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Tag: Anambra

  • Anambra to privatise Kaolin Factory

    Anambra to privatise Kaolin Factory

    The Commissioner for Information in Anambra, Dr Law Mefor, says the state government will soon privatise its Kaolin Factory for commercial production.

    Mefor told journalists that the decision was taken at the 8th Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) held its new Government House, Awka on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kaolin is used in ceramics, medicine, coated paper, as food additive and used in the manufacture of toothpaste.

    Read Also: One arrested, officer shot as Police raid black spots in Anambra 

    It is also used as a light diffusing material in white incandescent light bulbs and cosmetics. Until recently, it was the active substance used in the manufacture of anti-diarrhoea medicine.

    He said that the government decision was based on the reviewed reports of the Kaolin factory status by the state council.

    Mefor disclosed that the reviewed report showed that all efforts put into the factory had yielded rich result and noted that its privatisation was assured on completion to ensure profitable operations.

    He also said that plans were in place for the inauguration of  Anambra Country Club, which was a component of the recently commissioned Solution Fun City during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state.

    The commissioner also said that the Council also took a far reaching decisions that would promote welfare, unity, security and prosperity for Anambra residents and humanity.

    (NAN)

  • One arrested, officer shot as Police raid black spots in Anambra 

    One arrested, officer shot as Police raid black spots in Anambra 

    A 25-year old man, Nasiru Samaila has been arrested by operatives of Anambra Police Command during raid and discreet operations on some identified black spots in Awka and its environs.

    Anambra police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who stated this on Tuesday, said the raid was aimed at ensuring a crime-free Imoka festival.

    He said the operatives also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka. 

    Read Also: Abure’s faction excited by INEC’s recognition of Moghalu as Anambra LP candidate

    According to him, the suspect, in a bid to escape started shooting indiscriminatelynbut was subdued by the Police team who fired him on his right leg. 

    He however said one of the police operatives, sustained a gunshot injury and had been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment. 

    Ikenga reassured the Command’s commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring public safety.

    He said: “Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Awka sector in the late evening of the 19th of May, 2025 arrested one Nasiru Samaila ‘M’ aged 25 years. 

    “They have also recovered one locally made Beretta pistol, one live ammunition, one knife, a large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs, in Awka. 

    “The suspect in a bid to escape started shooting indiscriminately, but was subdued by the Police team that fired him on his right leg. 

    “Unfortunately, one of the police operatives sustained a gunshot injury and has been taken to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.”

  • Police foil kidnap attempt, recover victims vehicle in Anambra 

    Police foil kidnap attempt, recover victims vehicle in Anambra 

    The Police Command in Anambra have foiled a kidnap attempt and recovered the victims vehicle.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in a statement in Awka on Sunday.

    Ikenga said that the feat was achieved by the command’s operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Squad Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    He added that they foiled the kidnap attempt on May 17 at Isuaniocha, Awka North LGA.

    Read Also: Police, hunters foil kidnappers attempt to collect N14m ransom in Ondo

    He said that kidnapping suspect operated in a black coloured Toyota Corolla and double-crossed the victim at Amatu village, Agulu, Anaocha LGA.

    ”The victims was abducted in his black Lexus 350 SUV before the police were alerted.”

    The operatives in technology-driven manhunt on the criminals made them to abandon the victim and the vehicle on the road at Isuaniocha and fled.

    He said that the victim had been debriefed and in safe custody.

    The police spokesperson said that the operatives are currently working on the information available to dislodge the kidnapping gang.

    “The police have also stepped up security surveillance in the area for possible arrest of the suspects,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • INEC publishes list of 16 parties for Anambra governorship poll

    INEC publishes list of 16 parties for Anambra governorship poll

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that 16 of the 19 registered political parties in the country beat the May 12 deadline to upload names of their candidates for the November governorship election on its portal. 

    National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement said the list of the candidates and their running mates has been published at the State headquarters of the commission and the 21 local government areas. 

    He asked Nigerians to scrutinise the list as published and make necessary observation in accordance with the provisions of electoral act. 

    The statement reads: “Following the conclusion of party primaries, sixteen (16) Political Parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Anambra State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 12th May 2025 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down. 

    “As provided in Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 4 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election, the  Commission has published the personal particulars of each  candidate and his running mate by displaying copies of the Form EC9, along with all the accompanying academic credentials and other documents submitted by them, at our State Headquaters and the 21 Local Government offices across Anambra State.

    Read Also: Senate confirms five INEC RECs

    “We appeal to Nigerians to scrutinise the documents. Any aspirant who participated in his/her party primaries with reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided by a candidate is false can challenge the nomination in a Federal High Court as provided in Section 29(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    “The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025 which is at least 150 days before the day of the election in line with the provision of Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and listed as item 7 on our Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election.

    “The Anambra State Governorship Election is scheduled to hold on Saturday 8th November 2025.”

    The Nation learnt that those outside the state who wish to be part the process may have to either travel to the state capital or any of the 21 local government headquarters. 

    It is not yet clear which political parties failed to beat the deadline. 

  • Three die, vehicle razed as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra 

    Three die, vehicle razed as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra 

    Three persons died on Thursday night during gunmen attack at security checkpoint in Isuofia, Aguata Local government area of Anambra state.

    The deceased, two hoodlums and a security operative, were killed during gunfire between security operatives and the hoodlums in the area.

    Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits. 

    He added that the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles and fled the scene. 

    He said: “One of the Anambra Joint Security Team in the late evening of 15th May 2025 resisted an attack by armed criminals at the Security checkpoint in Isuofia. Two of the armed hoodlums were neutralized in the process. 

    “Regrettably, one of the security operatives was fatally wounded, while one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits. 

    “During the ensuing gun battle and due to the superior fire of the Joint security team, the criminals abandoned one of their operational vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and fled the scene. 

    Read Also: Gunmen on rampage, kill 10, injure many in Plateau, Anambra attacks

    “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has condemned the act and viewed it as a test of Ndi Anambra’s collective resolve to work with the security forces to dislodge and eliminate criminal elements in the State. 

    “He assured that the Command will apprehend the perpetrators behind this unpatriotic act.

    “Meanwhile, calm has returned to the area and security reinforced with more armed operatives currently combing nearby bushes for possible arrest of the fleeing miscreants.

    “Further developments shall be communicated accordingly.”

  • Gunmen on rampage, kill 10, injure many in Plateau, Anambra attacks

    Gunmen on rampage, kill 10, injure many in Plateau, Anambra attacks

    No fewer than eight persons have been killed, and others wounded at Wereng  Camp community of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by gunmen.

    The gunmen stormed the community late Wednesday night and shot sporadically.

    Sources said most of those killed were children and aged persons.

    A source in the Plateau community described the attacks as unprovoked, lamenting that several food items were carted away by the gunmen.

    Efforts to reach security operatives for confirmation was abortive

    Recall that several communities had been attacked by armed men in  Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos  and Riyom local government areas of the state in the past few months.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    Worried about this sad development,Governor Caleb Mutfwang had called on the Federal Government to intervene.

    In Anambra State, two persons were killed by suspected gunmen.

    A victim was in a red saloon car, while the second victim was trying to escape when they were killed.

    The incident happened at 10.45am between Agulu and Nanka boundary  in Anaocha Local Government Area.

    When the state Police spokesman in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, was called for confirmation, he did not pick his phone, but a senior Police officer confirmed the incident.

  • JUST IN: Suspected gunmen kill two in Anambra

    JUST IN: Suspected gunmen kill two in Anambra

    Two persons were reportedly killed by suspected gunmen on Thursday morning along the Agulu-Nanka boundary in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The attack, which occurred around 10:45 a.m., has sparked tension between the two neighbouring communities.

    Eyewitnesses said the assailants fled the scene on a motorcycle after carrying out the deadly act. 

    The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

    A resident who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity claimed that the victims were members of local security outfits allegedly set up by Governor Chukwuma Soludo for electoral purposes.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill six in fresh Plateau attack

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, did not respond to calls. However, a senior police officer confirmed the incident.

    “Our new Commissioner of Police is a trained combatant and has already deployed men to go after the perpetrators,” the officer said. “We don’t have full details yet, but the command will issue a statement soon. The situation is under control and we are on the trail of the assailants.”

    According to reports, one of the victims was shot inside a red saloon car, while the other was killed as he tried to flee the scene.

  • Female kidnap suspect, three others nabbed in Anambra community

    Female kidnap suspect, three others nabbed in Anambra community

    The Police in Anambra State have arrested four suspects, including a woman during a raid on criminal hideout in Uke, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

     Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this yesterday said the suspects confessed to 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 computer, 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.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Anambra CP warns criminals

     “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.

     “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 and 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 (mode of operation) 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.”

  • Fire guts three-storey building in Onitsha

    Fire guts three-storey building in Onitsha

    • Lawmaker donates N200,000 to victim

    Property worth millions of naira was destroyed in a fire disaster at No 14 Uga Street by Sheba, Fegge Onitsha, Anambra State.

    The incident which occurred on Thursday,  destroyed industrial sewing machines and portions of the building.

    Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims, Mr Jude who was using the topmost floor of the building for a mini industrial sewing factory, attributed the fire to electricity surge.

    “The fire started around 2:30 am as a result of an electricity surge which was epileptic throughout Wednesday night. It was a terrible loss.

    “The fire destroyed everything including seven industrial sewing machines which cost about N1.5 million each, six sewing machines and unquantified cloth materials that run into millions of naira,” he said.

    The Landlord, Aaron Ezeobi lamented that he had been warning his tenant to discontinue using his residential building for business and workshop.

    “I had previously served him with a quit notice which was due to expire by next month before the inferno. I’m pained because of the prevalent high cost of building materials,” he said.

    Meanwhile, House of Representatives Member for Onitsha North & South Constituency, Engr Emeka Idu has sympathized with victims of the fire disaster.

    Read Also: JUST IN: NAFDAC reopens Onitsha drug market, mandates undertaking for shop owners

    Consoling both the Landlord of the building and the tenant, Idu encouraged them not to take their loss to heart to avoid a health crisis.

    He prayed to God to grant them speedy recovery from the loss.

    The lawmaker transferred the sum of N200,000 to Mr Jude, saying he would find out the costs of the industrial sewing machines to enable him to offer further assistance.

    Idu also asked the landlord to inform him as soon as the re-roofing of the burnt building commences to make his own financial contribution.

    “Please hold yourself, do not think too much about your loss to avoid high blood pressure which can lead to stroke.

    “The N200,000 is to hold yourself for now pending when you are ready to replace the sewing machines let us see how we can further assist you,” he assured.

  • Insecurity: Anambra CP warns criminals

    Insecurity: Anambra CP warns criminals

    News Central’s Town Hall meeting in Anambra State, brought key stakeholders, security operatives, traditional rulers, and community leaders to address the escalating insecurity in the Southeast region.

    The forum, held in Awka, focused on collaborative solutions to the challenges of kidnapping, violent crime, and law enforcement accountability that have plagued the region in recent years.

    Notable guests at the town hall emphasized the welfare and security of Anambra’s residents with calls for mechanisms to ensure police accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.

    Read Also:Anambra CP to community leaders: assist us unmask killers of expectant woman

    Speakers urged the government to implement effective monitoring systems, including tracking devices and situation rooms, to prevent unprofessional conduct and extortion by security operatives.

    In addressing complaints by members of the public, Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, underscored the importance of community partnership in restoring peace. The Commissioner also stated his displeasure in the actions of IPOB and other groups and promised to nip insecurity in the bud.

    The Police Command cited the success of recent collaborations with local industrialists and traditional rulers, which have provided critical resources and intelligence for ongoing security operations.