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Tag: Imo State

  • Catholic Priest arrested for shooting dead teenager in church

    Catholic Priest arrested for shooting dead teenager in church

    A Catholic priest, Rev. Father Joseph Enyinaya, has been arrested for allegedly shooting a young boy who threw a banger in St. Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, dead. 

    Residents claimed the Catholic Priest brought out his revolver and shot the young boy who allegedly threw the banger inside the church.

    The incident occurred on December 31 with the police confirming arrest of the priest. 

    Imo police spokesman, Henry Okoye, told The Nation on Thursday: “The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been recovered and deposited at Atta Ikeduru Mortuary.”

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    Okoye added that a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident. 

    “The police investigation is expected to shed more light on the events leading up to the incident,” he said.

  • Imo community decry alleged extortion, harassment of youths by security personnel

    Imo community decry alleged extortion, harassment of youths by security personnel

    An alleged case of extortion and harassment of youths by security personnel has been reported in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. 

    Eyewitnesses claimed that over 50 young people were forced at gunpoint to transfer money from their bank accounts to designated POS account numbers at a checkpoint on the Enyiogugu Mbaise road.

    The incident has sparked widespread anger among residents, who are calling on traditional rulers like Eze Leo Nwokocha and other community leaders to intervene and end the alleged abuses.

    Reports stated that the extortion has forced many youths to avoid the checkpoint by traveling at night, exposing them to heightened risks of robbery and kidnapping.

    Our correspondent gathered that Stanley, an eyewitness, urged the Imo State Police Command to investigate and address the situation immediately.

    He also noted that similar incidents have been reported in the area, intensifying public demands for swift action.

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    “The Imo State Police Command has been urged to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure the safety and security of the youths in the community,” he said, adding “It is worth noting that there have been reports of insecurity in Imo State, including kidnapping and armed robbery,” he said. 

    “The state government and security agencies have been working to address the situation, but more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of citizens.”

    Speaking on the issue on Friday, the police spokesman in the state, Henry Okoye  said necessary steps have been taken to ensure that officers found culpable are apprehended and punish.

     “This complaint is acknowledged, necessary steps and has been initiated to look into this and ensure that officers found culpable are severely sanctioned.”

  • Widow killed by suspected ritualist in Imo

    Widow killed by suspected ritualist in Imo

    A devastating crime has shaken Imo State, after a 55-year-old widow, Eucharia Chidi Obasi, was brutally murdered by a suspected ritualist.

    The perpetrator severed parts of her body in the gruesome attack, leaving the community in shock.

    Obasi, also known as Nwanyi  Sari Sari, was killed in her apartment at Umuediabali community in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State.

    Sources said the assailant, known for his activities as a dealer in human parts, murdered the widow around midnight on Wednesday.

    “The attacker, believed to be a local church operator, allegedly broke into Obasi’s home while she was alone, abducted her, and then took her life, mutilating her body. Her brutalized remains were discovered shortly after,” the source said.

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    A witness, who pleaded not to be mentioned, described the killing of the widow as ‘horrifying’, saying the assailant severed her private organs and other parts of the body.

    “He cut off her private organs, her breast, and other parts of her body,” the source said, recounting how the suspect had attempted to flee after his second act. “When he tried to enter another home, luck ran out for him as neighbors caught him.”

    However, luck ran against the assailant when he reportedly attempted a second murder in a neighboring apartment.

    But the alarm raised by the victim attracted the attention of neighbours who came to her rescue.

    An enraged mob descended on the man, overpowered him, and ultimately took justice into their own hands, beating him to a coma before handing over to the local vigilante.

    Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, has yet to react to the incident.

    This heinous act has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in the area.

  • Gladiators eyeing Imo State Douglass House

    Gladiators eyeing Imo State Douglass House

    • By Samuel Arinze

    On November 1, 2024, one of the most influential Igbo citizen to emerge from Imo State, Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu, will be laid to rest in his hometown Atta Ikeduru, and the political stakeholders in  Imo state, the Southeast and beyond are expected to grace the event. 

    His funeral  will be an ample opportunity for all the gladiators aspiring for the apex seat at the Douglass House , to meet, exchange pleasantries and size each other out in preparation for the mother of all political contest in Imo come 2027 , as clock ticks towards the end  of Sen. Uzodinma’s time as Imo Governor.

    Imo is not in short supply of statesmen, elite, technocrats and vibrant entrepreneurs, most of them have been polishing  their leadership skills and preparing themselves for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Imo people if given an opportunity to govern the state, and have started consultations, sampling  opinions of king makers, power brokers, community leaders, towards realizing  their ambitions.

    The major spectrum of power play in Imo State:

    In Imo state, there are three geo-political zones, namely: Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe zones. It is a fact that the population and economic  strength of the State is tipped towards Orlu Zone , as it is  gifted with  more  Local Government Areas (12) in total against (9) LGA’s in Owerri Zone and Okigwe Zone with (6) LGA’s, thereby cementing its numeric strength, as politics is a game of numbers.

    Owerri Zone and the zoning uestion

    The biggest factor that will tip the balance of the next gubernatorial election of Imo State to Owerri zone is the written zoning agreement in APC which is not binding to PDP, APGA, LP and other political parties in the State,  but the  zoning of gubernatorial election to a zone is not constitutionally binding.

    In Imo State politics , the sentiment of zoning still persists even though there seems to be no general agreement on the basis of equity that political power should rotate among the zones in the State . And there  are school of thought  who believes that zoning of electoral leadership position, enable mediocres to rise to seats of  leadership, thereby shortchanging the people.

    Nevertheless, the zoning argument  favours  Owerri zone and the personalities  alleged to be interested in the Douglass house Job from the zone seems endless, the likes of  Sen. Sam Anyanwu  who contested in the last guber election, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha who governed Imo State for barely 7 months before losing in court , Sen. Ezenwa Onyewuchi  representing Owerri zone at the national assembly are believed to be  poised for the next guber election.

    Prince Alex Mbata (PAM),an enigmatic philanthropist, Chief Martin Agbaso, a  heavy weight and consistent power player in Imo guber politics, and  Rt. Hon. Bede Eke a former lawmaker and current commissioner in Sen. Hope Uzodimma’s administration are  expected in the contest.

    Other political stalwarts  like Prince Charles Amadi ,Chief Marcon Nlemigbo , Dr. Uzoma Obiyo, Rt Hon Engr. Ikenna Elezianya former law maker, Mr. Stanley Amuchie a finance expert  with impressive multi- functional work experience in corporate governance, and Chief Henry Njoku, a successful  industrialist  are alleged to be weighing their options.

    Orlu Zone and the challenge of a successor:

    In recent times, it has been a strong challenge for any governor in Imo State to anoint a successor, and the politicians emerging from Orlu zone has the wherewithal to gun for the seat at the Douglas House without  assistance of the Governor.

    It will be a herculean task for the next governor of Imo State to emerge from Orlu Zone, but the quality of aspirants that have emerged from the zone is startling. Power is not given but taken and it’s going to be a daunting task for anyone to win election against the likes of Senator Osita Izunaso and Hon/Chief Charles Orie.

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    Senator Osita Izunaso is a veteran politician who has been at the forefront  of the political rumble in Imo and Orlu zone for over two decades now. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2003  and first became a senator in 2007 before returning to the national assembly in 2023 election. 

    Hon/Chief Charles Orie is a seasoned politician, philanthropist and kingmaker who recently showcased his innovative economic administrating prowess, with his significant strides during his time as MD/CEO of  ISOPADEC and is  a tough nut to crack.

    Its an oversight to ignore the capacity of Hon/Chief Sir Uche Nwosu, son in law of former governor of Imo State  and Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie the present Chief of Staff to  Imo State Governor,  a vibrant politician and son of the famous honourable Chief Anyaehie from Nkwerre.

    Okigwe zone’s dilemma:

    With Okigwe Zone comprising of only 6LGA’s, the next Imo state governor to emerge from there will have a huge influence that cuts across the State zones , as well as a magnanimous persona , and it’s not by chance that the 3 leading names emanating from that zone, are big enough to influence positive voting outcome  across  the zones of the State as they are political assets themselves, with amazing profiles that  beats the  imagination.

    The Okigwe Zone’s contingent includes former Governor Ikedi Ohakim who is constitutionally eligible for a single term of 4years, Sen. Athan Achonu an agronomist and detribalized Nigerian, and   seasoned economist, law maker  and ranking member at the national assembly Hon. Chike Okafor. 

    As Imo mourns the exit of Ahaejiagamba, all eyes will be on the aforementioned gladiators at the momentous gathering of his funeral, as political pundits and power brokers will be studying their body language for signals of truth in this their alleged intentions.

    •Arinze,  a commentator, wrote from Owerri, capital of Imo State.

  • Imo CP calls for stakeholders’ meeting to enhance community trust

    Imo CP calls for stakeholders’ meeting to enhance community trust

     Imo state police commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, has invited community leaders, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to a crucial security meeting aimed at strengthening police-community relationships and evaluating police service delivery.

    The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, is in recognition of the 2024 SERVICOM Week, slated for October 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Police Officers Mess in Owerri.

    Danjuma in a statement on October 13, by the command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, said the stakeholders would deliberate among other issues, recent community concerns about extortion, incivility, and unlawful phone searches by some police officers, particularly targeting youth. 

    “Recent community feedback has highlighted concerns about extortion, incivility, and unlawful phone searches by some police officers, particularly targeting youth.”

    In response, CP Danjuma said he has directed the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and the IGP X-Squad Unit to investigate and enhance oversight.

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    “To report misconduct, the public can contact the dedicated CRU and X-Squad hotlines: 08033424051, 08148024755, 0706 741 9738, and 08103341610.

    Danjuma said the stakeholders meeting underscores the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement in enhancing security.

    “We encourage the public to actively support our efforts in fostering peace and security,” CP Danjuma said, adding that by promoting open communication, we seek to build trust and improve our service delivery to citizens.”

    He added: “This meeting is a vital opportunity for stakeholders to voice concerns and contribute to improving policing in Imo State,” CP Danjuma emphasised. 

    “Together, we can create a safer and more respectful environment for all citizens,” he said.

    “The Imo State Police Command remains dedicated to enhancing service delivery and upholding individual rights and dignity,” he said.

  • Ozurigbo empowers over 2000 youths, women in Imo

    Ozurigbo empowers over 2000 youths, women in Imo

    In a bid to provide training and skill development opportunities to young men and women across the agricultural value chain, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna (OZB) in collaboration with the Federal Corporative College, Oji River, Enugu State, have empowered over 2000 Imo people.

    The participants converged at The Place Event Centre, Owerri, venue of the watershed event, for accreditation before the commencement of the 5-Day program.

    The initiative, which is aimed at practically equipping Imo youth and women with functional skills, offers training in fish farming, poultry, palm oil processing, solar energy installation, and filmmaking, as the facilitators engaged the beneficiaries and participants on the various fields where they have expertise, training their minds on entreprenurship, self reliance, and financial independence for job creation and national productivity.

    Commending Rt. Hon.Ozurigbo Ugonna for always coming up with robust and practical empowernment programs to equip Imo people across all strata of life even when he is no longer in office, the representative of the Provost of Federal Cooperative College , Oji River, Enugu State, Mr. Chukwudi Okey Eze, saluted the leadership drive and tenacity of the former federal lawmaker, Ozurigbo, for proactively attracting such large scale of training to Imo State while expressing his willingness to collaborate with like- minds to ensure that Nigerian youths and women gain the requisite skills for self reliance which serves as a catalyst for their financial freedom; instead of perpetually hunting for elusive jobs at a time when government at all levels are struggling to pay workers’ salaries.

    Addressing thousands of already seated beneficiaries and participants drawn from the 27 local government councils of Imo State, the facilitator and major sponsor of the Imo youth and women empowernment program, Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna; immediate past member that represented Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency in the House of Represenatives, maintained that eventhough he is successful and blessed by God but he is always lonely at the top when his people are still struggling to survive the hard times.

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    According to him, the programe is designed to empower the participants with the vital skills needed to navigate through the agricultural value chain, sollar installation and filmmaking, so as to be economically empowered to be self reliant instead of waiting for handouts from their relatives.

    The empowernment program which goes beyond dashing participants biscuits and sweets, howbeit, has provision for seeds capital for start-ups after the participants have completed their trainings on palm oil processing, solar installation, poultry, fish farming, filmmaking; at the various designated centres; Orlu zone- UIPU, Owerri zone; The Place Event Centre , New Owerri, and Okigwe zone; Pego International Hotel.

    Both the beneficiaries and participants of the empowernment program have applauded Rt. Hon. Ozurigbo Ugonna (OZB) for his interventionist approach at a time when Imo people are economically stranded and looking for a direction, describing the Imo youth and women empowernment program as the much needed training to cushion the effects of unemployment and bitting economy, creating opportunities for self reliance and financial independence.

    Among the resource persons and industry experts engaged to take the beneficiaries and participants on the various modules of the skill based empowernment program included, Mr. Okezie C. I. -Director of Procurement at the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State, Chief Edward Chukwuma, Agribusiness Consultant, Mr. FCC Jones Onwuasoanya, Film Director and Movie Producer, Mr. Kingsley Agharanya, and Mr. Ihemanma Nnamdi Silas.

    Meanwhile, the Publisher of 4th Estate Reporters, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, also commended Hon. Chizobam .O. Chizobam , Chief Onyema Agbarakwe, Barr. Uche Dike, Hon. Chief Euguene Ohamara, Mr. Dike Philip, and other organisers of the event for the massive attendance recorded during the program.

  • The wages of rumour

    The wages of rumour

    •While those who burnt down NOUN centre in Imo must be punished, official channels should also be prompt in dispelling fears

    It is bad and sad that some suspected arsonists would burn down the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre at Ezeoke-Nsu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State over the rumour that the Federal Government has decided to  convert the facility to a training ground for repentant Boko Haram insurgents. The home of a former lawmaker in the area, Senator Frank Ibezim, was also torched during the unfortunate incident which happened at about 9.00 p.m. on September 30.

    What triggered the arson was the video of an inspection by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani  Mohammed, to the facility for the vulnerable, located inside the NOUN study centre. Mohammed was reported to have said in an interview that he was visiting the facility ahead of a training programme for vulnerable persons billed to hold at the centre before the end of the year.

    But the rumour that went viral was that the government intended to relocate and train some repentant insurgents at the NOUN facility.

    Ibezim’s crime was that he accompanied the federal commissioner on the visit.

    According to a source, “A lot of our people raised their voices against this Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) training project in that place, especially where there is no existence of IDPs in the state.

    “The planners of that project were insensitive to the agitation in the area.” If Mohammed did not know this, the people expected Ibezim, at least as a lawmaker who had once represented them in the National Assembly, to appreciate this idiosyncrasy.

    This newspaper aligns with the position of the state commissioner of police, Aboki Danjuma, that the attack was barbaric and condemnable. Indeed, we condemn violence and wanton destruction of public facilities in any form. We are therefore in support of the police in the state “to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident.” As the police command noted, “This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.”

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    We recall the ‘Ebony’ rumour that pushed into the public domain the false story that the then military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, was among the world’s richest men. This rumour by ‘Ebony’, an American magazine, sparked the anti-SAP (Structural Adjustment Programme) riots in 1989. Nigeria literally caught fire because Nigerians could not understand the basis for such fabulous wealth by their leader whose economic policy was taking a heavy toll on them.

    We recall also the rumour during the Buhari era that the original General Muhammadu Buhari was dead and that the then president was replaced with a look-alike. There was also the fake “wedding” between Buhari and one of his ministers, etc.

    Rumour-mongering sometimes produces comic relief but could also be deadly depending on the motive of the peddlers.

    Unfortunately for the people of Ezeoke-Nsu, they not only lost the NOUN centre, they also lost the only secondary school with boarding facility in the area — Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School. Even if they had the resources to rebuild another such school, it won’t happen overnight. Some rumours had left worse consequences in their trail.

    While we condemn the arson on the NOUN facility, we also must stress the need for official channels to respond fast to rumours before they become something else. This is especially so in our kind of country fractured by mutual distrust and bigotry.

    There is also the need for clarity of both thought and expression on the part of public officials when enunciating public policies and programmes.

    We agree though that if rumour peddlers are bent on mischief, no amount of clarity of expression would deter them.

    We call for stringent punishment for those responsible for burning down the NOUN centre. They should be fished out and prosecuted to deter other rumour mongers from causing havoc in the future.

    Even if Mohammed’s mission was not clear to the people, the clarification by the state government on the Federal Government’s intention on the facility ought to have pacified them. People cannot just wake up from the wrong side of the bed and destroy public facilities.

  • Family demands justice over alleged murder of son

    Family demands justice over alleged murder of son

    The Njoku family in Okwu Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, has passionately appealed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 9, Umuahia, to commence a thorough investigation over the alleged murder of their son, Friday.

    The late Friday Njoku, 26, a woodpecker,  was reportedly killed on April 21, 2024, near Okwu Uratta Health Centre in circumstances,  the family claimed were suspicious.

    Narrating the ordeal of the family to newsmen, Friday’s uncle and a retired police officer, Michael Njoku, said the family insists that a thorough and unbiased investigation should be carried out on the dastardly act for justice to prevail and to ensure that their son does not die in vain.

    “We want justice for our son’s brutal murder,” said Mr. Njoku.

     According to the embattled Njoku, Friday left home to gather firewood in the nearby bush only for the President General of the community, Austin Oriaku to arrive later with devastating shocking news that Friday had died during a chase by vigilantes who he claimed accused him of stealing a door frame from the dilapidated Okwu Uratta Health Centre.

    “Friday left home to gather firewood, but soon after, the Community President General Austin Oriaku came to my house to inform me that Friday had died while being chased by vigilantes who suspected him of stealing a door frame from the local health centre.

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    “But, when I arrived at the scene, I discovered with shock and disbelief that Friday was shot in the back with bruises all over his body.”

    Njoku disclosed that he reported the suspected murder case against the coordinator of the local vigilante, Emmanuel Abakporo, Austin Oriaku, and others, at the Owerri North Divisional Police Station, and insisted that a thorough and unbiased investigation should be carried in respect of injuries sustained by the deceased which allegedly arose from gunshots ”But the officers neglected to arrest or investigate the suspects for inexplicable reasons.”

    The PG said that Emmanuel Abakporo who is also a serving warder at the Owerri Correctional Centre and Oriaku claimed that they received permission from the Divisional Police Station to bury the deceased near the scene of the incident.

  • Imo leads, Abia, Anambra others in healthcare access for women

    Imo leads, Abia, Anambra others in healthcare access for women

    A recent report by global data and business intelligence platform, StatiSense has ranked Imo state as the top performer in healthcare access for women in Nigeria, with an impressive 93.8% of women delivering in health facilities.

    Abia State closely follows with 91.2%, while Anambra State takes third place with 90.8%. These three states have set a high standard for healthcare access, surpassing the national average.

    According to a post shared by StatiSense on its official X page at the weekend, the other states include Ebonyi State – 90.7%,  Enugu State – 89.7%, Edo State – 87.5%,  Lagos State – 86.7%, Osun State – 86.1%, Kogi State – 83.2%, FCT – 82.2%, Ekiti State – 77.8% and Kwara State – 76.2% which complete the top 12, demonstrating varying levels of commitment to healthcare access.

    The platform said the ranking highlights the efforts of these states in improving maternal healthcare, with investments in healthcare infrastructure, insurance programs, and training for healthcare professionals.

    Speaking to the Nation yesterday,  Special Assistant to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Public Enlightenment,  Prince Eze Ugochukwu said the achievement demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens. 

    He said: “The success recorded by Imo State in leading Nigeria in healthcare access for women is a commendable achievement that demonstrates the state’s commitment to improving the well-being of its citizens. 

    “The impressive 93.8% rate of women delivering in health facilities is a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s Health Insurance program and the investments made in Nursing and Midwifery education, as well as the rehabilitation of Primary Health Centres.”

    He said the achievement was not only a positive indicator of the state’s healthcare system but also a model for other states to follow.

    “It highlights the importance of prioritizing healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations like women, and demonstrates the impact that dedicated leadership and resources can have on improving health outcomes. Overall, Imo State’s success is an encouraging step towards achieving better healthcare for all her citizens.”

  • Imo cracks down on illegal pipe laying

    Imo cracks down on illegal pipe laying

    In a move to restore order and sanity to the streets of Owerri and other major towns in Imo State, the state government has issued a stern warning to companies and individuals engaging in illegal pipe-laying activities.

    In a special announcement on Friday signed by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the government expressed dismay over the indiscriminate construction and laying of pipes in the streets, despite existing laws prohibiting such practices.

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    According to the announcement, “Anyone caught violating the right of way law by digging, and laying pipes without approval from the relevant government departments will be arrested and prosecuted without further warning.”

    He said that the government’s move is aimed at ensuring public safety, preventing damage to infrastructure, and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the state’s cities.

    He urged residents and business owners to comply with the law and obtain the necessary approvals before embarking on any pipe-laying activities.

    The government’s crackdown on illegal pipe laying is expected to bring an end to the chaos and disorder that has characterized the state’s streets in recent times.