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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Officials laud Nwifuru over Ebonyi overseas scholarship programme

    Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has been commended for placing priority on human capital development through Ebonyi State’s overseas scholarship programme.

    The commendations were given in separate statements on Tuesday by the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, Nduka Awuregu, and the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Barr. Valentine Okike-Uzo.

    The remarks followed the departure of 92 students in the second batch of the state government’s overseas scholarship scheme, who were airlifted to the United Kingdom on Monday to undertake postgraduate studies.

    Awuregu described human capital development as the most critical form of development, noting that Governor Nwifuru has shown a consistent understanding that investment in people yields long-term benefits that extend beyond physical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and flyovers.

    According to him, the administration’s focus on education reflects a deliberate strategy to equip young people with the skills and exposure needed to compete globally.

    He said the scholarship initiative has created opportunities for Ebonyi youths by removing financial and institutional barriers, enabling beneficiaries to access quality education abroad.

    Awuregu, who recently visited some Ebonyi students benefiting from the programme in the United Kingdom, said he was deeply impressed by the positive changes in their lives, adding that the initiative is already having a transformative effect on their families and communities.

    “I shed tears of joy seeing what these young people have become. The multiple ripple effects of this investment on Ebonyi State and beyond cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

    He highlighted the achievement of one of the beneficiaries, Victor Ama from Edda Local Government Area, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Greater Manchester.

    Ama, he said, was recently recognised for his outstanding software engineering project on real-time sign language translation and voice captioning using a multimodal artificial intelligence approach.

    According to Awuregu, the project—focused on inclusive communication through on-device deep learning systems—demonstrates technology transfer, skills export, and the global relevance of Ebonyi’s intellectual capacity.

    “This is Ebonyi to the world. This is technology transfer. This is skills and services export redefined,” he said.

    He urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed to further validate the governor’s vision of sustainable development anchored on human capital.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Okike-Uzo, described the scholarship programme as visionary and people-centred, noting that it is transforming the educational landscape of the state.

    He recalled that exactly one year earlier, the first batch of about 300 Ebonyi students were sent to top universities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States to pursue Master’s and Ph.D programmes under full sponsorship by the Ebonyi State Government through the State Scholarship Board.

    In addition, he said that over 1,000 Ebonyi indigenes benefitted from similar postgraduate scholarship opportunities in Nigerian universities within the same period, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 1,400.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Okike-Uzo explained that the initiative is anchored on the People’s Charter of Needs, the policy framework guiding Governor Nwifuru’s service delivery, with strong emphasis on education and human capital development.

    He stressed that the governor’s approach to governance aligns with the spirit of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which places the welfare and development of the people at the centre of governance.

    “Governor Nwifuru is not only building infrastructure but also building men and women for posterity. These young scholars will, in the coming years, positively impact Ebonyi State, Nigeria, and the global community,” Okike-Uzo said.

    He added that although the governor operates quietly, he has been adjudged one of the best-performing governors in the country, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure, aviation, diaspora relations, human capital development, security, good governance, and the rule of law.

    According to Okike-Uzo, Governor Nwifuru’s humility, simple lifestyle, and aversion to waste distinguish him among his peers and underscore his commitment to service and the long-term prosperity of Ebonyi State.

  • Ebonyi communal crisis: DC coordinator, two monarchs in Police custody

    Ebonyi communal crisis: DC coordinator, two monarchs in Police custody

    The Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre in Afikpo, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia,  and two traditional rulers were arrested yesterday by the police in connection with last week’s killing of four persons in Oso-Edda in Edda Local Government Area (LGA).

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Joshua Ukandu, gave the names of the two monarchs as Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia.

    Ukandu said that their arrest followed a joint operation by the Army, the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The police spokesperson added that  10 people were earlier arrested in connection with the incident.

    Read Also: Ebonyi orders school closure, 20-hour curfew in Amasiri after deadly clash

    He said: “On the Thursday attack, the update is that the coordinator of Amasiri, two traditional rulers from Amasiri and other individuals were arrested by a joint operation of the security agencies in the state.

    “Those arrested are all in our custody, and investigations into the killings are still ongoing.

    “The command and other security personnel will not relent until all those involved are brought to justice.’’

    A long-standing dispute between Oso-Edda and Amasiri over ownership of a farm settlement called Okporojo snowballed on Thursday, leaving four persons dead and houses torched.

  • Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

    Police arrest 10 suspects over murder of four villagers in Ebonyi

    The Ebonyi Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of four persons during a violent communal attack on Okporojọr Village in Oso Edda Community, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

    The attack, which occurred on January 29, 2026, reportedly involved persons from Ndukwe Community in Amasiri, Afikpo Local Government Area, and is believed to be linked to a long-standing land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

    According to the Police, four villagers—three men and one woman—died in the incident while several mud houses were razed. Windows of a church building were also vandalised, and harvested paddy rice destroyed during the violence.

    In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, fdc, on January 30, 2026, visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage. 

    Upon receiving the report of the attack, she ordered the immediate deployment of tactical squads and personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

    The Police Command said the deployment has successfully restored calm and normalcy in the community.

    While addressing residents of Okporojọr Village, CP Uche-Anya commiserated with them over the loss of lives and destruction of property, assuring that justice would be served. 

    She disclosed 10 suspects had already been arrested in connection with the killings, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.

    The Commissioner warned communities across the state against resorting to self-help or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the Police would not tolerate acts of violence arising from communal or land disputes. 

    She further assured residents that security presence in the area would be sustained until the situation is fully resolved.

    Read Also: Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    The Youth President of Okporojọr Village, while speaking during the visit, thanked the Police for their swift response and appealed for a permanent security presence in the community. 

    CP Uche-Anya assured him that a standby security arrangement had already been put in place.

    Chairman of Edda Local Government Area praised the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force for their prompt intervention. 

    He commended the affected community for remaining law-abiding despite the provocation and assured that the state government was committed to achieving a lasting solution to the dispute.

    The Ebonyi State Police Command reiterated its resolve to maintain peace and security across the state and urged residents to channel grievances through lawful means.

  • Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Nwifuru sacks all political appointees, monarchs, community leaders in Ebonyi community

    Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru has dissolved the entire political and traditional leadership structure of Amasiri Community, Afikpo local government area 

    This followed a violent attack on Okporojo Village,  Oso Edda Community in Edda Local Government Area on Thursday during which four persons were reportedly beheaded.

    The attack has been blamed on the people of Amasiri who the Okporojo people have been having boundary dispute.

    Houses and properties worth millions were also destroyed in the area.

    The Governor announced the sweeping sanctions on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo village where he addressed residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.

    Visibly saddened by the incident, Nwifuru described the attack as “most unfortunate” and said he never expected such a level of brutality to occur in the state. 

    He assured the affected community that the state government would decisively deal with those responsible, stressing that the lives lost would not be in vain.

    “I am very pained by this development. As a careful leader, when you are angry, you speak less. But I want to assure you that the government of Ebonyi State will show the perpetrators what it truly means to be a government,” the Governor said.

    He urged residents to remain calm and embrace peace, warning that retaliatory violence would only worsen the situation. 

    According to him, government actions would be firm but guided by the need to prevent further escalation of the crisis.

    Nwifuru pointed out the conflict had lingered for years despite several reconciliation efforts, including boundary agreements between the affected communities, lamenting that such agreements were not respected. 

    He noted that his visit was a “strong signal” that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness or disregard for the rule of law.

    While commending security agencies for their swift response, the governor disclosed that security operatives had trekked long distances to track the perpetrators and had assured him of the safety of lives and property in the area. 

    He pledged the full support of the state government to security agencies to restore lasting peace.

    Turning to the role of Amasiri Community in the crisis, Nwifuru issued a stern warning, stating that violence would never lead to a meaningful resolution. 

    He cautioned that the situation was fast approaching “a point of no return” if provocations continued.

    He announced the immediate dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.

    He also ordered the withdrawal of the traditional ruler’s certificate and the removal of all village heads in Amasiri autonomous community.

    He also ordered the sack of all political appointees from Amasiri Community, from members of management committees up to commissioners serving in his administration.

    “For the time being, all these structures are dissolved. We will do more, and we will show everyone why we are a government,” Nwifuru declared.

    He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring permanent peace in Edda LGA and promised that by next year, the community would witness tangible improvements resulting from government intervention.

  • Four beheaded in renewed Ebonyi boundary clash

    Four beheaded in renewed Ebonyi boundary clash

    Four persons have been killed in Okporojo-Oso Edda in Edda Local Government Area in a renewed boundary dispute between the community and neighboring Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

    Several houses were also razed by the assailants in the attack which took place on Thursday night.

    The two communities have been at war since decades over land with many lives lost and property worth billions destroyed.

    Efforts have been made by previous administrations in the State and the present government to end the war to no avail.

    Sources in the area alleged that the assailants in the latest attack came from the Amasiri axis.

    A video recording of the aftermath of the attack showing the bodies of the  dead victims without their heads lying in the pool of their own blood have since gone viral on social media.

    In the video, many houses set ablaze by the assailants were still burning.

    Sources in the community alleged that the heads of the victims were taken away while two persons remain missing.

    The incident has thrown the community into mourning and renewed concerns over the persistent failure to permanently resolve the decades-old land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

    Ebonyi Commissioner for Internal Security, Etta Uka Ude, confirmed the incident in an interview in Abakaliki, the State capital on Friday.

    Read Also: Ebonyi community, mining company sign ₦2bn five-year agreement

    He said he received reports of the killings by the evening of the incident, describing the act as “barbaric, unlawful and totally unacceptable.”

    According to the commissioner, the location where the killings occurred is not even the exact area under land dispute, making the attack more disturbing.

    “By 5 p.m. yesterday, I was informed that some hoodlums went into one of the villages and massacred almost four persons to death. I was trying to understand the actual problem because the land dispute area is far away from the town,” he said.

    Ude explained that upon receiving the report, the State Government moved swiftly to prevent escalation.

    He said he immediately contacted the chairmen of the affected local government areas, the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Governor, and the Army, including the Women Battalion Commander, who had just resumed duty.

    “Everybody was on hand to make sure the situation did not escalate further. Unfortunately, before the arrival of security agencies, the damage had already been done,” he stated.

    The commissioner noted that although calm has been largely restored with the deployment of tactical police teams and military personnel, the government has ordered for investigation and possible arrest of the perpetrators for prosecution.

    > “Nobody is greater than the government. Thosw involved must be fished out and prosecuted so we can know the root cause of this problem. Whoever is involved must be brought to book. We are not encouraging violence in any form,” he stressed.

    Ude also condemned the beheading of victims, describing it as alien to the culture of Ebonyi people.

    “To behead someone and carry the head away is barbaric. Even our customs do not agree with that. It is very bad and very unlawful,” he said.

    While sympathizing with the families of the victims, the commissioner urged residents of both communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to do their work, warning against blocking major roads and disrupting public movement.

    Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu said he was with a police team heading to the affected area.

    “I will issue a statement after we have assessed the situation”, he said. 

    The Chairman Edda Local Government Area, Chima Ekumamkama also confirmed the incident in a telephone interview on Friday.

    He described it as barbaric, act of wickedness and man inhumanity to man

    He noted  that security personnel has been mobilized to the area following the quick intervention of the Governor.

    “This is sad and disheartening. This is barbaric, how can human beings behave like animals. How can people invade a community, behead people and take the heads away.

    “Are they using it for rituals or what? The perpetrators must be fished out and prosecuted.”The situation is unthinkable. 

    “In a modern world when we are meant to live together as brothers, people will have the mind to invade and attack a community beheading them. Again, it’s quite painful. My prayer is for God’s quick intervention, so that this thing will stop,” Ekumankama said. 

  • Two brothers die in Ebonyi motorcycle crash 

    Two brothers die in Ebonyi motorcycle crash 

    Tragedy struck in Ebonyi State on New Year’s Day as two brothers from Obegu-aba, Ozibo in Ebonyi Local Government Area, were crushed to death in a road accident.

    The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. on the Obegu-aba/Ogbaga road in Abakaliki, the state capital. 

    According to sources, the brothers were riding a motorcycle when a high-speed Toyota Corolla with an Ebonyi State government registration number (Ebonyi 241-EBGH) collided with them.

    The crash was severe, resulting in one brother losing a leg and the other losing a hand. The motorcycle they were riding was completely destroyed.

    It was reported that the driver of the Corolla fled the scene, apparently out of fear of being lynched, leaving residents of the area in mourning.

    A team of policemen from the state command later arrived, evacuated the bodies, and impounded the vehicle.

    Police spokesperson Joshua Ukandu could not be reached for comment at the time of this report.

  • ACP dies on duty in Ebonyi

    ACP dies on duty in Ebonyi

    An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, has died in Ebonyi State.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday during a management meeting at the Commissioner of Police’s office in Abakaliki, capital of the state.

    The late ACP Popoola was in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) until his sudden death.

    Sources said he suddenly developed breathing difficulty and began gasping for breath during the meeting.

    He was rushed to the Police Medical Centre at the Police Headquarters, Abakaliki, where he was promptly attended to by the command’s medical personnel.

    Despite efforts to resuscitate him, the officer was confirmed dead by medical doctors.

    Read Also: Nwifuru approves N150,000 Christmas bonus for Ebonyi workers

    The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Ale Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1) mortuary in Abakaliki.

    Police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu confirmed the death of Mr Popoola to The Nation yesterday.

    He said: “Yes, one of them had a crisis during a meeting and was rushed to hospital. Unfortunately he didn’t survive.’’

    “He was not sick before the incident. If he was sick, he wouldn’t have attended the meeting.’’

     Ukandu described the late ACP Popoola as a dedicated officer who served the Force with commitment and professionalism.

    He conveyed the condolences of the Police Commissioner and the entire state Police Command to the late Police Officer’s famil

  • JUST IN: Ebonyi ACP slumps, dies during police management meeting

    JUST IN: Ebonyi ACP slumps, dies during police management meeting

    A senior police officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Ogbon-Inu Taiwo Popoola, has died while in active service in Ebonyi State.

    The incident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday during a management meeting at the office of the Commissioner of Police in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    Until his sudden death, ACP Popoola was the officer in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID).

    Sources said he suddenly developed breathing difficulties and began gasping for breath during the meeting.

    He was immediately rushed to the Police Medical Centre at the Police Headquarters in Abakaliki, where he was promptly attended to by medical personnel.

    Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was confirmed dead by doctors.

    Preliminary medical findings indicated that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, secondary to hypertensive heart disease.

    His remains have been deposited at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA 1) mortuary in Abakaliki.

    The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the death on Thursday.

    He said, “Yes, one of them had a crisis during a meeting and was rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive.

    Read Also: Police kill two kidnappers, rescue victim in Rivers

    “He was not sick before the incident. If he were sick, he wouldn’t have attended the meeting,” he added.

    Ukandu described the late ACP Popoola as a dedicated officer who served the Force with commitment and professionalism.

    He conveyed the condolences of the Police Commissioner and the entire Police Command in the state to the late Police Officer’s family.

  • Journalist hospitalised after assault by Ebonyi vigilante officials

    Journalist hospitalised after assault by Ebonyi vigilante officials

    A member of a vigilante group in Ebonyi State, Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW), on Thursday attacked a journalist, Godwin Aliuna.

    The journalist was attacked while covering an event in old government house Abakaliki, the state capital.

    He had previously worked for Daily Post before establishing his own online Media platform. 

    Aliuna who is currently hospitalized in a private clinic along Nkaliki road, the capital city narrated the incident thus “I was roughly mal-handled today by Neighbourhood Watch.

    ” I didn’t do anything wrong, just that there was a programme today, at the old government house Abakaliki, where the Commissioner for Border Peace and Conflict Resolution, Awo Nwobasi, was trying to resolve kingship tussle in one of the communities in Ishielu Local Government Area.

    “I went there to cover the event. I was at the entrance, when one of the officials in the ministry told me to come inside. I told her to wait and let me know what was happening first.

    Read Also: LASG begins second round enumeration for Oworonshoki regeneration

    “She said, ” I should come inside. So, by the time I came inside, I went to the back and sat down. I was sitting there for a while, just for a while. “Shortly, they confiscated my phone. The Commissioner ordered one of his aides there to delete everything in my phone.

    “They bundled me out of the hall and threw me away. After throwing me on the ground, they started beating.

    “About five of them descended on me, hitting me hard like a common criminal. What did I do that should warrant this manhandling? So, after beating me up, they ordered me to sit on the ground.

    “They started hitting me hard one after the other, one on the head , another on the eyes, one was busy hitting me at the back, and another was trying to pull my hands behind my back.

    “They told me to remove my clothes. I removed it. They said I was under arrest as directed by the Commissioner.

    “One of them went outside, brought an object. He said, if I moved, they would break my legs. I asked them what did I do? Did I steal anything to warrant this brutal torture? 

    “As you can see, I am right now in this hospital undertaking some tests and treatments. I can’t see clearly with one of my eyes and so, on this note, I call on the state government to intervene.”

  • Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Police kill two gunmen, foil kidnap attempt in Ebonyi

    Operatives of the Ebonyi Police Command have neutralised two suspected members of a criminal gang and foiled a kidnap attempt in separate operations across the state.

    In a statement on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the command said the suspects were killed during a gun duel with security operatives at their hideout in Iyonu community, Ishielu Local Government Area.

    According to Ukandu, the operation, conducted within the Iyonu/Idodo forest, followed credible intelligence on the gang’s activities in the area. 

    Upon sighting the police team, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire in which two suspects were neutralised.

    Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, two locally fabricated Dane guns, twenty rounds of 9mm ammunition, and five live cartridges.

    In another operation, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled a kidnap attempt on the mother of a prominent individual in Isata community, Isu, Onicha Local Government Area.

    Three suspects, Monday Okorie, Ngwuta Friday, and Simon Joshua, were arrested, while one member of the gang escaped. 

    The police also recovered a locally made single-barrel gun from the suspects.

    Ukandu stated that the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adaku Uche-Anya, commended the operatives for their gallantry and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to rid the state of crime and criminality.

    She urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to aid the police in sustaining peace and security across Ebonyi State