not before it caused extensive destruction. Several vehicles—including three Sienna buses, a Toyota Corolla, and a forklift—were affected within the impacted premises.

Tragically, two occupants of the tipper truck were recovered dead, while the driver of the gas tanker reportedly escaped unharmed.

The disaster underscores growing concerns over road safety and the risks posed by heavy-duty vehicles on busy highways, particularly in rapidly developing corridors like Lekki-Epe.

Gunmen Abduct Kano LG Secretary in Coordinated Night Raid

Unknown gunmen have abducted the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area in Kano State, Hamza Musa, during a late-night attack in Dinya town, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.

Sources in the community said the attackers, numbering about six, stormed the residence of the council secretary in the early hours of Saturday and carried out the operation swiftly without firing a single shot. The assailants reportedly arrived on motorcycles and acted with precision, suggesting prior planning.

According to eyewitness accounts, the gunmen used deception to gain entry into the compound. One account indicates that they compelled the victim’s son—who was inside the premises—to pretend to be ill in order to prompt his father to open the door. Once the door was opened, the attackers forced their way inside.

The gunmen reportedly abducted both the council secretary and his son, but later released the son shortly after leaving the scene with their primary target. The method highlights a growing tactic among criminal groups, where psychological manipulation and deception are used alongside force to gain access to victims.

Residents described the incident as alarming, noting that the attackers operated without resistance and escaped before any security intervention could be mobilized. The quiet execution of the operation has heightened fears among locals about the increasing boldness of armed groups in rural communities.

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As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna, were reportedly unsuccessful.

Security agencies are expected to launch an investigation and possible search-and-rescue operation to locate the abducted official and apprehend the perpetrators. In similar cases across northern Nigeria, authorities often deploy tactical units and intelligence-led operations to track kidnappers, especially in areas experiencing repeated incidents of abduction.

The incident adds to a pattern of kidnappings targeting public officials and civilians in parts of the North-West, where armed groups have increasingly relied on abductions for ransom as a source of revenue. Communities in affected regions have continued to call for stronger security presence, improved surveillance, and faster response times from law enforcement agencies.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, authorities are expected to treat the case as part of broader kidnapping activities linked to organized criminal networks operating across state boundaries.

Gunmen Abduct Kano LG Secretary in Coordinated Night Raid

Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State, attached to the tactical “Octopus Strike Force,” have been accused of extorting ₦150,000 from a Lagos-based traveller, raising fresh concerns over police misconduct and illegal stop-and-search operations.

The victim, Henry Deekor, a content creator, singer and vocal coach from Lagos, said the incident occurred while he was travelling to Port Harcourt for a burial ceremony in Bdere community.

According to his account, he encountered a police checkpoint in a bushy area where officers stopped him and subsequently took him away from the roadside into a more secluded location. Despite searching his belongings and finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly accused him of internet fraud based on profiling.

E-receipt of money sent to Bariduura Friday Penu, the POS operator who assisted the police

Deekor said the officers claimed they had received training from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and insisted on taking him to their office. He was then reportedly detained inside a vehicle and pressured to either “settle” them or face detention.

Fearing the consequences, he said he was forced to transfer ₦152,000 (including charges) to a Point of Sale operator, Bariduura Friday Penu, who handed over ₦150,000 cash to the officers.

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“They initially demanded ₦250,000 before settling for ₦150,000. I had no choice but to pay to secure my release,” he said.

He further noted that the officers involved could not be identified as they were not wearing name tags, complicating efforts to hold them accountable.

Reacting to the allegation, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that details of the incident had been requested and would be forwarded to the commander of the Octopus Strike Force for investigation.

The incident has reignited public concern over extortion by police officers, particularly during roadside checks, with calls for stricter enforcement of accountability measures and disciplinary action against erring personnel.

The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, urging Nigerians to report cases of abuse through official channels.

Observers say the outcome of the investigation will be critical in addressing issues of police brutality, extortion, and abuse of power, and in restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller