The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • ‘Use August meeting to fight vice’

    ‘Use August meeting to fight vice’

    The wife of Abia State governor Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has urged women of the state to use the annual August Women Conference otherwise called August meeting to find solutions to obnoxious practices against women.

    Mrs Ikpeazu also charged them to cash in on the opportunity created by the conference to educate themselves on various trades and crafts that would improve their standard of living in order to better themselves and their families.

    Speaking at Okpuala Ngwa in Isialangwa North council area during the flag-off of this year’s edition of the August meeting with the theme is ‘Sustainable Empowerment for Rural Women’, Mrs Ikpeazu said that this is the period women use to discuss matters that concern them and the development of their areas.

    Mrs Ikpeazu also said that August meetings have always been a platform for women to discuss some communal matters and do fund raising program to carry out community projects.

    She noted that this year’s august meeting for Abia women could be said to be a successful one as the women in the state have been taught things about agriculture and others things they could use to better themselves.

    The wife of Abia state governor said, “The things they have been taught would enable them to increase their farm produce output and thereby make more money for themselves and their families”.

    Mrs Ikpeazu said that this year’s August meeting will provide the needed opportunities for the women of the state to learn and improve themselves, deliberate on ways of eliminating obnoxious and harmful practices against women.

    She recalled that last year that women groups in the state during the august meeting were encouraged to carry out community projects that will empower them, which she said has gone a long way to open up the rural areas.

    Mrs Ikpeazu said, “I believe that we succeeded during the last August meeting as many of our women have shifted their focus to skill acquisition and empowerment instead of building community halls unlike before”.

    She said, “Women are now more focused on emerging issues that have direct bearing on their wellbeing. After our last year’s August meeting, we noticed that some women groups embarked on building collective businesses like bakeries, water treatment and bottling plants”.

    “I want to commend their efforts as it will put money in their pockets and also help in contributing to the well-being of the individual’s families, communities and society at large, as our state is the better for it”.

    She commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration for providing the women of the state the needed platform to express themselves and for making gender and children issues first-line charge in its policy formulation and implementation.

    Mrs Ikpeazu noted that Governor Ikpeazu has approved the disbursement of interest free loans to indigent women to support them in any trade or business of their choice.

    She said, “This programme will be launched in the next two weeks and women from all parts of the state will benefit and also be expected to use the loan judiciously for their benefit and that of the people around them, as we empower you, we expect you to empower others around you”.

    Mrs Ikpeazu said, “We have been supporting our women especially the indigent ones and those without skills to learn a trade and become self-reliant and empowered; currently we are training about one hundred women in various skills across the state”.

    In her reaction the wife of the  chairman of Isialangwa North  local government area, Mrs Ugochi Onwusibe commended the wife of the governor for bringing this year’s august meeting to the door steps of the rural people.

  • London-Paris Club loan: Abia committee concludes disbursement plan

    The committee set up by the Abia State Government to ensure equitable distribution of the over N5 billion second tranche of the London-Paris Club loan allotted to the state by the federal government has concluded arrangements on how the money would be shared among workers in the state.

    A member of the committee and state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chief Uchenna Obigwe in an interview with our correspondent in Aba stated that the committee concluded its work on Monday.

    Obigwe, who thanked the state governor Okezie Ikpeazu for allowing the committee to do their work without any interference, stated that the committee did their job without any bias.

    Giving a breakdown on how the money was shared amongst workers in the state, the NLC chairman stated that the sum of N220m was giving to Abia State Polytechnic, N2,279,045,845.70  was for MDA’s, N792m for the payment of two months arrears for State Pensioners, N751m for payment of Pensioners at the Local Government, Secondary School Teachers got N912m  for 3months salary arrears, Abia College of Education Technical, Arochukwu got N24m for one month arrears of salary out of 7 months that they were being owed.

    Others include Hospital Management Board got N130m (for two months salary), Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABUSTH) got N290m, Abia State University got N200m, N864m was for the payment of 2months arrears of salary of Primary School Teachers, N1,796,723,533.76 was payment for 2months arrears of Local Government Staff.

    College of Health Science, Aba and Abia State Universal Basic Education Board got N10M and N22m each. Retirees from ABSUTH got N10m as well. The sum of N17.396m was for the severance allowance of Judges while Abia Newspapers got N6.3m to pay one month salary.

    Staffers of Community Social Development Project (CSDP) and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) which the NLC chair said were not government scheduled establishments got N14m and N480m respectively while the sum of N285,788,293.57 was 5% provision for consultancy.

    The State Labour chairman further added that Abia State Polytechnic Aba has as at the time of the interview gotten alert of N90m for one month subvention and promised that he would ensure that the institution gets its money in full.

    “FAC may drop before Friday and it is expected that workers would get their salaries as soon as the FAC drops. The only people that may have to wait for a while is Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) staff because of the ongoing verification exercise being carried out by the state government and soon as they (SEMB) are done with the verification, at least by next week, they will get their salaries. That’s if everything should go as planned,” Obigwe explained.

  • Why we killed 60-yr-old woman, by notorious kidnapper

    Why we killed 60-yr-old woman, by notorious kidnapper

    On January 18, Mrs Catherine Okorie was abducted by some thugs from her home at Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.  Initial reports after she was taken away said the abductors only wanted to collect ransom and nothing more. This triggered frenetic efforts to enter into negotiations with the kidnappers. Then reports filtered in that she had been murdered.

    Her remains were later discovered in a shallow grave located in a forest bordering Lokpanta in Umunneochi and Awgu local government areas of Abia and Enugu states

    Investigations by the police later led to the arrest of some suspects who have since been charged to court.

    The police have arrested one of the alleged masterminds of the kidnapping, Ogonna Alioka who reportedly drove the car used in the operation.

    Alioka, popularly known as Pilot, according to the police, was allegedly among the gang of kidnappers involved in the abduction and killing of the 60-year-old woman.

    The general belief had been that Mrs Okorie was killed because she recognised one of her abductors who is from the area but Alioka while speaking to reporters in Abakaliki after being paraded by the police disagreed.

    He alleged that the woman was killed while fleeing from them in the bush, pointing out that he engaged the kingpin in a fight when the incident occurred.

    Parading the suspects at the police headquarters Abakaliki, the police spokesman in the state, Mr Jude Madu said though some members of the gang had been arrested and arraigned in court, Alioka who allegedly drove the vehicle used in the operation had been on the run until a few days ago when he was arrested in Abia State.

    He said after killing the woman he ran away to avoid being arrested pointing out that the abduction of the woman was masterminded by a politician in Ishiagu.

    The police also paraded other suspects including one Chukwudi Nwezaku, Otu Okpara, Eze Chima ,Chiadikaobi Ani, Uchechukwu Aniewo and Ozomena Obasi who were arrested in connection with armed robbery attacks, electricity cable vandalism, buying of stolen cars and unlawful possession of firearms.

    Mr Madu explained that Police also arrested one Gideon Omaka who was just released from prison custody in March this year for allegedly robbing and killing one Eze Idam Ogbonnaya during a robbery incident in Amasiri, Afikpo North local government area.

    The group is believed to be responsible for various armed robbery and other criminal activities recorded recently in the area.

    Omaka’s arrest came after angry youths in the community attacked and buried alive his brother Chukwudi Omaka who was also part of the robbery gang who robbed Ogbonnaya.

    An eyewitness and resident of the community, Emmanuel Udu told our reporter that Omaka was also among robbers who robbed one cool room known as Etuelughu which belongs to Oko Udu Monday and another businessman identified simply as David who sells provision

    “This handsome boy was beaten thoroughly; despite that, he refused to call the names of his members. He was later buried alive by Amasiri youths,” Emmanuel told our correspondent.

    Items recovered from them included five vehicles, one tricycle, electronics, guns and live cartridges.

    Mr Madu said all the suspects arrested would be arraigned in court soon.

     

  • Catholic bishops condemn Ozubulu massacre

    Catholic bishops in the Southwest have condemned Sunday’s massacre at St. Philip’s Church, Ozubulu in Anambra State, urging governments at all levels to do more on security of life and property.

    Describing the Ozubulu mass murder as “callous and horrendous”, the bishops who expressed sadness on the security situation in Nigeria, also regretted what they called the resurgence of terrorism in the Northeast with the recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Acting under the aegis of Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Province, the clerics who canvassed genuine restructuring of the country said “it is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest.”

    The communique signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, was made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye. It was titled: “The Church and the Travails of a Growing Nation.”

    The bishops said, “We commiserate with the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Okeke, and the faithful of the Diocese, the government and people of Anambra State and several families directly affected by the mass murder which occurred on Sunday 6th August, 2017, at St Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.

    “We uphold still the sanctity of every human life given by God and notto be taken away by anyone and therefore can never denounce enough the evil of such a horrendous and callous killing of innocent worshippers right in the Church during the Holy Mass.

    “Different accounts have been given to analyse the mayhem. The bottom line is that the security situation in Nigeria remains at best, tenuous. We strongly condemn whatever may be at the root of this and similar occurrences. Those who are charged with securing human life and property in the nation must simply do more to protect the citizens.

    “One must ask how murderers like the perpetrators of the Ozubulu mayhem came about such deadly weapons. The proliferation of arms in Nigeria deserves urgent and decisive action. We call on all our faithful to pray that the souls of the departed may rest in perfect peace and that God may bring enduring peace to Nigeria.”

    On renewed attacks by insurgents, the bishop said: “We regret the recent resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. The criminal group seems to have returned with double strength. We commend the Presidential order that has returned the Nigerian Military Service Chiefs in full force to the centre of the battle.

    “Sadly the wanton destruction of lives and property in Southern Kaduna is also yet to abate. While commending the military and other security agencies in Nigeria for their commitment to the integrity of the nation, we urge them to eschew all forms of corruption, nepotism and betrayal and fight for the unity and integrity of Nigeria.

    “History and humanity will honour their sacrifice and commitment. All Nigerians have the responsibility to collaborate with the security agencies by giving information where necessary and obeying the rules of vigilance and personal security at all times.”

    On restructuring, they said: “The ongoing discourse about restructuring in Nigeria has gathered considerable momentum. In the process, different definitions have emerged on what restructuring could mean and what form such a process should take.

    “It is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest. Most people in Nigeria agree that, as it is currently constituted, our country is simply not serving the development and self-realization of most of its citizens and therefore needs to be revisited.

    “In other words, let all of us, leaders and people agree to jettison political machinations and self-serving interests and restructure Nigeria according to the laws of equity and justice. We will thus be saving our own lives and the future.”

  • Women protest ‘forceful acquisition’ of ancestral land

    Women protest ‘forceful acquisition’ of ancestral land

    Women of Nsude community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State have staged a peaceful protest over an alleged forceful acquisition of their ancestral land at Amozibe and Umuezani villages of the community.

    The women held aloft placards with different inscriptions such as, “This land does not belong to Ifueke Okweuwani, “Government, please, leave our land, “This property belongs to Nsude, “This land does not belong to Ngwo, “Beware of land grabbers”, among others. They said they were not happy that the government acquired their land in the name of Ngwo community without consulting them.

    They urged the government to return the land in question to them, saying they had already shared the plots of lands to their children as their inheritance.

    The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ken Onyia, told reporters that some people from two communities in neighbouring Ngwo, who go by the title of stakeholders, claimed that the land which allegedly belongs to the two villages in Nsude belongs to Ifueke Ngwo. He said the so-called stakeholders deceived the government into believing that the parcel of land belongs to Ifueke Okweuwani in Ngwo.

    He said though they have boundary with them, the areas in question was surveyed, registered and published in the gazette of Old Anambra State which dates back to 1991.

    According to him, when the news of the arrangement came to the two communities, Amozibe and Umuezani, they went to Udi Local Government Chairman and presented documents that proved that the land belongs to Nsude people.

    He also disclosed that they also went to Enugu Commissioner for Lands to give the facts of ownership of the place to him with documents to show, continuing that during one of those visits, they invited authentic attorneys for Ifueke to accompany them to the commissioner’s office.

    The traditional ruler  explained that the attorneys told the commissioner that that those people that claimed to be stakeholders were not representing the Ifueke people as far as the land management was concerned, adding that all their efforts met brick wall as the commissioner continued with the arrangement for the acquisition of the land.

    He noted that the during the flag off of the present 9th mile bypass or Nsude Ngwo Bypass through the land in question,  he was the person that presented the welcome address to the governor and his entourage.

    The royal father stressed that traditionally “it is not known that a traditional ruler will present a welcome address in a land that does not belong to his community”.

    He expressed dismay that despite all the efforts to prove that the land in question belongs to two villages in Nsude Community, (Amozibe and Umuezani), the government went ahead to issue a Certificate of Occupancy to a private company for the Nsude land in the name of Ngwo people.

    The retired academic don pointed out that there was no land dispute between Nsude and Ngwo people, adding that their understanding of the land use act and powers of the government to acquire land against the wishes of the owners is when there is dispute between communities or that the land will be acquired by overriding interest and not to be given to private concerns.

    The royal father further hinted that the laid out areas have been shared and given to all male adults in the two villages above the age of 18 as their inheritance, adding that some of them have sold their plots to other parties.

    “Our demand is that the government should not take our land through Ngwo people when we don’t have any disputes with them. The layout has been bulldozed. Our land should be given back to us and the layout restored to its original state”.

    The Traditional Ruler noted that his community has never been stingy with donation of lands for developmental purposes either by the government or private concerns, recalling that   the community had earlier donated land for international market, A Catholic Seminary, among others.

    “We also note that Nsude community has never been stingy with donations of land for developmental purposes either by government or private concerns. For Example, Nsude community donated land for an uncompleted international market; we also donated land for the building of a catholic seminary,” he noted.

  • Anambra monarch takes office, 22 years after

    Anambra monarch takes office, 22 years after

    Umueri community in Anambra State has a traditional ruler 22 years after the seat became vacant. Eminent personalities converged on Umueri for Igwe Ben Emeka’s thanksgiving as the Okebo II of Umueri. The event, which held at the Cathedral Church of St. Gabriel, Umueri, was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Johnson N. Ekwe, Bishop Diocese of Niger West.

    A statement said: “The emergence of His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Ben Emeka as the 2nd traditional ruler of the community is a good news to the people of Umueri and other neighboring communities within Omambala axis. They are of the firm belief that his emergence will foster peace and unity in Umueri and Omambala region. His Royal Majesty Igwe Ben Emeka is an accomplished business tycoon and a philanthropist whose philanthropic gestures do not segregate. Before emerging the traditional ruler of Umueri his philanthropy touched many lives.

    Governor Willie Obiano showered encomiums on Igwe Emeka, describing his emergence as the traditional ruler of Umueri as a thing of great joy.

    According to Governor Obiano, the faithfulness of God as demonstrated in the successful celebration and coronation of HRM Igwe Sir. Ben Emeka shall deepen the foundation for a new age of peace and prosperity in Umueri community, as well as ensure longevity of his reign. His Excellency Dr. Nkem Okeke, Anambra State Deputy Governor in his goodwill message described the emergence of Igwe Sir. Ben Emeka as the traditional ruler of Umueri as a clear testimony to a life of exemplary distinction, one in which you have served and continue to serve your community in a highly dedicated and dignified manner. He thanked the Almighty God for his blessings and for granting His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir, Ben. Emeka the opportunity to lead/serve his community as their traditional ruler and wished him God’s guidance, good health, grace and wisdom in his service to God, Umueri community and humanity at large.

    On her own part, Rt Hon. Rita Maduagwu, speaker Anambra State House of Assembly thanked God for the philanthropic and charitable lifestyle Igwe Sir. Ben Emeka has been living which made the people of Umueri to elect him as their king. She acknowledged the monarch’s contributions to peace and progress of Umueri community and Anambra State at large. She further prayed for God to continue to strengthen him and give him the wisdom to be able to pilot the affairs of Umueri people creditably. His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe the traditional ruler of Onitsha and the chairman of Anambra State traditional rulers council in his felicitation message expressed his trust that the emergence of Sir. Ben Emeka on the throne of Umueri as traditional ruler will further strengthen the long standing good relationship between the two communities of Umueri and Aguleri and with all the neigbouring communities within Omambala. He congratulated and welcomed him to the esteemed fold of the traditional institution of Anambra State. Hon. Law Chinwuba, Anambra State Commissioner for Works, in his own goodwill message, said Igwe Ben Emeka hard work and dedication to duty for the sake of God and humanity manifested itself with his emergence as traditional ruler of Umueri.

    He also prayed that the almighty God will continue to bless and prosper igwe Sir Ben Emeka endeavours to guide and protect Umueri community. Hon. Greg Obi, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters described His Royal Majesty’s emergence as the traditional ruler of Umueri as the manifestation of God’s love for him. He also expressed his belief that his reign will be indelible in the heart of Umueri people.

    Rt. Rev Johnson N. Ekwe, Bishop, Dioceses of Niger West Anglican Communion said the choice of Sir Ben Emeka as traditional ruler of Umueri like this is a choice well made because he has been outstanding in his other endeavors for many years.

    He said that his kindness and generosity to the less privileged and his philanthropic contribution to Umueri community and church, especially his unflinching support to the Cathedral Church of St. Gabriel Umueri and the diocese of Niger West is quite remarkable.

    Igwe Emeka was filled with joy and excitement for the solidarity shown to him by Umueri people, clergies, his friends and well-wishers. He thanked Governor Obiano, Dr Nkem Okeke, the Deputy Governor of Anambra state, Rt. Hon Barr (Mrs.) Rita Mabuagwu, Speaker Anambra state house of assembly, Ozo Victor Oye, APGA national chairman, Felix Obuah, River State PDP chairman, Dr Alex Okafor, Chairman Chicason group of companies, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Chairman Anambra state traditional rulers council, his Lordship Rt. Revd Johnson Ekwe, bishop, Diocese of Niger West, other clergies, numerous friends and well-wishers that identified with him for the successful coronation thanksgiving service. He further promised to use his reign to justify the confidence reposed on him by the good people of Umueri and to usher in peace, love and unity in Umueri and neighboring communities.

  • Book presentation

    A book, West African Diet for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, was presented to the public on August 6 at Freedom Park, Broad Street, near City Hall, Lagos. It was authored by Adekemi Adejare, a dietician/nutritionist.

    Some topics discussed in the book include: high blood pressure, high cholesterols and weight management.

    The goal of the book is to help as many people as possible to stop high blood pressure, preventing diabetes, control blood pressure, stop high cholesterol and stop all killer diseases. Maintaining your weight is the main key focus of the book.

    “The objective of the book is for people to pay attention to their diet because a lot of diseases start from what we eat. We have to interpret the type of food we eat and the amount of food we eat.  Everything we put in our body system have impart, it interpret each other. We need to remember that food is medicine. Our mouth needs to be watched on what it takes. Food has imparts in our body so what we eat can either break our system or build it”, the author said.

  • Edo govt bans use of schools, roads for social events

    The Edo State government has banned the use of the premises of public schools, roads and other public places for social events.

    The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu made the announcement on Wednesday in Benin in a statement issued to newsmen.

    He warned that violation of the ban would be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.

    He said that henceforth, the government would not condone those who flout the ban.

    The commissioner directed government agencies to ensure the ban is complied with.

    “By our ancestry as Edo people, we have always shown the example of public order and decency which others have emulated over the years.

    “This administration is determined to make Edo a model of magnificence and beauty once again,“ Ohonbamu said.

     

  • Nnamdi Kanu unsettles Ndigbo

    Nnamdi Kanu unsettles Ndigbo

    His progress and cult following have left many Igbo people feeling doomsday is near, but there is enough opposition to prove to the leader of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu that he is not having a jolly ride, writes OKODILI NDIDI

    From an inconsequential irritant he has morphed into something of a cult hero, drawing a large following anywhere he goes. And that is the worry in the Southeast, where many think that Nnamdi Kanu and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) he founded are dragging the people to the precipice. A wave of fear is sweeping across the region. Everyday thousands of youths and the elderly pour out into the street to demand for Biafra. This mass movement, which can only be compared to the Arab Spring, has sent jitters down the spines of political, religious and traditional rulers in the zone. Though not armed, IPOB members’ intimidating number is enough to create serious security concerns. It has even become worse as security operatives are rendered helpless in an attempt to avert any clash with the rampaging group, which could result to massive loss of life.

    Since his release from detention, the IPOB leader has crisscrossed the Southeast states, riding on his growing popularity, especially among the youths to stamp his authority. Everywhere he visits, he takes time to lampoon Igbo leaders, who are averse to the Biafra agitation.

    The leadership of the Pan-Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has been at the receiving end of Kanu’s tantrums. He accused them of conniving with the ‘enemies’ of the Igbo against the Biafra agitation.

    Most troubling is his directive that elections should not hold anymore in the Southeast. This has continued to elicit controversies but it is also gaining traction by the day. In Anambra State where an election is due in November, politicians and security operatives are already in dilemma over the situation. Buoyed by the order of their leader, IPOB members in the state have started to implement the directive against the advice of Igbo leaders and traditional rulers, who maintained that the directive portends danger for the zone. But the adamant members have begun to harass politicians and disrupt political rallies to drive home the no-election-directive.

    During his tumultuous visit to Imo State, Kanu restated his position that there will no longer be election in the Southeast, except a referendum that will usher in the sovereign state of Biafra.

    Kanu who arrived Owerri in a long convoy of vehicles and thousands of flag-waving IPOB supporters, was cheered by a mammoth crowd as he moved through the streets. Addressing the crowd, Kanu insisted that there is no going back on the agitation for Biafra.

    He said, “I will die installing Biafra. It is Biafra or nothing. I am in Owerri to continue with the message of Biafra. Nobody can stop us. We don’t want restructuring, it is either Biafra or nothing.

    “We have said no to those pretending to be representing us. There is no hope in Nigeria, there can never be justice in Nigeria. Biafra has finally come to stay. Don’t be deceived, I told Ohaneze that restructuring will fail, has it not failed today. That is why I have directed that there will not be election in Biafra land in 2019. We are starting with Anambra State. We don’t want elections anymore. It is referendum or nothing”.

    The pro-Biafra rally did not go unchallenged in Imo State. A coalition of youth organisations, including the Nigeria Youths Unity Forum, One Nigeria Group, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN) and ex-militants disrupted IPOB’s gathering, telling its leader to stay away from Imo.

    The groups insisted that Imo State does not support Biafra agitations nor belong to any secessionist group, but believes in one united and prosperous Nigeria.

    But the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu vowed to die rather than abandon the Biafra agitation.

    Earlier, hundreds of IPOB supporters, who were adorned in Biafra regalia and flags, gathered at strategic locations in Owerri, the state capital, resulting in heavy gridlock around the capital city.

    But the groups who converged at the Heroes Square, the supposed venue of the IPOB rally, in very large number, warned Kanu to take his agitation to other places outside the state.

    Speaking with journalists, the national coordinator of the One Nigeria Group, Comrade Azunna Andrew, “we believe in the sovereignty of the Nigerian nation and will never be part of any secession plan”.

    Continuing, he said, “We are in support of one Nigeria even in the face of seeming injustice. Anybody agitating for Biafra or any other thing has the right to do so but it must be outside Imo State. No Biafra rally will hold in Imo State”.

    Also speaking, the coordinator of the Nigeria Youth Unity Group, Prince Emeka Igwe, maintained that the youths in the state, especially members of the group are fully in support of one united Nigeria. He stressed that the pro-Biafra groups currently beating the drum of war are ignorant of the consequences of their actions.

    “We have not forgotten what our people suffered during the civil war and we are ready for a repeat of that,” he said. “We believe in restructuring of the country and not secession. We are here to say that Imo State stands for one Nigeria”.

    The National Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Samuel Godstime, who also mobilised hundreds of youths across the state against the IPOB rally, said that those agitating for Biafra need re-orientation.

    “We believe in one Nigeria,” he said, “where every Nigerian, irrespective of their ethnic or religious groups, can achieve their potentials. We want peace, we don’t need war. So we are here to show solidarity with the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and President Muhammadu Buhari”.

    The Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT), Imo State Council of Youths, Comrade Jeff Nwoha, maintained that what is more important to the people of the State, mostly the oil producing areas, is resource control and not secession.

    He said, “Our state governor has continued to preach the unity of the country and we are here to support him. We don’t believe in the agitation for Biafra, all we want is resource control. But we must commend the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, because we have never had it this good before”.

    Ex-agitators, who were also gathered for their monthly meeting, also warned the Kanu-led separatist group to desist from organizing any form of pro-Biafra rally in the state.

    Ohimili Arinze, who spoke on behalf of the former militants, said that they believe in the unity of the country and will continue to support the state Governor in his pursuit of a united Nigeria, “we don’t want to hear anything like Biafra in Imo State, we are fully in support of one Nigeria and we will not allow any self-serving group to come and disrupt the peace we are enjoying in Imo State”.

  • Abia police parade suspects

    Abia police parade suspects

    Abia State police command has paraded a crop of suspected hoodlums for allegedly committing various criminal offences in Aba, the state’s commercial heartbeat, and other parts of the state.

    The hoodlums, The Nation learnt, were reportedly responsible for heinous crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery and car theft, among others, in different parts of the state.

    The State Commissioner of Police Adeleye Oyebade in a briefing at Umuahia, the state capital, lauded his men for rising to the challenge of insecurity in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state.

    Oyebade said some of the suspects were arrested while carrying out the act, others before or after the act, but all nabbed using a well-planned information gathering method.

    He lauded the synergy between the police and other security agencies in the state, stressing that the era when criminal came and operated in the state freely and undetected is gone. He said it is the desire of the police and sister agencies in the state to stop crime before it happens.

    The police said some of the suspects undergoing interrogation would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations into their matter were concluded.

    Oyebade said, “On 23/07/2017 at about 0010hrs, information was received that there was a corpse later identified simply as Prince ‘m’ of Ngwa and works in a bakery at Garki (Catlle Market) Lokpanta reasonably suspected to have been stabbed to death by his fellow cult members. Sequel to the information, the Divisional Crime Officer Isuochi raced to the scene with a team of detectives, removed the corpse to the mortuary and commenced investigation into the incident. The trio of Samuel Chukwuemeka, Abdulazeez Mukaila and Obisike Ekezie all males and members of ‘Red Barger’ confraternity were arrested. The suspects have confessed to the crime, search was conducted in their houses during which the following items were recovered: three red caps, four bangles, two daggers, one Samsung TV with its remote control, one Sony Speaker, one DSTV Decoder and a pair of canvas. The dagger used in the act has been identified in the two recovered. Effort is intensified toward the arrest of other fleeing members of the cult group.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 1100hrs, responding to a distress call on the presence of strange faces in Nkwoudara Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, patrol team attached to Omoba Division in raced to the scene and with the collaborative efforts of the Vigilante men in the Community, arrested the following four suspects: Chisom Chimezie 19yrs, Ogbonna Onyeka 22yrs, Kingsley Onyemuru 20yrs and Chinonso Madugba 18yrs all males of Osisioma LGA. Search on them resulted in the recovery of the following items: One locally made pistol with two live cartridges, two jack knives, four ATM cards, Wallet containing sum of N9,090.00 and six ID cards. One Uchenna Ikpendu ‘m’ of Ibeku- Ngwa in Osisioma LGA has identified the suspects as hoodlums that snatched from him on gun-point, his brand new Qlink 150 Motorcycle on 23/07/2017 at about 1730hrs in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South. Discreet investigation is in progress.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 0500hrs, the operatives attached to the Command’s Dragon Squad Aba acting on a tip off, arrested the duo of Samuel Akoma and Kenneth Ananaba both males in an Hotel room at Aba where the hoodlums lodged after collecting ransom to release their hostage. Two vehicles, including that of the released hostage were recovered.

    “On 24/07/2017 at about 2205hrs along Milverton Area Aba, patrol team attached to Central Police Station Aba while on routine patrol, intercepted one Obasi Chibuike ‘m’ putting on Police bullet proof jacket and extorting motorists. On sighting the patrol team, suspect fled the scene but was over-powered by the team. The following items were recovered from him during search: three live cartridges, one bullet proof, one jack knife and an International Passport. The suspect has however, confessed to being a member of four man robbery gang terrorizing Aba and its environs. Effort is put in place toward arresting the other members of his gang as well as recovering their weapons.

    “On 22/07/2017 at about 1305hrs, PMF 55 men on nipping point duty at Owerrinta acting on a tip off, intercepted a 14 seating Mitsubishi L300 bus with reg. no.SB 639 WER painted white and green and arrested the duo of Chinemere Amamba aged 39yrs and Nnamdi Monday both males of Nmelele Isiala Ngwa South. The suspects abducted one Ijeoma Okereke ‘f’ of Imo State University Owerri at about 1200hrs along Emekuku junction, Douglas road Owerri.

    “On 27/07/2017 at about 0645hrs, acting on a tip off, detectives attached to Abiriba Division arrested the duo of Ifendi Eke and Nwokocha Ndukwe both males of Abiriba who are behind series of house burglary and stealing in the Community. The suspects confessed to the allegation and led the investigation to the arrest of one Arua Uta Agbai ‘m’ of Abiriba that aids them in disposing their loots. Items so far recovered are bags, Electronics, empty carton of plasma TV carted away from the house of a Cameroun based business man, Hon. Agbara Ashiegbu. Investigation is in progress toward recovering more stolen items.

    “On 25/07/2017 at about 0015hrs, a distress call was received from one AzubuikeEjikeme ‘m’ of No. 24 Okigwe Road Aba that his residence was under siege by hoodlums. In response to the call, team of patrol men attached to Central Police Station Aba raced to the scene and laid ambush against the hoodlums during which one Frank Egure ‘m’ of no fixed address was arrested at about 0050hrs with Generating sets and motor tyres. On interrogation, the suspect confessed to have burgled an apartment in the complainant’s residence from where, he carted the recovered items. Similarly, another patrol team attached to the same Division had on 20/07/2017 at about 0015hrs arrested the duo of Joseph Patrick and Chinedu Elewechi both males of no fixed address in their area of responsibility following a distress call received from one Amarachi Patrick ‘f’ of No. 142 Jubilee road Aba on 19/07/2017. Items recovered from the suspects are: One Elemax SH 2900 DX Generator, two Century Stabilizers, one Plasma TV, one truck and assorted drinks. Suspects will be charged to Court as soon as investigation is concluded.

    “On 21/07/2017 at about 2105hrs, a distress call was received from one Ezinne Okorie ‘f’ of No. 132 Terryvin road Aba that while she was making call from her Tecno Y2 GSM phone valued #500,000.00, a group of four armed men accosted her, pointed guns at her and robbed her of the phone. In a swift response, patrol team attached to Central Police Station Aba raced to the scene where the duo of Ugochukwu Ugwumba 22yrs and Goodnews Uwem 18yrs both males were arrested with a machete while others fled with their guns. The suspects confessed to the crime and are leading the investigation toward arresting their cohorts cum recovering the phone.