.By Jabiru Hassan.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, wishes to inform the public that six transmission towers, from T125 to T130, on Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II have been vandalized. The collapse occurred at about 1:15 a.m. on 30th May 2026, during a heavy downpour.

Trial reclosure of these line II was made at 2:08 am following the initial tripping and failed. The tripping of lines prompted a physical line trace to determine the fault which revealed damage to critical components of towers T125 to T130, confirming acts of vandalism on the affected sections of the transmission corridor.

As a result, both Apir–Lafia 330kV Transmission Lines I and II remain out of service pending reconstruction of the affected towers. TCN engineers have been mobilized to site to access the extent of damage and ascertain materials required to commence to restore normal transmission along the corridor.

Meanwhile, the Lafia 330kV Transmission Station is being supplied through the Lafia–Jos transmission line as a temporary measure to minimise the impact of the outage on affected electricity customers within the franchise areas of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC). TCN strongly condemns the continued vandalism of power transmission infrastructure and undermines years of investment in the sector.

Meanwhile, this incident directly affects electricity supply to communities within the franchise areas of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and Jos Electricity Distribution Company. We appeal to host communities and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around transmission installations to security agencies or the nearest TCN office. Collective action is essential to protect national grid assets and ensure reliable power supply.

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of elder statesman and respected community leader, Miskoom Pius Nkup Yilbial, who died at the age of 88.In a condolence message, Senator Lalong described the late Miskoom Pius as a man of integrity, wisdom and selfless service who dedicated his life to the development of his community, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He recalled that the deceased served the nation diligently in various capacities, beginning as a teacher and education administrator before proceeding to serve at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, where he distinguished himself through hard work, professionalism and commitment to public service.

According to Senator Lalong, even after his retirement from active service, Miskoom Pius remained actively engaged in community development and the promotion of peace, unity and progress within Gamailand. He noted that the late elder statesman contributed immensely through the Gamai United Development Organisation (GUDO), the Gamai Elders Forum and several other platforms that advanced the welfare of the people.

The Senator said the late Miskoom Pius belonged to a generation of patriotic leaders whose counsel, experience and leadership helped shape the social and cultural development of their communities, leaving behind a legacy worthy of emulation.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Namu Traditional Council, the people of Quaan-Pan Local Government Area and the entire Gamai nation over the loss. Senator Lalong prayed that God Almighty would grant the departed eternal rest and comfort all those mourning his passing.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

A civil society organisation, Concerned Citizens for Electoral Accountability in Kaduna State, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate remarks allegedly made by a political aide to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani regarding past election results in Igabi Local Government Area.

In a petition addressed to the INEC Chairman and dated June 1, 2026, the group expressed concern over a viral video and media reports attributed to Hon. Abubakar Mamadi, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the governor. The petition, signed by Suleiman Usman Yusuf, Jalal Falal, and Abubakar Ibrahim, Esq., cited reports alleging that Mamadi made comments at a political gathering on May 29 concerning the conduct of previous elections in the area.

The group stressed that it was not alleging wrongdoing and acknowledged that the authenticity, context, and meaning of the reported remarks remain subject to verification. “We do not presume the guilt of any individual and make no definitive allegation that any crime has been committed,” the petition stated. The organisation urged INEC and relevant authorities to review the original recording, verify its authenticity, prepare an official transcript and translation where necessary, and obtain statements from individuals mentioned in the reported remarks.

According to the petitioners, a transparent review would help strengthen public confidence in the electoral process ahead of future elections. The group emphasized that its request is aimed at promoting accountability and protecting electoral integrity, while respecting the constitutional rights and presumption of innocence of all parties involved.