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Tag: abia

  • Abia police deny bomb discovery at Aba church

    Abia police deny bomb discovery at Aba church

    The Abia State Police Command has denied reports of the discovery of an object suspected to be an explosive at the United Evangelical Church, Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba.

    The denial followed criticism from the leadership of the church, which accused the police of presenting what it described as a misleading narrative to the public over the reported discovery of a bomb on the church premises.

    In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the police said an investigation carried out by the Divisional Police Officer in the area revealed that no suspected explosive was found, adding that the object in question was an iron rod that formed part of a fence pillar.

    However, it was gathered that church members, while digging to erect a new fence after a road expansion on Okiriko Lane by the state government, uncovered an object they suspected to be a bomb near the parsonage.

    Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the church board, Elder Ariomnwa Amadi, confirmed the incident and said the church held a thanksgiving service to appreciate God for what he described as the averting of a potential tragedy.

    Amadi explained that the object was discovered during excavation works for the new fence, prompting the church to alert soldiers, who subsequently arrived at the premises and evacuated the object.

    Asked whether the object could have been a relic from the Civil War era, the board chairman said its origin remained unclear, adding that the soldiers who evacuated it advised the church to be grateful, noting that the consequences could have been severe if it had exploded.

    “This was why we held a thanksgiving service last Sunday to thank God for saving our lives. It would have been a national tragedy, but God showed us mercy; nobody was even injured, not to mention losing a life.”

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    The police said, “I can authoritatively confirm that no bomb or explosive was recovered from the said area. Thorough investigations conducted through the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering the area have affirmed this.

    “The church, which had encroached on the road currently being reconstructed by the government, was asked to move back slightly to create space for the project. This directive was not complied with, prompting the military to intervene to ensure compliance.

    “During the process, an iron rod part of a pillar of the church structure that was being adjusted was removed by the military.

    “Therefore, there was nothing resembling a bomb or explosive recovered anywhere in Aba.

    “The Police, as the lead internal security agency, remain vigilant in ensuring the protection of lives and property. Officers of the Command are active, alert, and strategically deployed across the state to maintain safety and security.”

  • Deaths averted as soldiers evacuate suspected bomb from church’s premises In Abia

    Deaths averted as soldiers evacuate suspected bomb from church’s premises In Abia

    Over 100 deaths were averted on Monday following the discovery of a bomb at the United Evangelical Church,Ehere/Umuola, Ogbor Hill, Aba, Abia State.

    Eyewitnesses said the church members were digging the fence area around the parsonage for a new one when they stumbled on a large metal object.

    One of them was said to have taken the strange object to the nearby water borehole when the Priest-in Charge suddenly suspected it to be a bomb and warned them to stay away from it. 

    A source further said the Priest in-Charge went to a military unit in the city which made soldiers to storm the parsonage to evacuate the deadly object.

    An eyewitness said: “The road which divides the church building and the parsonage is being expanded by the State Government. The church decided to remove the old fence and build a new one to make way for the new expansion of the road. 

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    “It was while the church members were digging the ground for the new fence that they dug out the metal object which nobody knew was a bomb. The pastor later invited soldiers who evacuated the object.”

    Sympathisers gathered at the scene expressed gratitude to God for the unexploded object, adding that not less than 100 persons and building would have been destroyed as the area is always filled with traders and passersby.

    Contacted, Secretary of the Aba Area Conference of the United Evangelical Church,UEC, Rev. Thompson Ikpeoha, who confirmed the incident, said he was yet to be fully briefed by the Priest-in-Charge of the Ehere/Umuola Church.

    Efforts to contacts the Army Public Relations Officer,14 Brigade, Ohafia, was unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

  • Police arrest 47-year-old man conducting illegal INEC voters’ registration in Abia

    Police arrest 47-year-old man conducting illegal INEC voters’ registration in Abia

    Personnel of the Abia State Command of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested a 47-year-old man, identified as Chukwuemeka Nwaobilor, for having the voters’ registration machine of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Nwaobilor was arrested at a football field in Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state, with an INEC registration machine that was meant for the registration of voters in Isiala Ngwa South local government area.

    Unconfirmed reports noted that Nwaobilor, a staff member of INEC who works in Isiala Ngwa South, was alleged to be working with yet-to-be-named politicians from the same Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency.

    Our correspondent reports that the Nwaobilor was apprehended by the police personnel from the Criminal and Investigation Department (CID), Isiala Ngwa North Division, in conjunction with the Divisional officer and the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa LGA, through a tip-off.

    He was said to have been whisked off to the Abia State Police Command Headquarters shortly after his arrest for further investigation.

    Read Also: Police arrest four suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy, causing hurt

    When contacted, a staff member of the INEC in Abia State, Mr. Victor Abraham, in a telephone interview, confirmed the arrest, but said that the management was meeting to verify the identity of the suspect.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, in a telephone interview, said, “He was caught by Police officers from Isiala Ngwa Divisional Headquarters who were acting through actionable intelligence, while he was conducting unauthorized INEC voters’ registration at Mbawsi mini stadium in Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state.

    “He confessed to being paid the sum of ₦50,000 by one Damian to carry out the act. The INEC device was recovered from him and is currently being detained at the State Criminal Department (SCID) in Umuahia, the state capital.”

    Chinaka said that the investigation into the matter is ongoing to unveil details of the suspect and his actions.

  • Man disrupts church vigil with cutlass in Abia over noise pollution

    Man disrupts church vigil with cutlass in Abia over noise pollution

    A man armed with a cutlass disrupted a church vigil in Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, in protest against noise pollution from the church’s loud services.

    The incident, which was captured on video, has ignited debate on social media over the impact of excessive noise from churches and other establishments in residential areas.

    While some observers sympathised with the man’s frustration, others condemned his use of violence as a means of protest.

    A user, #mrboboskie wrote, “Noise pollution isn’t a good thing, but the church members do not do well, dem suppose give the man correct beating for showing up with a cutlass.”

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    Another user #dahtgirl_ajex wrote, “I wanted to say this is not the right approach, but what if he has approached the right sources and nothing was done, and he couldn’t bear it again. You can tell he has endured enough. Please stop building churches in residential areas.”

    “They will all see him as a devil, neglecting the fact that they don’t have sound proof. He can equally sue them and win the case,” #Joe_Bassey wrote.

    Another user, #felixherbt, said, “You will understand his frustration if your house is near one of these Pentecostal churches. Their noise pollution is annoying.”

    The Lagos State Government has previously sealed establishments, including churches, over noise pollution, highlighting the need for compliance with environmental regulations.

  • TCN, AfDB sensitise Abia, Imo, Anambra on transmission upgrade

    TCN, AfDB sensitise Abia, Imo, Anambra on transmission upgrade

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Federal Ministry of Finance have carried out a sensitisation programme for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) on the proposed reconstruction and upgrade of the Alaoji–Onitsha 330kV Single Circuit Transmission Line line.

    The sensitisation exercise, which took place from January 6 to 8, 2026, covered 12 local government areas along the transmission line corridor in Abia, Imo and Anambra States.

    Speaking during the programme, the Project Manager, Engineer (Mrs) Omobola Sobo explained that the AfDB-funded project involves upgrading the existing Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line to a quad circuit configuration using advanced quad conductors. 

    She noted the upgrade would more than double the line’s capacity, thereby improving electricity supply reliability and meeting growing consumer demand.

    A statement by TCN Public Affairs General Manager, Ndidi Mbah, at the weekend emphasised that the sensitisation exercise was a critical step ahead of the planned payment of compensation to Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and the clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) for the safe execution of the reconstruction project. 

    This, he stressed, is to ensure public safety within the transmission line corridor during the construction exercise. 

    He further assured that all affected property owners would receive appropriate compensation in line with approved guidelines, following the completion of the final verification process.

    To ensure smooth project execution, TCN will collaborate with PGM Nigeria Limited (The RAP Implementation Consultant) to implement the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for PAPs and facilitate the clearing of the transmission RoW under the AfDB-funded initiative.

  • Gunmen attack Abia gov’s advance team in Imo

    Gunmen attack Abia gov’s advance team in Imo

    …as commercial bus passengers reportedly kidnapped

    The advanced team of the convoy of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, was on Tuesday attacked in Imo by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

    The incident, which occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, a short distance from the airport, happened while the team was en route to the facility for official duties.

    Our correspondent reports that there was initial panic in the state that Governor Otti was in the convoy when the gunmen struck.

    Reacting to the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, confirmed the incident.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary, “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen.

    “The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport Junction in Imo State.

    “The general public is hereby informed that the convoy of Governor Otti was not involved in this attack, and no lives were lost during the unfortunate incident.”

    Meanwhile, according to yet-to-be confirmed information, some passengers heading to Owerri, the Imo State capital, were reportedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen.

    The incident happened on the same route where the convoy of the Abia State Governor was attacked.

    The Police from Abia State are yet to make an official statement about the incident.

  • Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Abia, Edo, Ebonyi, Ondo lag behind in CVR as Borno maintains lead

    Four States- Abia, Edo, Ebonyi and Ondo- have continued to lag behind in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

    While Abia has so far registered about 11,221 eligible voters online since the exercise began, Edo has registered only 11,570, Ebonyi registered 13,979 and Ondo state registered 17,618 after nine weeks of the online registration. 

    However, Borno, Osun, Lagos, Kebbi, Kaduna and Ogun States have continued to maintain impressive turnout of eligible voters to register online for the exercise. 

    Borno, which has overtaken Osun in the online registration, has so far recorded about 826,310 eligible voters followed by Osun with 646,580, Lagos with 604,819, Kebbi with 581,135, Kaduna with 510,490 and Ogun with 510,062.

    Overall, the North West has registered more voters online in the last nine weeks with 2,516,890 eligible voters, followed by the South West with 2,118,036 voters, North East with 1,549,905, North Central with 1,169,693 while the South South and South East brings up the rear with 487,456 and 159,986 respectively. 

    Anambra is not participating in the exercise until after the November 8 governorship election in the state. 

    Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission indicate that about 8,003,196 eligible voters have so far registered online in the dedicated portal for the CVR, while 1,710,450 have so far completed both the physical and online registration after eight weeks. 

    Osun state maintains the lead in the physical registration exercise with 151,593 voters followed by the FCT with 106,858, Kano with 96,280, Imo with 90,469, Sokoto with 86,183, Lagos with 85,831 and Borno with 85,720.

  • Abia chief for burial next month

    Abia chief for burial next month

    Family of the late Chief Ugochukwu Chikezie of Ofeiyi, Ogbodiukwu, Umuahia, Abia State,  has announced his burial plans.

    In a statement, it said Chikezie, who died at 76, will be buried November 7.

    A Service of Songs held at his Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, home weekend.

    Another will hold at Ofeiyi, Ogbodiukwu, Umuahia South, Abia on November 6.

    Chikezie was eulogised for  his love, wisdom, and the legacy he left behind.

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    “Chikezie was born on May 2, 1949, in Ogbodi-Ukwu Umudike Ofeiyi, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government, to Okezie Ogbuji and Mrs. Nwanyi-Ocha Okezie.

    “He began his education at Seventh-Day Adventist Primary School in Umuahia North, and later Evangel High School. He was in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to study Sociology/Anthropology, and had a Master’s in International Relations from UNILAG, “ it said.

    He  left a wife, Victoria, children, and grandchildren.

  • Abia begins induction training for 5,349 newly recruited teachers

    Abia begins induction training for 5,349 newly recruited teachers

    The Abia state government has commenced the induction training of 5,349 newly recruited teachers, marking what officials describe as a new phase in the state’s drive for quality education and teacher development.

    Speaking with reporters, the Commissioner for Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, said the 12-day programme, holding simultaneously in Aba and Umuahia, is a major achievement of Governor Alex Otti’s administration. 

    Facilitated by trained lead master trainers and ERIT consultants, the training will focus on modern teaching methods, classroom management, digital literacy, inclusive education, and STEAM-based learning.

    Nwosu highlighted that the state government has also prioritized teacher welfare, citing prompt salary payments and improved benefits. 

    Read Also: Police rescue five kidnap victims, neutralise five suspected kidnappers in Kebbi, Abia

    He noted that the reforms have rejuvenated the teaching profession in Abia, reflected in the over 30,000 applications received within two weeks of the recruitment announcement earlier this year.

    The initiative is part of the AbiaFIRST Education Programme, which includes free and compulsory education from Primary 1 to JSS 3, retrofitting of over 221 schools, construction of 20 smart schools, and strengthening technical and vocational education to enhance employability.

    “Abia State is positioning itself as a model for teacher recruitment, training, and retention, ensuring that no child is left behind,” Nwosu added.

  • Police rescue five kidnap victims, neutralise five suspected kidnappers in Kebbi, Abia

    Police rescue five kidnap victims, neutralise five suspected kidnappers in Kebbi, Abia

    Police operatives have rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised five kidnappers in gun duels in Kebbi and Abia States. 

    They also recovered arms and ammunition belonging to the gangs during the operation. 

    Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said on Tuesday that the operations werr in furtherance of efforts to bolster internal security and protect the lives and property of citizens

    Adejobi said: “In Kebbi State, it will be recalled that on 27th July, 2025, a group of armed kidnappers stormed Sangara Village in Shanga Local Government Area and abducted three (3) individuals: Muhammad Nasamu Namata, aged 25; Gide Namata, aged 20; and Hamidu Alhaji Namani, aged 35. 

    “Intensifying rescue efforts, Police operatives alongside other security agencies and local vigilantes launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, which led them to Shanga Hills, where the kidnappers were tracked and engaged. 

    “During the encounter, the criminals were overwhelmed in a fierce gun duel and fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds leading to the successful rescue of the three (3) kidnapped victims.

    “In a separate operation in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on 15th August, 2025, police operatives attached to the State Command on routine patrol around Dankade Village in Ribah District encountered a group of armed bandits and engaged them in a gun duel. 

    “Two victims, Tukur Bello, aged 26, and Isyaka Abubakar, aged 25, were rescued unhurt.

    “The duo were kidnapped on 9th August, 2025, while grazing their cattle in Gairi Forest, Zamfara State. 

    “They have since been reunited with their families shortly.

    “In Abia State, Police operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a kidnappers’ den at Umuiku Obete Village in Ukwa West LGA. 

    “The criminal gang, which had been terrorizing residents and commuters along Umuozo Village and Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road, engaged the operatives in a gun duel upon sighting them. 

    “However, the superior firepower of the operatives proved decisive, resulting in the neutralization of five members of the notorious gang. 

    “A thorough search of the scene led to the recovery of 6 AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, 5 handsets, 3 cutlasses, 5 operational jackets, an axe, a pair of boots, 1 polo charm, and 1 double-barreled long gun. 

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    “Follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

    “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has lauded the commitment of the officers involved in the operations urging them to sustain the tempo and intensify the ongoing onslaught against criminal actors across the nation.

    “The IGP has again assured members of the public of the continued resolve of the Force to combating crime in all forms and to maintain law and order across the country”.