The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Tension as community engages in war over burial of ex-NEC chairman Nwosu

    Tension as community engages in war over burial of ex-NEC chairman Nwosu

    Tension has gripped Ajalli, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State over a dispute surrounding the burial of former National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

    The Nation reliably gathered that a Federal Government delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, will attend the burial, scheduled for March 28, with funeral activities commencing on March 25.

    Amid the crisis, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has intervened to restore peace among warring factions in the community. 

    On Tuesday, both parties met at the police headquarters in Amawbia, but the talks ended in a deadlock.

    The conflict reportedly stems from a community leader’s insistence on overseeing the burial, which is being opposed by Nwosu’s immediate family. 

    The family insists that the late professor had left clear instructions that the said leader should not be involved in any of their affairs, including his burial.

    Read Also: Nwosu advocates entrepreneurship, education as pillars of sustainable development

    Sources reveal that 15 out of 17 villages in Ajalli back the Nwosu family, while only two support the community leader.

    Fearing possible violence, the police have intensified security in the area. 

    A youth leader in the community warned that any attempt to impose the controversial leader on the burial proceedings could lead to bloodshed, urging security operatives to prevent any disruptions.

  • Seven suspect-killers of Anambra lawmaker feared dead in custody

    Seven suspect-killers of Anambra lawmaker feared dead in custody

    Police debunk claims

    Seven of the alleged 11 suspects involved in the killing of Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, are feared dead in police custody. It was gathered yesterday that they died as a result of tetanus caused by the gunshot wounds.

    Before their arrest, the suspects had engaged the security operatives in a gun battle and were seriously injured.

    Though the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga had debunked the claims, he confirmed that some of the suspects sustained various injuries.

    Read Also: Nigeria hosts first ITU summit as FG pledges $2bn for digital infrastructure

    A senior Police Officer, who did not want to be quoted, insisted: “They have travelled (died). That’s all I can tell you. We suspected that they died of tetanus caused by bullet wound injuries, Seven of them.”

    However, Ikenga said: “Please ignore such information. Though some of them sustained gunshot injuries before their arrest, notwithstanding.

    “Assuming you were there in both the first and second parades of the suspects involved, you would have seen them.’’

  • New Anambra CP vows to re-arrest lawmaker’s killers

    New Anambra CP vows to re-arrest lawmaker’s killers

    The new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, says his predecessor, Obono Itam, was the person in charge of the state when the killers of Anambra State lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, escaped.

    The escape of the two suspects from the command has elicited public outcry and alleged incompetence of some security personnel in the state.

    But while briefing reporters yesterday at the state police headquarters in Amawbia, the new CP assured that the two suspects would be re-arrested.

    He listed other achievements of the command since he took over in making sure Anambra was rescued from the clutches of hoodlums as arrest of armed robbers, rescue of kidnap victims and recovery of arms and ammunition among others

    The Anambra State lawmaker, who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, was kidnapped on the eve of Christmas last year on his way to his house.

    Read Also: Abacha plotted to overthrow me, kill Abiola -IBB

    His dead and decomposing body was found on February 6, 2025 by a special squad sent from Abuja, where it was dumped by his assailants.

    Orutugu said: “The purpose of this briefing is to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

    “Additionally, I will highlight some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review.

    “It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February, 2025.

    “However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.

    “Recognising the gravity of this development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.

  • Anambra security seals Okija shrine over Oke Ite, Yahoo Plus

    Anambra security seals Okija shrine over Oke Ite, Yahoo Plus

    Anambra State government has sealed one of the dreaded shrines in Okija, Ihiala Local Government.

    According to the government, it’s part of the fight against crimes as enshrined in the new Anambra Homeland Laws.

    The Okija shrine in Umuofor village was sealed,  following complaints by the people that it was engaged in Oke Ite and yahoo activities

    The shrine, was allegedly owned and used by a native doctor, Ekene Igboegbueze.

    Read Also: Rumbling in PDP deepens

    The Special Adviser to the governor on Special Duties, Prince Ken Emeakai, said nothing would deter him from sanitising the state

    “The government sealed the place due to complaints it received from the people of Okija.”

    He explained that Igboegbueze’s business was illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws.

    He also said properties acquired with the proceeds of the illegal business had been sealed.

     “All the items seen in the shrine will undergo forensic test and the outcome will determine what government will do with him,” he added.

  • Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

    Security operatives kill 100 gunmen in Anambra-Police

    Anambra outgoing Commissioner of Police Obono Itam said the Joint Security Forces has killed no fewer than 100 gunmen in the state and many buildings demolished

    He said the security operatives did it in partnership with the recently launched Operation ‘Udo Ga Achi’

    He also paraded about nine other hoodlums terrorising the state arrested by the security outfits 

    According to Itam: “Our interaction today is to highlight some of the notable breakthroughs recorded by the Anambra State Police Command on major incidents in the State within the period under review.

    “We have neutralised more than one hundred (100) notorious criminals and successfully destroyed many criminal camps in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, Ogbaru and many other places in the State.

    “The Command Operatives have also successfully arrested one kidnap suspect in Uruagu, Nnewi and neutralised some of his gang members that were involved in the attack of Police personnel attached to the Rapid Response Squad after a successful arrest on 3rd October 2024.”

    He said all the people involved in the killing of the Anambra lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka, who was kidnapped on December 24 and whose decomposing body was found on February 6 have been apprehended

     “Many of you are aware of the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka, the Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly who was abducted on 24th December 2024 in Onitsha.

    Read Also: Nigeria must build a resilient economy to overcome poverty — Makinde

    “This serious incident motivated the Command to go the extra mile in intelligence gathering and discreet investigation.

    “In the early hours of 6th February 2025 at the second niger bridge, the Joint Security team comprising of the Police and AVG Operatives on a mission to rescue the abducted Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North, Hon Azuka, his lifeless body was regrettably found at the scene. (May his soul rest in perfect peace).

    “Given the above on the same day, the Command Operatives in a joint operation with Anambra State Vigilante Operatives acting on intelligent-led information arrested nine suspects actively involved in this unfortunate incident and recovered two pump action guns.

    “One of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury in his leg during a gun duel with the Police operatives.

    “The arrested suspects include: Ugochukwu Onuorah aged 30 years, Ikemefuna Ossai aged 20 years, Ikenna Orugu aged 27 years, Chibuike Obiefuna aged 19 years, Chinonso Olisa aged 19 years years, Chinedu Okoli aged 21 years, David Ojini aged 25 years.

    “The most notorious of them was one Peter Sunday aged 20 years with a big tattoo inscription of on his chest, which read ‘No peace 4 d Government.”

    The CP commended the Inspector general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and overall support, while appreciating Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo for his support.

  • Many feared dead in security operatives raid of kidnappers’ den in Anambra

    Many feared dead in security operatives raid of kidnappers’ den in Anambra

    Arms, ammunition recovered

    Many gunmen were feared dead yesterday in Anambra State after members of Agunechemba, the security outfit, stormed the base of gunmen and kidnappers.

    Some of the hoodlums fled with injuries, while guns and other items have been recovered.

    The operation took place at Enugu-Agidi in Njikoka Local Government area about 1 am.

    The “Udo Ga Achi and Agunechemba” operatives invaded the area with other security outfits like the Police, Directorate of State Security (DSS),military, among others.

    Read Also: Nigerian women key to Africa’s projected $29tn economy by 2050 – Shettima

    The items recovered included two AK- 47 rifles, eight Pump Action guns, four local pistols, three packets of cartridges(101 cartridges), four empty magazines of AK-47 rifles, three cutlasses, one Baofeng Radio, one motorcycle and charms.

    A senior Police officer confirmed the development.

    Also, a security man on the team said the hoodlums opened fire on them immediately when they arrived at their den without knowing that there was fire on the mountain.

  • Insecurity: Ozigbo sues for peace in Anambra

    Insecurity: Ozigbo sues for peace in Anambra

    Respected elder statesman and  immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp,  Valentine Chineto Ozigbo, who is also a highly respected political leader in Anambra, has issued a clarion call for unity and decisive action to combat the rising insecurity plaguing the state.

    Ozigbo made this call recently while addressing concerns over the state of affairs in Anambra state. “Umunne m, Ndi Anambra, it is time for us to stand united and address the insecurity that has devastated our homeland, making it a thing of the past,” he said.

    The seasoned leader did not mince words, emphasising that the current security situation transcends political boundaries. “This is not about politics—it is about survival,” Ozigbo stressed.

    In a stark assessment of the current crisis, Ozigbo outlined five critical steps to restore peace, calling for the convening of a state-wide security summit to develop sustainable solutions, demanding greater accountability from security agencies, implementing comprehensive youth empowerment programmes, strengthening local security structures and establishing a “See Something; Say Something” intelligence regime, among others.

    Read Also: PDP NWC members clash over Damagum’s counsel appointment

    Drawing on traditional wisdom, Ozigbo quoted a profound Igbo proverb that encapsulates the need for peaceful coexistence: “Nwa mmụọ anaghī agba nwa mmadu; nwa mmadu anaghī agba nwa mmụọ” (Let neither the spiritual nor the human destroy one another).

    Addressing the youth directly, Ozigbo acknowledged their economic challenges while firmly condemning destructive actions. “I acknowledge the economic challenges you face,” he said, “but destroying your own communities or life you haven’t created is not the solution.”

    The statement comes at a critical time when both state and non-state actors have reportedly transformed the state into a volatile battleground. Ozigbo’s call is more than a political statement—it’s a passionate plea for collective action and preservation of community.

    “No more delays. No more empty promises,” Ozigbo declared emphatically. “The time for decisive action is now.” Concluding with a prayer for protection, Ozigbo invoked divine intervention: “May God protect Ndi Anambra.”

  • Airline boss decries rising insecurity in Anambra

    Airline boss decries rising insecurity in Anambra

    The Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has raised the alarm over the rising insecurity in Anambra State.

    He said kidnapping and killings have become common incidents across the state, and that it is only by divine intervention they have not become daily occurrences.

    Okonkwo, who said the situation had become so terrible that priests and reverend sisters were being kidnapped or killed, berated the state government for seeming inaction in addressing the matter.

    He said: “These things happen without the state government finding a lasting solution. A prominent reverend father in the state recounted his encounter with the state’s security and government officials when his fellow priest was kidnapped. The state’s security and government officials told him there was nothing they could do.

    Read Also: FG approves N50b for provision of water in FCT Area Councils – Wike

    “The atrocities that occur in the state daily are unimaginable. The killings happening in Anambra under his watch have never been witnessed before. Even clerics are not spared. They are shot at and killed on the streets and nothing happens. Recently, two reverend sisters going about their businesses were kidnapped. An Archbishop of the Anglican Communion was kidnapped and was in the dungeon for more than a month.” The businessman said there was no indication that the state government was planning to intervene in the worsening situation.

    He expressed doubts about the capability of the state security outfit, “Operation Udo Ga Achi,” established by Governor Charles Soludo, to rise to the occasion.

    “I have read reports on the governor’s effort and I welcome any effort that is genuine and sincere towards arresting the situation in Anambra and I will support that anytime. I heard the governor has launched a security operation. Isn’t it amusing? By March, the governor will be three years in office. Before now, he had no plans to manage insecurity. That he is just launching a security operation after three years leaves much to be desired,” he said.

    Okonkwo said last Christmas would have been the appropriate time for Soludo to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.

  • Woman set ablaze by husband dies

    Woman set ablaze by husband dies

    Gunmen kidnap medical doctor

    A Woman in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, who was set ablaze by her husband yesterday, is dead.

    Also, a medical doctor with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), Dr Collins Onuigbo, has been kidnapped.

    The woman, it was gathered, was set ablaze with fuel by her husband after a disagreement.They had five children.

    A source told The Nation that the man had accused his wife of being wayward, an allegation that sparked off an argument between them.

    The source said: “In the morning of Tuesday, after the children left for school, the man called her inside, saying that he wanted them to discuss, without knowing he was planning evil.”

    It was equally gathered that both had not been on good talking terms for a long time, though they live in the same apartment.

    Read Also: We’re committed to making life better for all Nigerians, says First Lady

    The state Police command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident.

    Meanwhile, the kidnapped medical doctor was confirmed to be a neurosurgeon.

    He was kidnapped by gunmen in front of his house in Nnewi Tuesday night, close to the UNIZIK Teaching Hospital.

    However, a source told The Nation that no ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers from the family.

    “The family is already working to pay for the release of the man, and I think they have refused to tell the police about this development.”

     Ikenga confirmed the incident.

  • Five secessionists killed

    Five secessionists killed

    Criminals’ camp razed

    Five suspected secessionists have been killed in Anambra State and their camp burnt by the Joint Security Forces (JSF).

    It’s part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s planned “Operation Udo Ga Achi” to eliminate criminals.

    The incident happened at Ufuma, Orumba North Local Government Area on Tuesday. During the operation, the team neutralised  a suspected armed secessionist gang in Umugem road, while others fled with gun shot injuries

    Also, the operatives recovered four undetonated improvised explosive devices (IED), two AK-47 assault rifles, one pump action gun, and one 75-volt battery, among other items

    Read Also: betPawa partners Mr Eazi’s Choplife gaming, eyes dominance in Nigeria

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement in Awka, the state capital.

    He said the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, sought more cooperation from the people to “take back the space” and deny criminal elements the opportunity to cause tension. The governor, on Tuesday, after the Executive Summit in Awka, said Operation Udo Ga Achi would be launched any moment

    Ufuma in Orumba is one of the many communities the secessionist groups had taken over, where they kidnap and kill their victims

    Sokudo said Operation Udo Ga-Achi would involve various strategies to restore peace and order, including the deployment of resources and advanced technology .