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Tag: Anambra State

  • SAD: 4 die in Anambra accident

    SAD: 4 die in Anambra accident

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra said an accident along Onitsha-Oba Expressway, Idemili South Local Government Area, claimed the lives of four men on Friday.

    The Sector Commander, Mrs Joyce Alexander, who confirmed this in Awka, said the accident could be attributed to route violation, resulting in a head-on collision.

    Alexander said the crash involved a private Toyota Hummer bus with registration number UWN763XA, a government-owned Toyota Hummer bus without registration number, and a Mercedes-Benz tipper.

    “According to eyewitnesses, one of the vehicles drove against traffic, collided with two other vehicles and crashed. A total of five male adults were involved in the crash. Four died and one sustained injuries.

    “It is important to note that the FRSC rescue team was initially hindered in performing their duties due to an attack by local youths from the Oba community. The rescue operation was, however, carried out by the Anambra State Anti-tout personnel.

    “FRSC team is currently managing traffic, and the crashed vehicles have been cleared from the road, allowing for a smooth flow of traffic,” Alexander said.

    While condoling with the families of the dead victims, the Sector Commander advised motorists against dangerous driving and route violations, especially on the expressway.

    She also appealed to the public to allow FRSC team to carry out rescue operations and clearing of obstructions, as any delay could cause loss of lives.

    “Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s responsibility, ” she said.

  • Suspects arrested for burning 74-year old woman to death

    Suspects arrested for burning 74-year old woman to death

    The Police operatives at Abagana Divisional Police Headquarters, Anambra, has arrested four suspects from Ifitedunu area of the state for allegedly burning a 74-year old woman to death.

    The four suspects included a 21 year old lady, Chinyere Ekwenugo who allegedly conspired with others to kill the woman in a wheelchair.

    SP Tochukwu Ikenga the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, who disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Awka, said that the incident occurred around 9am on Sunday.

    “During interrogation by the police operatives, the suspect, Chinenye Ekwenugo confessed that her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Igwe, who is currently at large and three others set the victim ablaze .

    “They brought a casket to bury her before the intervention of the security operatives,” he said.

    Ikenga said the three other suspects include Uzochukwu Okeke, male, 47, Fidel Anayo, male, 60 and Ikenna Anene, male, 54, all from Abagana area.

    He said that the police operatives also recovered the burnt remains of the deceased, the wheelchair, and a casket.

    The police image maker said that the police had also initiated move to arrest the main suspect Igwe, who is currently on the run.

    He said that the body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue for autopsy and further probe of the cause of death.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Nnaghe Itam, while reacting to the incident sued for calm and ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department of the command for a comprehensive investigation.

    The PPRO also said that operatives of the anti cult unit of the command at Enugwu Ukwu, acting on information at 1.30pm on Saturday arrested one Maduka Okoye, male, 25 of Abagana area.

    He said that the operatives also recovered three expended cartridges of a pump action gun at a shooting scene in Ezichike community of Abagana during the operation.

    Ikenga said that the suspect had confessed to being a member of the Baggars Confraternity.

    He quoted the suspect as saying that, “I was in a beer parlour drinking with my friend when the Axe Men Confraternity attacked us,”.

    The PPRO said that the attack could have led to a cult war before the police moved in to stop it.

    “The police has since restored calm in the area,” he said.

    He said that the suspect was currently assisting the police in an ongoing operation for possible arrest of the fleeing gang members and already identified members of the rival cult group, especially those actively involved in the shooting.

  • PHOTO: Catholic Priest killed by gunmen in Anambra buried amidst tears

    PHOTO: Catholic Priest killed by gunmen in Anambra buried amidst tears

    The remains of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, in Anambra, murdered on Dec. 26 has been laid to rest amid tears.

    He was buried on Thursday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi after a requiem mass at the cathedral.

    Okonkwo, a pharmacist, was murdered by his assailants while leaving the premises of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where he worked as a manager.

    In his homily, the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Monsignor Anichebe Ezeobata, said that Okonkwo, who died in his prime, had carved out an impressive niche for himself.

    The vicar general added that the priest had led an impactful pastoral life before his death, after being ordained in July, 2015.

    He explained that the deceased finished his internship as a pharmacist in October 2024 and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala as a manager.

    The cleric said that the deceased was barely two months in office before he met his death.

    Dignitaries who attended the burial mass were the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, as well as the former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra state, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna among others.

  • Female banker brutally killed by kidnappers after ransom payment in Anambra

    Female banker brutally killed by kidnappers after ransom payment in Anambra

    A banker identified simply as Ifeoma has been brutally killed by suspected kidnappers after ransom payment in Anambra State.

    According to Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishi, via his Facebook on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, the abductors killed and dumped the remains of the banker, around Ideani junction, along Nnobi/Alor road after collecting huge ransom from her family.

    “Lives are being taken daily and it’s sad nothing is being done to end all this k!llings. WHO IS NEXT? If we keep fold our hands and do nothing, it may get to you,” he added.

     

  • Anambra PDP chieftain, Nwosu resigns from party

    Anambra PDP chieftain, Nwosu resigns from party

    Mr Samben Nwosu, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra ,has resigned his membership of the party.

    Nwosu, a foundation member of the party disclosed his resignation in a letter addressed to Otolo Ward 1, Nnewi secretariat of the party ,which was made known to newsmen in Awka on Friday.

    He said recent events had made him reevaluate his position within the party after several years of commitment and dedication to its ideals of promoting democratic tenets.

    “But recently a full swing has taken shape within the party, especially as it has to do with unfair treatment and orchestrated embarrassments by some political merchants within the party.

    “The most popular of such embarrassment was the pseudo signing of a suspension letter by an unknown organ of the party, without due process or proper notification to myself.

    “The next Senatorial elections rerun is an opportunity to showcase to the people that a “prepared mind Is better than a monetized nind” and hence, my resignation,” he said.

    Nwosu, a former Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commissioner , said his decision to resign from the PDP was not an easy one .

    He said he had been a member of the party since 1998 and had contributed immensely to its growth and development with all his might.

    ”I refuse to dignify these godfathers and their agents, who have indicated interest to monetising the next senatorial elections in Anambra South.

    “I am going to take a few days to evaluate all the available options ahead of the forthcoming election and thereafter I will notify the general public about it,” he said.

  • Insecurity: Two Catholic sisters kidnapped in Anambra

    Insecurity: Two Catholic sisters kidnapped in Anambra

    Two Catholic reverend sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, have been abducted by unknown gunmen on Tuesday evening in Anmbra State.

    The nuns were returning from a vocational association meeting in Ogboji when they were taken along Ufuma Road in the Orumba South local government area.

    Sr. Vincentia Maria Nwankwo is the Principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Sr. Grace Mariette Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.

    Their abduction was announced on Wednesday in Awka, in a statement signed by Sister Maria Sobenna Ikeotuonye, IHM Secretary General, on behalf of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ.

    Although the statement did not say whether the abductors had established contact with any of the victims’ families or groups, it enjoined all priests, religious, and lay faithful to offer fervent prayers and supplications to God for the unconditional release of the sisters.

    The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched a joint operation to rescue the kidnapped sisters.

    Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam visited the scene and assured that the command is working with clues to arrest the suspects and rescue the victims.

    A statement issued by the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, said, “Police-led Joint Operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government.

    “The sad incident occurred in the evening of yesterday 7/1/2025 when the nuns were returning from a Vocational service meeting in Ogboji.”

    Unfortunately, insecurity has become a major concern in Anambra State, with frequent abductions.

  • Gov Soludo offers N10m bounty on Anambra burial attackers

    Gov Soludo offers N10m bounty on Anambra burial attackers

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced a N10 million reward for anybody with useful information on each of the gunmen responsible for an attack during a burial ceremony in Ihiala.

    Soludo stated this during a condolence visit to the family of the late Bridget Onuchukwu on Friday in Umuike, Ubahuekwem in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

    The police confirmed that gunmen attacked people preparing for a burial ceremony in Ihiala community on Monday and killed nine people, including two security operatives.

    Soludo expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy that resulted in the unfortunate deaths of seven individuals and two security personnel.

    “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and I want to assure this community that those responsible for this violent act will be brought to justice.

    “We will not rest until the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended. All of them will pay for it.

    “We are on their trail as we speak. Anybody that will avail us information that will lead to their arrest will be appreciated. Ihiala security is currently being discussed and will be unveiled soon,” Soludo said.

  • 2025: APC guber aspirant eyes political rebirth in Anambra

    2025: APC guber aspirant eyes political rebirth in Anambra

    Mr Paul Chukwuma, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the November 8, 2025 governorship election in Anambra, says the state will witness political, economic and security turnaround in 2025.

    In a New Year message, Chukwuma said 2025 would make the beginning of return to as one of the most peaceful, prosperous states in the country by Anambra. The message was entitled: “Hope Rising in Anambra State.

    “The year 2025 is Anambra’s year of hope and rebirth. Anambra state will recover her lost glory and retake her position as one of the most peaceful, prosperous and prestigious states in Nigeria.

    “It is the year our dear state will rise again to repossess the fullness of its glory and respect among Nigerian states.

    “Anambra will shrug away its present leadership and cast aside the dark clouds of insecurity. Yes, Anambra shall rise again this year,’’ he said.

    He said it was unfortunate political leadership of the state had failed to meet the aspirations of the people. The aspirant further said 2025 offered the people of the state the chance to change the narrative by choosing a new administration that would bring positive changes to them.

    “This is an election year in Anambra State. We are at the threshold of change. I trust the people of Anambra to make an objective decision about their own happiness, their own greatness and their own lives. This is Anambra’s year of glory and it shall be well with Anambra State,” he further declared.

  • Ojukwu varsity invites applications for VC position

    Ojukwu varsity invites applications for VC position

    The Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igboariam, Anambra, has declared the position of Vice-Vhancellor of the institution vacant.

    This was contained in a statement issued in Awka on Thursday by Mr Chris Obi, the Registrar of the institution

    Obi said the Council, therefores, invited applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position.

    Obi, also the Secretary of Council, said the announcement was effective from January 2 and would last for eight weeks.

    Obi said applicants should be professors with cognate experience in university leadership, teaching, and research.

    “The Vice-Chancellor shall hold office for a single, non-renewable tenure of not more than five years subject to good behaviour,” he said.

    Obi said the applicants should possess a minimum of least 15 years of experience in teaching, research, service and/or leadership in the university system within or outside Nigeria.

    Such a persons, he said, should have demonstrable qualities in academic and moral leadership.

    He said vacancy excludes those who would be 65 years old at the date of appointment and shall also possess a doctorate degree in a field of study tenable in the university.

    “The candidate shall provide evidence of successful supervision of postgraduate students especially at the Ph.D. level.

    “The candidate shall be physically and mentally fit to undertake the duties required of a Vice-Chancellor and other assigned functions as directed by the University Governing Council.

    “They should accompany their applications with a written essay spelling out his or her vision and ambitions for the University,” he said.

    This, he said, should nclude an indicative sequencing or implementation framework for the ideas in not more than 750 words.

    “The referees shall include at least one male and one female including a non-Nigerian conversant with the work, ideas, values and abilities of the candidate.

    “The reference shall include an explicit certification that the candidate has had no hand in the preparation of the confidential report to be forwarded directly to the Registrar,” Obi said.

    He said the vacancy was open to all persons irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, place of origin, religion, political affiliation, nationality and class.

  • Soludo’s wife welcomes Anambra’s first baby of 2025

    Soludo’s wife welcomes Anambra’s first baby of 2025

    Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, on Wednesday welcomed the first baby of 2025 at the General Hospital, Nnobi, in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra.

    Soludo presented gift items to the newborns and their families during her goodwill visit to the hospital.

    The first baby of the year, a boy weighing 2.4 kilogrammes, was born to Mrs Elizabeth Nwachukwu from Enugu State through normal delivery at 12:18 a.m.

    Soludo also visited the General Hospital in Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA, where Mrs Chinaza Mmuoghalum from Ekwulobia delivered a baby girl weighing 4kilogrammes at 7:16 a.m.

    Speaking to journalists, Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living Initiative, stated that the birth of a child, especially in the New Year, brings good fortune to both families and society.

    “I do this every year to welcome our new babies into the world, celebrate with their families, and show our love, kindness, and gratitude to God.

    “I am impressed with the health workers and their relentless efforts in providing effective services to mothers and babies.”

    She also encouraged mothers to adopt a healthy lifestyle and practice exclusive breastfeeding for six months, highlighting its benefits for both the child’s health and reducing unnecessary healthcare costs.

    Soludo commended the state government’s efforts to enhance maternal and child health policies, improve healthcare facilities, and ensure that services were affordable and accessible.

    Dr Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, urged mothers to take advantage of the state government’s free antenatal and delivery services, as well as immunisation programmes.

    Nwachukwu, one of the mothers, expressed gratitude, stating that she did not pay for her antenatal care or delivery services.