In response to the reported plot by suspected arsonists to set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, security forces have assumed control of the office premises. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and other security agencies were observed with their armored personnel carriers to prevent any potential invasion of the INEC office.

According to sources, the usually bustling post office, known for its daily business activities, was deserted, and vehicular movement was restricted. Motorists were compelled to take alternative routes, particularly those heading towards Abuja, Nataco, and the Felele axis.

It is worth noting that a political party had previously accused another party of allegedly sponsoring thugs to vandalize election materials at the INEC office.

Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba social-political group, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the Port Harcourt Refinery commences operations as promised in December. The Federal Government had assured Nigerians that the local refinery would start production by the end of the year, a commitment reiterated by Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (oil), during an inspection of the rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Limited plant.

Expressing concern about the current economic situation in the country, Afenifere issued a communique at the conclusion of its caucus meeting in Akure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the government’s promise. The group believes that if the local refineries are operational, it will lead to a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The communique stated, “The meeting also took note of the assurances being given in regard to the commencement of production of petroleum products by some Refineries in the country very soon. It then urged the government to ensure that the deadlines given are adhered to. For instance, the December deadline given for Port Harcourt Refinery to resume production should be met. This is with a view to bringing the cost of petroleum products down as high costs of these products are contributing to the soaring prices of commodities and services in the country.”

An alleged fire emergency at the recently established Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital triggered panic among both patients and staff on Thursday morning.

An anonymous source reported that patients were observed hastily exiting the unit in response to the apparent fire. The source conveyed, “I can confirm to you that there is a fire emergency at the new Accident and Emergency unit of UNIOSUNTH this morning. I could see patients scampering for safety and running out of the A&E Unit to avoid the fire. We don’t know how the fire started but suddenly, we saw patients running for safety with blood and bandages on their body.”

In response to the incident, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Prof Peter Olaitan, refuted claims of a fire outbreak. He clarified that it was a circuit breaker that had exploded. Prof. Olaitan assured that the patients were safe and located in the ward, while the hospital’s engineers were actively addressing the issue. He stated, “It is not true. There was a circuit breaker that exploded and that was all. The patients are ok and in the ward. Our engineers are already working to fix it immediately.”