The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Presiding officer, Youth corps member abducted in Anambra

    Anambra state police command Saturday announced the abduction of a presiding officer and a youth corps member during the presidential and National Assembly elections by unknown persons in the state.

    As a result, seven suspects have been arrested by the command including two armed police personnel on illegal duty during the elections.

    Briefing reporters Saturday evening in Awka, Anambra state, the new police Commissioner for the elections, Rabiu Ladodo, said the cases were under investigations

    He said the seven suspects were arrested for ballot box snatching, destruction of elections and vote buying, which took place at Onuma Imeobi square ward six unit 4 in Onitsha.

    He also said the youth corps member and the presiding officer were abducted in ndiokolo unit, Orumba North local government area of the state in Anambra South senatorial zone.

    Ladodo, said efforts were being intensified by the command to rescue the two victims.

    According to him, “I have gone round the State along with heads of other security agencies both on Aerial and Vehicular patrols, in order to assess levels of deployment by the security agencies at various polling units and to ensure that the electorates exercise their franchise without hindrance.

    “The election is generally peaceful and all the places visited have witnessed significant turnout of voters amid tight security in the areas”

    “However, despite the relative peace recorded so far, there are few isolated incidents recorded such as ballot box snatching at Onuma imeobi Square ward six unit 4 Onitsha, vote buying, disruption of election in some polling units, alleged abduction of a presiding officer and a youth corper in Indiokolo unit, Orumba North LGA of Anambra South Senatorial Zone”

    “Consequently, the Command has arrested Seven (7) suspects in connection with vote buying and disruption of electoral Process. The Command equality arrested two (2) armed Police mobile personnel on illegal duty. All cases are under investigation at the State CIID, Awka and effort is being intensified to rescue the abducted persons and bring perpetrators to justice”

    He said  exhibits recovered from the suspects included, One mini shuttle bus, two Motorcycles, Sum of One hundred and ten thousand nine hundred and twenty naira (#110,920),two handbags containing dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and two knives.

    “The public are equally advised to report any incident or suspected persons through the Police emergency numbers availed to the public for prompt response, please,” the new CP said.

  • Obiano satisfied with elections

    Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has expressed satisfaction over the level of orderliness in the voting process across the state.

    He said this after casting his vote at Otuochi ward 1. Eri polling unit, Anambra east local government area of the state.

    Obiano who arrived at the polling unit with his wife around 10.09am, was optimistic the orderliness continued till the end of the exercise.

    He called on other eligible voters to come out enmass to exercise their franchise.

    Read Also: Obiano: additional state feasible under Buhari

    “My wife and I just performed our civic responsibility. You can see it’s orderly. Hope it continues all over the place.

    “I appeal to everyone that has voters card to come out enmass to queue orderly on or before 2pm to vote in line with INEC directive.

    “I encourage all citizens everywhere to vote. Don’t blame yourself if you don’t vote because this is the time to show your support what is happening.

  • Obi raises alarm over harassment

    The vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, Mr Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over alleged harassment and intimidation by security operatives in the state  on Friday night.

    He said not only himself was visited by security operatives, but also other PDP chieftains he failed to mention.

    Read Also: Obi campaigns in Anambra markets

    However, he said he would not talk about arrest of any of them, adding, “I don’t know of arrests, but visiting and harassment capital ‘YES’ including myself”

    He spoke with reporters at Umudiamakasi square in Amatutu ward 11, Agulu, Anambra state at exactly 8.55am

  • Community elects new executive

    History was made after seven years of court cases. The people of Alor commuity in Idemilli South Local Government Area of Anambra State have finally elected officers to run the affairs of the community.

    The officers were voted into office for a period four years, with Chief Uzoma Igbonwa as President-General and Dan Nwankwo vice president.

    The elected officers were sworn in by a Notary Public, Chief Emeka Ngige, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    In his acceptance speech, Igbonwa said, “I want to use this medium to appreciate the Almighty God for all that has happened; it helped to mould us into what we are today.

    “I want to thank the good people of Alor for their maturity and patience in the face of deliberate provocations all this while.

    “I want to thank the good people of Alor for the confidence reposed in me by electing me to serve and pilot the affairs of our beloved community Alor as the President-General of Alor People’s Convention.

    “I promise the good people of Alor that I will serve them as their servant-leader to the best of my ability, standing consistently on the truth no matter whose ox is gored, respect everybody’s views.

    “I will deploy my resources and everything at my disposal to make Alor great again, the Alor of our dreams where a brother will remain his brother’s keeper and a sister her sister’s keeper, Alor where we will tolerate one another’s shortcomings and so on and so forth.

    “The election has come and gone, I therefore appeal to all of you, the good people of Alor, for your support so that together we shall take Alor to greater heights.”

  • Three pupils die, five injured in Anambra auto crash

    Three school children on Thursday lost their lives while five others were seriously injured in a ghastly motor accident along Otolo/Okigwe road in Nnewi, Anambra state.

    The accident involved a sewage tanker, articulated truck, a tricycle and a motorcycle.

    An eye witness said the sewage tanker was attempting to avoid the trailer stationed along the road when he lost control and rammed into the tricycle and the motorcycle conveying children to school.

    He said irate mob immediately set ablaze the sewege truck as well as the truck fully laden with beer.

    Read Also: PDP members join APGA in Anambra

    “The most pathetic aspect of the incident is the death of the woman taking her children to school,” another witness who identified herself as Ngozi said.

    The Nation gathered that efforts by Federal Road Safety Corps officials to rescue the victims were unsuccessful as they died on the spot.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed confirmed the incident.

    He said the deceased have been deposited in the mortuary for postmortem examination, while the injured were responding to treatment.

    He said, “Police Patrol teams attached to Otolo division along with MTD Personnel visited the scene and rushed victims to Nnewi Diocesan Hospital where three victims were confirmed dead by the doctor while three others are responding to treatment.

    “However, before the arrival of the Police, the mammoth crowd at the scene of the accident who were aggrieved as a result of the accident set the vehicles ablaze.

    “The area was cordoned off to prevent further breakdown of law and order and looters from taking advantage of the situation.”

    Mohammed further said efforts were on to clear obstructions, adding that the case was being investigated to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

     

  • Group promotes reading culture

    To improve reading, a group, Making Orumba Great Again (MOGA), has organised Readers’ Challenge, in collaboration with the Alumni Association of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra State.

    The event, held at Dr Alex Ekwueme auditorium main campus of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, attracted secondary school pupils from Orumba North and South local government areas of the state, as well as from other parts of the country.

    MOGA President Mr Victor Okoli and the President, College Alumni Association, Mrs Ugwu Laeticia Udodiri, noted that the contest was aimed at awakening and promoting reading among youths.

    Okoli said: “Readers’ Challenge is an offshoot of MOGA and it is targeted at revamping the reading culture of youths in Orumba South and Orumba North.

    “It is crystals, clear that when people read, they are educated and education is the most powerful weapon with which we can change the world, starting from Orumba South and Orumba North  Local Government Area, Anambra State.”

    He continued: “The Reader’s Challenge was divided into two categories: Young Stars Category  (11-17) and Youth Category  (18-25). This year, in the young stars’category, they read Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe for six hours with a break,  after which they wrote an exam based on the book that they read.

    ‘’In the youth category, they read Anthill of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe for six hours with a break after which they wrote an exam based on the book they read. The first position for each category will go home with N50,000, the second N30,000 and the third  N20,000 and cash prizes.

    ‘’Participation in the competition was free and over 170 participants took the examination.”

    In his keynote address, Professor Gershon Ejeckam stated that education is the bedrock of any nation. According to him, any nation that neglects education, neglects the future of its youth and, consequently, the future of the nation.

    He urged the youth to cultivate the habit of reading as academics remain the custodians of knowledge, hence advancement in the society. Continuing, he said: “The solution lies in the youth re-evaluating their values, their mission and their vision and accepting their responsibility to the society and the government recognising the problem and ensuring a sound and robust policy to carter for youth development and advancement of our country.”

    On the choice of career, he advised the students to choose a career that fits their temperament, skills and personality, to get equipped for great opportunities.

    Earlier, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze Provost Dr Tessy Okoli called for concerted efforts to revive the reading culture, enhance writing skills and acquire knowledge that will serve the country well.

    She urged the youth to take advantage of the knowledge, information and education available in books even as she commended the organizers for making out time on impacting on young stars.

    Winners in the senior category are: first position, Marah Bright Ifechukwu, a pupil of Unizik in affiliation with FCET Umunze; second, Okoyeocha Ifeanyichukwu, a pupil of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and third, Ibekwe Favour Ozioma, a pupil of FCET Umunze.

    For Junior category, Agba Makuochukwu Jacinta, a pupil of Community Secondary School, Owerre-Ezukala, second position, Chigozie Akachukwu Precious, a pupil of Ezira Community Secondary School and third position, Isaac Jacinta Oluebube, a pupil of Madonna Girls secondary school, Umunze.

  • Traders protest theft at Onitsha market

    Over 150 traders at City of God’s Plaza, Fegge Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday protested alleged burglary of shops at Onitsha Main Market and other markets.

    The traders, who shut their shops, said the protest was against alleged theft of over N4million from the shop of one of their colleagues.

    Traders, who came from outside the state to transact business at the market, were prevented from entering and leaving the market by the protesters.

    They criticised the management of the plaza and condemned the security provided at the market.

    Spokesmen for the traders, Chukwudi Nwolisa and Elochukwu Ajima, claimed that the Tuesday night burglary was the third since last year without any arrest made by the guards.

    They said: “We have asked to be allowed to employ our guards since we pay N1,000 every month for security, but the land owner and the person managing the market refused.

    “As you can see, the shop burgled has three big padlocks, but the thieves took time to cut them before entering the shops and stealing money.

    “We closed our shops today to show our grievances and call on the state government to assist us with security. There are 150 shops in the market. We pay tax to the government. If nothing is done to tighten security here, we will continue to protest.”

    The victim, Ifedi Onyekachi, a mini bank operator and agent to traders, said N4.2 million was stolen in his shop.

    The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Fegge Police Division, Mr. Rabiu Garba, said the traders were yet to report the incident.

  • Mother, daughter in police net over baby’s theft

    •’Suspects sold baby for N250,000′

    A 42-year-old woman and her daughter have been arrested for allegedly stealing a four-year old baby, Mesoma Ikoko, in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The suspects, Ngozi Ede and Kosiso Ede, 17, were alleged to have stolen the baby from the custody of her mother.

    The Nation gathered that the suspects had allegedly sold the baby for N250,000 to another woman before they were apprehended.

    Confirming the incident, police spokesman Mohammed Haruna said the suspects and the buyer were arrested following discreet investigation.

    He said the N250,000 had been recovered from the suspects as exhibit.

    Haruna said: “On February 13, at about 5:20pm, detectives attached to Awada Division arrested Ngozi Ede, female, aged 42, and her daughter, Kosiso Ede, female, aged 17, of 4, Ukaegbu junction, Awada.

    “The suspects conspired and stole Mesoma Ikoko, aged four, from the custody of her mother, Nneka Ikoko, female, of Mammy Market, Army Barracks, Onitsha on February 10.

    “Preliminary investigation further led to the arrest of Ifeoma Okeke, female, aged 45, who collected the child from the suspects and handed her over to one Ifeoma.”

    Read also: Man charged with phone theft

    In a related case, two persons, Nwakaeze Chukwuebuka, 29, and John Udechukwu, 28, were arrested for alleged threat to kidnap a 58-year-old woman in Ihialla.

    The suspects were alleged to have demanded N2million ransom.

    Haruna confirmed the incident, saying the case is being investigated.

    He said: “On February 8, at about 9pm, following intelligence report, detectives attached to the command’s Special Anti-robbery Squad arrested some suspects.

    “The suspects on February 4 threatened to kidnap Mrs. Anatestial Orji, female, aged 58, of Umueze ihiala, through a strange phone call or pay N2million ransom.”

    Haruna said the suspects had confessed.

    He listed the exhibits recovered from them to include the phone used in carrying out the crime.

     

  • Keep to your certification oath – Manufacturers warned

    Anti-piracy Society of Nigeria on Tuesday asked manufacturers and importers of edible and non-edible items in the country to embrace standard in all products sales in Nigerian markets.

    The group urged them to abide by the rules by living up to the oath of their certification.

    Director General, Anti-Piracy Society of Nigeria, Frank Uduonu, gave the warning during a sensitization rally on the dangers of fake products in Onitsha, Anambra State.

    He asked the importers to shun fake and embrace standard in all products sales in the markets, insisting that his organization would not compromise on its efforts to ensure standards of products.

    “Anti-Piracy Society of Nigeria will not hesitate to deal with any manufacturer of products and importers who reduce the quality of its products or import fake,” he said.

    According to Uduonu, the campaign to the three senatorial zones of the State was to create awareness, noting that the monitoring exercise would be unannounced.

    He added, “The sensitization to Nigerians especially the people of Anambra State is to instill the import of genuine and originality.

    “That is why we’re first giving opportunity window to some of them to correct errors or improve on the quality of their products so that the exercise will be seen as corrective than punitive.”

     

  • Fire razes police station in Anambra

    A police station in Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been burnt by hoodlums suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    It was alleged that some detainees were freed while some vehicles were also burnt.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums beat up policemen on duty, shouting ‘no referendum, no election in Biafran territory”.

    Police spokesman Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said there were no casualties.

    Read also: Police deploy 55 CPs in states

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura, had visited the scene and investigation was on.

    “It’s a fire incident for now until otherwise proven through investigation. The Commissioner of police is presently at the scene for on-the-spot assessment. He has ordered the DC Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to conduct investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” he added.