TheNewsGuru

Tag: Akwa Ibom

  • A’Ibom: Kidnapped corps member recounts ordeal in captors’ den

    A’Ibom: Kidnapped corps member recounts ordeal in captors’ den

    Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a Corps Member, kidnapped on Jan. 9, along Enugu-Ezike Road, on her way to Kogi, says she faced torture and hunger in the hands of her captors.

    Joseph who was released on Jan. 13, gave the narration in Abak on Sunday, when Mr Sam Pepple, the NYSC Coordinator in Akwa Ibom visited her.

    She said: ”I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food.

    The corps member said that she and other hostages were beaten, left without food and dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables

    “I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, I reported at the orientation camp, and was sworn in on Nov. 29, 2024.

    “I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention.

    “I was returning to Kogi on Jan. 9, the incident happened at about 4.30p.m along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,” she said.

    Joseph said that while the journey was ongoing, a motorcycle rider broke the news of armed robbery attack in front

    “Surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen, he kept going forward until we met the kidnappers.

    “When they  started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush.

    “It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt, he was not taking hostage,” she said

    She expressed her appreciation to the NYSC scheme for its prompt response and solidarity during her ordeal

    Earlier, Pepple, thanked God for sparing the corps member’s life, and expressed the commitment of the NYSC scheme towards the safety of members.

    “As soon as we were informed of the incident, we swung into action to ensure her safe release. We are happy that she is back with her family.

    “The NYSC is a responsible organisation, we ensure adequate care for our members. We treat corps members as our children, so NYSC knows what to do for her.

    “I have seen her, she is in high spirit, and in good condition, which is different from what is being reported on the social media,” he said.(

  • Akwa Ibom govt fires all commissioners

    Akwa Ibom govt fires all commissioners

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved his cabinet, saying he needs to bring new professionals on board.

    Speaking during a valedictory session at the exco chamber, on Friday, Eno said none of the commissioners under performed.

    The governor who stated that though all of them delivered on their responsibilities, they had to be replaced for new set of professionals to be brought into the government.

    “For me, if you were to be changed based on non-performance, I think none of the Commissioners would go. All of you have delivered and that’s why the Arise Agenda has succeeded. But we must come to the end of a season, start another season and keep moving,” he said.

    He said a valedictory dinner will be held on Friday evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, in honour of the outgone exco members.

    Most of the commissioners have been in office for almost 10 years as some of them served under former Governor Udom Emanuel.

    The commissioners and advisers were said to have been retained to allow Governor Eno compensate them for the services they rendered since they were not rewarded by the time the last administration came to an end on May 29, 2023.

  • BREAKING: Eight feared killed as helicopter crashes in Akwa Ibom

    BREAKING: Eight feared killed as helicopter crashes in Akwa Ibom

    Six oil workers and two crew members have been feared killed in a helicopter crash in Akwa Ibom State.

    The victims were working at OML 123 oil field when the helicopter ditched and nosedived into the Atlantic Ocean.

    According to The Nation, they were working at Mimbo platform and the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel around 11:40am before the incident occurred.

    “There were six personnel and two crew members onboard the helicopter. Three bodies have been recovered so far. Search and rescue is ongoing”.

    “The helicopter belongs to Eastwind Aviation.”

  • Akwa Ibom LG election: PDP wins 30 LGs, APC 1

    Akwa Ibom LG election: PDP wins 30 LGs, APC 1

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won 30 chairmanship positions in the Saturday’s local government council election in Akwa Ibom.

    Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, announced this in a signed result released in Uyu on Sunday.

    Ikoiwak also announced that the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Usoro Effiong won as the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Council.

    The election was conducted in the 31 local government areas and 369 wards in the state.

  • BREAKING! Arsonists set ablaze AKSIEC office in Akwa Ibom

    BREAKING! Arsonists set ablaze AKSIEC office in Akwa Ibom

    Hoodlums have reportedly set ablaze the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) office in Ibiatuk, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, just hours before the commencement of the local government elections.

    Luckily no lives were lost, and electoral materials were unharmed, according to the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident.

    John assured that the incident has not affected the voting process, stating, “voters were exercising their franchise as of press time.”

    She added that the Police Command had deployed more operatives to AKISIEC offices across the state to prevent further unrest.

    However, the election faced several challenges, including the late arrival of materials and the absence of security operatives at polling units.

    At Unit 001, Ward 14 in Uyo Local Government Area, as of 10:02 am, there were no election materials or AKISIEC and security officials present.

    A similar situation occurred at Unit 2, Ward 11 in Itu Local Government Area, where materials and security officials were also absent.

    The local government election, despite the challenges, proceeded with efforts to secure polling stations and ensure the safety of voters.

  • Akwa Ibom gov Umo Eno finally breaks silence on wife’s death

    Akwa Ibom gov Umo Eno finally breaks silence on wife’s death

    The Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno on Friday, described his late wife, Patience (Oluwakemi) Umo Eno, as his best critic and cheerleader.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the governor’s late wife died at an undisclosed hospital on Friday, September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members.

    Eno while breaking his silence over his wife’s death said he would miss his wife of 38 years for a lifetime.

    Eno, in a Friday morning broadcast said, “Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience (Oluwakemi) Umo Eno, was everything a man could ever wished for in a virtuous woman. My prayer partner, counsellor, cheer-leader, best critic, homemaker and permanently smiling. I will miss her for a lifetime.” 

    Thanking President Bola Tinubu and all who sent condolences, Eno noted the “Incredible outpouring of love, support, prayers and words of encouragement through phone calls and messages of condolence and visits since the unexpected sunset that befell us (his family) has really encouraged and strengthened us at this time.”

    The Governor also thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for the show of love and support across political divides, especially the youths “who again suspended their planned national protests in honour of my dear wife.”

    He added that his late wife’s initiatives such as Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) would be sustained and expanded.

    He concluded that “burial arrangements will be made public at the appropriate time as we will not mourn as those who have no hope in Christ Jesus.”

  • Police neutralise kidnap kingpin, sea pirate in A’Ibom

    Police neutralise kidnap kingpin, sea pirate in A’Ibom

    The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin and sea pirate.

    ASP Timfon John, the State Police Public Relations Officer, announced this to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday.

    She said that the suspect was neutralised on Wednesday during a gun battle with operatives of the command in his hideouts of Uyanga Community in Cross River.

    She said that One G3 rifles with four live ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

    She also said that the suspect’s remains had been deposited at the morgue while investigations with the intent to arrest other members of the gang were ongoing.

    “The suspect, a gang leader of bling bling marine strike force terrorising Uruan/Oron waterways, was responsible for kidnapping of a High Court Judge and the killing of her Police Orderly.

    “The kingpin was also responsible for the gruesome murder of the owner of another prominent person in the state and the kidnapping of his sales representative, among other persons,” she said.

    She said that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, had reassured Akwa Ibom’s residents of the determination of the command to make the state safe and secure for business to thrive.

    Ayilara, therefore, called on Akwa Ibom people to report all suspicious movements to the police.

  • Police nab, parade four fake EFCC officials

    Police nab, parade four fake EFCC officials

    Four persons suspected to be fake officials of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been arrested in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Findings show that the suspects were already planning to abduct their victim to collect ₦150m ransom from them

    They were paraded on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

    Commissioner of Police in Uyo , CP Waheed Ayilara, while briefing journalist identified the principal suspect as Emmanuel Akpayak.

    Ayilara noted that  Akpayak masterminded the kidnap of the would-be victim whom he owed over ₦12m, as he tried to extort money from him, and subsequently kill him to evade repayment of his debt.

    He mentioned the three other suspects as Echem Ovurizichi Weneka, Promise Udofia and Jeremiah Johnson Okon.

    According to the CP, the investigation revealed that Emmanuel Augustine Akpayak had arranged for the kidnapping and killing of the would-be victim by engaging men on arms and procuring an EFCC vest/uniform for the operation.

    He disclosed that the victim was invited and a search was conducted at the principal suspect’s house, where four pairs of EFCC vests were recovered.

    “Information at hand indicates that the suspect transacted the business of selling cars with the would-be victim and owed the victim about Twelve Million Naira (N12,000,000.00), in order to evade the repayment of debt, the suspect hired armed men to kidnap, extort the sum of N150 million and also kill the victim, thereafter, but the Operation was foiled. Suspects will have their day in court,” the CP said.

    Addressing journalists, the principal suspect, claimed that the intending victim was his business associate to whom he owed some money but hired ” boys” who were issuing threats to him.

    He noted that attempts to make his associate come to a round table discussion failed hence, he resorted to getting an EFCC vest from an online vendor to give to his syndicate who posed as officials, to arrest the man and force him to bring ₦150m as he alleged that the would-be victim is rich and into internet fraud.

  • 2026 WCQ: NFF commends Governor Eno and administration for support

    2026 WCQ: NFF commends Governor Eno and administration for support

    The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep appreciation to the Government and good people of Akwa Ibom State for their support, hospitality and magnanimity before, during and after Friday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

    President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau stated that the football-governing body and the Nigeria Football fraternity remain grateful to Governor (Pastor) Umo Eno and other eminent personalities in his administration who worked tirelessly behind the scene and showed up at the Nest of Champions to inspire the three-time African champions in the crucial game.

    “First and foremost, I want to specially give kudos to the Akwa Ibom State Government for their hospitality and magnanimity, and for all the efforts and resources deployed to host a successful match. Governor Umo Eno, like his predecessors, has continued to be a pillar of the Super Eagles especially for their home matches. We cannot appreciate him enough.

    “We also appreciate the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi for her physical presence at the stadium to cheer the Eagles during the game.”

    Gusau recalled that Friday’s encounter was the 11th match the Super Eagles would play at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, with only one loss in those matches. “We must underscore the fact that Uyo, and Akwa Ibom State in general, is a favourable ground for the Super Eagles.

    “The result may not have been what we wanted, but we are confident that the Super Eagles and their coaches have learnt a lot of lessons from the game and will put these to good use in subsequent games, in order to earn the World Cup ticket.”

  • Late makeup artist, Abigail finally laid to rest in Akwa Ibom

    Late makeup artist, Abigail finally laid to rest in Akwa Ibom

    The late makeup artist, Abigail Frederick, who tragically lost her life in a boat mishap, has been finally laid to rest in her home state of Akwa-Ibom.

    The 24-year-old lady and four others, including the popular Nollywood actor Pope Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, drowned in the river in Anambra state on Wednesday, April 10.
    Her body was recovered and buried by the riverside the next day when her family was initially unable to meet the requirements to transport her body back home.

    However, with the help of her state governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, her body was exhumed on Sunday, April 14, and transported to her home state, where she was given a befitting burial.