The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Benue State Command, has arrested five men suspected of vandalizing electricity installations and trading in stolen public property.

The suspects, all males between the ages of 20 and 35, were arrested recently.

According to the Command, the arrests were made during patrols in Tse-Ivue and Tse-Dei communities in Guma Local Government Area, and around Lafia Junction in North Bank, Makurdi, following credible intelligence.

Parading the suspects, the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Ejelikwu Michael, gave their names as:
Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker, and Moses Ikyobo.

Items recovered include about 350 meters of aluminum conductors believed to have been cut from power transmission lines, and two unregistered yellow tricycles used to convey the materials.

The PRO said preliminary investigation shows the suspects conspired to vandalize power installations in Guma, an act that disrupted electricity supply and caused economic loss to government.

One of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, has admitted to the offence, while two others claimed to be tricycle riders in Makurdi.

Ejelikwu warned that the State Commandant, CC La Bitrus, has zero tolerance for vandalism of critical national assets.

He also warned scrap dealers to stop buying stolen materials, saying anyone found with vandalized items will be treated as an accomplice under the law.

Investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. The suspects will be charged to court soon.

Residents are urged to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to NSCDC .

Tension remains high in the Ojoo area of Ibadan following a violent clash sparked by the alleged stabbing death of a tricycle rider, which later escalated into retaliatory attacks, gunshots, and destruction of property.

The violence reportedly began after a disagreement the previous night. According to residents and eyewitnesses, the tricycle operator was chased and stabbed to death by suspected Hausa scrap collectors. The incident quickly triggered widespread outrage.

The killing prompted some Yoruba youths to launch retaliatory attacks while demanding justice for the deceased. The unrest led to sporadic gunfire and significant damage to properties in the area.

Security operatives have been deployed to the scene to restore order. As of the latest reports, many shops remain closed and residents are staying indoors as authorities work to prevent further violence and calm the situation.

Local security agencies are investigating the initial stabbing and the subsequent clashes, with appeals for calm from all sides. Community leaders are expected to engage in efforts to promote peace and prevent escalation in Ojoo and surrounding neighborhoods.

Developments are being closely monitored as the situation remains tense.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a fake government body known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

The President gave the anti-graft agency a 30-day deadline to complete the probe and submit a detailed report. The directive was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the Presidency, the PFIPC is entirely fictitious and was never established by the Federal Government. It has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful government act.

One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly posed as the Director-General of the non-existent council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee. The investigation will focus on several key issues, including:

• The alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents.
• The use of false claims of presidential appointment to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support, and visa facilitation.
• The opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.

President Tinubu has instructed the ICPC to examine not only the actions of the principal suspect and his collaborators but also the broader circumstances that allowed the fake entity to gain an appearance of legitimacy. This includes probing the origin and use of forged documents, the source and movement of any funds involved, and the role of any public officers, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries who may have facilitated the scheme.

The move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing fraud involving impersonation of official institutions and misuse of government identity. All ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to cooperate fully with the ICPC.

Further updates on the investigation are expected as the probe progresses.