Tension As Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline in Rivers

A second major pipeline explosion has rocked the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State, occurring just hours after a similar incident in Bodo, Gokana LGA.

The latest explosion struck a manifold connecting a federal pipeline in the Okwawriwa area on Tuesday morning, sending massive flames into the sky and raising fresh concerns about the safety of oil facilities in the region.

Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline

Another Explosion Rocks Pipeline in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State.

Ondo Assembly Summons Amotekun Commander On Security, Kidnapping

Ondo assembly summons Amotekun commander on security, Kidnapping. Presiding at a plenary session of the assembly on Tuesday, the speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, bemoaned the incessant kidnapping by bandits.

The Ondo State House of Assembly has summoned the commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, over the prevailing security challenges – particularly kidnapping in the state.

Aside from Mr Adeleye, the assembly also asked Gbenga Atiba, the senior special assistant (SSA), to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to appear before the parliament next week.

Presiding at a plenary session of the assembly on Tuesday, the speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, bemoaned the incessant kidnapping by bandits.

Mr Oladiji said the activities of the bandits who are taking cover in the thick forest of the state are a source of concern and need to be addressed.

He also explained that the government and security agencies must work with traditional rulers to nib in the bud the activities of the bandits.

The speaker urged the government to look into the agitation for the creation of the state police and equip them with assorted weapons.

The majority leader of the assembly, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, explained that the state, which was known for its relative peace, is gradually turning into a bandits zone.

Mr Ogunmolasuyi said it is the best time to equip the local security outfit to fight the incessant activities of bandits headlong.

Ondo Assembly Summons Amotekun

Earlier, Kolawole Ologede, the lawmaker representing Akure North LGA, said his constituents now live in fear and can no longer go about their normal business activities.

Mr Ologede asked the state government to rejig the security architecture of the state by ending incessant killings and kidnappings in his constituents.

House Of Reps to Investigate SON Over Substandard Building Materials

The House of Representatives has launched an inquiry into allegations that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) reversed its decision to shut down 18 companies involved in the production and distribution of substandard building materials, particularly iron rods.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru (APC), who urged SON to intensify efforts to eliminate fake products from the Nigerian market and ensure only quality materials are sold.

Osawaru raised concerns over frequent building collapses in Nigeria, attributing them to poor regulatory practices, substandard materials, and faulty construction processes.

Reps to Investigate SON

Citing data from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, he revealed that Nigeria recorded 47 building collapses across 14 states in 2024, with Lagos State accounting for 56% of the incidents.

He criticized SON for allegedly reversing the closure of defaulting companies, reportedly under pressure from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

The reversal has sparked widespread criticism, questioning the government’s commitment to enforcing quality standards in construction.

The House has now resolved to investigate SON’s actions and recommend measures to curb the proliferation of substandard building materials in Nigeria.