The Nigerian Immigration Service has raised the alarm over the emergence of a new sect known as “ACHAD Life Mission International” in Kaduna State.

According to a circular issued by the NIS, the sect has its headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, resides in Jos, Plateau State.

The NIS has linked the sect to human trafficking and child separation, and warned that it has been canvassing members both within and outside Nigeria.

The circular, dated January 14, 2025, was issued by the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller General of NIS, AA Aridegbe.

It reads in part: “The intelligence reports that the sect has its headquarters in Kaduna, while its leader, one Mr. Yokana, lives in Jos, Plateau State. It further notes that the sect neither believes in Islam nor Christianity but preaches the restoration of the African tradition and support to humanity.”

The NIS urged all its state commands, directorates, zones, and training institutions to be vigilant and report any activities related to the sect.

The emergence of the new sect has raised concerns among security agencies and the general public, with many calling for swift action to prevent its spread.

The NIS promised to work closely with other security agencies to monitor the activities of the sect and prevent any potential threats to national security.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday revealed that over 18 transmission towers have been between January 9 and 14.

They were destroyed in Rivers, Abia, and Kano States, according to a press statement of the Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah yesterday.

The statement said, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) regrets to announce that over 18 transmission towers were vandalized between January 9 and 14, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, and Kano States.

“Engr. Emmanuel Okpa, General Manager of Transmission for the Port Harcourt Region, reported that routine patrols by linesmen on January 10, 2025, uncovered damage to towers 171 through 181 and tower 184.

“On January 14, vandals targeted towers 146, 147, and 149 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV line in Rivers State, removing base brackets and compromising the stability of the towers.”

The TCN statement recalled that in Abia State, Engr. Azuh Lucky, Head of the Lines Department for the Region, reported the theft of bolts, nuts, and structural members from towers 160 to 162 on the Alaoji/Umuahia 132kV line, which was under repair on January 13, 2025.

It said meanwhile, in Kano, towers 105, 106, and 107 along the Katsina-Gazoua 132/33kV transmission line were critically damaged by vandals on January 9, 2025, compromising their structural integrity and risking collapse.

The statement reads in part: “In the early hours of January 17, 2025, vandalized 132kV underground transmission cables were discovered by TCN engineers near Millennium Park in Abuja. This affected power supply to the central area and its environs.

“These incidents pose a significant challenge to our operations as a company. We have bolstered security measures, increased lines patrol, and the number of vigilante groups, and we are also collaborating with security operatives.

“However, we need and are appealing for the full support of every Nigerian, particularly those in communities hosting our installations. We must collectively recognize that the transmission network is our collective asset and essential for our socioeconomic development.

“The vandals and those who buy stolen materials are sabotaging the nation. All hands must be on deck to ensure the growth of the nation’s power sector, which is critical to the development of our country.

“TCN’s grid expansion plans are under tremendous strain due to the persistent vandalism of its installations. The financial implications of constant repairs to vandalized transmission installations, along with the stress on the grid, are having adverse effects on TCNs grid expansion drive.

“This is a clarion call for everyone to join forces with TCN to put an end to this menace and safeguard our electricity network.”

Former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bishop Kennedy Azubuike Njoku has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

Rt. Hon. Njoku, who previously represented Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency in the 7th Assembly, resigned his position as Speaker after the PDP reached a compromise to allow Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the son of Abia’s former governor, to assume the role.

Addressing supporters at his country home in Mbutu Nta village, Osisioma Local Government Area, Njoku explained that his decision to leave the PDP was made after extensive consultations with constituents and stakeholders across the state.

“I am grateful to the PDP for the opportunities they provided me and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Njoku said.

He, however, called on his supporters to join him in the APC, emphasizing that only those ready to work hard would be rewarded, quoting the adage, “Onye ruo, ya erie” (He who works, eats).

The former lawmaker expressed appreciation for the support he has received from the people of Osisioma Ngwa North, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, and Abia State as a whole. He assured them that his move to the APC was driven by a vision to secure a brighter future for the local government area and the state at large.

Prominent stakeholders, including Comr. Odimegwu Aruru, Chief of Staff to the Bishop Campaign Organization; Comr. Emmanuel Nduagu, former president of the Osisioma Ngwa Youth Congress; and Hon. Austin Uruakpa, former leader of the Osisioma Ngwa Legislative Council, expressed full support for Njoku’s defection.

They urged his supporters to obtain APC membership cards from their respective wards and emphasized that the move signals hope for the masses.

In a vote of thanks, Comr. Oliver Christian, a youth leader from Isiala Osokwa Ward 6, commended Rt. Hon. Njoku’s decision pledged full support and prayed for God’s blessings on him and his supporters.