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Tag: Anambra State

  • Lightning kills 3 students in Anambra

    Lightning kills 3 students in Anambra

    Lightning killed three Senior Secondary School (SS3) students in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra on Saturday.

    An eye witness told  NAN that the lightning struck nine male students who were playing football with their peers on the school’s pitch barefooted.

    “The students were practicing on the football pitch with their coach preparatory to a football tournament.

    “The coach had ended the training session before rain started, but some of the students stayed behind to continue playing football.

    “Lightning, accompanied by claps of thunderstorm suddenly enveloped the area and the boys were struck in the process.

    “A teacher heard the students screaming and running. He ran to the field and saw at least nine students trembling and jerking on the turf.

    “That was when he raised the alarm and people gathered to help. The boys were immediately rushed to the school clinic, from where they were taken to hospital in Awka.

    “Six of the nine boys were resuscitated and are currently receiving treatment, but three did not survive. Their parents have been contacted,’’ the witness told NAN.

    A resident, Mrs Hope Egwu, told NAN that news of the accident went round on Sunday and everyone had been held spellbound.

    At the hospital in Awka, parents and sympathisers trooped into the ward where the survivors were receiving treatment.

    A doctor, who requested anonymity, told NAN that three out of the nine boys were brought into the hospital dead, but six others were revived.

    “As of now, parents of two of the dead boys have taken the corpses away, while one is still in the mortuary.

    “It is sad that they were playing on the field barefooted. If they had boots on, the impact of the lightning would probably have been minimised,’’ he said.

    When contacted, police spokesman in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident had not been reported to the police.

    Speaking on the incident, Prof. Chukwudi Okani, Consultant Pathologist at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, said it was a natural disaster and not spiritual.

    Okani said lightning could kill by electrocution through direct strike, side splash or ground current strike.

    He advised that people should install thunder arrestors in their buildings to stave off electrical current in the event of lightning

  • Three students struck dead by lightning in Anambra

    Three students struck dead by lightning in Anambra

    Lightning killed three Senior Secondary School (SS3) students in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra on Saturday.

    An eye witness told NAN that the lightning struck nine male students who were playing football with their peers on the school’s pitch barefooted.

    “The students were practicing on the football pitch with their coach preparatory to a football tournament.

    “The coach had ended the training session before rain started, but some of the students stayed behind to continue playing football.

    “Lightning, accompanied by claps of thunderstorm suddenly enveloped the area and the boys were struck in the process.

    “A teacher heard the students screaming and running. He ran to the field and saw at least nine students trembling and jerking on the turf.

    “That was when he raised the alarm and people gathered to help. The boys were immediately rushed to the school clinic, from where they were taken to hospital in Awka.

    “Six of the nine boys were resuscitated and are currently receiving treatment, but three did not survive. Their parents have been contacted,’’ the witness said.

    A resident, Mrs Hope Egwu, told NAN that news of the accident went round on Sunday and everyone had been held spellbound.

    At the hospital in Awka, parents and sympathisers trooped into the ward where the survivors were receiving treatment.

    A doctor, who requested anonymity, said that three out of the nine boys were brought into the hospital dead, but six others were revived.

    “As of now, parents of two of the dead boys have taken the corpses away, while one is still in the mortuary.

    “It is sad that they were playing on the field barefooted. If they had boots on, the impact of the lightning would probably have been minimised,’’ he said.

    When contacted, police spokesman in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident had not been reported to the police.

    Speaking on the incident, Prof. Chukwudi Okani, Consultant Pathologist at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, said it was a natural disaster and not spiritual.

    Okani said lightning could kill by electrocution through direct strike, side splash or ground current strike.

    He advised that people should install thunder arrestors in their buildings to stave off electrical current in the event of lightning.

  • Tinubu mourns Prof. Nwabueze

    Tinubu mourns Prof. Nwabueze

    President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the Nwabueze family, the government and people of Anambra State, on the death of Professor Ben Nwabueze, one time minister of education.

    Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, described the death of Nwabueze who was also a foremost constitutional lawyer as a profound loss.

    According to him, Nwabueze’s knowledge of law was outstanding.

    “Prof. Nwabueze’s contribution to the precedents and principles of the nation’s constitution is notable.

    ” His involvement in the drafting of the 1979 constitution is a legacy that stands him out as well as his outstanding contributions to the legal profession at large.”

    Tinubu asked his family, the good people of Anambra State, and Nigerians in general to take solace in the worthy legacy that the deceased left behind.

    The President prays that God Almighty grant Prof Nwabueze eternal rest.

  • Tribunal upholds election of Labour Party Reps member in Anambra

    Tribunal upholds election of Labour Party Reps member in Anambra

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Awka, on Friday upheld the election of Rep. Afam Ogene as member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra state, in the House of Representatives.

    The three-member panel, presided over by Justice S.Y. Abubakar, unanimously adopted that Ogene of the Labour Party (LP) won at the polls.

    Abubakar, who read the judgement, dismissed all the reliefs sought by the petitioner, Mr Chukwuka Onyema, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The election in Ogbaru Federal Constituency was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, after the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections.

    As a result, a rerun election was held at the constituency on April 15 but Onyema proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Ogene’s victory.

    In the ruling, the chairman declared that Onyema failed to prove his case.

    In his reactions, Ogene described the judgment as true validation of the will of the people and the undeniable grace of God.

    He commended the tribunal for a thorough job and his constituents for their selfless support, encouragement and prayers.

    “This judgment will further energise me to continue to provide quality representation for the people.

    “I sincerely appreciate the entire Ogbaru people, irrespective of the political or social divides, for their steadfastness in working and praying for the good of Ogbaru.

    “We are remarkably a peaceful people, and should not allow politics or personal interest of the political class or politically exposed people to divide or destroy us.

    “I’m also extending my hands of fellowship to the PDP candidate, and I urge him to avoid the temptation of further judicial objection,” he said.

  • Imminent flood: Anambra farmers asked to harvest crops now

    Imminent flood: Anambra farmers asked to harvest crops now

    Mr Jude Nwankwo, Programme Manager, Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Anambra State, has urged farmers in the State to start harvesting their crops.

    Nwankwo, who gave the advice in Awka on Thursday, explained that this had become necessary to avert massive losses associated with flooding.

    “Before the planting season, we educated farmers especially those very close to the river banks to plant early so as to harvest early before the period of flooding.

    “Though the problem is still to begin, our advice to farmers is to start harvesting now to prevent massive losses associated with heavy flooding,” he said.

    The manager however, said there was no report of flooding on agricultural farms in the state since the rainy season.

    He said that in spite of the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam by the Camerounian authorities which usually resulted in flooding and attendant consequences on agricultural activities, farmers were yet to report any problem in the state.

    Nwankwo said though water levels at River Niger and Omombala River, two big bodies of water in the state had risen, the state was yet to experience flooding.

    He said the ministry of agriculture and ADP office had instructed the Agriculture Extension Officers to inform farmers on the need to start harvesting their crops.

  • Ohanaeze reacts over honour bestowed on Achebe by Soludo

    Ohanaeze reacts over honour bestowed on Achebe by Soludo

    The Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, has eulogised Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra for renaming the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport, Umueri, after the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe.

    Okeke-Ogene said in a press statement in Awka on Saturday, that the gesture was an honour to Ndigbo, Africa and the entire black race.

    He called on other South-East Governors to build monuments to immortalise the late literary icon who spent his entire life projecting Igbo social cultural identity across the globe.

    Okeke-Ogene noted that through his creative works, late Achebe sustained the fight and outcry against “marginalisation, injustice and suppression of Ndigbo”.

    He also stood for Africa and the black race in general as well as made huge sacrifices to give Igbos a strong voice and recognition across the globe.

    He also recalled that in his humility, Achebe died in active service as the President General of Ogidi Town Union, in Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra.

    Okeke-Ogene said Achebe’s literary achievements celebrated Igbo rich cultural heritage and tradition that will continue to inspire present and future generations as well as help preserve Igbo cultural identity.

    He noted that the honour will equally remain a source of inspiration to young writers who will now be encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative world to attain their full potential.

    The Ohaneze VP said the recognition has positive implication on young writers knowing fully well that history and posterity will remember, recognise and honour them in future.

    Okeke-Ogene expressed satisfaction that Soludo has sustained efforts towards human capital development and projects that impact directly on the lives of the people.

    He noted that his free education scheme would provide every child easy access to quality education to build a strong and quality human capital development as was obtained during the early years of Achebe.

    “The free education of Anambra government is commendable because it will motivate upcoming generations to discover themselves and aspire to emulate successful scholar personalities in the state and beyond.

  • Anambra Catholic Priest detained by police, 7 others regain freedom

    Anambra Catholic Priest detained by police, 7 others regain freedom

    A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Aniebonem, of St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Awka, Anambra, allegedly detained by the police, has regained his freedom.

    Aniebonem was detained by the police, alongside other persons over claims of being members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on September 27.

    Mazi Chris Mocha, MASSOB Director of Information, disclosed their release in a press statement made available to journalists in Awka on Monday.

    The release stated that seven other persons, allegedly detained by the police alongside Aniebonem, have also regained their freedom.

    Mocha stated that those freed alongside the cleric included an octogenarian, Chief Sylvester Dinyelu, Chief Peter Udemefuna, Mr Udebunu Anachuna, driver to the cleric, and Christian Ifeji, among others.

    The leader of MASSOB in Anambra Central, Chief James Ezeani, through the MASSOB Director of Information, confirmed the release of the detained persons.

    Mocha, also a Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, the MASSOB leader, commended the police for their quick investigation that led to the released of the persons.

    Recall that the Catholic priest was detained when he stormed the Anti-kidnapping squad office at Awkuzu, to inquire on why his in-law Dinyelu was arrested.

    Instead of getting an answer, the police detained him alongside his driver and others.

    Dinyelu was said to have been arrested with two others at MASSOB office located within Oyeagu/Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra, when the Anti kidnapping squad stormed the office on September 25.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ikenga Tochukwu, (DSP), confirmed the detention when contacted.

  • Soludo announces free, compulsory education in Anambra

    Soludo announces free, compulsory education in Anambra

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has announced free and compulsory education from nursery to Junior Secondary School (JSS 3) in public schools in the State.

    Soludo announced the policy at Premier Primary School, Obosi, Idemili North Council Area, on Thursday.

    He said that his administration was passionate about actualising all-inclusive education.

    He stressed that no child within the school age; from nursery to JSS 3, should be charged school fees or any other fees to acquire education in the state.

    “The aim is to go back to the basic when education was used as the equalizer, such that children from poor and rich backgrounds will attend the same school and compete favourably.

    “Children of school age will no longer be deprived of access to quality education. Education from nursery to JSS is free and compulsory in the state.

    “This will increase the access of children to basic education and to ensure the fullest development of personality, talents, mental and physical abilities of our children.

    “We will not look kindly on anyone who fails to comply with the above pronouncement,” he said.

    The governor further said that massive infrastructure development would start in all government-owned schools in the coming weeks.

    According to him, the community schools will be upgraded to smart schools in line with the vision of imparting skillful and sustainable education.

    Soludo said that machinery would be put in place to ensure the effective implementation of smart schools in the state.

  • Police arrest man for selling lady’s nude pictures, videos on social media for N3,000

    Police arrest man for selling lady’s nude pictures, videos on social media for N3,000

    A man identified as Chinedu Ezeudu, a native of Ndi Ikpa village Ezinato community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been apprehended by the police for allegedly selling nude pictures and videos of a woman on social media.

    Ezeudu was accused of leaking the materials after attempts to get money from her through blackmail failed.

    It was gathered that he sold the nude videos of the young woman to persons who requested it for N3,000.

    The suspect was arrested by the police after the victim made a report to the office of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Children’s Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo.

    Media aide of the commissioner, Miss Chidinma Ikeanyionwu said: “The victim said she lost her memory card in March, 2023, but was later chatted up by the suspect in June, with a request for huge amount of money in order not to leak the nude videos.

    “When she refused to pay, the suspect threatened to post the video on all social media platforms but was confronted by the husband of the victim and asked to delete the video. Before then he had already duplicated it.”

    She said the suspect went ahead to release the video on Facebook, Whatsapp and other social media platforms, including selling them to those who requested.

    Ikeanyionwu said: “When the incident was reported to the office of the commissioner for women and social welfare Anambra State by the victim accompanied by Hon Ejike Okechukwu, the suspect was quickly arrested by the Anambra State Police Command.”

    She said the suspect who is currently in police custody would be arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Court in Awka once investigation is concluded.

  • Stray bullet kills female student in Awka

    Stray bullet kills female student in Awka

    A 100 Level  female student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, Uche Jovita Chigozirim was killed after she was hit by a stray bullet suspected to be fired by cultists.

    It was  gathered that the incident occurred on Thursday evening at Miracle Junction in Ifite, Anambra State.

    A coursemate of the deceased, Dickson Anayochi, who spoke with journalists said Chigozirim was hit by a stray bullet at Miracle Junction.

    He said  “This girl, Uche Jovita Chigozirim, a 100 level student of the faculty of Health Science was killed yesterday (Thursday) evening by stray bullet shot by suspected cultists at the popular Miracle Junction.

    “Please help us and let the world know the insecurity situation we are facing here in the UNIZIK environment and the state government is not doing anything to improve the situation.

    “Please let the Inspector General of Police help us with a checkpoint around Ifite area of UNIZIK because we are tired of complaining to the state government. It’s now a culture we are almost used to. It’s really sad,” he said.

    The Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga is yet to react to the incident.

    As of the time of filing this report, the lifeless body of the student was still lying at the crime scene and covered with banana leaves.