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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • Ebonyi community sends SoS to IGP over alleged murder, rape

    Ebonyi community sends SoS to IGP over alleged murder, rape

    The people of Edda community in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr Mohammed Adamu to come to their rescue over alleged murder cases, torture and rape of their people.

    The call was made through a Save Our Souls (SOS) letter by Edda Intervention and Rescue Initiative, a group pressing for the rights of people of Edda clan, and submitted to the IGP in Abuja.

    Coordinator of the group, Chief Abia Onyeike, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja that, in the letter dated May 20, about 22 cases of murder, torture, assault, rape and other crimes were allegedly visited on the people.

    Onyeike, a former Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi, complained in the letter that the incidents had been happening since 2007 with some of them reported to the police but no action taken.

    He gave an instance with a development that occurred in Owutu Edda between May 2 and May 6 when three incidents of murder by alleged cult groups were linked to politicians.

    The former commissioner noted that another incident occurred on May 10, at Ogwuma Edda where 20-year-old Oji Sunday recounted how he was almost buried alive.

    Onyeike also recalled how another young man of 19, Chidi Oji was also gunned down and his body taken away by the alleged killers on March 27, at Nguzu, Edda.

    “Our complaint is about the death of four persons between March 27 and May 6, and not a single arrest has been made.

    “Even when arrests are made, the accused persons who walk free are left out while people unconnected with the incident are apprehended and later released to send the impression that something was done.

    “Gov. Dave Umahi had addressed the state and called on the police and the DSS to do their work at the last killings, not a single person has been arrested.

    “Almost all these incidents have been linked to members of a group called ‘Morekanbedone’ which is said to be a terror group serving the interest of a particular politician in Edda.

    “And some of the incidents not linked to them are still politically motivated and we want answers to all these if there is still law and order in Nigeria, Ebonyi and Edda,” Onyeike said.

    According to him, the people now live in fear and intimidation and therefore appeals with the IGP for rescue.

    “We have written the IGP, the DG of the Department of State Security (DSS), the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

    “We have also written to the Chief of Army Staff because we can’t bear the terror any more, otherwise we will all be dead.

    “Edda cries to these agencies to know if their rights have been subsumed under those of the ‘Morkanbedone’ members rights to kill and not be punished.

    “As helpless people who had already ceded their rights to self-protect to the state, we seek immediate and sufficient protection of the state before all of us are murdered and gone.

    “We want the allegations proven and justice served because the silence of the past is what made their instrumentality of carnage so potent. There should be a stop now,” he added.

    When contacted, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Frank Mbah, told NAN that he was not aware of the letter.

    He assured to get back to NAN when the information on the development got to his table.

  • N2bn agric loan: Court restrains Umahi, panel from probing former SSG

    N2bn agric loan: Court restrains Umahi, panel from probing former SSG

    The Federal High has restrained Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi and the N2bn agric loan probe panel set up by the state government from probing the Former Secretary to the State Government, Prof Bernard Odoh.

    This followed an ex parte motion filed by Mr Odoh against the Governor and the seven members of the panel of enquiry.

    Also joined in the suit as first respondent is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Mr Odoh is asking the court to mandate the anti graft agency to probe Mr Umahi and others named in a petition he wrote alleging financial crimes relating to the 2016 Agric loan borrowed from the Central Bank by the State government.

    Background

    Mr Umahi of recent has been engaged in a media war with Mr Odoh who was his former SSG in his first tenure.

    Mr Odoh had resigned his appointment in 2018 citing certain irreconcilable differences with the governor.

    Last month, he wrote an open later to the Mr Umahi where he criticised certain policies of the Government under the Governor.

    Incensed by Mr Odoh’s criticism, Umahi fired back in a live broadcast wherein he accussed Mr Odoh of misappropriation of the N2bn Agric loan the state government borrowed in 2016.

    He also instituted a panel of inquiry to probe the loan disbursement.

    But Odoh, who was the Chairman of an Executive Council Committee that provided guidance for the loan disbursement, denied the allegations.

    In a counter statement, Mr Odoh noted that he never handled the financial aspect of the loan disbursement.

    He also accussed the governor and some of the cabinet members of being responsible for the misappropriation of the funds.

    Odoh also rejected the panel of enquiry, which he claimed was made up of appointees and cronies of the Mr Umahi. He accussed the panel of bias alleging that it was set up primarily to cook up indictment against him.

    He therefore petitioned the EFCC urging the anti graft agency to carry out an in-depth forensic investigation into the loan management and disbursement.

    Suit

    Not done, Mr Odoh filled a suit at the Federal High Court, Owerri Division urging the court to mandate the EFCC to probe the loan disbursement.

    He followed it up with a motion ex parte seeking to restrain Umahi from probing him.

    The motion in Suit no: FHC/OW/CS/54/2020 was filed on June 1 this year.

    It has the EFCC and Ebonyi State Governor as first and second respondents respectively.

    Others joined in the suit include Hon Justice Chris Eze, Chairman of the panel, Mr Emeka Nwode, Secretary of the probe panel and Bishop Onyeuwaoma Umoke, member.

    Others are: HRH Raymond Iyioku, Egenti Okwuegbu, Monday Ikpor and Austin Iowo, all members of the panel of enquiry.

    Mr Odoh had prayed the court to grant him leave to bring application for Judicial Review (Order of Mandamus) compelling the EFCC to carry out its statutory duty as stipulated in the EFCC establishment act by investigating the governor and any other persons involved in his petition on the financial crimes relating to the N2bn CBN Agric loan.

    Mr Odoh also sought for a restraining order against the Governor and members of the panel of enquiry from probing him pending the hearing and determination of the application.

    Reliefs granted

    After listening to the Plaintiff’s (Odoh) Counsels, Justice Tijjani Garba Ringim of the Federal High Court Owerri granted the reliefs sought.

    “That leave of this Honourable Court is granted to the Applicant to bring application for Judicial Review (Order of Mandamus) compelling the 1st Respondent (EFCC) to carry out her Statutory duties as provide for under sections 1(2) and 6 (b) (h) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(Establishment) 2004, by investigating the Applicant, 2nd Respondent (Ebonyi Governor) and any other persons involved in the petition Of the Applicant on the financial crimes relating to the 2016 N2bn Central Bank of Nigeria loan for Ebonyi State”

    “That the leave granted to the Applicant to bring application for Judicial Review (Order of Mandamus) shall operate as a stay of all proceedings and restraining the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th defendants from either by themselves or through their agents or staff or workmen Or cohorts from inviting or summoning the Plaintiff for purpose of investigating and/or sitting in determination of the misappropriation of the 2016 N2bn Central Bank of Nigeria Agricultural loan fund for Ebonyi State or anyatter relating to same or inviting or summoning the Plaintiff for any other purpose whatsoever pending the determination of the application or originating summons”, Justice Ringim ordered.

  • Covid-19: Umahi shuts down Govt offices as cabinet members test positive

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has directed the shutting down of all government offices in the State from Thursday to pave way decontermination.

    This followed the infection of some Executive Council members with the Covid-19 virus.

    The Governor stated this in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Orji Uchenna Orji.

    He expressed concerned over the increased number of Coronavirus cases recorded in the state which it said has risen to 75 out of the over 3,000 sample tests conducted.

    According to the statement, 26 COVID-19 cases have been treated and discharged while 49 cases are still receiving treatment and in stable conditions.

    Although he did not give the names of the cabinet members who tested positive to the virus , the Governor described the situation as disturbing.

    He noted that the cabinet members who tested positive are currently receiving treatment and are all in stable conditions.

    Mr Orji said that In order to ensure effective contact tracing, the Governor has directed that all Government offices be shutdown from Thursday, 4th June 2020 and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020.

    “All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives”.

    “In view of this development, the State Governor passionately appeals to all sons and daughters of Ebonyi State who are living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state, as records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded in the state were those who returned from the epicentre states.

    “The Governor further pleads with our people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocol, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places, moreso as we have entered into another phase of spread of COVID-19 called community transmission”

    The Commissioner further said that the Governor has directed Dr Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complex.

    “All Exco members and Government officials especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.

    “The Governor further advises that during this period of close down of Government offices, all workers especially from the two Ministries aforementioned should go into self isolation. All site operations shall however remain open, but must be in strict observance of COVID-19 protocol.’

    Governor Umahi however commended all those who have made concerted efforts in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic.

  • Armed robbers invade Ebonyi Methodist Bishop’s residence, cart away valuables

    Armed robbers invade Ebonyi Methodist Bishop’s residence, cart away valuables

    Armed robbers numbering about 10 on Saturday invaded the residence of the Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abakaliki, Rt. Rev. Lawson Elom and carted away an undisclosed amount of money and other valuables worth millions of Naira.

    A relative of the Bishop and the Presbyter of Cathedral Church, Very. Rev. Uche Chukwuemeka, who confirmed the robbery attack, said the robbers invaded the house at about 1 am in the morning.

    Mr Chukwuemeka said the robbers used axes and other dangerous weapons to break the fence, burgled one of the windows to gain access into the house while the family members were deep asleep.

    The Cleric said the robbers carried out the operation between 1:00 am on Saturday till at about 4:00 am without any security challenge.

    The Bishop’s residence, located along Onwe road, is a few kilometers away from the Ebonyi State Police Headquarters, and just behind the Old Government House Abakaliki, the official residence of the State Deputy Governor.

    The house is also located near the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Onyinyi Egwu’s school popularly known as Hope High International School.

    It was gathered that there is a police check point near the school meant to provide security to the school and the neighborhood which houses many wealthy residents of the state.

    But unfortunately, the day the armed men stormed within the area, nobody responded.

    Mr Chukwuemeka stated that when the robbers struck, the Bishop was not at home adding that “only God knew what would have happened should they have meet him at home”.

    According to him “the robbers jumped into the compound and then broke through the window while the Bishop’s wife and children were sleeping”.

    “The robbers used axe and broke through the window. They came inside and surrounded the family members with gun. They collected their phones and ATM”.

    “They forced them to reveal their real ATM pin Number which they did. The robbers rushed to the Bank and withdrew all the money in their account”.

    It was further gathered that the robbers also broke into their kitchen and store and catered away gallons of oil, bags of Beans, Garri and other food items.

    Other properties also catered away by the robbers include; 6 plasma TV, and other electronic equipments, the Bishop’s bag containing important documents, etc.

    It was gathered that the robbers after their operation called a taxi who came and parked the stolen properties.

    It was learnt that the Bishop has reported the matter to the Ebonyi state police command.

    The Bishop could not be reached for comments as his Phone lines were switched off.

    Police Spokesman in Ebonyi State, Loveth Odah said that her office is yet to be briefed about the development.

    She, however, said the Police will ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted..

    “My office has not been briefed about the robbery incident but I the members of the public that the police will do everything within their reach to bring the hoodlums to book,” she said.

  • 2 injured, many missing as Ebonyi, Abia communities resume land dispute

    2 injured, many missing as Ebonyi, Abia communities resume land dispute

    Two persons were reportedly wounded and many allegedly missing in a renewed clash between Amata, Ishiagu community in Ivo local government area of Ebonyi and Lokpanta community in Abia state over ownership of farmland.

    The two communities which have been locked in an inter-communal conflict over ownership of a vast arable farmland near their borders renewed their hostilities which led to two indigenes of Amata allegedly sustaining heavy gun shot wounds.

    It was also alleged that many indigenes from Amata community who went missing during the clash were abducted.

    A resident of Amata who spoke anonimously said that the incident happened on Saturday, May 29 at the disputed farmland.

    The source added that it took the timely intervention of armed policemen from Ivo Division to put the situation under control and prevent a blood-bath.

    The source accused the people of Lokpanta of starting the recent crisis.

    He said they were in the habit of launching unprovoked sporadic attack during wet season farming activities while laying claim to the lands at the farming area.

    He decried the surprise attack on the defenceless, unarmed and elderly farmers who were in their farms for the wet season farming activities by the suspected hoodlums.

    “The invaders came shooting sporadically and chasing the farmers with various types of dangerous weapons, two people sustained gun shot wounds in the process, I was lucky to have escaped unhurt”.

    He urged the state and federal governments to urgently intervene to save a looming inter-communal war between the two communities.

    However, TNG could not independently verify the claims that Lokpanta community started the crisis.

    Police Spokesman in Ebonyi state, Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident.

    She said that both Ebonyi and and Abia state police commands were working to ensure return of full normalcy in the affected area.

    She said that both commands have sent detachments of tactical units to patrol the area to prevent unauthorized movement of people from the two communities into the disputed areas.

    She said that police would ensure that law and order were maintained to avert any possible outbreak of full armed hostilities that could lead to loss of human lives and destruction of property.

    “Our men are in control of the situation; they arrived the scene of crisis and rescued those abducted from the two sides and also aborted a blood-bath; though two persons were confirmed injured from gun shots.

    “It was a very unfortunate situation and we are appealing to both communities to sheet their sword and allow dialogue.

    “The two police commands will collaborate to ensure that security is maintained in the affected area to prevent the incessant clashes between the two communities.

    “The new Commissioner who will be assuming duty at the command on June 1, will be briefed on the development and he will take it up with the Governor to ensure timely intervention of the National Boundary Commission (NBC),” Odah said.

  • Irate youths burn down Commissioner’s residence in Ebonyi

    Irate youths burn down Commissioner’s residence in Ebonyi

    Irate youths of Elugwu Ettam community in Okpuitumo Ikwo Local government area of Ebonyi State at the weekend set ablaze the country home of one Mr Celestine Okah.

    Mr Okah is the husband of Ebonyi Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Wendy Uchechi Okah.

    According to a source, the incident happened on Saturday.

    The source said Mr Okah was accused of involvement in some crimes in the community, which he vehemently denied.

    His denials did not stop his summoning by the community’s village head, who ordered him to swear an oath to prove his innocence in keeping with the customs and traditions of the community.

    But, Mr Okah, it was gathered, refused to swear to the oath. He instead resorted to calling the attention of the Police.

    His refusal and involvement of the Police infuriated the youths around who pounced on him, before moving to the location of his house where they vandalised and set the property ablaze.

    Not done, the youths proceeded to burn another building belonging to another member of the community whose child is named after the Commissioner

    By the time the Police could get to the scene the destruction had been carried out but they succeeded in rescuing Mr Okah and whisked him out of the area.

    The community, it was learnt, warned the Police to take Mr Okah out of the community and warned him not to enter the community again.

    Police Spokesman, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident. She said the Police was able to rescue the victim.

    Odah noted that when the Police went back on Sunday, the community dug a deep trench to prevent them from accessing the community.

    She noted that the Police was able to restore order in the area and have warned the community to toe the line of peace to settle whatever dispute they may have with the victim.

    The victim’s whereabouts could not be ascertained at press time. Calls to his Phone lines were not answered.

    His wife, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Uchechi Wendy Okah refused to react on the issue when our reporter called her on phone.

    “I don’t want to make any comment for now,” said the Commissioner in an emotion laden voice.

    Commissioner for Internal Security and Border Peace, Stanley Okoro Emegha wondered why the community would take the laws into their hands.

    He said the state government has waded into the matter with a view to amicably settling the matter.

  • Ebonyi to shut down social media groups from June 2 – Official

    The Ebonyi Government says it will shut down most of its related social media – WhatsApp – groups from June 2.

    The disclosure is contained in a statement signed by Mr Uchenna Orji, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    He said that the state government-related WhatsApp groups were directed to be streamlined for ease of information dissemination and management.

    “All those who opened WhatsApp accounts for propagating government programmes, particularly those that have top government functionaries are to attend an important meeting.

    “The meeting is on June 1, by 11 am at the Secretary to the State Government’s conference hall,” he said.

    Recall that the State Governor, David Umahi had consistently condemned the usage of the social media by some individuals and groups to castigate people and cause disaffection among the public.

    The governor recently warned government officials to stop responding to criticisms in his defence on the social media especially on state’s former SSG, Prof. Bernard Odoh, whom he said was ‘still a brother and friend’.

    “Those who use the social media to bring others down will remain down while those they intend to bring down will rise above them,” he admonished.

  • Police rescue 2 abducted siblings in Ebonyi

    The Police Command in Ebonyi has rescued two siblings, aged five and 10, who were abducted from their home in Abakaliki at gunpoint.

    The Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Loveth Odah disclosed this in an interview on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

    Odah, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) alleged that the kidnappers robbed the mother of the siblings of huge amount of money before abducting her children.

    She said that the kidnappers demanded N10 million ransom but had to abandon the children at a location in Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state, after a manhunt by police operatives.

    Oda said the children had been reunited with their mother while efforts were being made to track down the abductors and their collaborators.

    “Our men are currently in pursuit of the fleeing suspected kidnappers; also investigations are ongoing to unmask possible conspirators with a view to arresting them.

    “I want to assure the public that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state and that efforts are being intensified to sustain police surveillance in every part of the state.

    “We also urge the public to volunteer timely information on criminal activities in their areas to assist the police to nip crime in the bud,” Odah told NAN.

    The three suspects were also in police custody over a botched abduction of a seven-month old baby in Abakaliki.

  • Lady lands in hospital with gunshot wound after wrestling armed robbers

    Lady lands in hospital with gunshot wound after wrestling armed robbers

    A business woman, Miss Monica Ogenyi on Saturday narrated how she fought off Gunmen who wanted to rob her of her money.

    The lady, who was shot on the shoulders for disobeying the armed robbers, fought with her attacker even with the gunshot wounds she sustained.

    Speaking from her hospital bed at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Miss Oginyi said said the robbers attacked her in broad day light at her shop located at Afikpo street by Ezioweri Street in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state.

    According to her, one of the armed robbers who operated with a motorcycle ordered her at gun point to surrender a large sum of money she made from her sales.

    “But rather than hand over the money, I confronted the gunman prompting him to shoot me at her lower shoulder.

    She noted that in spite of the gun shot, she summoned courage to seize the man with both of them falling into the drainage system in front of her shop.

    Miss Oginyi, who deal on foams, however, lamented that on lookers and passersby did not come to her assistance while the fight was going on.

    Miss Monica said the gunman would have been arrested if the on lookers and passers by had come to her aid.

    She said that having resisted the gun man, he quickly jumped on a waiting motorcycle and ran away.

    An eyewitness who did not give her name described the incident as shocking noting that they never knew the gunman was an armed robber.

    When This Reporter arrived the scene of the incident, there was atmosphere of fear and uncertainty with many asking for police presence in area.

    Police in Ebonyi state, Mrs Loveth Oda said she was yet to get details of the incident at the time of this report.

    She promised to react when she has been briefed by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area where the incident occurred.

    She was yet to do so at press time.

  • Two killed in Ebonyi as two communities clash

    The relative peace in restive Ishielu local government area of Ebonyi may have been broken with the killing of two persons in Umuhuali community on Wednesday.

    The victims of the crisis include a 13 years old boy, Izuchukwu Promise of Ezza Umuhuali and a 50 years old man, Emeka Nwannaji, of Umuhuali.

    It was gathered that Izuchukwu had gone to the forest to fetch firewood where he had an altercation with Emeka.

    It was further learnt that Emeka in the process killed Izuchukwu.

    The murder of Izuchukwu, who is from Ezza Umuhuali community angered youths of the area who attacked and killed Emeka.

    It was gathered that youths of both communities clashed following the killings leading to destruction of some properties.

    A source told our correspondent that the Nkalagu – Eha-Amufu – Ikem – Nsukka federal road that passed the two communities was blocked on two sides by the two communities preventing motorists from accessing their respective communities.

    Police Spokesman, Loveth Odah confirmed the incident.

    According to her, the youths of Ezza Umuhuali took laws into their hands by matcheting Emeka to death.

    She said the Police Command on getting the report swung into action by sending patrol teams to the area to restore nomalcy.

    “Police have launched investigations into the incident. We urged the people to remain calm. People should not take laws into their hands but seek for justice by reporting to the Police’, she said.

    She said the Acting Police Commissioner, DCP Yekini Ayoku has visited the area and have promised that Police will investigate the incident and prosecute all those involved.

    Chairman of the local government area, Henry Eze confirmed the incident.

    He said certain political interests in the area are trying to unsettle the peace in n the area which the state government have worked hard to achieve.

    “We are resolving the issue. Their is no cause for alarm. Government have waded into the matter”, he said.

    It will be recalled that Ezillo community, headquarters of Ishielu Local Government Area a seend Ezza-Ezillo had in 2012 engaged in a communal war that claimed scores of lives including strangers who were caught on the web of the crisis.