Edo Gov Okpebholo Joins Benin City Youths in Protest Over Power Outages

Benin City, Edo State — Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Monday publicly aligned himself with youths and residents protesting persistent power outages and billing challenges linked to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). The protest took place at Ring Road in Benin City, with demonstrators carrying placards reading “We say no to BEDC oppression,” “No light, no bill,” and “Edo people say no to bulk billing.”

The protesters decried prolonged blackouts, estimated electricity bills, and what they described as the exorbitant cost of prepaid meters, which they say range between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000. Residents also questioned the transparency of BEDC’s free meter distribution initiative, urging the company to publicly disclose beneficiaries.

Governor Okpebholo, reportedly passing by the protest area, stopped to address the crowd. He expressed solidarity with the demonstrators, saying he stood with them “as fellow youths seeking fairness.” The governor acknowledged that electricity challenges affect both rural and urban communities in Edo State and appealed for calm while the government engages relevant stakeholders to find solutions.

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While clarifying that BEDC is privately owned and not directly controlled by the state government, Governor Okpebholo pledged that efforts would be made to tackle the residents’ concerns. He suggested liberalising the electricity distribution sector to attract new investors and reduce what he described as a monopoly. Drawing a comparison with the telecommunications industry, he noted that introducing more players would improve service delivery and provide consumers with options.

The governor also announced plans to convene a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday and urged the protesters to nominate five representatives to participate in discussions aimed at addressing electricity supply and billing issues.

Speaking on behalf of the protest group, Comrade Ogbidi Emmanuel said residents were compelled to act due to what they termed oppressive practices by BEDC. He emphasized the financial burden caused by prepaid meters and irregular billing, stating: “We pay for light and they give us darkness.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest remained peaceful, with security personnel ensuring order. The demonstrators dispersed following Governor Okpebholo’s address. As of press time, BEDC had not issued an official response to the claims raised by residents.

Edo Gov Okpebholo Joins Benin City Youths in Protest Over Power Outages

DSS Busts Alleged Arms Trafficking Network in Gombe, Seizes RPGs

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two suspected arms couriers and recovered rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) equipment during a security operation in Gombe State.

The suspects — Muhammed Alhaji Mohammed, 55, and Sani Gesha, 47 — were intercepted at Mararaban Tula in Kaltungo Local Government Area while travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla with registration number Taraba JAL475YQ. Security sources said the vehicle was stopped following weeks of intelligence-driven surveillance targeting an alleged bandit network operating across parts of the North-East.

During the operation, DSS operatives reportedly recovered two Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) warheads, an RPG launcher and other items believed to be linked to banditry and arms trafficking activities. Sources familiar with the investigation said the weapons were suspected to be part of a consignment intended for delivery to criminal elements operating in neighbouring states.

According to security officials, the arrests followed over three weeks of covert monitoring of a trafficking syndicate allegedly connected to a notorious bandit leader operating across Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa states. A source disclosed that the operatives monitored the group closely before launching a coordinated operation that led to the suspects’ arrest with what was described as a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

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Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the recovered weapons were meant to be delivered to one Ardo Hamma Ari, said to be a resident of Kukawa Village in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Authorities are expanding investigations to track other members of the network and uncover the source and intended use of the weapons.

In a related development, DSS operatives also rescued a six-year-old boy, Mohammed Jabir, at Gyada Village in Talase, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State. Security sources said the child had allegedly been kidnapped by one Salisu Hussain under the pretext of teaching him how to ride a motorcycle.

Following a report by the family, DSS operatives launched a swift operation that led to the safe rescue of the boy and the arrest of the suspected kidnapper. The child has since been reunited with his parents, who expressed gratitude to the DSS for the prompt intervention and safe return of their son.

Security authorities confirmed that all suspects are currently in DSS custody and will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. Officials emphasized that the operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking, banditry, and kidnapping in the North-East region, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety.

DSS Busts Alleged Arms Trafficking Network in Gombe, Seizes RPGs

HURIWA Warns of Alleged Foreign Media Plot to Undermine Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over what it described as emerging plans by certain political interests to allegedly use respected international media platforms as tools to undermine President Bola Tinubu and influence the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the human rights group has obtained what it considers credible information that documentary‑style features and special investigative reports are being prepared with the intent to portray the current government negatively and damage its reputation ahead of the polls.

Onwubiko suggested that early indicators point to senior members of the Federal Executive Council being prime subjects of what HURIWA characterises as an organised reputational attack orchestrated through foreign media narratives.

While emphasising that HURIWA supports investigative journalism as a crucial democratic tool, Onwubiko warned against the politicisation and misuse of investigative reporting for partisan ends, especially when claims are unverified or lack substantiation.

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“What deeply concerns us is the possibility that investigative reporting could be weaponised as a political tool, particularly where allegations are presented without verifiable and substantiated evidence,” he said.

HURIWA noted that globally, election cycles have increasingly seen efforts to manipulate information environments to sway public opinion and impact electoral outcomes — a challenge, Onwubiko said, Nigeria should guard against as it approaches its 2027 polls. Civil society groups, including HURIWA, have in recent months also raised separate concerns about the credibility and fairness of Nigeria’s electoral frameworks, particularly electoral laws, transmission of results and institutional independence — issues many believe could affect public trust in the election process. (THISDAYLIVE)

The activist stressed that the group’s stance is not to shield office holders from legitimate scrutiny, but to protect the integrity of democratic engagement.

“Where there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, it must be transparently presented and lawfully investigated. No public office holder should be above accountability. But equally, democracy must not become a theatre for campaigns of calumny driven by partisan calculations,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also called on international media organisations to uphold strict editorial independence, adhere to rigorous evidentiary standards, and ensure that documentary productions and investigative reports are rooted in verified facts rather than influenced by political sponsorship.

The group further urged Nigerian political stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, to steer clear of clandestine influence strategies that could tarnish Nigeria’s democratic reputation. It also encouraged government institutions to remain transparent and open to legitimate journalistic scrutiny.

In addition, HURIWA appealed to Nigerians to approach sensational claims with caution as the country draws nearer to the 2027 elections.

“This is not about personalities. It is about institutions. It is not about partisanship. It is about principle,” Onwubiko concluded, affirming that HURIWA will continue to monitor developments and raise its voice whenever it perceives threats to democratic integrity.

The warning comes amid a broader climate of political tension and debate over election preparedness, including commentary from other civil society organisations regarding electoral laws and the integrity of the 2027 polls. (THISDAYLIVE)

HURIWA Warns of Alleged Foreign Media Plot to Undermine Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections