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Tag: Anambra

  • Suspected ritualist nabbed over attempt to bury day-old in Anambra

    Suspected ritualist nabbed over attempt to bury day-old in Anambra

    • Wife alleges bruitality

    A middle-aged man suspected to be a ritualist has been arrested for allegedly brutalising his wife and attempting to bury a day-old baby in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government of Anambra State.

    The suspect, Ifeanyi Ezenwankwo, was accused by the wife, Ekwutosi, of serial impregnation of a 16-year old girl and abortion of the babies.

    The victim also accused the suspect of brutalising her for opposing his criminal activities, including refusal to allow him bury the day-old baby born to him by the teenager.

    According to her, problem started when the husband married another woman, resulting in his refusal to contribute to the children’s upkeep and welfare.

    She said: “My husband has several times impregnated a  16-year old girl and aborted the pregnancies. But luck ran out on him in the latest pregnancy.”

    “When I discovered what was happening, I warned that nothing should happen to both the girl and her baby which made him to start hiding the girl.

    Read Also: Suspected ritualist arrested over attempt to bury newborn in Anambra

    “When I came back that faithful day, I noticed an unusual blood stains on the floor. But as soon as I accosted the girl, she denied, attributing it to heavy flow from her period.

    “I refused to believe her as I went further to check her body only to discover that the pregnancy has gone. Instead, I saw a newborn baby wrapped beside our wardrobe.

    “I quickly dressed the baby and took her to the hospital where my child was receiving treatment. But before I left, my husband brutally wounded me, together with my other children.”

    The victim further revealed that the suspect had severally threatened to kill her, citing instance of day she was rescued by community members while being tortured by the husband.

    Confirming the arrest, Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect had been involved in series of crime, including battery, murder and child defilement.

    She said the suspect had been handed over to the police, and would be charged after investigation.

    “When the issue was reported to me, I quickly took action by notifying the police for immediate arrest of the suspect.

    “The case will be charged to Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka,” she added.

  • Suspected ritualist arrested over attempt to bury newborn in Anambra

    Suspected ritualist arrested over attempt to bury newborn in Anambra

    A middle-aged man suspected to be a ritualist was apprehended for allegedly assaulting his wife and attempting to bury a newborn in Nanka, located in the Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra state.

    The victim also reported being subjected to violence by the suspect for opposing his criminal acts, which included resisting the burial of a newborn fathered by him with the teenager.

    She mentioned that the issues escalated when her husband married another woman, leading to his neglect of financial responsibilities and care for their children.

    She said: “My husband has severely impregnated one 16-year-old girl and aborted the pregnancy. But luck ran out of him in the latest pregnancy.

    “When I discovered what was happening, I warned him that nothing should happen to either the girl or her baby which made him start hiding the girl.

    “When I came back that faithful day, I noticed an unusual blood stain on the floor. But as soon as I accosted the girl, she denied it, attributing it to heavy flow from her period.

    “I refused to believe her as I went further to check her body only to discover that the pregnancy had gone. Instead, I saw a newborn baby wrapped beside our wardrobe.

    “I quickly dressed the baby and took her to the hospital where my child was receiving treatment. But before I left, my husband brutally wounded me, together with my other children.”

    Read Also: Property destroyed as fire razes five-bedroom duplex in Anambra

    The victim further revealed that the suspect had severely threatened to kill her, citing an instance of the day she was rescued by community members while being tortured by her husband.

    Confirming the arrest, the commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect had been involved in a series of crimes, including battery, murder, and child defilement.

    She said the suspect had been handed over to the police and would be charged after investigation.

    Obinabo said: “When the issue was reported to me, I quickly took action by notifying the police for immediate arrest of the suspect.

    “The case will be charged to Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka.”

  • Property destroyed as fire razes five-bedroom duplex in Anambra

    Property destroyed as fire razes five-bedroom duplex in Anambra

    Fire gutted a five-bedroom duplex on Wednesday night in Agu-Aba layout, off Mopol Base, Agu Awka in Anambra State.

    A room in the residential building was said to have been completely burnt with property worth millions lost to the inferno.

    The Nation gathered that no life was lost  in the incident which was caused by power surge.

    Confirming the report, Fire Chief, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili attributed the cause of the fire to power surge, adding that no casualty nor loss of life was recorded in the incident.

    He said his men who arrived the scene of incident following distress call controlled the fire from spreading to other rooms and buildings in the area.

    Read Also: NAF jets strike suspected IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo 

    According to him: “At about 1956hrs (7.56pm) of Wednesday 27-09-2023, Anambra State Fire Service, received a distress call of Fire outbreak in a residential home at No. 10 Uche Mmaduabuchi Agu-Aba layout off Mopol Base, Agu Awka.

    “Immediately, our fire truck and diligent firefighters were deployed to the scene of fire for its extinguishment. The fire was fought, controlled and extinguished. 

    “The cause of the fire was Power Surge and there was no record of any casualty or lost of life.

    “A room in a five-bedroom duplex were completely burnt, but we were able to control the fire from spreading to the other rooms and saved the building and other nearby buildings.

    “We withdrew from the fire scene back to our fire station at about 2157hrs (9.57pm).”

  • NAF jets strike suspected IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo 

    NAF jets strike suspected IPOB/ESN hideouts in Anambra, Imo 

    Some hideouts of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network(ESN)  have been destroyed in Anambra and Imo states by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    NAF said yesterday that the raids were carried out by the air component of Operation UDO KA II, a military operation against criminals in the Southeast on Tuesday. 

    Spokesperson for NAF    Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said in a statement that the strikes were on IPOB/ESN  hideouts in  Anambra and Imo states.

    Gabkwet did give human casualties. But he hinted that some weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

    His statement reads: “Acting on credible intelligence that IPOB/ESN terrorists had perfected plans to disrupt civic activities lined up in the coming days in Anambra State and other States in Southeast Nigeria from their concealed bunkers/hideouts at Mother Valley Orsumughu, air strikes were authorised in conjunction with ground troops and other security agencies on the location believed to also house some of their weapons and ammunitions.

    “The strikes hit the target and were deemed successful following the ball of fire, fleeing terrorists at the location as well as feedback received.”

    He said similar airstrikes, in close coordination with ground troops, were conducted the same day  at IPOB/ESN hideouts in Aku Ihube In Imo State “after a detailed analysis of intelligence on the terrorists converging for a likely rendezvous at their hideout.”

    “Consequently, air strikes were authorised to strike the hideout. The targets were acquired and attacked in succession, with a high degree of success,” Gabkwet said.

    Read Also: Kwankwaso will remain presidential elections serial loser, says Ganduje

    According to him, the military and other security agencies would continue with their efforts to ensure that all Nigerians, irrespective of where they reside, are safe and free to conduct their activities without fear of any threat.

    “While the determination of the security agencies is unwavering, the support of all Nigerians to the security agencies remains critical to defeating these criminal elements whose only intent is to sow fear and division among the citizenry,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Police in Anambra State have allegedly raided the office of pro-Biafra agitators along Awkuzu-Otuocha Road in Ifitedunu,   Dunukofia Local Government Area.

    Chris Mocha, senior special assistant to the leader of the Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (BM-MASSOB),  Ralph Uwazuruike, alleged in a statement yesterday that the police arrested an 87-year-old agitator ,  Sylvester Dinyelu and two others—  Beka Udemefuna and  Amauche Ode, during the raid.

    Before leaving, the operatives took away enlarged photographs of the late Biafra warlord,  Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Uwazuruike and 16  plastic chairs.

    Mocha said:  “The members of BIM-MASSOB were seated in the office at Ifitedunu when the heavily armed policemen numbering over five arrived at the office in the evening and shot sporadically into the air, causing people living around the area to scamper for their safety.

    “The arrested members were handcuffed, Ojukwu and Uwazuruike’s enlargement photographs and  16 plastic chairs were   taken to Awkuzu, Anambra State.”

    Mocha maintained that the arrested BIM-MASSOB members had never constituted a security risk to the state and should therefore be released.

    Contacted by The Nation on the development,  the state police command spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga,  replied with: “Thank you for the information. “

    But a senior Police officer in the state, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the development.

    The officer said the command was not ready to give any such groups a chance to continue terrorising the state. 

  • ‘Over 296,000 under five children without identity rights in Anambra’

    ‘Over 296,000 under five children without identity rights in Anambra’

    United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reassured commitment to an all-inclusive social protection policy that would address vulnerabilities in Anambra State.

    Enugu Chief Field Officer, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, gave the reassurance at a three-day stakeholders’ engagement forum organised by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF.

    Chiluwe, represented by Acting UNICEF Field Officer, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, referenced multiple indicators of 2016 and 2021 mixed survey as captured by the National Planning Commission, expressing concerns about the worrying indicators in the state.

    She said: “From the records, Anambra is the only state in the Southeast where Penta 3 coverage declined within the period in view, while the rest states increased remarkably.

    “Anambra has the highest zero dose cumulative population in the zone, precisely 39,805 children of under two yet to receive first dose of Penta vaccine. 

    Read Also: IPOB condemns military actions in Imo, Anambra communities

    “Access to handwashing facilities in the state is low and still reducing further, went down from 30 per cent in 2016 to 19 per cent in 2021. These are all indicators of poverty. “

    “Again, access to child education in Anambra is below 70 per cent and second lowest in the Southeast. Out of school children is highest in the region with 23 per cent. Only 32 per cent of primary school aged children enter primary 1 in the state.” 

    “The state also has the highest cumulative under 5 population birth registration as many as 296000 plus children of under 5 are yet to have their births registered, Actually the highest in the Southeast. 

    “By implication, these children are being denied of their rights of identity as their birth registrations are not documented.”

    Applauding government’s efforts in improving citizens’ lives, including free antenatal care, employment of health workers and teachers, free education, among others, the UNICEF chief, however, insisted that an all-inclusive social protection policy would reverse the negative indicators.

    “Although the governor requested we make the policy available by December, but with the assurances from Budget and Economic Planning Commissioner, we believe it should be ready by November.

    “What UNICEF has done to ensure the November deadline is achieved is to mobilise all resources within and outside UNICEF, including hiring a renowned international consultant on social protection supporting national process,” she said.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, while declaring the workshop open, said the social protection policy was in line with the 50-year vision plan of Soludo-led administration of improving lives of the poor and vulnerable.

    He expressed confidence in the calibre of manpower and implementing partners involved in the process to deliver on the mandate amid dwindling global economic challenges.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, said the workshop was targeted at engaging relevant stakeholders to technically review earlier drafted social protection policy ahead of its launch in November.

  • IPOB condemns military actions in Imo, Anambra communities

    IPOB condemns military actions in Imo, Anambra communities

    • LP laments killings, urges dialogue to quell bloodbath

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Southeast Chapter of the Labour Party have condemned the reported killings in Imo and Anambra States respectively.

    IPOB, in a statement yesterday by Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, frowned at what he described as reprisal by the military against unarmed civilians and communities anytime gunmen attack, describing the act as not only unprofessional but a display of cowardice and brutality.

    The statement reads; “The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the ongoing attacks by the military on the Ehime Mbano and Orumba communities in Imo and Anambra States respectively in retaliation to the attack and murder of their colleagues within the villages.

    “We condemn the cowardice reprisal attacks by the Nigeria military on innocent Biafrans and demand a stop to military and police hostility against the affected communities.

    Read Also: No casualty at Lagos collapsed 3-storey building — NEMA

    “The act of reprisal from the Nigerian military against unarmed civilians and communities anytime gunmen attack them is not only unprofessional but a display of cowardice and brutality.

    “How can a well-trained and armed military and police not defend themselves against armed criminals but carry out revenge on the traumatized and helpless villagers over their loss?

    “The unprofessional conduct of Nigeria security forces who kill innocent people and burn properties within the communities when they are attacked by unknown gunmen in the Southeast is barbaric.

    “In the Northern region of Nigeria, where terrorists have been butchering Nigeria security forces for over 20 years, the military don’t vent their anger and frustration on the innocent communities. Why then should innocent people of Southeast bear the brunt of the actions of the criminal gangs?”

    The IPOB scribe expressed sadness at the continued military invasion of the communities who are not responsible for the murder of their colleagues.

  • Tension in Anambra community as two monarchs emerge

    Tension in Anambra community as two monarchs emerge

    There’s tension in Nawfia community, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, as two traditional rulers lay claim to the stool.

    The community is the place where the wife of the former Biafra leader, the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu hailed from.

    The two monarchs fighting over the stool are Igwe Daniel Obelle, who was installed in 2022, and Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, who ascended the throne about 20 years ago.

    Nwankwo, was allegedly, dethroned by the former administration of Chief Willie Obiano, alongside 12 others for visiting former President Muhammadu Buhari with the oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze without the consent of the government.

    The certificate was therefore withdrawn from him and since then, it has not been returned, hence, the decision of the community to install Dan Obelle, as its new monarch.

    The present face-off arose when on September 15, Nwankwo celebrated the New Yam Festival, warning that the community should not adhere to any other directive not from him

    But on Friday, Igwe Obelle, successfully, held another celebration of the New Yam Festival l despite Nwankwo’s directive, describing Nwankwo as an impostor, who became a regent when his father was killed.

    Read Also: State Police: Solution in search of a problem

    Addressing reporters Thursday in his palace in Nawfia, in the presence of his cabinet members, Obelle, said, “The reason for this is because of Nwankwo, who has been parading himself as the monarch

    “Every person in the community knows he’s a regent and not Igwe since 2001 and the regency expired after five years.

    “That position was given to him because of the way his father was assassinated.

    “His presence is a big distraction to the community, but we’re handling it. We’ve notified the police, DSS, LG chairman, and government among others. He’s existing in the air.

    “I was duly elected on Feb 26, 2022, and on March 11th, 2022, the government issued a Certificate to me,” Igwe Obelle said.

    He said that no one would challenge his stool, adding that anarchy would never befall Nawfia as some people wanted.

    “I’m on a rescue mission in the community. I’ve been going round the villages to talk peace with everybody and by his grace, we’re succeeding.”

  • One killed, four rescued as security operatives battle kidnappers in Anambra

    One killed, four rescued as security operatives battle kidnappers in Anambra

    Security operatives and suspected kidnappers are on warpath in Onitsha, Anambra State, as the hoodlums have again invaded the commercial city.

    During the shootout, which occurred on Wednesday, four kidnapped victims were rescued, while one of the suspects was killed by the security men.

    The security operatives are members of the Anambra State Vigilance Group (AVG) from the Onitsha metropolis.

    Read Also: Southwest pensioners demand apology from Obasanjo over verbal attack on Obas

    Three of the vehicles of the kidnapped victims were recovered by the AVG, including AK-47 rifle and a pistol.

    The incident, The Nation gathered, took place in locations in the commercial city between 8:30pm and 9pm.

    In a viral video sited by The Nation yesterday, the victims mentioned their names and their communities.

    It was further gathered from the victims that throughout the incident, police operatives were not seen on the roads.

    Although police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga could not be reached, one of the senior police officers, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the incident.

  • Anambra private school owners lament multiple taxation, others

    Anambra private school owners lament multiple taxation, others

    Owners of Private Schools Association of Nigeria (OPSAN) has urged Anambra State Government to review the multiple taxes and levies demanded by its agencies from private school proprietors.

    National President of OPSAN, Prof. Uzochukwu Nwanonyuo, made the call during the week, at the inauguration of the association’s new state executive led by Chief Ernest Iwuamadi.

    Nwanonyuo said private schools should not be perceived as a business venture but an institution that offered social services for God and humanity.

    He urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene and bail the private schools from the challenges of multiple taxation, illegal levies and other unwarranted payments.

    “Our major challenge in the state is the exorbitant taxes and levies. We call on the state government to address the matter urgently.

    “Another challenge is the encroachment and harassment by a group called ‘Anambra State Joint Enforcement Unit’. Their activities have been affecting quality education in the state.

    “Government needs to make the regulatory unit understand that schools are not similar to commercial environment. It requires decorum.

    Read Also: We were promised N.3m each after delivery, Anambra baby factory victims confess

    “Proprietors are not running profit-oriented businesses, rather, we are doing social services for God and humanity. We are helping government address the decadence in educational system,” he said.

    In his remarks, Iwuamadi, the new state president of OPSAN, decried the marginalisation of private schools, saying that government has exempted public schools and mission schools from multiple levies and taxes.

    He said the government demanded levies for business premises, signage for billboard, signboard, school van and others.

    According to him, there should be harmonisation of school levies and taxes into one main tax payment for private schools.

    “The government favours public schools when offering assistance or making appointments, forgetting that every government-approved school is co-owned by government.

    “For instance, government does not post successful Common Entrance students to private secondary schools, ” he said.

    Iwuamadi hailed the past executive and promised to prioritise the objectives of the association as well as carry members along in their operations.

  • ‘We were promised N.3m each after delivery’

    ‘We were promised N.3m each after delivery’

    Three girls have been rescued from a baby factory and child trafficking syndicate in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The feat followed a three-month investigation conducted by operatives of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) led by Chairman of the Council Area, Prince Neville Uchendu.

    The rescued victims included Thabita Okoli (14) from Arondizuogu, Imo State; ThankGod Blessing (20) from Bayelsa State and Chineye Mathew (19) from Ihite, Orumba South Local Government Area.

    The syndicate, Oruchukwu Okoroafor, a indigene of Arondizogu, had since been handed over to the police for further investigation after which he would be charged.

    Okorafor, during investigation, confessed he had been in the business for two years, adding that the victims, who were pregnant, were first set for the business for the year.

    He also disclosed the prospective buyers had already promised to pay the sum of N300,000 for the unborn children but denied having their contact information.

    Read Also: We were promised N.3m each after delivery, Anambra baby factory victims confess

    On their part, the victims absolved the suspect of their pregnancy, saying he only provided them with accommodation pending their delivery.

    “The man is not responsible for our pregnancy. He only offered to shelter us at his house pending when we put to bed.

    “He also promised to get a job for us as well as offered to give each of us the sum of N300,000 once we give birth which we gladly accepted,” one of them confessed.

    Handing over the suspect together with the victims, Chairman of the Council Area, Prince Uchendu said his team was able to bust the syndicate after three months thorough investigation on the suspect.

    He appreciated the responsibility of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, saying he brought the suspect to her, knowing she would take action immediately.

    Receiving the suspect before handing him over to the police, Obinabo expressed joy over the outcome of the 3months investigation, calling on others to emulate the Orumba South Chairman in ensuring the state was rid of criminal elements.

    She assured the suspect would face the consequences of his crime.