Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. IBEDC is assessing damages caused by heavy rain to its facilities in the Sango-Ota and Oju-Ore areas of Ogun State. Reports and videos show numerous electric poles falling during the downpour, damaging vehicles. IBEDC’s Media Relation confirmed the havoc and urged caution around electrical installations. No casualties were reported, but property damage is estimated at over N100 million. IBEDC has deployed its technical team to address the situation and advises the public to avoid electric poles and wires until they are cleared.
2. Troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army were ambushed by terrorists on April 19, 2024, in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leading to the deaths of two officers and four soldiers. The Director of Army Public Relations confirmed the incident, stating that the troops were ambushed during a fighting patrol to Karaga Village. Despite the ambush, the soldiers fought bravely, eliminating several terrorists and capturing some of their equipment. The General Officer Commanding 1 Division expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the setback would be avenged. The troops are currently pursuing the terrorists who fled after the encounter. The Nigerian Army has contacted the Next of Kin of the fallen soldiers and conducted burials for the Muslim personnel with the approval of their families. Additionally, senior officers visited wounded soldiers and paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, in Nigeria’s Northeast, soldiers returning from Operation Desert Sanity III were welcomed with cheers by residents. The operation targeted insurgent areas in the Sambisa and Timbuktu Triangle regions.
3. Over the weekend, the Ebiraland Youths Coalition expressed concern over the withdrawal of security guards from former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello. They called on the Federal Government to ensure Bello’s safety and criticized the actions of the Police and DSS, suggesting an attempt to eliminate him. The organization urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the harassment by the EFCC, emphasizing the need for legal means to address any dissatisfaction with court orders. Additionally, they caution against social media attacks on Bello and his ethnic group.
4. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria anticipates a further reduction in diesel prices due to the operation of the Dangote refinery. The National Vice President, Hammed Fashola, expressed appreciation for the refinery’s reduction of diesel prices from over N1,200 to N1,000 per litre and expects it to drop to around N700 per litre. Fashola attributes the expected price decrease to the strengthening naira against the dollar and the elimination of challenges like shipment and customs duties since the product is locally produced. He emphasizes the potential affordability of diesel and the positive impact on citizens. Dangote refinery’s recent price cuts have been welcomed by analysts who predict benefits such as reduced production costs, potential business resumption, savings in foreign exchange, increased economic activities, and a drop in inflation due to the reduction in fuel prices.
5. Manchester United narrowly advanced to the FA Cup final, but former player Roy Keane criticized their performance, likening them to a Championship side. Despite initially leading 3-0, United allowed Coventry City to mount a comeback, prompting concerns about manager Erik Ten Hag’s future. Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher echoed these sentiments, suggesting the result might cost Ten Hag his job. Keane expressed frustration with United’s lack of character and leadership, while Gary Neville questioned the team’s direction and structural changes. Ten Hag defended the victory but acknowledged the need for improvement, emphasizing the achievement of reaching another final.
6. Two Football legends Mikel Obi and Ricardo Kaká are celebrating their 37th and 42nd birthday today. AC Milan posted an eulogy for Kaka on X writing, “A true champion who did it all with us. ” While Chelsea celebrated Mikel with a post that read, “Happy birthday, John Obi Mikel! A true Chelsea legend, who graced our midfield for 11 years.”
7. Music producer Dr. Roy has denied claims of calling out gospel singer Mercy Chinwo over unpaid debts, clarifying that he was addressing record label executive Ezekiel ThankGod (Eezee T). He emphasized that Mercy Chinwo supported him during difficult times, including when his father passed away and when he needed assistance with his father’s illness. Dr. Roy warned against misrepresentation in media reports and asserted that he and Mercy Chinwo faced challenges with Eezee T Concept, not with each other.
