The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • Senator Araraume backs Tinubu for second term

    Senator Araraume backs Tinubu for second term

    Senator Ifeanyi Araraume has declared support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Araraume, who spoke to newsmen at his Isiebu country home in Okigwe LGA, said Tinubu has the constitutional right to seek a second term, insisting that the President has performed well and deserves another four years to consolidate ongoing reforms.

    He cautioned against what he described as inaccurate narratives about the ruling party and the nation’s political structure, stressing that Nigeria is not a one-party state.

    According to him, Nigeria operates a multiparty democracy with more than 40 registered political parties, a development he said clearly reflects democratic freedom and political plurality.

    Araraume said every Nigerian has the freedom to join any political party of choice, noting that members who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) were neither forced nor coerced.

    He explained that political realignments are not new in the country, recalling that similar movements occurred during the era of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Read Also: ‘$1b Chinese deal significant for Nigeria’s sugar development’

    Araraume said the APC functions as one family, with collaboration across the federal, state, and local government levels, adding that the party remains united behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

    He pointed out the APC has commenced an electronic registration exercise, urging existing members to validate their membership while encouraging new entrants to register.

    Speaking on Imo State, Araraume said Governor Hope Uzodimma is serving his final tenure, expressing confidence that whoever the party presents would be competent and acceptable.

    He said the party would support its eventual candidates across all levels in the state, adding that while there is always room for improvement in governance, issues identified would be constructively addressed.

    Araraume also recalled his role in Tinubu’s presidential campaign in 2023, saying the president appointed him then as national director of trade and economy for Southern Nigeria, covering the South East, South South, and South West, noting that if given another opportunity, Tinubu would deliver even stronger performance.

  • Community leaders rally support for APC as e-registration gains momentum in Enugu 

    Community leaders rally support for APC as e-registration gains momentum in Enugu 

    Political leaders and stakeholders of Obinagu community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday gathered at the Obinagu Civic Centre to mobilise residents for the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration exercise, declaring the ward firmly aligned with the party at both state and national levels.

    Speaking at the event, veteran politician and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Charles Egumgbe, said the mobilisation was aimed at ensuring Obinagu keyed fully into the development vision of the APC government in Enugu State. 

    He noted that Governor Peter Mbah’s decision to align the state with the federal leadership would make development easier at the grassroots.

    Egumgbe commended the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing progress in addressing economic, security and infrastructure challenges. 

    Read Also: Oyo APC chieftain drums support for Tinubu’s re-election

    He stressed that it was the responsibility of community leaders to mobilise residents to register as APC members and support the shared vision of the state and federal governments.

    Also addressing the gathering, the immediate past Chairman of Udi LGA, Nze Philip Okoh, described Udi as a formidable political bloc whose election results often make a decisive difference across Enugu State. 

    He said the political awareness of the people was reflected in the pace of registrations already recorded in Obinagu.

    Okoh disclosed that registration had begun even before the official commencement of the exercise, following a unified meeting of leaders from different political backgrounds who agreed to build a strong APC structure in the community. 

    According to him, the consensus was that the APC best served the interests of the people under the current national realities, with support for President Tinubu and Governor Mbah identified as a collective mandate.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Power, Joe Aneke, said the large turnout demonstrated that Obinagu was solidly behind the APC. 

    He praised what he described as the inclusive leadership approach of President Tinubu, adding that it had encouraged many to identify openly with the party. 

    Aneke also acknowledged the role of Governor Mbah in creating an environment conducive for political mobilisation.

    The Chairman of Udi LGA, Hyginus Agu, reaffirmed the ward’s commitment to the APC, stating that over 600 residents had already been registered. 

    He emphasised that formal registration was essential for members to benefit from party and government programmes, urging participants to take the message back to their respective village meetings.

    Agu further noted that security had improved in recent months across Udi, attributing the development to the responsiveness of both the federal and state governments to the concerns of the people.

    In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the APC e-registration programme, Flavour Eze, said the visit to Obinagu followed a review of registration data which showed the community had the capacity to do even better. 

    He encouraged leaders to intensify mobilisation to surpass current figures.

    Eze also highlighted the presence of federal projects in Obinagu, attributing them to effective representation at the national level by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu, a son of the community. 

    He expressed confidence that with leaders like Egumgbe in the APC, the party’s position in Obinagu would be firmly consolidated.

    The event concluded with renewed calls for sustained mobilisation to ensure maximum participation in the APC e-registration exercise across Obinagu ward.

  • APC chieftain asks Nigeriansto embrace peace, tolerance

    APC chieftain asks Nigeriansto embrace peace, tolerance

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the 2018 party’s national chairmanship contestant, Chief Ibrahim Bamidele Emokpaire, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and calm in the New Year.

    Bamidele, who was the chairman and convener of the Progressives Solidarity for Asiwaju (PSA), and former Secretary and Chairman of the APC United Kingdom Chapter, reminds Nigerians of their dynamics, forged through national unity, shared sacrifices, tolerance, and enduring resilience.

    He called on Nigerians to embark on self-reflection, retrospect on the difficult journey thus far faced by the nation in recent years.

    The human rights and justice legal beagle, while recounting memories of the covid pandemic, EndSars protests, and the gory activities of religious extremists ravaging communities; commended the leadership of the party, under the auspice of the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his resilience, focus, and unwavering determination to deliver on the very tenets of democracy amidst the face of difficulties.

     “Nigeria has bled from multiple stabs, and yet ventured this far without fainting – let us also unwrap a deeper truth – that our nation’s peace depends on the daily choices we make, the tolerance we practice, and the kindness we extend to one another regardless of religious, political party affiliations, tribes, or geopolitical differences. We are first Nigerians by birth,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians to support the ongoing reforms of the presidency, and work together to restore socio-economic balance across the country. “This is the time to reflect on our shared history and recommit to the values of justice, peace, tolerance, and development.”

    According to him, 2026 presents a new opportunity for growth if Nigerians remain united and focused on rebuilding.

     “Though we have seen dark moments, we have also witnessed the unbreakable spirit of the Nigerian people. As a nation, we have survived because of our collective resilience. This New Year is not just a date change; it must be a change in mindset,” he stressed, adding that political and community leaders must lead by example, prioritising service over self-interest.

    As a recognised voice of reason within the party and national affairs, Emokpaire reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s greatness.

    Read Also: Enugu LG rallies behind APC, Tinubu as leaders flag off e-registration

    He called for continued support for President Tinubu’s reforms and urged all stakeholders to build bridges across religious, ethnic, and political divides.

    His message ends on a note of hope: “Nigeria will rise, not by chance, but by the courage of its people and the wisdom of its leaders.

    Calling on citizens to embody the values of humility, service to others, and mutual respect, which represents its core national values, and urging political leaders to lead with empathy and sincerity, adding, “we assure Nigerians that the APC-led government remains committed to addressing the nation’s challenges. Let 2026 be the year we recommit to building the nation we all desire”.

  • RNI holds free medical outreach

    RNI holds free medical outreach

    A Non-Governmental Organization, Refuge Network International (RNI) committed to promoting accessible healthcare, successfully organized a free medical outreach for residents of Orile Agege, Lagos State.

    The community health outreach was marked by excellent coordination, compassionate service delivery, and meaningful impact.

    Residents benefited from a wide array of essential health services and screenings, including health education, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, BMI assessment, urinalysis, HIV testing, dental and optical screenings, physiotherapy, medical consultations, and the provision of free drugs.

    In addition, hygiene and body care items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorants, baby wipes, menstrual pads, mouthwash, and body lotions were distributed to participants.

     Speaking on the initiative, Dr Seliatu Rhoda Ohimor Co-country Director, RNI Nigeria emphasized the importance of grassroots interventions in improving community health outcomes.

    Read Also: UNN Governing Council, SUG agree on 60% increment in sundry charges

     Godfrey Ovie, Co-Country Director of RNI, said: “Your life is too small to be the only reason why you are existing, and healthcare is primary. So we go down to the grassroots to further support primary healthcare.”

     Fatimo, who coordinated the field operations for the outreach, noted the high level of community engagement and participation & said it’s the best ever carried out on that field.

     Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the initiative: Mrs. Nurat Onopemikpo highlighted the comprehensive services and free drugs provided,

    Omowumi Balogun expressed gratitude for the care received, Mrs. Akindele said the outreach was beneficial for the entire community and encouraged RNI to continue such efforts; Olabisi Segun also expressed happiness and appreciation for the free medical care.

     The Baale of Orile Agege, High chief Simeon olufunsho itogbe, described the outreach as “very impressive,” praising RNI’s impact on the community.

      This outreach underscores RNI’s commitment to delivering essential healthcare services, raising awareness about sustainable health practices, and supporting vulnerable populations at the grassroots level.

      Through these interventions, RNI continues to strengthen its mission of ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all.

  • Obi to Umeh: Your educations cholarship phenomenal in Anambra

    Obi to Umeh: Your educations cholarship phenomenal in Anambra

    Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has described the students’ scholarship to indigent students in the state by Senator Victor Umeh as phenomenal.

    Umeh, who represents Anambra Central senatorial zone, has offered scholarships to 2,223 indigent students in different tertiary institutions in the country, including some from neighbouring states of Enugu, Imo and Ebonyi

    Obi, who spoke at Cana House in Awka  during the doling out of 64 million naira scholarship scheme by Senator Umeh to the indigent students in the senatorial zone, called on others to Emulate Umeh in that direction.

    The scheme, which started in 1999, has already produced graduates in different fields including lawyers, medical doctors, engineers, accountants, among others.

    The  parents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders who were on hand to witness the distribution of the money by some financial institutions, hailed Umeh for his consistency in making sure the down trodden are taken care of.

     Speaking, fulfilled Umeh, said the scheme has gone beyond his Central Senatorial and Anambra State, adding that those from Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu states are beneficiaries too.

    Read Also: Opposition and the phobia for taxation

    He said it began from  10 persons each year in 1999 to 332 in 2026 in the Central Senatorial zone, adding that from spending 1.4 m naira, it has reached to spending 64 million naira on the students.

     Umeh added that 2,223 students had graduated through the scholarship empowerment since 1999, adding ,”This programme was formalized in 2007 and we’ve extended beyond the state.

     “Today, beneficiary students from Imo, Ebonyi and other states who are financially incapacitated are all in the scheme and I’m happy with the way things are going.

    “Already, the scheme has produced doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers etc. This year, we’ve increased it to 336. We get the downtrodden students through the President’s General and some of them through churches.

    “There are other stakeholders also involved in fishing out these students. They’re part of my own constituency projects.

    “Education is the light that will illuminate darkness. I’ve the greatest classroom blocks in this state. I dedicate my own constituency projects to the youth and students because without education, you will be floating in society,” the Senator said

    “The money has not been released, but I have to source money to pay for the students’ tuition fees because education is key in everything we do. That is the extent of care I’ve for the students.

    “We have many students who are challenged in many places and I copied the idea from our former governor, Mr Peter Obi. Some of the students made first class in different institutions in the country.

    Also, speaking, Obi, described the programme as phenomenal, adding ,”I know what it means, education is the most important thing we need in our lives.

    “Any other thing you see people acquiring today without education is vanity. One day you will find yourself in the position of Umeh and continue what he is doing in your lives today.

    “Education changes your life. Some of you could have been unknown gunmen if this opportunity from Umeh didn’t come, this is the opportunity for the over 300 of you to change the world,” Obi told the students.

  • Uzodimma inaugurates committee to investigate insecurity in Okigwe, rebuild zone

    Uzodimma inaugurates committee to investigate insecurity in Okigwe, rebuild zone

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has inaugurated a fact-finding Committee charged with the responsibility of investigating the prolonged insecurity and socio-economic devastation that have bedeviled Okigwe Zone for sometime now, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rebuild the area and bring back peace, justice and enduring security.

    In a press statement signed by Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media,  Oguwike Nwachuku, members of the Committee include : the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr. Samuel Uche (Chairman);foremost academic and legal luminary, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Secretary); Anglican Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha (member); Monsignor John Iwe (member); and HRH Eze Iheanaco Ndukwe (member).

    Other members are the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and a Representative of the Department of State Services ( DSS).

    Speaking at the inauguration held at the New Exco Chambers, weekend, the governor who described the situation in Okigwe as “deeply troubling,” regretted that “violence and deprivation have persisted for more than four years.”

     “This area has been a theatre of unfair violence, where lives have been lost and property destroyed. The situation demands urgent and honest intervention.”

    Uzodimma emphasised that reconstruction alone would not solve the problem without accountability. “We can rebuild houses and reconstruct roads, but without justice, our efforts will be in vain,” he stated, urging the Committee to uncover the root causes of the crisis to deter reoccurrence.

    Read Also: Security: Uzodimma inaugurates crime-fighting initiative

    He charged members of the Committee whom he said were selected for their integrity and track record, to engage directly with affected communities and assess their needs in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and housing.

    “The era of silence and suffering in Okigwe  is over,” the governor declared and assured the Committee of full government support, including security backup where necessary.

    While he advised the Committee to fish out those who worked both directly, indirectly and remotely to cause devastation in Okigwe, the Governor also encouraged residents to share information freely with the Committee members.

    He was emphatic about youths who were drawn  into violence in the zone, and promised support for rehabilitation and reintegration.

    The Committee is expected to submit its preliminary report within 30 days.

    Uzodimma said the report would form the basis for a comprehensive rehabilitation package and peace-building programme for Okigwe.

    In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Most Rev Dr. Samuel Uche, assured that his members will swing into action immediately and deliver results swiftly.

    He reiterated that his members are tested and trusted persons whose sense of character, work ethics and love for community are impeccable.

    Dr. Uche congratulated Governor Uzodimma over his six years anniversary and for the visible improvements in security throughout the State, especially in Okigwe zone.

     “I drove home after Sunday Service in about 40 minutes. Everywhere was calm, unlike before. This shows that peace is gradually returning,” he had reflected on his recent trip to his Ihube community in Okigwe.

    Describing his appointment as a significant privilege with serious responsibility, he emphasised the necessity for “wisdom, accuracy, diligence, and resourcefulness” in tackling the Committee’s challenges.

    “We are here to serve the people and do what is right,” he affirmed.

    The Prelate expressed gratitude for the Governor’s support, promising that the Committee will not shy away from seeking guidance when needed.

    He announced plans to temporarily relocate to Imo State from Lagos to facilitate effective engagement.

    “I will literally relocate and live close to the people so we can do this work properly,” he added, noting that improved security allows for the decision.

    While reflecting on his own past security challenges, including a kidnapping incident, Dr. Uche thanked the Governor and the community for their support.

    He further lauded the choice of Prof Obiaraeri as Secretary to the Committee and assured of members’ collaboration with local political leaders to ensure success.

    “We have studied our terms of reference and will align our work strictly with the assignment given to us. By God’s grace, our work will be commendable and a reference point,” he concluded, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to delivering impactful results.

    The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; the Senator representing Okigwe Zone, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze; Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu;Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council and other stakeholders from Okigwe attended the inauguration ceremony.

  • Anambra, UNICEF assure children’s safety ahead Measles-Rubella vaccination

    Anambra, UNICEF assure children’s safety ahead Measles-Rubella vaccination

    Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have assured parents and caregivers of the safety of their children ahead of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the state.

    The bodies gave the assurance during a media engagement meeting by the State Ministry of Health in collaboration with ASPHCDA and Partners for the upcoming Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction.

    Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Pharm. Chisom Uchem said the vaccination which would run from February 4 to 15, 2026 would involve children from 9 months to 14 years.

    She said the media engagement was to ensure accurate information and necessary knowledge about the vaccination was disseminated across the state.

    While allaying fears of perceived dangers associated with the vaccination, Uchem stressed that the vaccines which would be administered by trained and licensed health practitioners are not just free but safe and effective.

    She said, “We all were vaccinated during our childhood days and we’re still alive till today. Obviously, we can’t give our children what’s not good for them because their health is our primary concern.

    “Besides, it’s only those who are alive that can go to school and do other businesses,” she noted.

    Read Also: UNICEF, editors, others demand urgent action for Nigeria’s children

    Social and Behavior Change consultant, UNICEF, Victor James said health and wellness of citizens, especially the children has remained the priority of the agency being the future of the state.

    He expressed satisfaction with the number of stakeholders at the meeting, describing their presence as indication of importance they accord to the exercise.

    “It should not be heard that any child is lost to measles and rubella as God has given us wisdom to avert certain diseases, especially the avoidable and preventable ones,” he added.

    Also speaking, State Health Educator, Uju Onwuegbuzina assured that health teams would visit healthcare centres, churches, schools and mosques during the vaccination for comprehensive and coordinated coverage.

    Pharm Okonkwo Obunike, from National Primary Health Care Development Agency assured her organization’s continued advocacy on access to healthcare and support to the state in its efforts to achieve accessible healthcare.

  • UNN governing council, SUG agree on 60% increment in sundry charges

    UNN governing council, SUG agree on 60% increment in sundry charges

    The Management of the University of Nigeria, acting on behalf of its Governing Council, has approved a 60 per cent increase in sundry charges for the 2025/2026 academic session, following extensive consultations with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Nsukka and Enugu campuses.

    The decision represents a significant reduction from the 100 per cent increment earlier proposed by the Council and reflects a shared commitment to dialogue, compassion, and collective responsibility.

    Under the new arrangement, both fresh and returning students will pay a 60 per cent increase on existing sundry charges, amounting to a 40 per cent concession from the initial proposal.

    According to the acting public relations officer of UNN, Inya Agha Egwu, the agreement was reached on Friday after a meeting between the University Management and SUG representatives, including the SUG Presidents of Nsukka and Enugu campuses, Speakers of the Legislative Arms, and the SUG Senate President.

    He stated that a detailed breakdown of the revised charges, disaggregated by faculty and level, will be communicated to the University community in the coming days.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025: Osimhen, Lookman, Akor committed to over-running Desert Warriors

    The resolution culminates weeks of sustained negotiations that began in December 2025. During the engagements, student leaders explained that they revised their initial position of a 30 per cent increment in recognition of prevailing fees in comparable universities and the urgent need to upgrade infrastructure at the institution.

    Prior to Friday’s agreement, the University Council had already moderated its stance from a 100 percent increment to 90 per cent, before acceding to the students’ plea for a 60 per cent increase.

    Both parties subsequently signed a formal agreement outlining key terms, including the option for students to pay the new charges in two instalments across the two semesters to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.

    The agreement also provides that there will be no increment in students’ accommodation fees for the 2025/2026 academic session.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, the SUG leadership commended the Governing Council for its understanding and responsiveness, while urging students to remain calm, law-abiding, and fully compliant with the terms of the agreement.

    The union also cautioned against actions capable of disrupting peace on campus and warned external elements to refrain from interfering in students’ affairs or inciting unrest under any guise.

    The University Management reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, student welfare, and the continuous development of the institution in the collective interest of all stakeholders.

  • Firm, Enugu agency clash over alleged illegal closure, land claims

    Firm, Enugu agency clash over alleged illegal closure, land claims

    A dispute has broken out between TOSHEL Construction Company and the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) over allegations of unlawful shutdown of business premises, property encroachment and abuse of office.

    The Executive Director of TOSHEL Construction Company, Chief Tochukwu Nzekwe, accused the ECTDA Chairman, Mr. Uche Anya, of sealing off his company’s premises without due process, a situation he said has persisted for more than one year and severely disrupted operations.

    Addressing journalists at the company’s site at Naira Triangle, along Enugu -Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu, Nzekwe maintained that he has no grievance with the Enugu State Government or Governor Peter Mbah, whom he described as a leader of integrity.

    He stressed that he does not believe the governor authorised the actions taken against his company.

    According to him, TOSHEL Construction has operated on the site for over 20 years with a valid Certificate of Occupancy, yet its premises were shut in December 2024 without any written notice, court order or official communication from any government agency.

    “For over one year, no letter has been served on me and no offence has been communicated. My gates were sealed and my equipment trapped, leaving my business crippled,” he said.

    Nzekwe further alleged that the ECTDA chairman had earlier approached him with a proposal to alter his perimeter fence to conform with a uniform fencing plan for the New Artisan Market and a proposed hotel project, a request he declined, claiming that relations deteriorated afterwards.

    He said the prolonged closure has taken a heavy toll on his company, which employs about 350 workers, adding that the firm generates an average of ₦6 million to ₦7 million daily when fully operational.

    He also estimated that equipment worth over ₦10 billion remains grounded on the sealed premises.

    Nzekwe argued that the site is located in an approved industrial layout, not a residential area, and questioned claims that the property violates electricity right-of-way regulations.

    He maintained that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of relevant power authorities, not ECTDA.

    Tension reportedly escalated on Tuesday when Nzekwe reopened the gate to his premises after more than a year, prompting ECTDA officials to intervene and later reseal the site.

    Nzekwe insisted that if he has committed any offence, the appropriate authorities should formally notify him.

    Responding to the allegations, ECTDA Chairman Uche Anya denied any personal vendetta and accused Nzekwe of resorting to self-help.

    In a text message to journalists, Anya claimed that the disputed portion of land belongs to the Enugu State Government and alleged that Nzekwe illegally installed a gate after pulling down part of the New Artisan Market fence constructed by the state in 2024.

    He further alleged that ECTDA officials were intimidated during the incident, insisting that the authority would not condone what he described as violent conduct.

    However, Anya did not clarify why the TOSHEL Construction premises had remained sealed for over a year or provide documentation showing that the land is under acquisition or dispute.

    Meanwhile, Nzekwe disclosed that he has formally written to Governor Peter Mbah on the matter and has acknowledgment copies, though he is yet to receive a response.

    Describing himself as a law-abiding citizen, Nzekwe appealed for government intervention to resolve the dispute, warning that the ongoing standoff could negatively affect the state’s image if left unresolved.

  • From Ese Oruru to Walida: Exposing selective outrage in child sexual exploitation cases

    From Ese Oruru to Walida: Exposing selective outrage in child sexual exploitation cases

    • By Yushau A. Shuaib

    I have always resisted being dragged into ethnoreligious arguments. Not because the issues are trivial, but because many of the loudest voices in such debates are not merely passionate—they are fanatical. Some are so blinded by affiliation that they excuse injustice, flirt with heresy, or even justify violence in defence of identity.

    In recent months, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump’s inflammatory threats against Nigerian Muslims over an alleged “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, I found myself losing respect for some elders, friends, and colleagues. Their positions were so reckless and prejudiced that I questioned whether our long-standing relationships had ever been grounded in sincerity.

    It was against this background that recent media reports jolted my memory: a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, had been arrested for allegedly abducting, raping, and forcibly converting a Muslim girl to Christianity. Instantly, my mind travelled back to 2016—the traumatic case of Ese Oruru and Yunusa Dahiru, popularly known as “Yellow.” That episode dominated newspapers, television screens, social media timelines, and the commentary of self-styled influencers who fed hungrily on outrage.

    In March 2016, precisely 10 years ago, I intervened in that heated national debate with an article titled “Ese Oruru: From Delta to Northern Savannah.” Drawing from my positive 1992 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience in Delta State, I contrasted a past era of inter-ethnic openness with the poisonous divisions that surfaced during the Ese Oruru–Yunusa Dahiru saga. Ese, a teenage girl from Bayelsa, and Yunusa, a young Kano-born artisan living in Yenagoa, became unwilling symbols in a storm whipped up by sensationalist media, political opportunists, and religious bigots.

    Read Also: BAT-IG, LASUSTECH seal deal on Tinubu Institute of Politics

    My argument then was simple but unpopular: what should have been treated as a grave but personal criminal matter—an ill-advised and unlawful teenage elopement—was irresponsibly reframed into a national crisis of religion and ethnicity. The case was weaponised. Hypocrisy flourished. Sectarian outrage drowned nuance. And anyone who urged restraint or perspective was branded a traitor.

    The facts of that case are well known. Ese Oruru, a teenager, was taken from Bayelsa to Kano by Yunusa Dahiru, who claimed to be her boyfriend. She was allegedly forced to convert to Islam and married without parental consent. Following intense public pressure, she was rescued in 2016 while pregnant. In 2020, a Federal High Court sentenced Yunusa to 26 years in prison for child trafficking and sexual exploitation. On appeal, the sentence was reduced to seven years, accounting for time already spent in custody.

    What received far less attention, however, was what happened afterwards. Yunusa reportedly completed his secondary education while incarcerated and was described by the Nigerian Correctional Service as a well-behaved and reform-minded inmate and was released in 2023. Ese Oruru, on the other hand, despite the trauma and stigma, returned to school and later gained admission to the University of Ilorin, from which she graduated in 2025. These outcomes did not erase the crime, but they reminded us that justice, rehabilitation, and human recovery can coexist.

    Fast-forward to the present. The DSS has confirmed the arrest of its operative, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi, following a petition alleging that he abducted a Muslim girl, Walida Abdulhadi, kept her in a DSS residence for two years, sexually exploited her, and forcibly converted her to Christianity. According to her family, they searched desperately for Walida during this period and reportedly lost her mother to the trauma. They only learned of her whereabouts when the suspect allegedly called her father on New Year’s Day 2026, claiming Walida had given birth to his child and that he intended to marry her.

    The family’s lawyers have rightly described the case as a grave abuse of office and demanded prosecution and an independent investigation of the DSS facility involved. To its credit, the DSS confirmed the arrest, condemned the alleged conduct as a violation of its code of ethics, and announced that a full investigation is underway, with assurances that findings will be made public.

    And yet, here lies the uncomfortable question: where is the outrage?

    Nearly a decade ago, Nigeria erupted over the abduction and alleged forced conversion of Ese Oruru, a Christian girl, to Islam. Today, a Muslim girl is alleged to have been abducted, raped, and forcibly converted to Christianity by a state security operative. Will this case attract the same volume of condemnation? The same moral panic? The same international attention? Or will it be quietly processed because it does not fit a preferred narrative?

    When I wrote in 2016, I was almost crucified for refusing to dance to the drums of sectarian hysteria. Today, faced with a disturbingly similar incident, I find myself cautious—almost hesitant—to speak, knowing how easily principled arguments can be twisted into accusations of bias.

    But silence, too, is a position.

    Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of ‘An Encounter with the Spymaster’

    Email: yashuaib@yashuaib.com.