Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River’s Yache Communities Demand Restoration of Electricity After Years of Neglect
Residents call on South-South Development Commission as absence of power, roads, and water stalls development in Yala LGA
Residents call on South-South Development Commission as absence of power, roads, and water stalls development in Yala LGA
Over 500,000 residents of Yache communities in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State have petitioned government over prolonged infrastructure neglect, highlighting the continued lack of electricity, good roads and potable water. The call was made public on Sunday through a letter sent by Professor Stephen Odey, Cross River State Commissioner for Education, to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The letter detailed the difficulties faced by the agrarian Yache communities, which share boundaries with Benue State and contribute significantly to the state’s agricultural output. According to Odey, despite their population exceeding half a million people and their key role in food production for both Cross River and neighbouring states, basic amenities have remained out of reach for years. He noted that this has left many residents feeling cut off from government presence and economic opportunities.
The lack of infrastructure was described as a major impediment to socio-economic development in the area. Residents stated that without stable electricity supply or good access roads, local businesses struggle to survive while schools and health centres operate under difficult conditions. Odey also drew attention to the political significance of the Yache people within the North-East axis of Yala LGA, saying their participation in democratic processes merits urgent government intervention.
In his written appeal, Odey urged SSDC leadership to prioritise restoration of electricity across affected communities as a first step towards reversing years of neglect. He added that improved infrastructure would not only boost agricultural productivity but also strengthen economic ties with surrounding states. “The people of Yache occupy a dominant land mass in Yala Local Council… with extensive agricultural practice that feeds the state and beyond,” he stated.
As at press time, SSDC management had not issued an official response to the demands raised by Yache residents. Community leaders say they expect prompt action from relevant authorities given previous assurances by government officials regarding rural electrification projects in Cross River North.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/criver-communities-lament-years-of-neglect-power-instability/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Projects 353% Surge in Lithium Demand by 2040, Eyes Nasarawa Investments
UNCTAD report highlights Nigeria’s growing role as global clean energy transition drives scramble for critical minerals
UNCTAD report highlights Nigeria’s growing role as global clean energy transition drives scramble for critical minerals
The Federal Government has projected a significant increase in global demand for lithium, with estimates showing a 353 percent rise by the year 2040, according to new findings from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This projection, released on Sunday, underscores the urgency surrounding Nigeria’s lithium reserves, particularly as international focus shifts to clean energy technologies.
UNCTAD’s latest report indicates that as countries intensify efforts to reduce carbon emissions and scale up electric vehicle (EV) production, minerals crucial to energy transition—including lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements—will experience sharp increases in demand. The share of nickel used in clean energy applications is expected to rise from 17 percent to 42 percent globally by 2040. Magnet rare earths, vital for wind turbines and electric motors, are also projected to see their share grow from 21 percent to 31 percent within the same period.
For Nigeria, these trends carry direct economic implications. The country has emerged as a significant player in the lithium sector, with states such as Nasarawa recording major discoveries and attracting interest from both local and foreign investors. The Federal Government has previously disclosed plans to establish a ₦600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State as part of wider efforts to develop value chains around the mineral.
While the government continues to promote investment in mining infrastructure and local processing capacity, industry analysts warn that effective regulation is crucial to ensure transparency and equitable benefit for host communities. They have called on authorities to enforce environmental standards and prioritise job creation for Nigerians within the sector. No official statement has yet been released by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on the new UNCTAD projections.
Experts say that if well-managed, Nigeria’s lithium sector could provide an alternative revenue stream amid fluctuating oil receipts and contribute significantly to economic diversification. However, they stress that more must be done to prevent illegal mining activities and ensure community development agreements are strictly implemented.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Protesters Block Iwo Road, Demand Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers
Police assure safe return as residents urge government to tackle insecurity in Oriire Local Council and across Oyo State
Police assure safe return as residents urge government to tackle insecurity in Oriire Local Council and across Oyo State
Vehicular movement was brought to a halt on Sunday as hundreds of protesters blocked the busy Iwo Road axis in Ibadan, Oyo State, demanding urgent action over the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Council. The demonstration saw residents from various communities converge with placards, calling on government and security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims and address rising insecurity in the state.
Protesters displayed banners with messages such as “Government Must Act – End Kidnapping in Oyo State,” “Oyo Is Bleeding,” and “Free the Ogbomoso Kidnapped Victims.” Some demonstrators offered prayers on the road, asking for divine intervention for the abducted persons’ safe return. The protest, which lasted several hours, caused significant traffic disruptions along one of Ibadan’s main thoroughfares.
The abduction incident in Oriire Local Council has heightened concerns about safety in Oyo State, particularly among parents, students, traders and farmers. Residents said insecurity has worsened in recent months, with frequent reports of kidnappings affecting both urban and rural communities. Stakeholders stressed that government must prioritise protection for vulnerable groups to restore peace and confidence.
In response to the demonstration, police authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue those abducted. A statement by Oyo State Police Command said officers have intensified search operations around Oriire axis and neighbouring areas. “We are working tirelessly with other security agencies to ensure the victims are rescued unharmed,” a police spokesperson stated.
Protesters insisted that government’s response must go beyond promises, urging stronger action against kidnapping and violent crimes. As at press time, there was no official update on the status of the abducted pupils and teachers. Community leaders called for continuous pressure on authorities until concrete results are achieved.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Gunmen Kill 21 in Night Attack on Bokkos LGA, Plateau State
Security agencies yet to apprehend suspects as residents decry rising violence in North-Central communities
Security agencies yet to apprehend suspects as residents decry rising violence in North-Central communities
No fewer than 21 people have been killed and several others injured after suspected armed men attacked Kawel village in Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State late Sunday night. Residents say the assailants stormed the community at about 11:40 p.m., opening fire while villagers were asleep, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
A resident who asked not to be named due to security concerns described the attack as unprovoked, lamenting the lack of timely security response. “The attackers operated without resistance, and there was no immediate intervention from security agencies,” the resident said.
The incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks targeting rural communities in Plateau State, part of the North-Central zone. Locals say insecurity has worsened in recent months, with repeated invasions leading to loss of lives and displacement. Many residents are calling on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable areas.
Bokkos Youth Leader Christopher Luka confirmed the death toll, stating that youth leaders received reports of the assault shortly after midnight. “A youth leader called around 12:10 a.m. to report that gunmen attacked the community and shot several persons. So far, 21 deaths have been confirmed,” Luka said.
As at press time, no group had claimed responsibility for the attack, and police authorities had not issued an official statement. Community leaders are urging government to deploy more personnel to safeguard affected areas and prevent further bloodshed.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/21-killed-as-gunmen-attack-plateau-community/
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