TheNewsGuru

Tag: Anambra State

  • We will deliver Anambra to APC – Ukachukwu

    We will deliver Anambra to APC – Ukachukwu

    Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Gubernatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Anambra Governorship election to be held on Nov. 8, has vowed to deliver the state to the APC.

    Ukachukwu made the pledge while addressing State House Correspondents, after the presentation of the APC flag to him and Sen. Uche Ekwunife, Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, on Monday.

    Ukachukwu said the President charged him and his running mate to bring the state to the centre.

    “He has given us a charge to go and bring Anambra to the centre, and that’s what we’re going to do. Anambra cannot continue to be a one-party system.

    ”The President was in Anambra recently and saw how ready and how charged the party people are in Anambra. He was happy about the turnout of the people that came out to receive him.”

    Ukachukwu said he was confident that the APC would triumph in the gubernatorial election because he and his running mate were the ones that made APGA strong.

    “I was a former senatorial candidate of APGA. I left APGA with all my supporters to join APC. The Labour Party, the YPP and other political parties have joined us in the journey.

    “We have over 80 groups that are lining up to join us. This makes APC bigger.  It means nothing is left of APGA in the state.

    “It’s not the first time an incumbent will be losing an election; it happened in Zamfara, in Imo and other places. Even in Anambra too, so it’s not new to us in Anambra,” he said.

  • Anambra PDP rejects coalition talks

    Anambra PDP rejects coalition talks

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in  Anambra has rejected any planned political coalitions with other political parties and strongly advises its members and stakeholders to steer clear of such coalitions.

    The party made this known  in a communique issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting.

    The communique was signed by the Chairman of the party  Anambra, Chidi Chidebe.

    The party said the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was not engaged in any coalition discussions with any political party and consequently, the PDP in Anambra was not involved in any coalition talks.

    The party called on party faithful to remain focused, resolute, and unwavering in their support for the efforts of the national leadership, the Board of Trustees, PDP Governors’ Forum, and other stakeholders who were working to reposition the party.

    “We strongly advice our members and stakeholders to steer clear of such activities, as they lack legitimacy, approval, or endorsement from the leadership of the party at both the state and national levels.

    “As the saying goes, no man abandons his house because of weed, we continue to pray that any man or woman raised and nurtured by this party whose intention is now to destroy it shall be put to shame,” it said.

    The PDP SEC in Anambra expressed solidarity and respect for the party leaders including Sen. Ben Ndi Obi, the Southeast Zonal Leader, Gov. Peter Mba, and the National Leadership of the party.

    It commended their efforts and aligned fully with their pursuit of peace, unity, and restoration of the PDP as ‘the true hope of the Nigerian people’.

    The  PDP warned members to steer clear of any form of coalition meetings or political gatherings that was not approved by the party leadership as participation in such gatherings constitutes anti-party activity.

    “Any State, Local Government, or Ward officer whose name is enlisted or associated with any unauthorized coalition group will be deemed to have exited the party.

    “Consequently, any office such an individual occupies shall be declared vacant with immediate effect.

    “SEC remains committed to upholding party discipline, unity, and the democratic values of the PDP, we urge members to remain vigilant, loyal, and focused as we collectively work towards a rejuvenated and victorious party,” it said.

  • Police recover snatched bus in Anambra

    Police recover snatched bus in Anambra

    The Police Command in Anambra has recovered a shuttle bus snatched by suspected armed robbers at Nkwelle, Oyi Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

    The state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

    Ikenga said that the bus belong to the Transport Company of Anambra State (TRACAS).

    According to him, operatives attached to the Obosi Divisional Station on May 17, 2025 recovered a stolen shuttle bus with Registration Number: AGU 651 ZL at Nkwelle Community.

    He explained that the operatives swung into action following a distress call to the control room of the Police Command in Anambra by the driver.

    The spokesman said that the suspects, a five-man armed gang, disguised themselves as passengers and dispossessed the driver of ₦20,000 and the shuttle bus.

    “Consequently, the operatives acted swiftly and alerted the necessary security checkpoints to deny the criminals access to escape.

    ”(This) forced the hoodlums to abandon the vehicle at Slaughter Junction, in Nkwelle and fled through a nearby bush,” he said.

    He said that security patrol had been intensified in the area to enhance safety and nip in the bud any untoward situation and for possible arrest of the fleeing suspects.

  • Police to probe dead body hanging on tree in Anambra

    Police to probe dead body hanging on tree in Anambra

    The Anambra State Police Command has said it is investigating the cause of death of a man whose body was found hanging on a tree.

    The command disclosed that the deceased person’s body was found Friday in a bush at Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, after an unidentified person called through the deceased person’s phone to report the discovery of the body.

    It noted that the body has been identified and deposited in the morgue and efforts are ongoing to contact the family for necessary action.

    The Anambra Police Commissioner, Ikioye Orutugu, ordered officers of the command to “uncover the circumstances surrounding a disturbing incident” and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • Anambra: Fuel scarcity looms as IPMAN issues 21-day notice

    Anambra: Fuel scarcity looms as IPMAN issues 21-day notice

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to protect operations of marketers in the state from the plague of multiple taxes and harassment by different agents.

    IPMAN which made the call at an emergency general meeting with members in Awka on Wednesday issued a 21-working days notice to shutdown operations if the grouses were not addressed.

    The ultimatum was a unanimous decision of the no fewer than 700 marketers in attendance.

    The meeting was presided over by Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Community Depot and members of his executive and Chief Linus Mgbakaogu, a national ex officio.

    The marketers said they had an agreement of harmonised revenue agreement approved by Soludo and had been keeping their part of the bargain by paying as and when due.

    They expressed dismay that some local government officials and agencies were coming up with different type of demand notices, arresting members and extorting money from them.

    Anyaso said members were asked by the House of Assembly to produce some operational documents but IPMAN was of the position that only the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency had such powers under the Petroleum Industry Act.

    According to him, marketers agreed on annual fees/levies of N120,000 with the Anambra government which Gov. Soludo approved and we had been complying fully with the terms.

    “But now we have different demand notices general purpose fee, Land Use Charge, fire, Signage, waste management and worse if it is that Local Government Councils are arresting and extorting our members under different guise.

    “We are appealing to Gov. Soludo to protect our members in Anambra, we have an existing agreement, if that is no longer applicable they should sit with us for renegotiation, that is why we are asking that this harassment and extortion should be addressed.

    “So we are giving a 21 days strike notice within which the state government, Local government and marketers would meet for discussion on revenue and we expect that all court cases are withdrawn and all arrested members freed,” he said.

    Anyaso also called on the Federal Government to address the issue of unpaid bridge claims by members in the zube and pay them so they could remain in business.

    Also Chief Linus Mgbakaogu, a national ex officio of IPMAN described the business environment for members in Anambra as hostile.

    According to him, the agreement we reached with other states as we did with Anambra is still subsisting but I do not know why the governor’s order is being disregarded by various agents of state.

    “Mr Governor is our person, the buck stops on his table and we expect that he should protect us,” he said.

    In his speech, Mr Greg Ezeilo, Chairman of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, blamed the misunderstanding on Local Government chairmen, who wished to assert their autonomy but promised to intervene and ensure that the areas of concern were addressed.

    Ezeilo said Soludo was keen on improving Ease of Business in Anambra and would not condone anything that would jeopardise businesses.

    “I will create environment for, constructive dialogue is held, I am aware you are open to negotiation and I will tell them to come to negotiate with you.

  • Anambra: Police smash kidnap gang, recover 3 vehicles

    Anambra: Police smash kidnap gang, recover 3 vehicles

    The Police Command in Anambra has apprehended four suspects, including a lady, belonging to a kidnapping gang in Uke, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Awka.

    Ikenga said that the suspects were arrested when police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, stormed a criminal hideout in Uke, Idemili area.

    According to the statement, the police operatives, acting on credible information on May 9, 2025 by 7.30 pm stormed a criminal hideout in Uke, Idemili North LGA.

    During the raid, four suspects were arrested, including a lady.

    He said that the operatives also recovered three vehicles during the operation; one black Lexus GS 350 with registration number: ENU 561 LY, one ash colour Toyota Camry with registration number: UWN 614 HK and one navy blue colour Toyota Corolla with registration number: UMZ 135 AD.

    The police spokesperson also said that the operatives recovered one HP Laptop, one car spraying machine, motor wires, and pieces of methamphetamine (Mpkurummiri) at the scene.

    He said that the suspects included one Chigozie Udolisa alias T. Dollars, Joseph  Anaolu alias Blue, Chukwuka Udolisa alias Udokamiri and the female among them, Chinaza Udemezue, all within the age bracket of 19 and 28.

    Ikenga explained that the suspects had confessed to being members of kidnapping, armed robbery and car-snatching syndicates.

    He said that Udemezue revealed that her boyfriend escaped the scene with their arms upon sighting the police.

    According to him, the suspects are currently undergoing police interrogation aimed at getting more details on their modus operandi and arresting the other suspects that are currently on the run.

    He assured residents of the state and visitors that the police command would continue to ensure a safe environment for all.

  • Shock as four siblings die of food poisoning In Anambra

    Shock as four siblings die of food poisoning In Anambra

    Tragedy struck Ogidi, a community in Idemili North Government Area of Anambra State after four siblings died of suspected food poisoning.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the incident,  which occurred on May 6, also landed the mother of the victims in critical condition at the hospital.

    The father of the deceased children, Pa Robinson Aghalu, 79, said the incident began shortly after the children ate a meal prepared by their mother and began experiencing stomach aches, vomiting, and other symptoms, which worsened over time, leading to them being rushed to the hospital.

    “Despite efforts to save them, five of the six children died at various hospitals in the area, including a nearby maternity clinic, Iyienu Mission Hospital, and Crown Hospital.

    “The mother, who also fell ill with similar symptoms, is currently hospitalised. A doctor, who managed the mother’s case, confirmed that the likely cause of the illness was food poisoning,” the father disclosed

    The couple’s only surviving child was said to be away at the time of the incident. The bereaved family is said to in urgent need of support.

    Clarifying the number of deceased children, the spokesperson of the Anambra Police, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command only learnt of four deceased siblings, not five.

    Ikenga also noted in a subsequent statement that food samples had been collected for forensic analysis.

    The statement read partly: “In the course of preliminary investigations, the police obtained samples of the suspected food, which have been forwarded for forensic analysis to determine the actual cause of the incident.

    “Officers are also conducting interviews with residents and other potential witnesses within the neighbourhood to gather relevant information that may aid the ongoing investigation.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, has expressed deep shock and sadness over the unfortunate incident.

    “The Command extends its heartfelt sympathies to the affected family and wishes the mother a speedy recovery, as her account will be vital in shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding the case.

    “The bodies of the deceased children were recovered and have since been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.”

  • Drama as 18-year-old apprentice impregnates 10 girls, including boss’ daughter in five months

    Drama as 18-year-old apprentice impregnates 10 girls, including boss’ daughter in five months

    An 18-year-old apprentice has sparked concern in Anambra State after impregnating ten girls within the span of five months — including the daughter of his master and a salesgirl.

    The Anambra State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this on Facebook, while stating that the matter is beyond her and she needs advice on how to handle it.

    According to Obinabo, the boy was sent to learn a trade from a businessman, but just three months after he arrived, he impregnated his boss’ daughter and the sales girl. The situation escalated after the boy returned to his village following the termination of his apprenticeship.

    Speaking in a live vide, Obinabo said: “I want advice from the public because this one is beyond my capacity.

    “This boy was sent to learn trade at the age of 18 and, three months into the apprenticeship, he impregnated his oga’s daughter and his salesgirl. He was sent packing. Two months after that, he impregnated eight others in the village.

    “The mother reported the matter to my office, saying anytime she sees a girl coming towards her house nowadays, her heart would jump, and that she needs help.

    “This matter is beyond me; that’s the reason I want the public to help me come up with a solution. Is it spiritual?

    “I asked the boy the magic he uses in luring the girls to bed, but he told me he always tells them that he loves them and will like to marry them anytime he acquires wealth.”

    “This problem is beyond me because of the boy’s age and the number of pregnant girls involved. That’s why I need help to solve it,” she concluded.

    While the identities of the boy, his mother, and their village remain undisclosed, Obinabo has called on the public to contribute ideas on how to address the issue, noting that it might require more than a government’s response.

  • 8 dead, 6 injured as bus collides with tanker in Anambra

    8 dead, 6 injured as bus collides with tanker in Anambra

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, has reported that an accident at Ukpo Junction, on Nteje-Awka Road in the state, resulted in eight fatalities on Sunday night.

    The Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander confirmed the incident to newsmen on Monday, in Awka.

    Alexander said the crash involved a Mack tanker without a registration number and a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKP375XM.

    Alexander attributed the accident to speeding and wrongful overtaking which led to a head-on collision.

    She said that an eyewitness account and preliminary investigations showed that the bus was traveling from Abakaliki to Onitsha.

    “The bus was speeding and overtook dangerously before colliding with the tanker, which was heading towards Awka on a single carriageway.

    “The crash resulted in eight fatalities – four males and four females, while six others comprising two males and four females, were injured.

    “The rescue team from Nteje attended to the injured victims, transporting them to the hospital for treatment.

    “They took the bodies of the deceased to Jerusalem Mortuary in Nteje after confirmation by a doctor,” she said.

    The Sector Commander visited the surviving victims at Regina Caeli Hospital and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital in Awka, to assess their condition and offer support.

    She condoled with the families of the dead and wished a speedy recovery to the injured victims.

    Alexander also met with the Chief of taskforce, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, to identify areas for improvement and implement measures to reduce the risk of future accidents.

    She urged drivers to prioritise their safety and that of others by maintaining a safe speed.

    “Drivers must ensure they drive at a minimum safe speed and only overtake when the road is clear,” she said.

  • Anambra govt reveals plans to close unapproved schools

    Anambra govt reveals plans to close unapproved schools

    The Anambra State Government has directed all owners of private schools operating without official approval to obtain the necessary authorisation by September, or face closure.

    Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, the state’s Commissioner for Education, gave the warning during a stakeholders meeting of proprietors of private schools, in Awka on Thursday.

    Chuma-Udeh questioned the reasons for the delay in securing the necessary approvals, in spite multiple warnings and an extended grace period.

    She said any further delay would not be tolerated.

    “There are still many private schools in the state that have yet to be approved. The time given by the governor to shut down such schools has expired.

    “Even though I took permission from governor to extend the time and has been holding back the task force, the owners of the schools are still delaying.

    “This meeting is to know the reason for the delay in getting approval. But if by beginning of first term, those schools are yet to be approved, we will close them down.

    “That is what the law stipulates and we have given enough grace,” she said.

    Some school proprietors alleged that impostors pretending to be government officials had visited their schools to extort money.

    The commissioner promised to look into the complaint and act accordingly.