Military Offensive Claims Bello Turji’s Son…86 Dead, 55 Injured in Fuel Tanker Explosion…Gunmen Kill Prophet During Sunday Service…and more
Bello Turji’s Son Killed, Hideouts Destroyed in Military Raid
Nigerian forces have intensified their offensive against notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji in Northwest Zamfara State. Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the news on Saturday, noting that Turji’s key camps in the Fakai area were destroyed.
One of the targets was a school reportedly used to store food and weapons. “The military burned the school to prevent it from serving as a supply base for Turji’s network,” Zagazola Makama said.
Intelligence sources revealed that Turji’s group suffered heavy losses. “We killed his son and many of his fighters. I also listened to Turji’s panicked voice calling for reinforcements, but no one showed up,” a source said. “None of them showed up, and one of his spies narrowly escaped from us.”
Amid the aggressive offensive against him, Turji has now moved his kidnapped hostages to a new location to evade military detection while continuing ransom negotiations.
Nigeria Eyes $40 Billion Energy Financing at Africa Energy Summit
Nigeria is among 13 African nations set to present energy proposals at the Africa Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on January 27–28, reports TheCable. The summit, organized by the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to allocate $40 billion under the Mission 300 program to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
“Mission 300 represents not just an ambitious target but a movement,” said Franz Drees-Gross, World Bank director of infrastructure for West Africa. “We are creating a lasting impact that will power Africa’s growth and enable millions of people to access the essential services electricity provides.”
The initiative seeks to connect half of Africa’s population through national grids and the remainder via off-grid solutions like solar mini-grids. “Of the 680 million people globally without electricity access, 570 million live in sub-Saharan Africa,” Drees-Gross added.
Fuel Truck Explosion in Nigeria Kills 86, Injures 55
A fuel truck explosion in the Suleja area of Niger State, Nigeria, has claimed 86 lives, with 55 others injured, officials confirmed Sunday. The tanker overturned on Saturday, spilling fuel, which attracted a crowd attempting to scoop it up before the explosion occurred.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the wreckage, said Kumar Tsukwam, FRSC Commander in Niger State.
Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, revealed that a mass burial for 80 victims was conducted at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre, while six bodies were claimed by families.
The explosion is one of many recent fuel-related tragedies in Nigeria, where rising fuel prices and poverty have pushed people into dangerous survival strategies. Authorities continue to treat the injured in nearby hospitals.
Nigerian Power Grid Suffers 18 Tower Vandalism Incidents in 5 Days
Nigeria’s state-run electricity transmission company, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported extensive vandalism of power infrastructure across multiple states, severely affecting the nation’s electricity grid.
Over 18 transmission towers were damaged between January 9 and January 14, 2025, according to a Daily Trust report. In Rivers State, towers along the Owerri/Ahoada power line were compromised, while in Abia, essential components such as bolts, nuts, and structural parts were stolen from the Alaoji/Umuahia line.
In Kano, vandals damaged towers along the Katsina-Ghazoua line, destabilizing the structures. Additionally, underground cables near Millennium Park in Abuja were vandalized on January 17, cutting off power to central areas.
“TCN’s grid expansion plans are under tremendous strain due to the persistent vandalism of its installations,” said Ndidi Mbah, the company’s spokesperson. “We have bolstered security measures, increased lines patrol, and the number of vigilante groups, and we are also collaborating with security operatives.”
Church Service Turns Tragic as Gunmen Murder Prophet
A prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria was killed during a Sunday service by three gunmen.
Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed that Yomi Adetula, 54, was shot and mutilated at the church’s Eagle Parish in the Idiroko area. “Police officers raced to the scene and saw Yomi Adetula… lifeless in a pool of blood,” Odutola said, adding that his body had been riddled with bullets and further attacked with an axe.
According to Peoples Gazette, witnesses reported that the gunmen entered the church around 10:30 a.m. GMT, aimed at the prophet, and fired. They fled the church premises immediately after they brought the target down, leaving the congregation in consternation.
“Normalcy has been restored, and an investigation is underway,” Odutola stated.
What’s News Today? January 20, 2025, compiled by Ezinwanne Onwuka for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
