Two students of Audu Bako College of Agriculture near Danbatta are feared dead after the canoe they boarded capsized in the middle of Thomas Dam in Makoda Local Government Area of Kano State.

According to Daily Trust, one of the students, Abubakar  Salisu, was,  however, rescued, while the search for the remaining students continued.

Information officer of Makoda LGA Sani Muhammadu said the incident occurred on Tuesday morning, April 30, 2024, when the students were returning to the college.

He said rescue operation led to the discovery of the dead body of one of the students, Abubakar Sanusi.

Sani said the other student, Ado Salisu had not been found as at the time the rescue operation was halted, noting that the rescue workers would resume operation this morning.

According to him, driver of the canoe  Hassan Haruna survived the mishap.

A resident of Danbatta Abba Muhammad corroborated the accounts of the information officer, adding that the rescued student  was responding to treatment at Danbatta General Hospital.

The dam where the tragic incident took place is located approximately five kilometers away from the school.

Meanwhile, a post by one Aliyu Hamisu Dambatta confirmed the death of two students in the boat mishap

Operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Edo State Police Command have foiled a cult initiation and arrested 35 suspected cultists in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, said the arrest followed an intelligence report that some students suspected to be members of the Vikings cult group converged in an undisclosed location for the initiation ceremony.

The PPRO said an anti-cult team carried out the operations on April 27 and 28, 2024.

“In continuation of the Edo State Police Commands’ onslaught against cult activities in Edo State, the operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Command on Saturday 27th April 2024 stormed the city of Ekpoma after an intelligence report that some students suspected to be members of Vikings secret cult confraternity who converged in an undisclosed place in Ekpoma to carry out initiation process of some new members where in the process 35 cultists were arrested,” the state.

“The operations were carried out simultaneously between the 27th and 28th day of April 2024.

“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, mni reiterates the command’s commitments to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

“He assures the good people of Edo State and the general public to always assist the Police with actionable information that will lead to achievements. The CP emphatically said information is key to good development and a crime-free society, as modern and civilized policing entails citizenship and community participation.

“He again advise parents and guidance to warn their children and wards to desist from these deadly cult groups that it has no gain, the end is disaster.”

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Nkemkanma Kama (LP-Ebonyi) at plenary on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that NERC had one April 3, approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers who enjoyed 20 hours of electricity daily classified as Band A users.

Moving the motion, Kama said that the aim was to restore public trust, protect consumer rights, and ensure regulatory accountability in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He said that facts presented showed that the approval granted by NERC resulted in a staggering 300 per cent rise for certain consumers.

“What is more concerning are the reports indicating discrepancies in customer categorisation and widespread complaints regarding inadequate service despite increased charges.

“This situation has not just sparked national anxiety, but it also threatens regulatory certainty and investor confidence in the sector, demanding immediate attention.

“This motion argues for legislative intervention, underlining our constitutional and moral obligations to address the crisis and alleviate the burden on Nigerian citizens.

“It places a strong emphasis on the legislative oversight role over NERC and the electricity utilities, stressing the need for fair and just pricing and consultation with stakeholders in tariff determination processes.

“This is not just a responsibility, but a duty we owe to our constituents,” he said.

The lawmaker alleged failure of due process in approving the tariff increase which raised concerns over discriminatory practices, and  disputed nature of government subsidies to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

Sequel to the adoption of the motion, the house ordered the Nigerian electricity regulatory commission (NERC) to suspend the operation of the recently announced tariff increases and other conditions in the newly issues review of the MYTO.

The house resolved to set up a special committee made up of the Committees on Power, Commerce and National Planning to convene a public hearing on price regulation.

The lawmaker resolved to appoint well-regarded former regulator as technical consultant to the house to develop templates for determination of the legality, reasonableness of the procedure adopted by NERC in approving the tariff increase and establishing the performance benchmarks for the Discos.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas said that the relevant committees should ensure compliance. (NAN)