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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Seismological centre launched in Ebonyi

    Seismological centre launched in Ebonyi

    Thankfully there have been no such major natural disasters as earthquakes or landslides and the like in the country, but that has not prevented a proactive measure to monitor such occurrences. That informed the inauguration of a seismology ical station built at the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Abakaliki to mitigate seismic hazards.

    The station is part of a network of such stations being established across the country to properly monitor tremors in the country.

    •The station where natural disasters are monitored
    •The station where natural disasters are monitored

    Inaugurating the station, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita said the establishment of the station followed persistent reports of earth tremors and landslide in different parts of the country.

    “This made the Ministry to articulate a joint proposal with NEMA to carry out detailed seismological studies along Ifewara-Zungeru fault lines for establishment of seismological stations that would serve as Early Warning System”, she said.

    Represented by Mr Peter Ekweozor, Director, Environmental Sciences and Technology in the ministry, Oyo-Ita said the project would enable the country to effectively monitor landslides and earth tremor activities.

    According to her, the seismological stations in both Minna and Abakaliki would help the country to mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction strategy into National planning.

    ‘’The stations would also enable Nigeria to key into the global network of nations that adopted the Hyogo Framework for action (HFA) 2005 – 2015.

    ‘’However, for effective national coverage and monitoring of landslides and earth tremor activities in the country, the two new seismological stations must be networked with the existing seismological stations for real-time online data acquisition.

    ‘’I have been informed by the technical committee that the existing seismological stations required technological upgrading and refurbishment to attain the requisite efficiency,’’ she said.

    Oyo-Ita called for urgent funds for the upgrading of the stations.

    She also enjoined all government and non-governmental institutions including the Ebonyi State University to step up linkages and collaborations that would advance the frontiers for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

    She added that the proposal was approved by the Federal Government in 2010 while the process of the establishment began in 2010.

    She said: ‘’The necessary infrastructural facilities such as the Earth Observation and Communication Satellites launched by the Ministry would enable the efficient and effective functioning of the seismological station being inaugurated today to acquire data real-time on-line.”

    Oyo-Ita maintained that the station will offer the students and lecturers the opportunity to leverage on the advances in Information Technology (IT) to deepen their knowledge on Geodesy and Geodynamics for better management of eco-climatic events in the state and the country.

    The Permanent Secretary urged the host community to ensure adequate security of the facility and create conducive environment for the optimal performance to maximize their gains on environmental sustainability.

    Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mallam Sani Sidi said the station is the second to be commissioned this year following the commissioning of FUT Minna station in May.

    He described the inauguration of the seismological station in Abakaliki as a right step towards improving geo-hazard early warning system in the country.

    ‘’Nigeria like any other country is faced with both natural and human induced disasters including those related to geo-hazards”.

    ‘’The impact of these hazards on lives, property and the environment depends to a large extent on the country’s level of preparedness on efficient early warning and early action,’’ he said.

    Sidi noted that the stations would boost the nation’s capabilities on geo-hazard monitoring, early warning and early action to further improve our national resilience.

    He urged the host community and indeed Nigerians to ensure the proper maintenance of the station to enable the nation get a good value for the huge investment by the Federal Government.

    ‘’I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for approving this land mark project which puts Nigeria and indeed the West Africa Sub-region on a stronger resilience to geo-hazards.

    ‘’The goal of this project is to improve data availability and research by students and researchers in the two great institutions in the area of geo-hazard monitoring,’’ he explained.

    “It is therefore my hope that these stations will boost our nation’s capabilities on geo hazard monitoring, early warning, early action and further improve our national resilience”, Mr Sidi added.

    Prof. Seidu Mohammed, Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) said that the inauguration of the station in Abakaliki was a realisation of part of the vision of the Federal Government to mitigate the impacts of earthquakes through research, monitoring and modeling using data from the network.

    “One of the numerous benefits of locating this station in this region is to assist in continuous monitoring of any slightest ground vibrations that may result from natural or man-made causes in future.

    “Or cumulative seismic activities that may result into a big earthquake, while at the same time contribute to the integrated seismic hazard monitoring in Nigeria and environs,” he said.

    EBSU Vice Chancellor, Prof Francis Idike expressed hope that with commissioning of the station, incidents of earth tremors, landslides, flooding, gulling and other environmental hazards will be monitored effectively.

    The station, he noted, will also be of immense benefit to the university and the community as the data generated will be readily avilable for teaching and research.

    “The station will be of immense benefit to the university and the community as the data generated from the station will be readily available for teaching and research.

    “I wish to assure the Federal ministry of science and technology that the university will do everything possible to ensure that the station functions as it is supposed,” he said.

    The Abakaliki and Minna stations were designed to stream data in real-time and would be integrated into the existing network of seismic stations in Nigeria.

     

  • Women in medicine rehabilitate school in Ebonyi

    Women in medicine rehabilitate school in Ebonyi

    The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Ebonyi State, has renovated a block of classrooms at Ndiebo Community Primary School, Abakaliki, the state capital.

    It also sank a borehole in the school and built an assembly ground podium in addition to a toilet.

    The association equally planted trees and flowers to beautify the school.

    At the flag-off of the facilities, president of the association Dr Thecla said the focus of her administration is improving the health of schoolchildren through services, education and information, and promoting a healthy environment.

    •The team testing the water project
    •The team testing the water project

    “The association has visited several schools in Abakaliki, both public and private schools, delivering health talks and demonstrations on topical issues such as hand washing to prevent diseases (accompanied with donation of customised tap buckets) oral hygiene to prevent dental caries (with distribution of toothbrushes and tooth pastes to children) sickle cell anaemia, debilitating but largely preventable disease; malaria and its prevention, to mention but a few”.

    “In the bid to promote a healthy environment, the association planted over fifty ornamental trees at Nkaliki Nnuhu Primary School, Abakaliki to beautify the school compound. We wanted to do much more in the school but met some community challenges”.

    “This led to our further search for a school where we could showcase our idea of a health promoting school”.

    “Search criteria included a public school, located in a rural or suburban area without water and toilet facilities, and with a significant population of children (of the poor)”.

    “Our unbiased search led to Ndiebo Ishieke Community Primary School and here we are today. We came and saw that this school has no source of water, no toilet facility and the central classroom was extremely dilapidated with holes in the weak walls, and torn roof”.

    “The school environment looked bare and harsh, not child-friendly. I must really recognise the effort of the government through SUBEB, in fencing the school compound, which was of immeasurable importance, and putting up a classroom block”.

    •The renovated classroom block
    •The renovated classroom block

    Dr Ezeonu said when MWAN came to Ndiebo Ishieke Community Primary School, “we saw and conquered. Today, this school has a newly built functional standard water borehole, a six-room toilet facility, a renovated classroom block, a podium for morning assemblies, and a compound decorated with ornamental and fruit trees.”

    All these have been put up by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter, by the help and grace of God, and with the help of our supporters and advisers”.

    She said part of the challenges faced by the association was when it was duped by fraudsters.

    She said: “we give God all the glory because it was no easy task. I must make it known to all that in the course of the project we got into the hands of fraudsters, by the name Water and Horticulture Development said to be managed by Community Borehole Development assistance Program and Nigerian Houses and Environment Sanitisation and Protection programme led by one Dominic Essien”.

    “They flounted fake papers and dossiers, and claimed to be affiliated to the ministry of works. They took our money and  abandoned

    the project. However, we are more than conquerors, through christ. We picked up broken bones and set to work again and we were able to put in place what you see today, within our limited resources”.

    Commissioning the project, National President of the Association, Dr Mrs Akwa Owoh commended MWAN for embarking on the project.

    She said MWAN Ebonyi state chapter is one of the most vibrant chapters of the association.

    Principal of the school, Mrs Gladys Akaeme appreciation of the students and PTA for the projects.

    “What you have done will not only promotee a favourable teaching and learning environment but will go a long way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases on my teachers and pupils as result of poor management and disposal of human waste and will also save the lives of our pupils who cross the dangerous road near the school compound in search of clean water to drink”.

    The elated pupils of the schools danced and. sang the praises of the association.

    The Parents Teachers Association (PTA) also presented gifts to the association in appreciation for the gesture.

     

  • Ebonyi, Fed Govt fight erosion

    Ebonyi, Fed Govt fight erosion

    Ebonyi State and the Federal Government have teamed up to tackle erosion, perhaps the worst environmental threat in the region.

    The collaboration is considered a strong step forward by the Dave Umahi administration because erosion ravages most parts of the state, especially Afikpo North, Afikpo South and Ohaozara local government areas.

    Recently, a joint ecological survey was undertaken to ascertain the level of the problem with a view to tackling it. This is reflective of the need for the federal government to immediately intervene, so as to avert further destruction of private and government properties and loss of life resulting from the negative impact of this natural disaster.

    The devastation caused by gully erosion in the council areas were made explicit as officials from the Presidency, Ecological Fund Office alongside state officials took a tour of affected locations in the state.

    This ecological challenge affected roads, bridges and houses among others in the areas visited.

    •One of the erosion visited
    •One of the erosion visited

    The areas include Ogwuma Edda, Mgborokum Road in Ekoli Edda, Omanwu Ezieku Road in Ekoli Edda, Isiofu, Ekoli Okagwe Road, Achiogba Waterfall in Ekoli Edda, Libolo Erei Road, Old Council Secretariat in Nguzu Edda among others in Afikpo South Local Government Area.

    Also, in Afikpo North LGA, the team saw the impact of gully erosion at Amangbala, Eke Market Road opposite Zenith and Eco Bank, Amasiri, among others.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Afikpo South Local Government Area, Mr. Eni Uduma Chima who appreciated the effort of the present administration toward involving the Presidency in the eradication of gully erosion in the state, revealed that 15 sites in Afikpo South were identified by the Ecological Fund Office, Abuja.

    The council boss who explained that the biggest site of gully erosion was the former location of the council headquarters added that the natural disaster had forced people in the area to relocate to erosion-free zones within the council area.

    “We have 15 gully erosion sites and the biggest was the former location of Afikpo South council headquarters. This natural disaster forced the council headquarters with six other buildings to be relocated to a new site. Governor Dave Umahi has been active and responsive to the need of the people of the state and that was what led to the arrival of those from the Presidency to handle issues of gully erosion in the LGAs.

    “Six roads leading within and outside the Council area are in a bad condition following the impact of gully erosion as the state government had made serious effort to ensure that it is tackled without delay. We sent photos and video clip of the devastating impact of gully erosion in the council area and today officials from the Presidency are here to carry out an on the spot assessment, so as to provide lasting solution to the problem”.

    Mr Eni lauded the efforts of the state government for getting the federal government involved.

    “This shows that the governor really loves the people of Afikpo and cares about their welfare. We have no doubt that the partnership between the state government led by Engr. Dave Umahi and the FG led by President Buhari will lead to the control of this erosion scourge”

    His counterpart, Caretaker Committee Chairman of Afikpo North LGA. Mr. Oko-Enyim stressed that all hands must be on deck to tackled incidences of gully erosion throughout the state.

    He commended both the state and federal government for the timely intervention adding that his council area was going through the challenge of gully erosion for quite a long time.

     

  • Kidnap suspects held in Ebonyi

    Kidnap suspects held in Ebonyi

    The police are making some headway in scaling back violent crimes in Ebonyi State with the arrest of a gang of suspected kidnappers.

    The state Commissioner of Police Peace Ibekwe Abdalah said the suspects were notorious and had been terrorising the state.

    The command recently rescued a kidnapped doctor unhurt after he was abducted from his hospital in Abakaliki, the state capital.

    It followed it up by arresting a gang of suspected kidnappers who abducted the Afikpo Zonal Manager of the Nigerian Breweries Limited, Kehinde Baruwa who was kidnapped just by the street where he lives, off Ndibe Beach Road in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    The suspects paraded included Gabriel Ibiam Otta from Afikpo, Tochukwu Okezie from Ubakala Abia State, Emeka Samson, a commercial motorcyclist whose bike was allegedly used by the suspects.

    One of the suspects who went to collect ransom for the release of the victim was killed by the police with the money recovered.

    Briefing reporters at the police headquarters, Abakaliki, where the suspects were paraded, Mr. Abdalah said the suspects had demanded N50m ransom from Baruwa’s wife for the release of the victim which they later reduced to N300,000 during negotiation.

    According to her, at the point of collection of the ransom around Afikpo Government Secondary School, the Anti-Kidnapping team of the State Police Command who had taken over the scene arrested two members of the gang who came to collect the ransom.

    “The suspects volunteered vital information to the police which led to the successful rescue of the victim that was being held captive at Ubakala in Umuahia, Abia State.

    “The kidnappers’ den was stormed by a combined team of anti-kidnapping and SARS, Ebonyi State Police Command, and two more kidnappers were arrested while some escaped,” she disclosed.

    •Some weapons allegedly used by the suspects
    •Some weapons allegedly used by the suspects

    She said two locally-made double-barrel pistols with two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, adding that investigation into the matter is still ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state restated her earlier warning to criminals to keep off from the state or be ready to face the long arm of the law.

  • Ebonyi doctors hire guards after colleague’s kidnap  

    Medical Directors of most privately-owned hospitals in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, have beefed up security in their facilities following the kidnap of a medical doctor.

    Before the security alert, the medical director of Smile Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr. Johnson Obuna was kidnapped by three gunmen.

    A pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in the state was also abducted.

    Both men have been rescued by the state police.

    Dr. Obuna, a former chair of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), according to the State Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdullah, was kidnapped at about 8pm recently.

    Investigations revealed that since the kidnap, there has been tension and panic among most medical directors in the state as many of them have now hired security operatives as bodyguards.

    It was also observed that some of them who are yet to engage the services of security operatives visit their private clinics in disguise and also spend little time in the clinic.

    A patient in one of the clinics along Afikpo Road, Mrs. Chinyere Iteshi said, “Since the news of the kidnap of the medical director of Smile Hospital, Dr. Obuna, my doctor who usually came to the clinic at about 4pm and stayed till 8pm, now comes around 4pm and leaves in less than 30 minutes.”

    Continuing, she said, “On two occasions, the doctor came to the clinic on a commercial tricycle or Keke NAPEP, a development that was strange to most of us until we were informed that he is being security conscious. At times, you see him with a T-shirt, Jeans trousers and face cap, all in a bid to disguise himself; I think the security personnel should reassure people of their safety to enable them go about their normal business”.

    When The Nation visited some other private hospitals and clinics within the capital city, it was also observed that some security operative now guild the hospitals and clinics while cars and other vehicles now go through serious checks before they are allowed to go also within the city.

    Meanwhile, The State Commissioner of Police, CP Peace Ibekwe Abdallah has warned those who want to bring disquiet and disorder in the State to stay clear from the state as the command would engage such persons with all lawful force to ensure that they are dealt with.

    The CP state that; in the early hours of 8th September, 2015, a distress call was received by the operations control room of Ebonyi State Police Command that a medical doctor in Abakaliki was kidnapped by hoodlums”.

    “A combined team of SARS, Anti kidnapping, SIB operation, patrol teams from central police station and Area Command Abakaliki quickly swung into action and rescued the victim hale and hearty”.

    The CP who stated that she believes in team work noted that every police officer in the state is key to providing adequate security to Ebonyi community adding that security is every one’s business.

    She assured residents of the State of her determination to put to a stop kidnapping, armed robbery, communal conflicts and cult activities adding that men of the command would comb all criminal hideouts in the state to arrest and prosecute those arrested.

    A medical Practitioner who spoke to The Nation on grounds of anonymity commended the new Commissioner for Police for rescuing the kidnap doctor in less than 24 hours he was abducted adding that she has exhibited her readiness to fight crime to a stop in the State.

    The Medical Doctor also commended men of the command for the stop and search approach especially at night pointing out that with such measures, hoodlums would find it difficult to operate in the state.

    He urged the State Governor Chief Dave Umahi to urgently make available to the command the security gadgets pointing out that it would go a long way in communicating the different patrol teams of any eventuality.

    Dr. Obuna, an Obstetrician gynecologist with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki was kidnapped by unknown gunmen when he was about leaving his hospital after the day’s work at Aguogboriga Estate in Abakaliki.

    Similarly, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA has shelved their intended strike action following the rescue of their former Chairman.

    The union State Chairman Dr. Agwu Umahi had in a chat with newsmen threatened to embark on strike action if their colleague was not released to them.

    He noted that kidnap of medical doctors in the state has become a trend and should be discouraged by security agencies.

  • Ebonyi acquires equipment to boost rice production  

    To boost rice production in Ebonyi State, the government has procured mechanised equipment to be distributed to farmers.

    The state governor, David Umahi at an event organised at the State University permanent site, Abakaliki to test-run the equipment, said his administration would also introduce irrigation farming soon.

    Chief Umahi gave the state Ministry of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture at Ebonyi State University two weeks to test-run the equipment on all the available arable farmland in the university. He said government was ready to provide all the funds needed.

    While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to turn around the fortunes of the state through rice production, Governor Umahi said that his government would purchase three bulldozers to boost farming activities.

    He stated that the Agricultural equipment will be thoroughly tested before handing it over to local council for proper management.

    In her address, the chairman of the occasion and provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Prof (Mrs) Justina U. Mgbada assured the farmers of regular training on the use of the equipment and expressed her confidence that with the introduction of mechanised Agriculture in the state, youths would start to engage the farmers to make effective use of the equipments.

    In a speech, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Barrister Uchenna Orji observed that the event was the practical “manifestation of the political will of the state governor, Chief David Umahi to mechanize and commercialize Agriculture in the state.”

    Barr. Orji noted that the event was the outcome of the colloquium on rice production convoked by the state Governor on the need to tap the incentives and potentials in rice production.

    He stated that the event was to train the farmers on the use of farm machinery to attain the full accomplishment of the state governments desired to make Agriculture the hub of the state economy.

    Good will messages were delivered by the representative of the permanent secretary, federal ministry of Agriculture; the forum of agricultural cooperative societies in Ebonyi State, and the representative of the university community.

    Some of the equipment demonstrated at the occasion include; manual, power tiller, manual transplanter, weeder, motorized transplanter, power tiller and grain winnower.

  • Ebonyi bans lodging public funds in private accounts  

    The Ebonyi State government has outlawed the transfer of public funds into private accounts, threatening that anyone caught flouting the directive will be summarily dismissed and prosecuted.

    The State Auditor-General for Local Government Areas, Mr. Ndukwe Ukpai, a lawyer, stated this in Abakaliki, the state capital, at a meeting with the acting Head of Personnel Management (HPMs), Treasurers, Internal Auditors, Administrative Officers and Head of Works Department in the various local government areas in the state.

    Ukpai who described transfer of public funds into private accounts as criminal, said there must be a paradigm shift in the local government system.

    He said the present government cannot tolerate corruption, ghost workers, payroll padding and absconding of staff, which he said was rife in the past administration.

    He added, “Internal auditors of local government areas and development centres are to prepare their monthly audit programmes and submit a copy to the Auditor-General.

    “All internally generated revenue collections, where not on contract, must be paid into the relevant bank account on the same day of collection and the relevant treasury receipt obtained from the accounts clerk the following day. Revenue collector’s cashbook shall be audited on weekly basis by the Internal Auditor.”

    He called on them to be acquainted with the provisions of the Financial Memoranda and relevant Laws regulating financial operations in local government system including Law No. 004 of 2015 especially section 5(d) and (e).

  • MASSOB stages anniversary march in Ebonyi

    •Police stop group in Aba, Owerri

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) yesterday staged a march in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to mark 16 years of the struggle.

    The group called on the international community to intervene in its suffering in the hands of the Nigerian government.

    Addressing reporters, MASSOB’s zonal leader in Ebonyi North, Gideon Iloke, said the celebration was to thank God for sustaining them in the struggle, which, according to him, had not been easy, especially in the face of Federal Government’s intimidation and harassment.

    On the progress made in the struggle, the MASSOB leader held that the 16 years had been a journey of pains and tears, but with the help of God, they were able to register their case with the international community on marginalisation in the hands of the Nigerian government.

    The Movement’s leader in Ebonyi South, John Nwifuru, hailed the resilience of members in withstanding the intimidation and harassment since the struggle started.

    Nwifuru, who lamented the neglect of Ndigbo, said that was the reason for the formation of MASSOB.

    According to him, successive governments failed to address the situation.

    Nwifuru, who led his members in a victory march across major roads in Afikpo enjoined members to remain focused and never relent as they had progressed in their quest to self determination. He hailed the undying spirit of the MASSOB leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike in sustaining the struggle.

    “I want Ndigbo to rejoice because Biafra has come to stay, and it is high time we started to celebrate our freedom from the dictatorial leadership of the Nigerian government which was the main reason Biafra sought self determination under our late warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.”

    Leader, Ebonyi Central, Moses Eze said: “This is the 16th year of our vicissitudes of sweat and tears on our road to freedom. We salute our heroes past, who paid the supreme sacrifice for the liberation of the Igbo nation and we remind our members that the struggle continues; we will never go back even as we still maintain our non- violent approach to our struggle.”

    Members of the movement were arrested in Imo State when the police raided several churches where special services were held to mark the movement’s 16th year anniversary.

    National Director of Information, Chris Muocha, said the police disrupted the ceremony in Owerri, Onitsha and Abakaliki, alleging that some members were harassed by security men, while others were arrested and taken to unknown destinations.

    According to him, “the police and Army disrupted the thanksgiving service everywhere.  11 persons were arrested inside the Catholic Church in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, and at Mgbidi in Oru West in Imo State, five persons were arrested.”

    Security was tightened in Aba as member marked Biafra day yesterday. Security operatives, including policemen, were stationed at strategic places as the celebration held.

    Police patrol vans, including an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), was stationed in front of Christ the King Catholic Church Cathedral (CKC) on Asa road.

    Sources within the security agencies said they got intelligence that the group planned to celebrate at the CKC with a rally.

    But the presence of security officers seemed to have foiled the celebration.

    Authorities of MASSOB could not be reached for comments on the aborted celebration.

    Roadside markets held and residents went about their businesses without harassment.

    Commissioner of Police Joshiak Habila said they took such measures to guarantee the safety of Aba and its residents.

    Unconfirmed reports, however, said the group, having got intelligence about the police presence, rescheduled the celebration to an interior part of the town.

  • Ebonyi fixes roads

    Ebonyi fixes roads

    Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi has started matching his campaign word with action as his administration embarks on fixing the state’s deplorable roads.

    To achieve this, he bought 15 heavy-duty trucks which he handed over to the Ministry of Works.

    •Some of the trucks bought for the road project
    •Some of the trucks bought for the road project

    Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Akanu ibiam Roundabout, Abakaliki, Governor Umahi said the trucks were acquired to fast-track the construction projects.

    The governor who said that the government had incorporated three new construction companies, namely-south construction company ltd, North construction company ltd. and central construction company to assist in fast tracking the much desired development of the state, announced that the trucks would be deployed to the three senatorial zones of the state for use.

    The governor disclosed that a team of expatriate engineers has been recruited to work with our engineers to achieve the desired result. He reiterated his commitment to construct at least 10kms of road in each of the 13 local government areas of the state within the first two years of his administration.

    He said, “We are having quite a number of pay-loaders, a number of bulldozers, a number of mixers and other construction equipment. So we want to divide it into these three senatorial zones. We have approved that each of the local government areas and of course each community in Ebonyi State should start receiving attention in terms of electricity.”

    The state Commissioner for Works, Mr Felix Nweze, an engineer, announced that the state government placed orders for the procurement of six concrete mixers and eight pay-loaders to arrive very soon.

    New Market Road Abakaliki under construction
    New Market Road Abakaliki under construction

    Nweze disclosed that the contractors handling the construction of flyovers at the state capital had mobilised to site; while the over laying of asphalt on ogaoja road would commence soon.

    He said that the fifteen trucks handed over to the ministry by the Governor “would enable us to move quickly into action to rehabilitate most of our roads,” stressing that Nkaliki, Ogoja, Gunning and new Market roads have been rehabilitated.

  • Body of abducted man found in Ebonyi

    The dead body of a man in his late 40s, Christian Isha of Ndubia village, Igbeagu Community in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi State was at the weekend found in a swamp with his private parts mutilated and the face skinned.

    His hand was placed on his chest and his mobile phone which has been off since he was kidnapped.

    Isha was whisked away a week ago by unknown gunmen with a Hilux van on his way back home from where he went to buy things for his family in the night.

    The people of the area had declared him missing and organized a search party for him but to no avail as he was still missing the weekend when his remains was found in a nearby swamp in the area.

    A family source who pleaded anonymity and who confirmed the death of Isha said that he was found dead.

    The source added that a relative of the deceased had gone to farm and started perceiving offensive ordour which made him uncomfortable while in the farm and he began to look for the source which led to the discovery of Isha’s dead body.

    ‘’One of us went to his farm. While in the farm, he said he perceived bad ordour and that the ordour was so offensive that no one could stand it.

    ‘’So, when the man was searching for the source of the ordour, he saw the dead body of our brother who have been missing for the past one week,” the source disclosed.

    Wife of the deceased, Isha Ada who lamented the gruesome murder of her husband called on the law enforcement agents to fish-out the perpetrators.

    She described her late husband as a peaceful and caring man who never want any trouble and wondered why he was murdered in such manner.

    ‘’I never believed my husband could be killed in this manner because he doesn’t look for anyone’s trouble. And those who killed him will never know peace in life.

    ‘’He was good to me, caring and tolerant. Today I have lost a companion, a loving man and a true husband,” she lamented.

    The late Isha is a staff of Igbeagu Development Centre in Izzi local government area of the state.