The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Suspected gunmen murder man, abduct wife in Imo community

    Suspected gunmen murder man, abduct wife in Imo community

    A Nigerian man based in the United States has been brutally murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Imo State, while his wife was abducted during the same attack.

    The tragic incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday along the Irete–Umuguma Road, near Golden Estate and Abba Father Avenue in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area.

    The victim, originally from Ihiala in Anambra State, had travelled to the area with his wife to finalise a land purchase.

    They were accompanied by two local land agents in a Toyota Highlander SUV for a scheduled site inspection when the assailants struck.

    According to a family source, the couple and their companions were ambushed by armed men believed to be herdsmen.

    The deceased initially escaped but returned in a brave attempt to rescue his abducted wife. Unfortunately, he was overpowered and shot in the head at close range.

    The attackers fled into a nearby forest with the woman, leaving the SUV and several injured victims behind. The land agents reportedly sustained injuries while trying to flee the scene.

    Security operatives were alerted by witnesses and arrived shortly after to recover the man’s lifeless body.

    The incident has triggered fear and tension across Umuguma and surrounding communities, including Irete, Nekede, Avu, Amakohia-Ubi, Okuku, and Ndegwu—all of which have seen a rise in attacks by suspected armed herders in recent months.

    Reacting to the incident, Secretary of the Owerri West Local Government Area, Dr. Fidel Onyeneke, expressed deep sorrow over the killing and called for urgent security interventions.

    “I want to say with mincing words that I’m worried about the state of insecurity in different parts of the country, and particularly in Imo State and in the situation where people come back to their country home and they are no longer secure. It is highly regrettable.

    “I am aware of the incident in reference where somebody went to see land and in the process he and his wife were kidnapped, and it led to the death of the person who returned from abroad.

    “Be that as it may, I want the federal government to mount pressure on the state governments to use various measures and methods, both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, to fight insecurity in our various rural areas.”

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    He called for the formation of forest guards who will work with conventional security agencies to fish out these common criminals who have occupied various bushes and forests.

    The police spokesperson in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said that the command has launched an investigation into the ugly murder.

    He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the deployment of tactical teams, with the Area Commander for Owerri Urban assigned to lead a manhunt through the dense forests of Owerri West.

    “The Command is fully aware of this unfortunate incident and has commenced a vigorous operation to apprehend the culprits and ensure justice is served,” Okoye said.

  • ‘INEC’s commitment to disability inclusion unwavering’

    ‘INEC’s commitment to disability inclusion unwavering’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion.

    The Head of Unit, Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Eya Vivian, provided this assurance in Nnewi during the “Able to Vote” voter education campaign for Persons with Disabilities organised by TAF Africa. 

    She stated that the commission was dedicated to ensuring that no citizen was left behind in the electoral process.

    Describing voting as a fundamental right that eligible Nigerians must exercise without unnecessary obstacles, Eya, who also serves as Desk Officer for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), recognised the unique challenges such individuals face during elections. 

    “Among the challenges PWDs face are physical barriers such as inaccessible polling units and a lack of special arrangements for voters with various types of disabilities.

    Limited access to voter education materials designed for PWDs and societal attitudes that sometimes discourage participation,” she said. 

    Eya enumerated some steps taken by the Commission to enhance inclusiveness in the electoral process, including the provision of Braille ballot guides to assist visually impaired voters and ensuring priority voting for PWDs and elderly citizens. 

    “We’ve also constructed ramps and made polling units accessible for those with mobility challenges, and we are continuously training INEC officials to provide respectful and dignified assistance to voters with disabilities,” she added. 

    The Programme Manager at TAF Africa, Adeolu Kilanko, stated that the voter education campaign was part of the group’s efforts to entrench disability inclusion in the forthcoming governorship election in the state. 

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    “What we’re doing today is being supported by the European Union, and the aim is to reduce voter apathy to the barest minimum and promote the mainstreaming of PWDs in electoral processes,” he said. 

    The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra State Chapter, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, expressed appreciation to TAF Africa for selecting the state for the campaign. 

    He also commended INEC for its efforts thus far in ensuring the inclusion of PWDs, expressing optimism that most, if not all, of his members would participate in the November 8 election. 

    Representatives of the Police and the Divisional Police Officer of the Central Police Station, Nnewi, Udenigwe Chinwuba, assured PWDs of adequate security to ensure their participation in elections. 

    “It’s your right to participate in the election without being intimidated. Our duty is to provide and guarantee adequate security through synergy with other sister agencies,” he said.

  • NIS foils traffickers’ exploitation attempts, rescues victims

    NIS foils traffickers’ exploitation attempts, rescues victims

    Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Anambra State Command, has foiled separate attempts by suspected traffickers to exploit their victims.

    Command’s Public Relations Officer, Onyinye Anene, who disclosed this in a statement, said the first plot was uncovered during an attempt by one Mr Amala Ihuoma to procure a Nigerian standard passport at the Awka passport office within the command headquarters for the victim, Miss Amumevi Somto, with the promise of having secured a domestic job for her in Egypt.

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    “Another tip-off came on Sunday, May 11, 2025, through the Anambra Chapter of Network against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) on the involvement of a suspected recruiter, Miss Uchenna Adaobi, trying to transfer the victim, Miss Uzo Chineme, to Lagos State for sexual exploitation.

    “The unsuspecting victim had been lured from Enugu State, where she resided and had been warned not to disclose her whereabouts or intentions to travel to anyone, including her parents or previous employer at Enugu,” she said.

    According to Anene, both cases had since been forwarded to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Anambra Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    “Comptroller Godwin Nzeribe remains resolute in ensuring that migration is safe, orderly and regular in line with the mandate of the Service,” she added

  • Female kidnap suspect, three others nabbed in Anambra

    Female kidnap suspect, three others nabbed in Anambra

    Police in Anambra state have arrested four persons, including a woman during a raid of criminal hideout in Uke, Idemili South Local government area of the state.

    Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday said the suspects confessed being members of kidnapping, armed robbery and car-snatching syndicates.

    He said the woman among them revealed that his boyfriend escaped the scene with their arms upon sighting the Police.

    According to him, three vehicles, one HP Laptop, one car spraying machine, motor wires, and pieces of methamphetamine popularly known as Mkpurummiri were recovered during the operation.

    He said: “Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu acting on credible information on the 9th of May, 2025 by 7.30 pm stormed a criminal hideout in Uke, Idemili South LGA. During the raid, four suspects were arrested including a lady. 

    “Three vehicles were recovered namely: one black Lexus GS 350 with Reg. No: ENU 561 LY, one ash colour Toyota Camry with Reg. No: UWN 614 HK and one navy blue colour Toyota Corolla with Reg. No: UMZ 135 AD. 

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    “One HP Laptop, one car spraying machine, motor wires, and pieces of methamphetamine popularly known as Mkpurummiri were also recovered at the scene.

    “The suspects include one Chigozie Udolisa alias T. Dollars, Anaolu Joseph alias Blue, Chukwuka Udolisa alias Udokamiri and the female among them Chinaza Udemezue all within the age bracket of 19 – 28 years. 

    “All the suspects have confessed to being members of kidnapping, armed robbery and car-snatching syndicates. Also, Chinaza Udemezue revealed that his boyfriend escaped the scene with their arms upon sighting the Police.

    “Meanwhile, the suspects are currently undergoing police interrogation aimed at getting more details on their modus operandi and arresting the other suspects that are currently on the run. 

    “The Anambra State Police Command continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the communities in the State.”

  • 300 workers gifted free plots of land in Anambra

    300 workers gifted free plots of land in Anambra

    No fewer than 300 workers have received free plots of land from an Estate Developer, Chief Osim Okemmuo in Anambra State.

    Some others will also receive the same in Asaba Delta State soon.

    The gesture elicited jubilations among the workers as their boss told them it was because of their hard work and dedication.

    Okemmuo, the Ebonyi State-born estate developer,  is the Founder/CEO of AFF Landport Global Estates Ltd (Mega Wealth World).

    The distribution of the lands was done at one of their massive property sites (Awesome City) Mgbakwu, Awka South local government area on Friday.

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    He, therefore, appealed to those in leadership positions and wealthy individuals to think out of the box in creating avenues on how to help the less privileged ones in the society.

    Speaking with reporters, he said, “I learnt that life functions more when you intentionally discipline yourself to be genuine, unselfish and willing to assist the government and humanity by connecting people to ways of success.

    “When I promised that I would be giving lands to all the realtors of our company, people thought it was a scam. It was strange and unbelievable because people poison, kill people for the sake of land. Land should not be a curse but a blessing because everything we eat, produce for use comes from land.”

    “Today, the first batch of realtors numbering above 300 have lands of their own in a choice place near Purity FM Mgbakwu, Awka Anambra State. The second batch will be receiving their land at Delta State or any part of the country of their choice.”

  • Ex-Poly lecturer dies at 95

    Ex-Poly lecturer dies at 95

    A former lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Prince Justin Diegwu Ezenekwe, is dead. He was 95.

    A statement by the family, signed by Chief C.D.C. Ezenekwe, said Pa Ezenekwe passed away on January 4.

    He was born on January 11, 1930, to the family of the first Obunanka (Igwe) of Nanka, J.N. Ezenekwe, in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    His remains will be buried at 9. 00 am at Pa J. D. Ezenekwe’s Compound in Nkwoagu, Nanka on April 23.

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    The late Prince Ezenekwe (Ome Mgbe Oji) retired in 1995 from lecturing but remained a dedicated lay reader of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for the rest of his life.

    A service of songs is scheduled for April 22 at 5 pm at his homestead in the Ezenekwe Estate, near Harmony Hotel, Nkwoagu, Nanka.

    Prince Ezenekwe is survived by relatives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including Chief CDC Ezenekwe, Ezesinachi Nanka and the CEO of Davjol Prints, a prominent media services and printing company based in Lagos.

  • Anambra traders protest closure of Onitsha drug market

    Anambra traders protest closure of Onitsha drug market

    Seek Tinubu’s, Soludo’s intervention

    Traders at the Ogbogwu market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have protested the continued lock up of the market. They alleged that no fewer than five of their members have died, and several others hospitalised since the closure. They, therefore, pleaded with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Chukwuma Soludo to come to their aid. The protest took place at the entrance gate of the market, with placards with various inscriptions The traders linked the death of their colleagues to the just-concluded raid by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) The protesters reminded the President, Soludo, the NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Moji Adeyeye, civil society organisations, and the public that Ogbogwu drug market Onitsha was still under lock as against the report of the enforcement agency that it has been reopened. They alleged that NAFDAC asked them to pay N2 million each for profiling before they would be allowed to open their shops, adding that the agency did not give them a prior notice before the enforcement.

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    In a statement, signed by the National Convener/Secretary of Concerned Genuine Members of Ogbogwu Drugs Market, Mr Ifeanyi Chinedu and Mr Emmanuel Ozoemena, they said: “That we urge the Federal Government to set up a panel to investigate the goods carted away in over 60 trailer loads to ascertain the veracity of the claims of the Director-General of NAFDAC and some of her corrupt officials.

    “That the claims by NAFDAC officials that our various shops were being searched in our presence is another set of lies meant to carpet their heinous crime of barbaric breaking, entering, searching and loathing of someone’s shop in his absence including boutiques and wine shops in the market in this 21st century and democratic world.”

  • Battle for Anambra Government House

    Battle for Anambra Government House

    By Chekwube Nzomiwu

    I agree to a large extent with those who think that Anambra State is not making the expected progress because it is not connected to the central government. Indeed, there is ample evidence to show that operating at the periphery of Nigerian politics has not only denied the State befitting political appointments, but also adequate federal presence and infrastructure. In my opinion, anybody thinking otherwise is either being economical with the truth or wallowing in self-deceit.

    History is important because it enables us to see how decisions of the past account for our present circumstances. When Nigeria gained Independence in 1960, the first indigenous Governor-General, Owelle Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, came from Onitsha, a town located in the area called Anambra State today. Azikiwe also became the first Senate President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966 and later, the first indigenous President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the time of the First Republic in 1963. In that same era, the third Senate President, Nwafor Orizu, came from Nnewi, a town equally located within the area called Anambra State today.

    In the Second Republic, Anambra State produced a Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and  Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Edwin Ume Ezeoke. In the truncated third Republic, it produced another Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Agunwa Anekwe. In the first part of this Fourth Republic, it again produced a Senate President, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo. All these things happened when Anambra played at the centre of power in Nigeria. Even the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo could not have served as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the time he did, if Anambra State operated outside the mainstream.

    Regrettably, the State lost ground politically in Nigeria since March 2006 when Mr. Peter Obi mounted the saddle as the Governor under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Obi became Governor consequent upon the judgment of the Justice Garba Nabaruma led 2003 Anambra State Governorship Election Tribunal, nullifying the election of his predecessor, Dr. Chris Ngige of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). At the time of the judgment, PDP controlled the national government. The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division upheld the judgment of the lower tribunal, which enthroned APGA as the ruling party in Anambra State.

    For the past 19 years, APGA which was formed in June 2002, has not grown beyond Anambra State in spite of the goodwill it enjoys among Ndigbo because of the involvement of former Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, seen in his lifetime as the de facto leader of the Igbos worldwide. After suffering consecutive defeats in presidential elections, Ojukwu later became the Life Leader of APGA and he held this position until his death in November 2011.

    After Ojukwu’s demise, APGA came close to returning to the mainstream when then-Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha wanted to move the party to the centre of power in Nigeria during the formative days of the APC in 2013. Okorocha met resistance from Peter Obi and his Agulu brother, Chief Victor Umeh who was the National Chairman of APGA at that time. Okorocha later joined the APC with only his loyalists in APGA. Obi also left APGA for the PDP when he realised that the party cannot take him beyond Anambra State, before moving to Labour Party to contest the 2023 presidential election, won by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC. Umeh, now a Senator, had since teamed up with his brother, Obi, in Labour Party.

    Regardless of the exit of its founding members, APGA has held onto power in Anambra State amid prolonged leadership crisis, which has kept the party in and out of different courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The party has managed to survive by aligning with the party controlling power at the national level in every election cycle. This has not in any way helped APGA because every ruling party sees it as a fair weather friend.

    The retarded growth of APGA is seen as a cog in the wheel of progress of Anambra State. States like Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia have become more relevant than Anambra in national political affairs. Currently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is from Abia, while Ebonyi and Enugu produced senior Ministers in the APC led federal government. Despite the much hyped closeness of the Soludo government in Awka to the Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) presidency, Anambra got an inconsequential position of junior Minister in the federal cabinet.

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    In terms of federal presence, Anambra State is lagging behind. Ebonyi State has two federal universities, a federal polytechnic, a federal college of agriculture and teaching hospital. Anambra State has only one federal university, one federal polytechnic and a teaching hospital.

    Today, the Tinubu government is building a pilot methanol plant worth N40 billion in Akpugo, Enugu State. The plant is the first of its kind in West Africa. Once completed, it is expected to address substantially Nigeria and Africa’s industrial needs. Don’t forget that Enugu also hosts the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a federal polytechnic, a federal school of social works, school of statistics and a teaching hospital, to mention but a few.

    Hence, as a well-meaning indigene of Anambra State, I support the idea that the November 8 Governorship Election offers an opportunity to reconnect our State to the centre. In football, it is the dream of every team to play in the premier league. So also in politics. Anambra State has lost a lot by playing in the lower division in Nigerian politics. Besides, we have been a lone ranger for too long. If we are the “The Light of the Nation,” it makes sense that the light should shine at a central point, where it can illuminate the entire nation.

    Luckily, APC, the ruling party in Nigeria has an array of aspirants for the Agu Awka Government House. Worthy of note among them is billionaire businessman, estate mogul and former federal lawmaker, Hon. Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, popularly known as “Ikuku Oma” (fresh air). While I respect the other APC aspirants, they are no match for Ukachukwu in terms of pedigree, capacity, competence, experience and resourcefulness. He is a grassroots politician and mobiliser.

    At 59, age is still on his side. He has requisite experience in public service, being a former Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and a former member of the House of Representatives. He possesses the sagacity, courage, boldness and never-say-die spirit, as well as the street credibility to deliver Anambra to APC, if he gets the ticket.

    The ruling party has nothing to fear if it presents Ikuku oma because he has the financial war chest, valuable contacts and networks required to prosecute the governorship election, having crisscrossed the three major political parties in Anambra State-PDP, APGA and now APC- in the course of his eventful political career.

    Besides, Prince Ukachukwu has established and sustained friendships, regardless of political affiliation, and across ethnic and religious divides. As a good and devoted Christian, he is known for his public spiritedness, philanthropy and services to humanity, including award of educational scholarships, execution of health projects, and sponsorship of skills acquisition and other empowerment programmes.

    For now, the ball is in APC’s court. If the party does the needful by presenting Ukachukwu, I strongly believe that the Anambra electorate would prefer to return to the centre, rather than remain in serious deprivation under APGA’s rule.

    •Dr. Nzomiwu, a media and communications from Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

  • Lawyer urges Anambra govt to charge or release detainees

    Lawyer urges Anambra govt to charge or release detainees

    A lawyer, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has urged the Anambra State government to either charge or release those arrested and detained by its agents.

    He said if the detainees are not under investigation but undergoing rehabilitation, the state government has an obligation to inform the public.

    “If no incriminating evidence has been found against them, they must be released immediately and unconditionally,” Ejiofor said in a statement.

    The lawyer said March 15 made it five weeks since many citizens of Anambra “were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government”.

    The statement reads in part: “As a human rights activist, I am compelled by conscience to speak out whenever the rule of law is trampled upon.

    “It is my unwavering duty to hold those in power accountable and demand adherence to due process in governance.

    “Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offence or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights.

    “More disturbing is the fact that these individuals were not placed under the custody of the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or even the military for investigation.

    “Instead, they have remained unlawfully detained without any formal explanation from the state government.

    “Regrettably, some misguided individuals are applauding this clear infraction of the law.

    “For five weeks, the Anambra State Government has failed to provide any official briefing or statement to the public on the status of these detainees. This lack of transparency is unacceptable.

    “We are often quick to criticise the Federal Government or its agencies for abuse of power, including enforced disappearances and illegal detentions. Yet, here we are, witnessing similar acts at the state level.

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    “Security is a collective responsibility. I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity by providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

    “It is on record that I was among the fearless voices that condemned the heinous activities of criminals masquerading as agitators when they were wreaking havoc and unleashing terror on our people.

    “At the height of these atrocities, I publicly urged Governor Soludo to deploy all legal means to decisively tackle these elements. I emphasised that they were not genuine agitators but criminals who should be treated as such.

    “At that time, many who now attack those speaking the truth were too weak and afraid to voice their opinions.

    “I, on the other hand, put my life, my family, and my staff at risk by standing against these criminals.

    “I am fully aware that intelligence reports indicated several plots to eliminate me, yet I remained steadfast, trusting in God’s protection.

    “That being said, I want to make my position crystal clear: I, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, will never support anyone proven to be aiding or abetting criminal activities in our land.

    “If there is verifiable evidence implicating or linking any individual to the commission of any crime, the law must take its course.

    “I have previously commended the Anambra State Government’s Agnechemba security outfit for its efforts in restoring order.

    “The security outfit has done well, in restoring some level of security in the state, and the Soludo administration deserves credit for its achievements.

    “However, I have always stressed the need for professionalism and adherence to rules of engagement by security agents, to minimise casualties and avoid unnecessary errors.

    “For those misconstruing my stance, let me make it clear – I am not attacking the state government.

    “I have consistently spoken out against infractions by the Federal Government and its agencies, and I will not hesitate to do the same when our own state government errs.”

    Ejiofor stressed that political affiliations or fear of the unknown should not prevent the people from speaking truth to power.

    He added: “I admire Governor Soludo’s vision and commend his efforts, but respect for the rule of law must remain non-negotiable.

    “Anambra is a civilised state, and we must lead by example. When citizens are arrested for any alleged offence, they must be handed over to the appropriate security agencies, investigated, and, if necessary, charged to court within the legally stipulated timeframe, when prima facie case is established.

    “If, however, these detainees are not under investigation but undergoing rehabilitation, the state government has an obligation to inform the public.

    “If no incriminating evidence has been found against them, they must be released immediately and unconditionally.

    “We must collectively support and promote policies that enhance the well-being of our people while ensuring that governance remains anchored on justice, fairness, and the rule of law.”

  • CP vows to make Anambra hot for hoodlums

    CP vows to make Anambra hot for hoodlums

    Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has warned hoodlums to stay clear of any policeman or resident or be dealt with.

    He gave the warning when management of an online platform, The Razor Management, paid him a courtesy visit.

    “Every time what we hear in Anambra is killings, kidnappings and all sorts of crimes being fueled by people we don’t know. Such a thing can not continue under my watch.

    “This is a state that has produced such great names like Zik of Africa, Ikemba Ojukwu, the famous writers Achebe, Adichie, Anyaoku,” Orutugu said.

    He, however, said Anambra had achieved a feat, with no gun shot or killing since one month.

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    Orutugu attributed this success to God’s grace and with the combined efforts of the sister security agencies and indeed, the cooperation of individuals in the state.

    He emphasised the importance of solving problems as they arose, rather than relying on fixed strategies.

    On the sit-at-home on Mondays, Orutugu said a celebration of emerging peace was almost here as the campaign against it had reached the people and even those behind it.

    He warned the hoodlums still harbouring evil intentions, saying police would resist such attempts, saying,’ Enough is Enough’.