Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Armed bandits have launched fresh attacks across communities in Niger State, mutilating a blind resident and abducting 24 people, including a pregnant woman. The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in Palaita community, Erena Local Government Area, where gunmen stormed a farmland and whisked away labourers who were harvesting crops. Community sources said the victims were taken deep into the bush after the bandits invaded the area. In a separate attack within the same local government, the assailants reportedly cut off the arm of a blind man who they said failed to “cooperate” with their demands. Residents say…
…As Abia–Turkiye investment summit opens in Umuahia Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on local and foreign investors to take full advantage of the steady power supply now available in Aba following the activation of the 114MW Geometric Power Plant. Declaring open the Abia–Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Otti said improved electricity across the nine LGAs in the Aba ring-fenced area has significantly boosted the investment climate. He added that arrangements have been concluded to extend power from the 144MW Aba Power Plant to the remaining eight LGAs in…
By Azu Ishiekwene Suppose, however, there is no backstory to the “miraculous” escapes in Kwara and Kebbi, then we must package the lessons for export and perhaps curate a lore from it for Nollywood, for which I’ll suggest the title, “Triumph of non-Kinetic Theory of Combat.” And this is no laughing matter. There’s no need to obsess over what US President Donald Trump said about Nigeria being disgraced or his threat to attack fast, viciously, and sweetly with blazing guns. He has perfected the art of blowing hot and cold, perhaps more hot than cold. Yet, his unstable nature is…
Our Reporter, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Armed Forces and the police to embark on immediate large-scale recruitment to tackle worsening insecurity across the country. In a statement from the State House, Tinubu authorised the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 officers—bringing ongoing recruitment to 50,000—while the Nigerian Army is also to expand its personnel strength. He further approved the use of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary police training depots. “This is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia A pro-Igbo diaspora group, Rising Sun, has criticised former Abia State Governor and senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, over his recent claim that more than 30,000 people have died in the South East due to the agitation led by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Maxwell Dede, and Coordinator, Fr Augustine Odinmegwa, the group described Kalu’s comments as “treacherous” and accused him of “shamelessly defending” Justice James Omotosho over the controversial judgment delivered in Kanu’s case. The group challenged the senator…
Our Reporter, Abuja Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, on Wednesday said he met with several committees of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, where he urged the EU to strengthen its engagement with Africa, especially Nigeria. In an X post on Wednesday, Obi said he held “a series of constructive meetings” with members of the Committees on Foreign Affairs; Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs; Transport and Tourism; Development; and the Africa–EU Delegation. He appealed to the lawmakers to deepen their relationship with Africa, noting that the continent is “immensely endowed” but remains “the face…
By Promise Adiele Too many enigmas strut humanity’s daily existential corridors. These enigmas resist definition or comprehension in their most basic forms. There is no society without its enigmas – certain things people cannot understand or explain. However, people continue to accept these enigmas even though they violate their being daily. Nigeria has its share of enigmas, so many things we do not understand, but they have inextricably become part of our polity and nationhood. We only wonder, shrug our shoulders, complain and move on, consoling ourselves with that sterile street lingo “it is what it is”. One of the…
By Uzor Maxim Uzoatu The Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) can hardly ever be matched as a benchmark for quality in the Nigerian media. The 34th edition of the prestigious DAME is honouring no less a media exemplar than the inimitable Owei Laemfa. Established in 1992, DAME upholds “a longstanding mission of celebrating outstanding professionalism, ethical responsibility, and excellence in Nigerian journalism.” Owei Lakemfa is deserving of the highest of awards having distinguished himself in the topmost echelons of journalism and as a former Secretary-General of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU). In the words of…
Uche Onyema, Owerri The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the country, condemning the persistent violence and repeated attacks on innocent citizens. In a statement issued in Owerri and signed by its President, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, and the Publicity Secretary, Archbishop Donatus Aihmiosion, the bishops highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on communities—particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions—where predominantly Christian settlements have been repeatedly attacked, leading to heavy casualties and mass displacement. The CBCN urged the government to fulfil its constitutional duty of protecting citizens, investigate…
Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki A Magistrate Court sitting in Abakaliki has remanded a 52-year-old man, Chinagwo Paul Nweke, for allegedly cyberbullying a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah. Hon. Ogah represents the Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State. Nweke’s remand followed his arraignment on a three-count charge filed by the Police on Tuesday. According to court documents in suit number MAB/616c/2025, the defendant is accused of committing an offence punishable under Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Vol. 1, Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009. The charge sheet reads in part: “That you, Chinagwo…