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Tag: FCT

  • How bomb explosion killed 2 in Abuja school

    How bomb explosion killed 2 in Abuja school

    The Police Command in the FCT has confirmed the death of two people from an explosion that rocked  Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in  Byazhin area of Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    She said the tragic incident involving an explosion occurred at about 11:00 am on Monday.

    According to her, upon receiving a distress call from the community leader in the area, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were deployed.

    She said the area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation by the police team.

    Adeh said the victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention during the rescue operation.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina visited the owner of the Islamic school, Malam Adamu Ashimu.

    “The three visitors are suspected to have brought the explosive device with them.

    “Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school veranda while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard,” she said.

    Adeh said the FCT Bomb Squad had confirmed that the incident was an IED explosion, adding that remnants of the device had been recovered.

    She said the owner of the school had been taken into custody for questioning, adding that further findings would be communicated to the public in due course.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, enjoined the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior or items with explosive device resemblance to the police.

  • 50 in police net over manhole cover theft in Abuja

    50 in police net over manhole cover theft in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory says it has arrested 50 suspects over theft of manhole covers in Abuja.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, stated this at a media briefing on Monday in Abuja.

    Disu said that a targetted operation by operatives of the command led to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of 25 manhole covers, three vehicles and some vandalised solar street lights.

    He listed other items recovered from the suspects to include: galvanised rods used in the construction of flyovers, other tools used in vandalising government installations and several other exhibits.

    The police commissioner said that the operation was carried out at various “panteker” hotspots in Kabusa, Garki, Mabushi and Wuse areas of Abuja.

    He said that investigations revealed that the suspects were operating as part of a larger network, selling stolen manhole covers to scrap dealers.

    Disu said that the diversity and volume of the items recovered highlighted the extensive and organised nature of the syndicates, whose activities had caused significant harm to public infrastructure projects and services in the FCT.

    According to him, the criminal activities endanger the lives of the public by creating hazards on roads and walkways, while undermining the integrity of public infrastructure.

    “I want to emphasise that the FCT police command and our sister security agencies operate a zero-tolerance policy toward acts of vandalism and theft that undermine public infrastructure and safety.

    “This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting the critical infrastructure of the federal capital territory,” he said.

    Disu said that the command would continue to ensure that all those responsible for the criminal acts were brought to justice.

  • Woman abandons, dumps day-old baby along bush path in Abuja

    Woman abandons, dumps day-old baby along bush path in Abuja

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  has detained a woman for allegedly abandoning her one-day old baby along a bush path in Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    She said the abandoned one-day-old baby was recovered and rescued along a bush path near Crush Rock, behind an uncompleted Red Bricks Market in Mpape area.

    Adeh said the recovery of the baby by operatives from Mpape Division’s Juvenile and Women Care Section (JWC) on Jan. 3, followed a distress call that a baby was found wrapped in a cloth.

    According to her, upon getting to the scene, the operatives promptly rescued and took the baby to Mpape Primary Health Care Center, where medical evaluation confirmed  that that baby is in stable condition.

    She said the baby’s mother was arrested and detained following a tip off from the community, adding that, she had confessed to abandoning the baby during interrogation.

    The police spokesperson said the mother cited her inability to care for the child after her husband’s abandonment of her as reason for the act.

    Adeh expressed the command’s dissatisfaction and condemnation of act of child abandonment and pledged commitment to protecting  the most vulnerable members of society.

    The FCT police spokesperson said the rescued baby would be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare for proper care.

    She said the mother would be made to face prosecution in line with the provisions of sections 14 and 16 of  the Child Rights Act (CRA), 2003 upon the conclusion of investigations.

    Adeh commended the public for its cooperation and support that led to the rescue of the baby.

    She urged FCT residents to remain vigilant and  report suspicious activities or emergencies to the command through its emergency lines on 08061581938, 08032003913, 08028940883, CRU: 08107314192, PCB: 09022222352.

  • Darkness looms in parts of FCT as AEDC announces load shedding

    Darkness looms in parts of FCT as AEDC announces load shedding

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced an impending power interruption in parts of its franchise areas between Jan.  6 and Jan. 21.

    The AEDC made the announcement on its X handle in Abuja on Friday.

    According  to the company, to Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is relocating the 33 Kilo Volt (KV) DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway.

    It listed areas that would experience power outages during the period to include Lugbe and environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church.

    “Others areas are American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC headquarters, Coca Cola, Railway, Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

    ”Parts of Apo, Parts of Gudu, Gbazango and environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari and environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi and environs, and other parts of Abuja.

    ”We are working  round  the  clock  to  reduce  downtime  as much as possible,  and regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” it said.

  • Infrastructure, security, top Wike’s 2025 agenda for FCT

    Infrastructure, security, top Wike’s 2025 agenda for FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has promised massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation, security and youth development.

    Wike, who stated this in his new year message to residents of the FCT in Abuja on Wednesday, added that due attention would be given to agriculture and tourism development.

    He said that the focus of the FCT Administration in 2025 would be on massive infrastructural development as a key driver of economic growth and development for improved quality of life.

    He added that the administration would also enhance healthcare, education and agricultural services.

    According to him, this will ensure that every resident has access to essential services and nutritious food.

    The minister also said that the FCTA would strive to tackle the challenges of public transportation through private sector participation.

    “We will also expand programmes for youth employment and positive engagement to harness the energy and creativity of our young people for the development of the FCT.

    “We have also made necessary plans to exploit our tourism potential and build upon our achievements in the security sector,” he said.

    Wike, however, pointed out that sustainable development requires the active participation of all residents.

    He urged residents to meet their civic obligations by paying taxes, dues and levies as applicable.

    Wike said these were essential for generating the revenue needed to fund developmental projects.

    “Let us remain committed to ensuring that the FCT continues to stand as the centre of unity, upholding the dreams of our founding fathers.

    “This administration remains steadfast in its determination to transform the FCT into one of the best capital territories in the world.

    “We can achieve the collective dream of a thriving, and prosperous FCT by supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and working together in unity and cooperation.

    “Together, let us embrace 2025 with hope and determination and may this year bring us closer to realising our collective vision for a FCT that reflects the highest ideals of progress and unity,” he said.

    The minister said 2024 was remarkable for the FCT as significant achievements were recorded and which set the foundation for sustained development.

    He added that by fostering an enabling environment for foreign and local investments, the FCT witnessed visible economic growth.

    “This has been particularly impactful in rural areas, where infrastructural improvements have sparked economic activities and development,” he said.

    He particularly said that the massive infrastructural development, including the construction of new urban and rural roads, had dramatically improved connectivity and accessibility for FCT residents.

    He added that rural road development has also significantly enhanced economic activities in rural communities, creating opportunities and improving livelihoods.

    Wike equally said that the FCTA prioritised education by rehabilitating several schools.

    This, he said, ensured that children learn in conducive environments to empower the future generations with quality education.

    The minister said that efforts were also made to enhance security, adding that these included the provision of more than 100 vehicles to security agencies.

    He said implementation of bolder and innovative strategies had yielded positive results in the last 12 months.

    The minister said residents were now sleeping peacefully at night and were confident of the safety of their neighborhoods.

    “The creation of the Mandate Secretariat for Youth Development and other administrative changes implemented during the year have also improved efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

    “This has helped in strengthening governance, making it more responsive to residents’ needs.

    “These accomplishments demonstrate our collective effort and commitment to building a prosperous, unified, progressive FCT,” he said.

  • NSCDC arrest 6 suspected vandals in FCT

    NSCDC arrest 6 suspected vandals in FCT

    The FCT Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspected vandals.

    The development is confirmed on Tuesday in a statement in Abuja by the FCT Command Public Relations Officer, Monica Ojobi.

    Ojobi said that the suspects were arrested by the operatives of the command at different locations in the FCT during the Christmas celebration.

    She said one of the suspects, a 27 years old, was arrested around Life camp/kado axis while vandalising armoured cables.

    “Another 28 years old male was arrested at Yar’Adua express way, along the Airport  road while vandalising solar panel poles and FCMB billboard poles.

    “An 18 years old male was also arrested  at Yar’Adua express way along airport road  in  possession of vandalised  El-Rufai commercial bus body parts.”

    The statement added three others were apprehended with  vandalised items comprising street light poles, bulbs, fencing iron hook, nine shovels amongst others.

    It said the suspects are undergoing investigation and would be consequently prosecuted according to the provision of the law.

  • Wike vows to reallocate revoked FCT lands after Jan. 3

    Wike vows to reallocate revoked FCT lands after Jan. 3

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to reallocate all revoked lands after the expiration of the grace period given to affected allottees on January 3.

    Wike stated this after he inspected the ongoing construction Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal and Saburi – Dei Dei road, in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Recall that Wike had on Dec. 20, given owners of the 762 revoked plots of land in Maitama two-week grace to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

    The owners of the plots, located in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, are expected to pay for their C of O on or before Jan. 3, or risk final revocation.

    When asked whether the grace period would be extended, the minister said, “We will not. I don’t think we will want to give another grace.

    “After it expires, we will reallocate all those lands to other people who are interested,” he said.

    The minister noted that Nigerians don’t comply with extant laws, adding that the land allocations were done more than 10 years ago.

    He explained that that list of the defaulters were generated by the previous administration, adding that what the Land Department and the Abuja Geographic Information System did was to generate them from the system.

    He said that Right of Occupancy was just an allocation of land and the allottee would be expected to pay for C of O, adding that if the allottee had paid, he would have a receipt.

    “So, when you don’t have the C of O, it means that you have not paid.

    “If there are people who have paid, like some people say they have, and they have attached their receipt to show that they have paid, in such cases, yes, there will be a remedy.

    “As to whether there will be another grace, I don’t think we will do that,” he insisted.

    He pointed out the FCT does not have anything other than properties to tax for development projects.

    “Our interest is not to have the lands back; our interest is for the allottees to pay so that we can use the fund for the development of the FCT.

    “Now, we are talking about roads. How do we get the roads done without people complying and paying?,” he asked.

  • Electricity: Parts of FCT to experience power interruption

    Electricity: Parts of FCT to experience power interruption

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced an impending power interruption in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Sunday.

    Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs,  announced this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    She said that, on Sunday, between the hours of 9 a.m and 10 p.m, maintenance work would be carried out on one of the 60MVA power transformers at 132/33kV transmission substation at Kukwaba.

    ”This will result in power interruption in Wuye, EFCC, Federal Medical Centre, Coca-Cola, Idu Railway Station, Citec, and Life Camp.

    ”The TCN apologises for the inconvenience this may cause, especially given the Yuletide and end-of-the-year festivities.

    ”However, it is important that maintenance is carried out as scheduled for optimal performance of power equipment,” she said.

    Mbah noted that TCN had earlier, on Saturday, carried out similar maintenance on the 60 MVA power transformer and its associated switch gears at the Gwagwalada 330/132/33 Kilo Volt (kV) Transmission Substation.

    She said that while the maintenance lasted, there was disruption in electricity distribution in Gwagwalada and environs during the hours of 9 a.m and 1 p.m.

  • FCT department rescues 3 men trapped in manhole

    FCT department rescues 3 men trapped in manhole

    The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) and other agencies rescued three men who were trapped in a blocked manhole in Abuja.

    The other agencies involved in the rescue operation at Guzape, Asokoro District, are the FCT Fire Service and the National Emergency Management Agency.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

    Mohammed explained that two of the trapped men were labourers engaged to clear up debris that clogged the manhole leading to a central sewage system.

    He added that a buildup of trapped methane gas caused an explosion, resulting in both men being suffocated inside the manhole.

    He said that the third person was a volunteer, who equally got trapped while attempting to rescue the two labourers.

    “One of the rescued men is receiving treatment at the Wuse General Hospital, while the two others are at the Asokoro District Hospital,” he said.

    The FEMD boss advised residents to refer maintenance of public infrastructure to relevant government agencies and departments. He commended the emergency responders for averting what could have been a tragedy.

  • Some parts of FCT in total darkness as vandals attack Shiroro-Katampe transmission line

    Some parts of FCT in total darkness as vandals attack Shiroro-Katampe transmission line

    Some parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been thrown into darkness as vandals, again, destroyed the 330-kilovolt Shiroro-Katampe Transmission Line.

    A statement by the spokesperson of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ndidi Mbah, on Thursday night, said at approximately 11:43 PM, the 330kV Shiroro – Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid.

    At approximately 11:43 pm, the 330kV Shiroro – Katampe circuit lost supply on the grid. A trial reclosure was attempted, but the line tripped again immediately.

    “A TCN lines patrol team was dispatched from the Abuja Regional office of TCN to investigate the cause of the fault. The team discovered that vandals had stolen part of the conductor between towers T216 and T218,” she said.

    Mbah added that the TCN lines maintenance crew has since mobilised to the site, and is working assiduously to replace the vandalized 330kV power conductor.
    “Restoration of bulk power supply through the affected line is expected soon,” she said, appealing to the general public to assist in identifying and reporting suspicious activities around power transmission infrastructure.