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Ukraine relies on allies as Russia strikes power grid

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Ukraine relies on allies as Russia strikes power grid

With Russian attacks on energy infrastructure causing power cuts, Ukraine is depending on its central and eastern European neighbours to keep the lights on.

Ukraine in recent weeks has resorted to consumption restrictions and rolling blackouts after Russian forces stepped up attacks on the country’s power stations and transmission lines.

 

Also read: Russia says it would make use of nuclear weapons only if faced with existential threat

 

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Thankfully, Ukraine got connected to the European power grid literally hours before the invasion started in February 2022 after preparing for the move since 2017.

It was initially planned as a brief test of autonomous operation, which required it to disconnect from the Russian grid, but it never reconnected as Russian forces invaded.

Instead, it joined the western network at record speed, which then-EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson hailed as “a year’s work in two weeks”.

Ukraine’s electricity imports from neighbours Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia have been growing steadily for months as Russian attacks on its power system have intensified.

In June, the imports amounted to 858.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh), a growth of 91 percent over May, said the Kyiv-based consultancy ExPro.

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Hungary topped the June imports with almost 42 per cent of the total amount.

Slovak grid operator SEPS told AFP it had raised power exports to Ukraine from 2.6 GWh in full-year 2023 to almost 40 GWh in January-May this year.

On the other hand, both countries have refused to provide military aid to Ukraine as they foster friendly ties with Russia.

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The imports based on bilateral agreements have enabled Ukraine to limit power cuts to certain hours of the day.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s domestic production is shrinking. The Green Deal Ukraine think tank has said the country produced 96,800 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power in 2023, down from 103,800 GWh in 2022.

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In 2021, before the invasion, Ukraine produced almost 158,000 GWh, according to the International Energy Agency.

– ‘Eroding’ defence –

The US-based Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) quoted analyst Maciej Bukowski as saying the dwindling supply was “eroding Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and directly threatening its security”.

“Essential infrastructure is crippled, which reduces civilian and economic resilience,” he said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in June that Russia targeted the sector “to influence and subjugate nations”.

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Delta pupil dies in tragic school building collapse

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Delta pupil dies in school building collapse

A Primary 2 pupil in Delta State dies in a school building collapse, while three others are injured. The Governor expresses his condolences to the family.

 

Parents of Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, mourn after a school building collapse at Eghereka Primary School, Delta State, leads to his untimely death.

Parents of a Primary 2 pupil, Ojiyovwin Salvation, are grieving his untimely death following the collapse of a school building at Eghereka Primary School in Ewu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

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Also read: Kano building collapse claims two lives, two rescued amid heavy rainfall

 

The tragic incident occurred when a block of six classrooms collapsed under heavy rain, killing Salvation and injuring three other pupils.

The collapsed building, which had no roof and was already dilapidated, had not been in use. Despite the condition of the structure, the disaster struck suddenly. Prompt efforts helped rescue the other affected pupils, but Salvation succumbed to his injuries.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, expressed his condolences to the family through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon.

The Governor described the incident as highly unfortunate, extending his sympathies to the family, school management, and injured pupils.

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Governor Oborevwori also acknowledged the quick response of the Local Government Council Chairman, Dr Lucky Avweromre, who visited the site and provided support to the surviving victims.

He offered prayers for the grieving family and urged the community to stand together during this difficult time, hoping for God’s comfort to ease their sorrow.

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Crime

Amotekun foils five kidnappings, rescues nine in Ondo State

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Amotekun foils kidnappings in Ondo State

Amotekun foils five kidnapping attempts in Ondo State and rescues nine victims, as the security corps intensifies efforts to combat crime in forests.

 

Amotekun operatives thwarted five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in Ondo State, as confirmed by Commander Adetunji Adeleye.

Operatives of Amotekun, the security outfit in Ondo State, successfully prevented five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in the span of one week.

 

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Also read: School attacks: Amotekun heightens security in Osun boundary communities

 

This was disclosed by Adetunji Adeleye, the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, during the parade of 20 suspected criminals arrested for various crimes, including cultism, housebreaking, and motorcycle theft.

Adeleye highlighted the commitment of Amotekun to maintaining security across the state, particularly by actively patrolling forested areas notorious for criminal activities.

He stated that the operatives had thoroughly combed these forest flashpoints, especially in the Elegbeka area, to safeguard residents and commuters.

One of the arrested suspects, Usman Abubakar, revealed details of a ransom collected during a kidnapping and the network of their criminal organisation.

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The Commander reassured the public that Amotekun Rangers would continue to prioritise safety in Ondo State, vowing to intensify operations against kidnappers and other criminals to protect lives and property.

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers, sentences them to 8 months imprisonment

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LAGESC convicts 12 commercial sex workers

LAGESC convicted 12 commercial sex workers in Lagos, sentencing them to eight months in prison for prostitution and breach of peace offences.

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) secured the conviction of 12 commercial sex workers during a dislodgement operation at Obalende.

They were sentenced to eight months imprisonment for offences related to prostitution and breach of peace. LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), emphasised that the operation aligns with the Lagos State government’s THEMES agenda to ensure a habitable environment.

 

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Also read: Cleaner bags life jail for sexually assaulting baby in church

 

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, successfully convicted 12 commercial sex workers on Wednesday following a large-scale enforcement operation in Obalende.

The convicted individuals were sentenced to eight months in prison for charges related to prostitution and breach of peace, in accordance with Sections 142(1)(a)(b) and 168(1)(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

During the operation, led by LAGESC Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the offenders were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Adefioye at the Special Offences Court in Oshodi.

Out of the 19 individuals charged, 12 were convicted and sentenced, while the remaining seven pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody until December 18 for further hearings.

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Major Cole highlighted that the operation was necessary due to the deteriorating situation in Obalende, in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda, which aims to keep Lagos habitable for business and free from criminal activities.

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He reiterated that LAGESC would continue its efforts to rid Lagos of unlawful elements, despite challenges and attacks on its officers.

Cole also issued warnings to street traders and hawkers to refrain from displaying goods in prohibited areas such as road verges, lay-bys, and pedestrian walkways, stressing that defaulters will face daily arrests and prosecution.

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