By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says a suspect has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of six transmission towers along the Yola–Jalingo 330kV transmission line.In a statement, TCN said the damaged towers—numbered T995, T998, T999, T1002, T1003 and T1004—were discovered during a routine patrol by its engineers on July 29, 2026. According to the company, vandals removed about 130 critical bracing members, compromising the structural integrity of the affected towers.

TCN said it carried out a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force on July 30 in the host community, where traditional and youth leaders were urged to assist in identifying those responsible. The company added that on August 1, the police informed it that a principal suspect had been arrested and that some of the stolen tower components had been recovered.

TCN officials subsequently visited the site to verify the recovered materials and called for the prosecution of the suspect in accordance with the law. The company said the police are continuing investigations and are pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged vandalism.

Condemning attacks on electricity infrastructure, TCN said such incidents threaten investments in the power sector and the reliability of electricity supply. It urged host communities and the public to report suspicious activities around transmission facilities to security agencies or the nearest TCN office.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Plateau State Police Command says it has arrested another suspect in connection with the alleged mob killing of University of Jos graduate Ibrahim Mbaya as investigations into the incident continue.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said detectives arrested Yusuf Christopher Beskeni, 24, following what the command described as credible intelligence.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was allegedly involved in the assault that led to Mbaya’s death. The command alleged that Beskeni participated in restraining the deceased while he was assaulted by a mob over allegations of theft.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the incident, the statement added.

Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Usman Sheikh Adamu, assured Mbaya’s family and the public that the command remains committed to a thorough investigation and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.The police also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation by providing credible information to the authorities.

The death of Mbaya sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for an end to mob violence and for suspects to be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has pledged his administration’s support for the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, describing the initiative as a platform for promoting youth participation in governance, leadership and national development.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Plateau State Coordinating Unit of the group in Jos. He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship and civic engagement.

The governor encouraged the group’s members to focus on leadership development, community service and civic education, adding that his administration would continue to support programmes that create opportunities for young people.

At the event, the Plateau State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, Wilson Manji, expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would receive strong support from voters in Plateau State during the 2027 presidential election.

Also speaking, the Plateau State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon. Ernest Abner Da’a, defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market. He said the policies had increased government revenues and supported infrastructure development.

The National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Youth Engagement, Hon. Abdulazeez Abubakar Kaka, highlighted initiatives including increased allocations to states, the student loan programme and infrastructure projects as achievements of the Tinubu administration. The inauguration was attended by government officials, APC leaders, local government chairmen, youth groups, women organisations and supporters from across Plateau State.