The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Bashir Dalhatu, has apologised to the people of Northern Nigeria for the collective failure of leaders to protect the region from falling into one of the worst crises in its history.

He, however, said ACF is exploring strategies of tackling the existential challenges facing the North and Nigeria.

He then declared that the North is willing to embrace constitutional review and administrative changes.

Speaking at a meeting of the BoT and Northern Leaders in Kaduna, Dalhatu dispelled notions that the North is opposed to constitutional review saying, “We must put all and sundry on notice that the North is ready, now and in the future, and will be willing to consider any proposals for changing the constitution as well as the administrative structure of Nigeria.”

Dalhatu acknowledged the region’s failures, saying, “We owe our people deep apologies for our collective failure to protect the region from falling into one of the worst crises in its history.”

Some of the Northern leaders who attended were Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano and protem chairman of League of Northern Democrats; Tanko Almakura, former governor of Nasarawa, former National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu; Halilu Akilu, former minister of internal affairs, Muhammad Maigoro, Kabiru Gaiya, former governor of Kano; Yayale Ahmed former SGF, former National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Muazu, former governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido, former governor of Kaduna state Ramalan Yero, former SGF Babacir Lawal.

Others are the immediate SGF, Boss Mustapha, Former minister of state defense, Lawal Batagarawa, Former Inspector General of Police, MD Abubakar, Aliyu Attah, Former governor of Jigawa state, Sa’ad Birnin Kudu among others.

A communique is expected at the end of the meeting.

Daily Trust

Once again, Nigeria’s struggling masses are forced to bear the brunt of yet another petrol price hike, a staggering increase that has seen fuel prices skyrocket to as much as N897 per litre in Abuja. This latest act of economic cruelty comes as Nigerians are already buckling under immense pressure from inflation, joblessness, and the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. How, we ask, is the average Nigerian supposed to survive?

The reality is grim: transportation costs have risen by over 50%, meaning that basic necessities—food, medicine, utilities—are further out of reach for millions. What was once a harrowing commute has now become a nightmare of extortionate fares, leaving citizens no choice but to either pay exorbitant amounts for public transport or face the indignity of walking long distances. Parents can no longer afford to send their children to school, and breadwinners are being pushed to their breaking points. As businesses face rising overhead costs, the prices of everyday goods are spiraling out of control, exacerbating an already dire situation.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) rightly warns that this hike will push inflation even higher, squeezing the last breath out of an economy that has long been gasping for air. As transportation costs surge, so do the prices of goods and services, creating a domino effect of hardship. What this means is that the Nigerian worker, already underpaid and overtaxed, now faces the brutal choice between survival and dignity. Businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, are already closing their doors as the cost of operating becomes unsustainable. Job losses are imminent. And for what?

We are constantly fed promises of reforms and economic revival by the federal government, yet every action they take seems to drag Nigeria closer to collapse. President Bola Tinubu’s administration insists that these price hikes are necessary to stabilize the country, but stabilizing at what cost? A government that claims to be working for the people must first be willing to listen to them. Instead, there is deafening silence from the corridors of power as Nigerians cry out for help.

Pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, the opposition PDP, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have all demanded an immediate reversal of this latest price hike. Yet, what is most infuriating is the government’s audacity to ignore these calls. The presidency’s dismissive response to the outcry, insinuating that the hike is simply a byproduct of broader economic adjustments, is not only tone-deaf but downright insulting to the millions living in poverty.

Nigeria is sitting on a powder keg, and this latest move could ignite an explosion of unrest. Already, tricycle riders in Delta State have taken to the streets in protest. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is preparing for nationwide demonstrations on September 15. Yet, there’s no sign that the government is prepared to alter its course.

For how long will the Nigerian government continue to play this dangerous game with the lives of its people? How much more can the average Nigerian endure? The so-called "reforms" have stripped away every semblance of security, leaving a country of over 200 million people at the mercy of global oil prices, political mismanagement, and unaccountable leadership.

The truth is plain: this fuel price hike is a death sentence for millions of Nigerians already drowning in poverty. If this government does not act swiftly to reverse this decision and implement genuine economic relief measures, it will plunge Nigeria into deeper chaos.

Nigeria’s most valuable resource is not its oil—it's its people. Yet, with every price hike, the government demonstrates that it cares more about balancing its books than ensuring that its citizens can put food on the table.

This is unsustainable. And if the government continues down this path, it will be remembered not for leading Nigeria into prosperity, but for driving it into ruin.

Fresh attacks, Tuesday night in the Daffo and Kwatas communities of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State have claimed no fewer than seven lives, sources said.

Natives had gone on many social media platforms calling for assistance to repel the attackers, whom they said were lurking around the communities in the evening of Tuesday.

They succeeded in carrying out the attacks about 7p.m.

The Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, Samson Zhakom said at press time that he was awaiting details of the incident before he could comment.

The natives under the aegis of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, BCDC, confirmed that the area has been under persistent attacks since May 2024.

Chairman of the group, Farmasum Fuddang said: “We are deeply saddened by the resurgence of deadly attacks targeting ethnic minorities in the Bokkos council. Despite the Nigerian military’s peace agreements, over 30 killings and 1,000 farm destructions have occurred since May 2024.

“We feel betrayed by those responsible for our protection. Close to 10 of our members are currently lying dead, victims of the latest assaults in the Daffo and Kwatas communities. These attacks, executed simultaneously on September 3, followed a week of isolated attacks resulting in 16 deaths.

“The latest attack in Daffo started about 7p.m., targeting peaceful residents in a commercial area near a military base.

“The Fulani-speaking terrorists launched a brazen attack, leaving seven persons dead. At the same time, similar attacks in Kwatas and Ambul-Barkish killed at least four people,” he added.

Vanguard

Netanyahu says Israel will not leave Gaza border corridor until it is secure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel will only agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza that guarantees the border area between southern Gaza and Egypt could never be used as a lifeline for the Islamist movement Hamas.

"Until that happens, we're there," he told a news conference in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu repeated his outright rejection of a withdrawal from the so-called Philadelphi corridor in the first phase of a deal, expected to last 42 days, saying international pressure would make it effectively impossible to return.

For a permanent ceasefire to be agreed upon after that, Israel would need guarantees that whoever ran postwar Gaza would be able to prevent the corridor from being used as a route for smuggling weapons and supplies for Hamas.

"Somebody has to be there," he said. "Bring me anyone who will actually show - not on paper, not in words, not on a slide - but day after day, week after week, month after month, that they can actually prevent a recurrence of what happened there before," he said, referring to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

"We're open to consider it, but I don't see that happening right now."

The Philadelphi corridor, along the southern edge of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, has been one of the main obstacles to a deal to halt the fighting in Gaza and bring Israeli hostages home in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu has insisted on retaining control of the corridor, where Israeli troops have uncovered dozens of tunnels that officials say have been used to supply Hamas with weapons and ammunition.

The prime minister has faced heavy criticism from many in Israel for holding out on the issue, including from many in his own security establishment who believe Israeli troops can make targeted interventions if needed to prevent any smuggling.

The families of many hostages, including some of the six whose bodies were recovered from a tunnel in southern Gaza on Sunday, have accused him of sacrificing their loved ones by insisting on keeping troops in the corridor.

But he said maintaining pressure on Hamas was the best way to return the 101 hostages still remaining in Gaza.

"You need to squeeze them, to put pressure on them to release the remaining hostages. So if you want to release the hostages, you've got to control the Philadelphi corridor," he said.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Zelenskiy orders war's biggest reshuffle to give Ukraine 'new energy'

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday that Ukraine needed "new energy", as he ordered a major government reshuffle at a crucial juncture in the war against Russia.

A total of six ministers, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, submitted their resignation and parliament accepted the resignations of four.

They included the resignations of a deputy prime minister in charge of European integration, the strategic industries minister overseeing Ukraine's arms production and two other ministers, the lawmakers said.

"We need new energy today, and these steps are related only to the strengthening of our state in different directions," Zelenskiy told media during a joint news conference with a visiting Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris.

Lawmakers said that parliament was expected to consider Kuleba's resignation on Thursday.

After Zelenskiy, 43-year-old Kuleba was the best-known face of Ukraineoverseas, meeting leaders around the world and lobbying for military and political support in fluent English.

Later on Wednesday, Zelenskiy met lawmakers from his "Servant of the People" party, and the leader of the parliamentary group said those attending backed the president's calls for changes in the government line-up.

"Based on the results of the meeting of the faction, a general picture of personnel rotations was worked out to strengthen the state," faction leader David Arakhamia wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

On the list of candidates being considered by deputies to replace ministers who resigned was First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha as a potential successor to Kuleba.

RESHUFFLE DELAYED

Analysts said the government reset had been planned for some time but was postponed as Zelenskiy had focused on talks with Kyiv's Western partners to secure military and financial aid.

"This is a planned personnel overhaul of the government," said Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kyiv-based political analyst.

"Now half of the government will be renewed. This is Zelenskiy's style. He believes that the new minister brings new energy, new approaches, works more actively. He expects exactly this effect."

Fesenko did not expect a major foreign policy change following Kuleba's expected dismissal.

The Kremlin said that government changes in Ukraine would not affect a peace negotiation process in any way, although such talks appear a distant prospect with the two warring parties far apart in their objectives.

The next few months are key for Zelenskiy as he seeks to win more support from the West and seize back the initiative in the war with Russia, after its invasion in February 2022.

Later this month Zelenskiy travels to the U.S. where he hopes to present a "victory plan" to President Joe Biden, a key ally.

Russian forces are advancing in the east of Ukraine while Kyiv's troops have made an incursion into Russia's Kursk region.

Moscow has intensified drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, while Kyiv launched a mass drone attack on Russia's energy infrastructure over the weekend.

On Tuesday, at least 50 people, including soldiers, were killed by two missiles in the central Ukrainian town of Poltava in the deadliest single attack of the war this year.

Analysts said Zelenskiy's talent pool was limited and expected some outgoing ministers to be reappointed to new roles.

Outgoing Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, who oversaw a jump in domestic arms production, said on Tuesday he would remain in the defence sector in a different role.

Among the other positions being considered were the justice minister and culture and information minister, who would have a say over countering Russia's narrative about the war.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said parliament would continue considering resignations and appointments on Thursday. For now, 10 out of 21 ministerial portfolios were vacant.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russia provides details of strike on Ukrainian military training center

Moscow’s forces have carried out a high-precision strike on a Ukrainian training center in the city of Poltava, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Wednesday. The facility was housing a number of foreign instructors who were training Kiev’s troops in communication, electronic warfare, and drone operation, according to Moscow.

The strike was initially reported by Ukrainian officials, who stated on Tuesday that two Russian Iskander ballistic missiles had hit the School of Military Communication and Information Technology, resulting in the nearly 300 casualties, including nearly 50 killed.

While the Russian Defense Ministry did not initially comment on the attack, it confirmed the strike in an update on Telegram on Wednesday. It said Russian forces had conducted “a high-precision strike on the 179th Joint Training Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the city of Poltava” on September 3.

The ministry added that foreign instructors had been preparing specialists in communications and electronic warfare at the facility, as well as operators of unmanned aerial vehicles participating in strikes on civilian targets on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Previously, Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo had also claimed in an interview with RIA Novosti that the training center had effectively served as a base for NATO instructors, and was being used to train newly mobilized Ukrainians who had recently been “caught on the streets.”

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has used the attack on the center to demand more air-defense systems from his Western backers.

Meanwhile, the New York Times has claimed that the strike was a “demoralizing blow to Ukraine,” given how Kiev’s troops were already retreating from relentless Russian advances along the main front in Donbass.

Reuters/RT

Thirty years ago, Nigeria was in severe crisis. In the wake of the previous year’s elections that was annulled and the attendant protests, 1994 was an unpleasant time. General Sani Abacha had rigged his way into power through a coup and was setting the country on edge. Media houses had been shut, and journalists serially harassed and detained. Acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola, was in prison along with scores of activists who had protested either the fuel prices inflation or the election annulment. Ken Saro-Wiwa too was in prison. The Niger-Delta region was restless due to the state-induced violence racking the region.

NADECO members were arrested and charged with treason for their audacity to challenge Abacha. Government critics had their homes raided, and some were attacked. That was the year Wole Soyinka went into exile. Decree after decree expanded the government’s power to punish. They could detain—without charge or trial—anyone suspected of subversive activities. The Senate that had been inaugurated the previous year was disbanded. Six of the lawmakers who had taken a stand against the government were arrested and charged with “treasonable felony and conspiracy.” They were initially granted bail, and five of them re-arrested months later. The sixth person? That was Bola Tinubu.

By now, I am sure you already see where I am going. As you would have read, this week the police arrested and charged 10 people who allegedly participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests last month for the same crime Abacha’s government had once arrested Tinubu: treason. Those 10 people, along with another 700 police said they also arrested, were some of the thousands who responded to the strangulating economic and political conditions the same way Tinubu and his fellow travellers did in 1994.

Tinubu is either forgetful of history or, since he once confessed that he took a major economic policy while under the influence of a “spirit,” has been fully possessed by Abacha’s ghost. It does not matter which is true; the shame is that a severe charge like treason is being trivialised by a government that cannot brook citizens towing the same path that brought him into power. I want to believe that Tinubu’s fellow pro-democracy activists, some of whom were imprisoned on frivolous charges during the dark days of Abacha’s rule, are looking at the unfolding chain of events and terrified at the uncanny repetition of history.

Wherever he is now, Abacha must be exultant. He should rejoice; he is not the only tyrant whose ignominious history would be tossed into the sewers of our national history. By the time their time passes, Tinubu and company would have personified the Orwellian pigs who became indistinguishable from the “man” they kicked out of the animal farm. When we find the mouth with which to tell the story, we will understand how we sought statesmen but were rewarded with executioners.

After reading the police’s press release issued by a fellow called Olumuyiwa Adejobi, I still fail to see how the protests are treasonable. Which “foreign sources” gave “substantial backing” to the #EndBadGovernance protesters? Or was it just that one Briton, Andrew Wynne, who constituted the so-called “foreign sources”? Given that last month, the Department of State Services also arrested about eight Polish nationals who were on an education tour in Kano State while the protests were ongoing, this might just be a case of using white Europeans to create a sensation. DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya said those Polish nationals were arrested “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags.” I am yet to understand the method to the madness of this “foreign-phobia” among our security agencies.

There are several wild accusations in Adejobi’s document that need substantiating. I am not saying Adejobi plagiarised Abacha’s playbook, but the allegations are a frightful recrudescence of the military era. He says, “preliminary findings suggest they orchestrated and funded violent protests…to create anarchy and justify their illegal plot to overthrow…government.” But what is the pedigree of these individuals that they could organise what is tantamount to a coup? How would their supposed plan to overthrow the government through protests have led them to Aso Rock? Did they have an armoury, or the weapons of their supposed warfare were just placards? What were their plans to take over the National Assembly, for instance?

Adejobi also says they are investigating how these people planned to “orchestrate violence across the country”? I am genuinely curious how this bunch of individuals (including a shop attendant) can have the means to organise the violence that will disrupt the entirety of a complex country like Nigeria. Meanwhile, hear Adejobi on how they established Wynne’s guilt: We went to invade (Wynne’s) bookshop. As we asked questions, he came out. If you have a genuine business, are you not going to ask the police what we went to do in his shop or his office? You read that and you wonder at the quality of investigation that sort of rudimentary extrapolation of evidence can possibly produce. Meanwhile, let us not forget that the “comprehensive investigation” on which they planked their whole case took place in less than a month. If they are that efficient, how come they find it hard to solve kidnapping problems?

Whether they like it or not, protests are a democratic right. You can charge people who committed crimes of looting or violence during protests, but you cannot stifle the right to protest. I never thought the day would come that I would look back and compare Muhammadu Buhari’s government favourably with anyone, but looking wistfully from inside the fire of Tinubu’s government, I am beginning to think we were better off inside Buhari’s frying pan. Even in all his pathological madness, Buhari did not go to the extent of charging the #EndSARS protesters for treason. He did accuse them of trying to topple him, but the ghost of Abacha that had been haunting Aso Rock did not possess him fully. The ghost waited until the perfect person usurped his path into power before completing Abacha’s historic mission of perpetuating himself in power using democratic means.

You listen to the families of those arrested and you realise these people have no new game; they are stuck in historical time. Unfortunately, we are trapped along with them. The Nigeria of 2024 is not that different from that of 1994. There is hardship in the land. Prices of goods and services are skyrocketing; purchasing power is dwindling, and it is getting harder and harder to get by. The marriage of Asiwaju and Shettima of last year has become Àşetì 2023. Nobody’s hope has been renewed, and people are more combustible than the fuel they are expending hours on their lives on extended queues just to purchase. The days ahead are likely to be filled with protests, and the government is preemptively charging protestors with arrests to intimidate.

Meanwhile, this same government faces a million other challenges. There is economic insecurity, a serious threat to the lives and livelihood of Nigerians. Shouts of “ebi ń pa wá” have replaced the “on your mandate we shall stand” anthem in many mouths; hunger is resetting the political loyalties of those whose heads were climbed into power but have now been forgotten. The government appears confused by the complexity of the situation; they have undone several economic knots, and they know not how to re-tie them. Then there is the issue of kidnapping that has become a national epidemic and revealed the police as impotent. Let us not even talk about banditry, plus the one million problems of poor infrastructure that bedevil the country.

Rather than the Tinubu administration concentrating on what it can solve, it compounds its own problems by investing administrative time and energy hounding people for treason. Like the Yoruba door that eventually gets unhinged when endlessly swung back and forth, the Tinubu regime too has found the wàhálà that will wear it down. I almost feel sorry for them.

Punch

Oil marketers are awaiting the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the announcement by the plant that only the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited will lift the product from the refinery at the moment.

PMS was officially launched on Tuesday by the $20bn plant located in Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, announced that the 650,000-capacity oil refinery had commenced petrol production.

But dealers under the aegis of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria stated that they had yet to receive any notice on the price of petrol from the refinery.

“We have not received any notice about its PMS price because he categorically stated that the NNPC is the sole off-taker of the product, which to us came as a surprise,” National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Ukadike Chinedu, stated.

He added, “We had expected Dangote to open up the market for proper competition. This shows that all these while the NNPC has been waiting for Dangote to release products, as it had reduced PMS importation.

“However, we are still waiting for them to tell us the price, but this, of course, will have its effect on the pricing of the product considering the fact that the cost of the commodity has increased at NNPC retail stations.”

There are strong indications that the price of petrol may hit N1,200/litre following the decision of NNPC to raise the pump price at its stations on Tuesday.

This is even as the Dangote oil refinery announced its determination to supply 25 million litres of PMS daily in September.

Nigerians woke up on Tuesday to see a change in the pump prices, from around N600 to N855/litre, and above, depending on the area of purchase at NNPC stations nationwide.

Sources told our correspondents that there was a directive to the retail outlets to increase petrol prices.

It was gathered that the recommended petrol prices vary by location, as some now sell at N900.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that NNPC outlets in Lagos increased their price to N855/litre.

The directive to raise petrol prices stated that the NNPC Retail Management approved an upward review.

This is coming barely two days after the company admitted it was having challenges to import fuel due to a $6bn debt.

However, the spokesperson of the NNPC, Olufemi Soneye, declined comments when our correspondent contacted him.

When our correspondent explained to him on WhatsApp that the statement had been making the rounds and reports from NNPC filling stations showed a rise in fuel prices, he replied, “Thank you for reaching out. I have no comment on the matter at this time. If there are any updates, I will make sure to inform you.”

Our correspondent gathered from depot operators that N250 has been added to the pump price.

It was observed that some major marketers have also jerked up their pump prices close to 900/litre.

The North West filling station in Onigbongbo, Lagos sold at N920 while Amuf in Ibafo, Ogun State sold for N1,000 per litre.

It was observed that the sudden price rise caused tension among motorists, who rushed to filling stations to engage in panic buying.

In Lagos, the few stations selling petrol had long queues, leading to traffic gridlocks in different locations.

It was also observed that many filling stations did not open for business while many marketers refused to lift fuel.

An official of a petroleum company at Apapa confirmed to our correspondent that no marketer was in their depot to load petrol as of 2pm on Tuesday.

This he described as unusual, saying many marketers may not be able to afford the new price.

Before now, NNPC used to sell petrol to major marketers below N600/litre, while the independent marketers bought from private depots for about N900.

While there are fears that the private depots may face tougher challenges with this new price, black marketers sold the

product at N2,000/litre on Tuesday in Lagos.

Some black marketers, who spoke with one of our correspondents at Victoria Island, Lagos, offered to sell five litres of petrol at N15,000. During price negotiation, they rejected N8,000, insisting that the least the five litres could go was N10,000.

25 million litres

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority disclosed on Tuesday that the Dangote oil refinery will supply a total of 25 million litres of petrol to the Nigerian market daily in September.

The NMDPRA said this will rise to 30 million litres from October.

In a short statement, the NMDPRA said it met with the NNPC to agree on local crude supply to the refinery.

“At the NMDPRA headquarters in Abuja, NNPCL reached an agreement to commence crude oil sale and supply to Dangote Refinery in local currency.

“The refinery is now poised to supply an initial 25 million litres of PMS into the domestic market this September. And will subsequently increase this amount to 30 million litres daily from October 2024,” the NMDPRA said on its X.

The PUNCH reports that the President of the Dangote Group, Dangote, formally announced on Tuesday that the 650,000-capacity oil refinery had commenced petrol production.

Dangote, who spoke at the refinery, said the supply of petrol to Nigeria would change the country’s energy landscape.

While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for approving the sale of crude in naira to local refineries, Dangote said many did not believe that the $20bn refinery could start petrol production.

He said the capacity of the refinery would meet local demands and the demands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Dangote disclosed that the petrol would get to filling stations in 48 hours after all arrangements with the NNPC were concluded, saying the queues would soon be over.

“Our PMS can be in filling stations within the next 48 hours depending on NNPCL,” he said.

“I pray that within the next few days, you won’t see any petroleum queues as soon as we finalise with NNPC. We are ready and we are waiting for them and I hope they will be ready like yesterday.”

Dangote told newsmen that he would not be able to disclose the price of the product, saying the NNPC was in a position to control the price.

“On the pricing, I can’t say anything because we don’t control the pricing; the pricing, at the moment, is controlled by NNPC, not Dangote. We will wait for them. But our own for now is to make sure that the product is available and round-tripping is stopped.

“People are just taking dollars out and not bringing the product. Most of the shenanigans will stop, that’s what I can guarantee you,” he stated

Dangote emphasised that NNPC was the company that would sell and distribute the product under the current naira crude sale arrangement.

“Once the NNPC is ready, we roll. We are even ready to load a ship this week,” he added.

He said Tinubu would deal ruthlessly with anyone who tried to stop the order that crude be supplied to local refineries.

Speaking further, the business mogul said the petrol and diesel from his refinery were clearer because they were of Euro 5 standard.

He said the fuel would have less emissions, saying it is good for the people’s health and engines.

“This is the sample of the petrol. You see it as a different colour, but that is the real deal. You are now going to have a good and genuine product. I am sure Nigerians have not seen this colour of diesel before. This is called Euro 5 diesel. It contains less than 10 parts per million of sulphur. This will help vehicles, engines, and generators last longer.

“The health of the people and the environment will not be compromised. This is the real deal,” he stated.

He also added that the Federal Executive Council was working on a new pricing arrangement for petrol produced from the Dangote Refinery.

“It is an arrangement which is designed and approved by the Federal Executive Council.

 “As soon as it is finalised, which he (Tinubu) is pushing, once we finish with NNPC, it can be today, it can be tomorrow, we are ready to roll into the market,” he said.

Dangote explained why the first sample of petrol from his refinery appears clearer than the petrol currently in circulation.

OPS predicts inflation

Meanwhile, the Organised Private Sector said the hike in petrol price, which signalled the removal of subsidy on the commodity, would lead to another round of inflation nationwide.

Following the sudden increase in petrol prices, NNPC stations adjusted their pump prices from N750 to N950/litre while independent marketers sold fuel for between N1,400 and N1,500/litre in Kano.

Motorists in Sokoto and Kebbi states expressed shock after NNPC stations adjusted the price of a litre of petrol from N620 to N900 in both states.

A motorist, Shehu Salman, said: “Honestly, this government has really shown its hatred for the masses. How can they increase the price of petrol at this period, when citizens are finding it hard to feed themselves?”

In Yola, the Adamawa capital, NNPC stations sold a litre for N1,000, with other stations selling between N1,200 and N1,300/litre.

In Maiduguri, NNPC sold at N897, others dispensed at N1,100.

Following the news of NNPC increasing fuel pump prices nationwide, Katsina State NNPC mega stations sold at N902/litre, which sold for N665 on Monday.

The NNPC fuel stations in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, closed hurriedly following news of the increase in fuel price.

Two of the NNPC stations at Odota and Asa Dam road, which were selling fuel early on Tuesday, closed and told vehicles on the queue to go out of the stations after learning of the new fuel price.

However, some independent marketers sold the product for N1,100 and N1,200/litre.

Most filing stations in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday adjusted upward the pump price of petrol, with independent marketers dispensing the product at N1,000 and N1,100/litre, with long vehicular queues.

An attendant at one of the NNPC substations said, “We have not received any directive that we should start selling fuel above N580 per litre.”

NNPC substations on Tuesday implemented the new pump price of N865 per litre in Ogun State.

One of our correspondents learnt that independent marketers adjusted their pump price from N850 to N980 and above.

On Tuesday in Rivers, NNPC mega stations dispensed N509/litre, while other filling stations in the state sold at N1,100.

In Edo State, the NNPC station on Sapele Road increased their pump prize from N591 to N881/litre, but had no product to sell to motorists who besieged the station.

However, other petrol stations sold the product for between N970 and N1,000/litre. In Bayelsa, NNPC sold the product for N890/litre, while prices of others ranged from N990 to N1200, which triggered an increase in transport fares in Yenagoa, the capital city.

In Asaba, the Delta State capital, NNPC mega station along Asaba-Benin road sold fuel for N850/litre, while ther filling stations dispensed for between N950 and N1,100/litre.

NNPC stations sold at N850/litre in Imo State, while other independent marketers sold at N999.

“The removal of subsidies is expected to lead to an increase in petrol prices, causing higher costs for consumers and businesses that rely on fuel. This could contribute to higher inflation,” the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye, said

He added, “Higher fuel prices may put a strain on household budgets, especially for lower-income families who spend a larger portion of their income on transportation and essential goods.

“Businesses may need to pass on some of the increased fuel costs to customers, which could impact the prices of goods and services. The government has said that targeted cash transfers or other support measures may be introduced to help mitigate the impact on the most vulnerable populations.

“Ultimately, the full economic and social effects will depend on factors like the magnitude of the price increase, the government’s response, and how consumers and businesses adapt. We advise the government to avoid another increase, as the average Nigerian is already overburdened by the effect of currency devaluation and fluctuations, which has resulted in hyperinflation.”

Also, the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists decried the inconsistency in policy over subsidy removal on petrol.

The National Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Segun Kuti-George, said the Federal Government’s earlier position on subsidy removal was different from the recent developments leading up to a possible fuel price hike.

“I’m not sure where the idea of subsidy is coming from again. I’m saying this because I thought that we had removed the subsidy. There is a great deal of inconsistency there,” Kuti-George asserted.

“In the very first minute of this government, they said subsidy is gone. So what subsidy are we talking about now?”

Kuti-George noted that the Federal Government’s failure to officially announce a return of oil subsidy through back channels has made it hard to properly assess the impact of the removal of the subsidy.

“They did not tell us that the subsidy had returned through the back door. The last thing we had was the subsidy was gone. So how and when did the subsidy come back? That’s the idea. Let us now leave all this and say, okay, the subsidy is now just going. It is now just going,” he added.

Kuti-George said a possible hike in fuel prices would mean harder times for people and businesses.

He decried the progression in PMS prices, as he noted that “a litre went for N950 in the previous day and since the NNPC recently announced a selling price of N885, it will amount to over N300, (higher than) what they were selling before.”

“We should be expecting something from between N1,300 and between N1,100 and N1,500 per litre,” the NASSI Vice President added.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, said, “The new pump price of petrol is not only worrisome but also unfair.

“We had expected that the Government will leverage on the momentum created by the completion of the Dangote refinery and the planned commencement of operation of the Port-Harcourt refinery to clear the obvious self-inflicted pain on Nigerians and progressively reduce the pump price of petrol. This seems not to be the case.”

According to Oyerinde, the new pump price could be seen as making Nigerians pay for the crass inefficiency in the NNPC.

“Rather than address the fundamentals that have made Nigeria a net importer of petrol, even when we have four refineries, the Government continues to inflict pain on Nigerians and inadvertently, contributing to the increase in cost of doing business,” Oyerinde mentioned.

“We urge that Government should have a rethink and do all that is necessary to address the continuous impoverishment of Nigerians and incapacitation of organized businesses,” the NECA boss stated.

Filling stations shut

The NNPC filling station in Isolo Ikotun was not selling PMS to customers due to the unavailability of stock.

Our correspondent learned from the station manager and one of the sellers that there was no fuel for sale as he observed that the station was deserted.

The manager, who did not volunteer his name, said, “We don’t have fuel, that’s why we’re not selling. I would be selling if I had fuel, it’s a business.”

A neighbouring Total Energies filling station in Ikotun also conducted no business save for a car driven by military personnel.

While the Total Energies station had some cars lined along the petrol dispensers, customers only stood waiting with no PMS in sight.

Motorists hiked transportation prices as the fuel scarcity grew worse on Tuesday across the country.

Lagos experienced significant disruptions due to an acute fuel scarcity. Several major filling stations across the city remained closed, prompting widespread frustration among motorists. Long queues formed at the few stations that were open, with many vehicles waiting for hours to purchase fuel.

It was observed that cars were lined up for miles, creating severe traffic congestion. In some instances, motorists were seen carrying jerrycans as they waited, highlighting the desperate measures taken to secure fuel.

A motorist at Shasha identified as Oluwasegun Timothy, shared his plight stating that, “I need to go to work, and finding fuel has become almost impossible. I’ve been using public transport to search for fuel and carrying a jerrycan in hopes of filling it up.”

The fuel shortage led to a sharp increase in transportation fares across the city. The fare from Ikeja to Berger surged to N700 from the previous N500, while from Oshodi to Egbeda rose to N700 from N400. This hike in fares is further straining residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commute.

A commercial driver identified as Chinedu, expressed his frustration, adding that, “Drivers have no choice but to accept these high fares because the situation is really bad. I had to wake up early to fill my tank to ensure it lasted as long as possible.”

In response to the ongoing crisis, in a statement made available to The PUNCH, the Director of Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated that the Lagos State Taskforce conducted a major operation targeting illegal petrol sales.

The operation covered areas from Fadeyi to Maryland and Charity Bus Stop to Airport Road. During the sweep, six suspects involved in the illicit sale and display of petrol were apprehended.

“The current fuel scarcity is no excuse for individuals to exploit Lagos residents by reselling petrol at exorbitant prices.

“These unscrupulous practices not only add to the burden of already struggling motorists but also pose significant safety risks due to the highly inflammable nature of petroleum products.”

Akerele emphasised the Taskforce’s commitment to addressing these illegal activities and ensuring public safety

“We are determined to curb these illegal activities and ensure that the safety and well-being of the public are not compromised. The actions of these black market operators are not only cruel but also a severe threat to public safety, as improper handling and storage of petrol could lead to catastrophic fire disasters.”

Fuel scarcity also intensified in the Federal Capital Territory. Major roads in the Central Business District of Abuja, including those leading to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Towers, were blocked.

Vehicles were seen parked in long queues as drivers searched for fuel, leaving many passengers stranded and forcing some to walk to their destinations.

At the Conoil fuel station opposite the NNPC Towers, a heavy security presence was observed, and the road was congested with vehicles, severely disrupting the free flow of traffic.

When approached for comment, an official at the station declined, stating, “Leave here, we’re not ready to talk to anyone.”

As of 11am on Tuesday, the Mobil filling station in the CBD of the FCT sold fuel at N989/litre. Meanwhile, prices in other fuel stations ranged between N1000 and N1100.

However, some drivers at the station entrance hinted at a possible price increase to N950 per litre. “We hear they’re about to increase the fuel to N950 or N1,000 per litre,” one driver said.

In response to the growing concerns, the Federal Government issued a statement denying any plans to increase petroleum prices.

The government refuted claims circulating on social media that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, had instructed the NNPC Limited to raise petroleum prices by N1,000 above the approved pump price.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the minister, Nnemaka Okafor, the government described these claims as “baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite public discontent.”

“We challenge anyone in possession of any evidence—be it written documents, audio, or video recordings—that supports these fabrications to make it public. Such a claim is entirely devoid of truth and should be recognized as an intentional effort to mislead the public,” the statement read.

However, a few hours after the statement was issued, the NNPC price increase of N897/litre from N617/litre initial price surfaced at its filling stations.

Labour

Also, Organised Labour and stakeholders have slammed the Federal Government following the new pump price regime of Premium Motor Spirit introduced on Tuesday by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited.

This was even as major opposition parties in the country urged the Tinubu administration to sack the management of the NNPCL.

They made the appeal in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

Our correspondent, who monitored the long queues across filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory, observed that the pump prices had jumped to between N900 and N970 per litre.

Reacting to the development, the Nigeria Labour Congress has tagged President Bola Tinubu as a betrayer following the astronomical hike in fuel price.

The NLC expressed shock in a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday.

“We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the Federal Government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient,” the Ajaero said.

Among other things, the Congress demanded an immediate reversal of the pump price, release of incarcerated protesters and reversal of the 250 per cent hike in electricity tariff.

“In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public,” he assured.

The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, also described the hike in pump prices as “alarming”, adding that the increase will exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis, and affect transportation costs, food prices, and overall inflation.

He accused the government of taking “anti-people” measures despite public outcry, stating that it was critical for the government to address the root causes of the economic challenges.

“The significant price variations across different regions, with some stations charging as high as N970, highlight disparities in access and affordability, disproportionately affecting lower-income households.

“The government continues to take anti people measures in utter contempt of the public’s outcry, which reflects widespread dissatisfaction and frustration with the government’s management of the economy. Citizens are left to bear the brunt of policy decisions without adequate support or relief measures”.

“It is critical for the government to address the root causes of these economic challenges, tackle corruption, minimise waste, show responsibility, sensitivity and compassion in their own lifestyles ,and implement measures that cushion the impact on citizens, such as subsidies or social support programs”, he said.

The National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement and organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the movement was not surprised at the price hike, noting that the President had ignored protesters’ demands during the August 1-10 anti-hunger protests.

“The reason we have called for an October 1 nationwide protest is largely because Tinubu in his media broadcast on August 4th, completely ignored protest demands. Rather he went on gaslighting protesters and did even justify the repression against protests”.

“So we are not surprised that we are having a situation where the government, or the NNPC you may say, have increased the price of fuel, which is directly opposite to the demands of the protests, which was calling for the reversal of the price of fuel to what it was before May 29, 2023”, Sanyaolu said.

He said the TIB will again mobilise Nigerians to protest on the 1st of October, adding that the government had ample time to reverse the pump prices and grant their demands before the date.

“Obviously we are rejecting this increment pump price, and to resist this, Nigerians will be mobilised to the streets once again on the 1st of October this year. And of course, the government has a lot of time between now and the 1st of October to immediately address not just the reversal of the increased pump price, but also the entire demands of the protesters”.

‘No solution’

Reacting, the National Secretary of New Nigeria People’s Party, Dipo Olaoyoku, expressed disappointment in the current administration, saying it has squandered the hope of the masses.

Olaoyoku reiterated that it was high time the Tinubu administration swallowed his ego and seek for help to rescue the country from falling into total collapse.

He said, “I have been buying fuel in Lagos for N949 before now. It is now very clear that the present government has no solution to the problem of energy, especially petroleum products. In 2012, the same people in government protested during the time of Goodluck Jonathan when he increased fuel from N87 to N145. They sponsored what was called ‘Occupy Nigeria’ that almost brought that government down.

“As of today, the petrol selling at N855 is not even available for Nigerians to buy. When situation gets to this stage, it becomes worrisome. It is high time this government buried its ego and look elsewhere for people who can help them. It is now glaring that the problems of Nigeria is too much for this government. From energy, petrol, electricity, insecurity to foodstuff prices, the list is endless.

“It is no longer a matter of opposition wanting to take over the government. The opposition wants to help. But the ego of ‘We know it all’ won’t allow this government to acknowledge it. It is now very clear these people have no solution to the problems of this country. They still have three more years to go. So they should open their doors for people to advise them accordingly because the suffering is too much for Nigerians to continue bearing.”

‘Sack NNPCL now’

The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Umar Farouk, also shared the same sentiment.

While expressing disappointment, Farouk beckoned on the president to sack the board and management of the NNPCL to give way to people with fresh ideas.

“It is quite unfortunate we are facing this kind of situation. It is also sad that the NNPCL has not always been sincere and truthful to Nigerians about the situation of things. Today, the corporation will say they are not indebted to anybody and that subsidy is gone. Tomorrow, they will say another thing entirely.

“The present leadership of the NNPCL should not be allowed to remain in office. If the government wants to be taken seriously, it should sack all the officials of the corporation and engage fresh people for Nigerians to feel the impact of the new regime. It is one thing to increase the pump price and another thing not to make the product available to the people.

“How can they be visiting multiple problems on the masses just because of the inefficiency and incompetence of people in charge of the NNPCL? We are therefore calling on the government to dissolve the board and management of the corporation.”

‘Hike ridiculous’

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition of United Political Parties have criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Federal Government, denouncing the fuel price increase as heartless and reprehensible.

PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, called on Nigerians to unite and not to despair.

He said, “It is an embarrassing development in the face of unprecedented and excruciating economic woes. Nigeria’s resilience has been exhausted to its rubicon.

“We have finally reached the breaking point with rooftop inflation, frightening insecurity, and pervading hopelessness in the land. Nigerians must rise in unison to put an end to this despair and apparent slide to dictatorship.

“The rise in price hike in PMS, just like other necessities, is callous, primitive and condemnable.”

CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ameh, on the other hand, urged President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress-led administration to address corruption in the oil sector rather than arbitrarily raising fuel prices.

Ameh expressed concerns that ordinary Nigerians cannot continue to endure hardship while their leaders live in luxury.

“It is a criminal arrangement. They cannot continue to make Nigerians suffer. There is no subsidy on electricity, there is a high interest rate, and now Nigerians cannot move around peacefully. Why do you increase fuel prices arbitrarily, without any consultation?

“This increase will affect inflation, the cost of food and services, and people will now begin to scramble to survive. This President Tinubu government has shown so much insensitivity to the plight of our people.

“Instead of increasing prices, they should address the corruption in the oil industry so that Nigeria can breathe. There is corruption in the oil industry.

“So for us the increasmnet is unacceptable, unjustifiable and it is totally condemnable. We cannot accept this continuous arbitrary increasmnet in price of fuel,” he stated.

Nigerians react

Meanwhile angry Nigerians took to the internet to vent their frustrations following the new price hike.

Popular singer Joeboy stated on X (formerly Twitter), “We’re an oil-producing nation with fuel scarcity. Nigeria is unbelievable.”

Another X user #Seriousist added, “Nigerians finished protesting, and after seeing how weak the protest was, Tinubu hit them with another fuel price increase for wasting his time.”

Tomi, with the username #tomiwebstr, expressed bitterness following the latest hike, saying it would make life even harder.

“Fuel is likely to stabilise at N1300-1500 per litre. The dollar has stayed above N1600, electricity is now unaffordable, and food? It’s a whole other issue. And when you try to complain, they accuse you of treason. I’m exhausted.”

“Nigeria is learning a tough lesson, and only God can save this country from the cold grip of APC,” Moses Emeka commented on Instagram.

Oluwabukolami Agboola prayed for God’s intervention amid the hike.

“You all have done enough; it’s time for God to intervene. This is too much,” she stated on Facebook.

Iorwuese Geshi believes that if Nigerians weren’t peaceful people, the fuel price increase would have triggered severe repercussions.

“In other places, no one would have had to tell Tinubu that there’s a problem,” Geshi wrote.

A frustrated John Odey stated, “Will there ever be a day when we wake up to the news of a significant price drop for anything in this country? Just one day?”

“Nigeria is the only country that’s giving God a headache,” Ezekiel Emmanuel jokingly remarked.

David Jacob expressed his disappointment saying, “They keep intimidating Nigerians, and yet some still support this ruthless government. They’ve monopolized Dangote fuel to profit from it, making life difficult for Nigerians. The scripture says, ‘The wickedness of the wicked shall be upon them.’”

Punch

ISWAP militants roared into a northeastern Nigerian village on motorcycles, opened fire on a market and set shops and homes ablaze, killing at least 37 people, according to a military official.

Residents said the death toll could be even higher, with villagers still missing and feared dead after fighters chased them into the bush.

The attack took place on Sunday afternoon in Yobe, one of three states at the frontline of an insurgency that has lasted 15 years. Thousands of Nigerians have been killed and more than 2 million displaced.

Yobe police spokesperson Dungus Abdulkarim said the attack in Yobe's Mafa village was apparent retaliation for the killing of two suspected Boko Haram fighters by local vigilantes.

After shooting at the market and torching buildings, the militants chased other residents into the bush and shot them, Abdulkarim added.

"The terrorists killed many people, but we are yet to ascertain the actual number of casualties," Abdulkarim said.

A military official who accompanied the army's commanding officer for Yobe to Mafa on Monday evening said the route to the village had been rigged with explosives, which troops managed to defuse.

"We recovered 37 corpses and brought them to Babangida General Hospital," said the official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Modu Mohammed, a resident, said several more residents were missing and estimated the death toll at over 100. He said some corpses were still in the bush.

Reuters

US charges Hamas leaders over Oct. 7 attack on Israel

The United States announced criminal charges on Tuesday against Hamas' top leaders over their roles in planning, supporting and perpetrating the deadly Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel.

The charges against Yahya Sinwar, the militant group's chief, and at least five others accuse them of orchestrating the Oct. 7 attack, which killed 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans.

That attack triggered an Israeli assault on Gaza that has killed more than 40,800 Palestinians and laid waste to much of the territory.

"As outlined in our complaint, those defendants -- armed with weapons, political support, and funding from the Government of Iran, and support from (Hezbollah) - have led Hamas’s efforts to destroy the State of Israel and murder civilians in support of that aim," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

The complaint names six defendants, three of whom are deceased. The living defendants are Sinwar, who is believed to be in hiding in Gaza; Khaled Meshaal, who is based in Doha and heads the group's diaspora office; and Ali Baraka, a senior Hamas official based in Lebanon.

The deceased defendants are former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who the group says was assassinated in July in Tehran; military wing chief Mohammed Deif, who Israel says it killed in a July airstrike; and Marwan Issa, a deputy military commander who Israel said it killed in a March strike.

Iran has blamed Israel for Haniyeh's death. Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility.

U.S. prosecutors brought charges against the six men in February, but kept the complaint under seal in hopes of capturing Haniyeh, according to a Justice Department official.

The Justice Department decided to go public with the charges after Haniyeh's death.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Russian missiles kill 50 in strike on Ukrainian military institute

At least 50 people were killed and 271 wounded when Russia hit a military institute in Ukraine's central town of Poltava with two ballistic missiles on Tuesday, the war's deadliest single attack this year.

Photographs posted on social media showed several bodies of young men on the ground covered in dust and debris, with the badly damaged side of a large building behind them. Reuters could not immediately verify the images.

"The Russian scum will definitely be held accountable for this strike," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on the Telegram messaging app.

He ordered a prompt investigation, saying the strike damaged a building of the Military Institute of Communications.

In his nightly video address, delivered later in the evening, Zelenskiy put the death toll at 51.

"It is known that there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building," he said. "Everything is being done to save as many lives as possible."

The emergency service gave a death toll of 50. Poltava Regional Governor Filip Pronin said 15 people may still be under the rubble.

Ukraine's land forces said military personnel had been killed. They did not specify how many of the victims were from the armed forces, but the attack was a major blow to Kyiv as it tries to bolster its ranks to hold off a more powerful enemy.

"The Land Forces Command is conducting an investigation to determine whether enough was done to protect the lives and health of the soldiers at the facility," a statement said.

The use of ballistic missiles - which hit targets hundreds of kilometres away within a few minutes of their launch - meant the victims had little time to find cover after the air raid siren sounded, the foreign ministry said.

"This is a stunning tragedy for all of Ukraine. The enemy hit an educational institution and a hospital," Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, wrote on X.

Some Ukrainians left worried messages on the institute's Facebook page seeking information about their loved ones.

"One of the institute's buildings was partially destroyed, and many people were trapped under the rubble," the defence ministry said on Telegram.

"Thanks to the coordinated work of rescuers and medics, 25 people were rescued, 11 of whom were taken from the rubble. The rescuers are currently continuing their work."

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack.

INCREASE IN MISSILE STRIKES

Russia has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine 2-1/2 years into the full-scale war.

Last week Ukraine was pummelled with the heaviest bombardment to date, and on Monday ballistic and cruise missiles targeted Kyiv causing loud explosions.

Ukraine targeted Russia with more than 158 drones during the weekend, damaging an oil refinery near Moscow and a power station.

Fighting has intensified over the past month, with Russian forces advancing in eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv's troops have mounted their first large-scale cross-border assault into Russia. Moscow has vowed to retaliate for the incursion into the Kursk region.

Zelenskiy repeated calls for more Western air defences and urged allies to allow their long-range weapons to be used for strikes deeper into Russian territory.

"We keep telling everyone in the world who has the power to stop this terror: Air defence systems and missiles are needed in Ukraine, not in a warehouse somewhere.

"Long-range strikes that can protect us from Russian terror are needed now, not some time later. Unfortunately, every day of delay means loss of life."

In Poltava, some 300 km (186 miles) southeast of Kyiv and 120 km (75 miles) to the nearest Russian border, Governor Pronin said about 150 residents had donated blood for the wounded.

Defence Ministry spokesman Dmytro Lazutkin told national TV that classes at the institute were underway at the time of the attack. He said the alarm sounded at 09:08 local time (0608 GMT) prompting people to rush to the shelter.

"A few minutes after the air alert, explosions sounded," he said, adding that there were no parades going on at the time.

It was not the first time Russia has struck military facilities away from the frontlines, causing mass casualties. Russia said in May 2022 that it hit a training ground for reserve forces in the town of Desna where Ukraine said 87 people were killed. In March that year, 35 people died in a Russian strike on a military base in the country's west.

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian forces shoot down Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet, 37 drones in past day

Russian forces shot down an MiG-29 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said in its bulletin.

Here are the details of the combat actions that took place over the past day, according to the bulletin.

Battlegroup North

Units of Battlegroup North delivered strikes on the forces of the 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces and the 103rd and 114th territorial defense brigades near Liptsy, Dergachi and Volchansk in the Kharkov Region. The Ukrainian army lost over 150 troops, a tank, an armored combat vehicle, three motor vehicles and a Grad multiple rocket launcher.

Battlegroup South

Units of Battlegroup South continued advancing deeper into enemy defenses, inflicting losses on Ukraine’s 24th, 32nd, 100th, 117th mechanized, 46th airmobile, and 10th assault brigades and 116th Territorial Defense Brigade. The Ukrainian army lost up to 710 troops, six motor vehicles, a US-made Paladin 155 mm self-propelled artillery piece, a US-made M777 155-mm howitzer, an Akatsiya 152-mm self-propelled artillery piece and a D-30 122-mm howitzer. Five field ammunition depots and an Anklav-N electronic warfare system were also eliminated.

Battlegroup Center

Battlegroup Center hit the troops and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 31st and 53rd mechanized, 142nd infantry, 95th air assault and 109th territorial defense brigades near Druzhba, Panteleimonovka, Rozovka, Selidovo, Grodovka and Zavetnoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic. They repelled seven counterattacks by assault teams of the 59th motorized infantry, 144th infantry, 25th airborne, 12th and 14th National Guard brigades. The Ukrainian army lost up to 490 personnel, four armored combat vehicles, three pickup trucks, a US-manufactured M109 Paladin 155mm self-propelled artillery system and a D-30 152mm howitzer.

Battlegroup East

Battlegroup East moved to more advantageous positions, defeating the forces of the 31st and 72nd mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian armed forces and the 129th Territorial Defense Brigade near Bogatyr, Vodyanoye and Ugledar of the Donetsk People’s Republic. Russian servicemen repelled three counterattacks by the 72nd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces. Over the past 24 hours, the enemy lost three motor vehicles and two Polish-made Krab 155 mm howitzers.

Battlegroup West

Units of Battlegroup West repelled an attack by the 30th Mechanized Brigade. The enemy lost up to 450 troops, two motor vehicles, a Polish-made Krab 155 mm howitzer, a UK-made FH-70 155 mm howitzer, and two D-20 152 mm howitzers. Nine field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Battlegroup Dnepr

Units of Battlegroup Dnerp hit the troops and equipment of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade and the 141st Infantry Brigade of the Ukrainian armed forces, the 37th Marine Brigade and the 39th Coast Guard Brigade near Novodanilovka in the Zaporozhye Region, Berislav, Tokarevka and Kazatskoye in the Kherson Region. The Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 60 troops, two motor vehicles and a Msta-B 152 mm howitzer.

Air Force and air defenses

Russian air defenses shot down an MiG-29 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force, three US-made HIMARS rockets and 37 unmanned aerial vehicles.

Russian strategic aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile units and artillery forces eliminated an aviation munitions depot and delivered strikes on enemy troops and military hardware in 149 areas.

Tally of destroyed equipment

A total of 642 planes, 283 helicopters, 30,987 unmanned aerial vehicles, 575 missile systems, 17,811 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,435 multiple rocket launchers and 13,985 field artillery mounts and mortars, as well as 25,539 special military motor vehicles, have been destroyed since the start of Russia’s special military operation.

Reuters/Tass