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Tag: Enugu

  • Obasanjo, Malema to grace NBA 2025 conference

    Obasanjo, Malema to grace NBA 2025 conference

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and South African firebrand politician, Julius Malema, are expected in Enugu State on Sunday for the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    The conference, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, from Aug. 25 to  Aug. 29, will be formally declared open on Aug. 24.

    As part of pre-conference activities, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on Saturday led thousands of lawyers in a health walk across major roads in the Enugu capital.

    Speaking to newsmen afterwards, Osigwe described the atmosphere in Enugu as thrilling and said the city was a befitting host for the conference, themed “Stand Out, Stand Tall.”

    He said, “Enugu is the capital of the South-East region and also the home of hospitality, beauty, and peace.

    “That was why we chose Enugu State to host our conference after moving it from Port Harcourt.

    “So, we are here in Enugu to enjoy the best that the people have to offer and also have a conversation about building Nigeria and making it an economic giant in Africa.

    “Our keynote speaker, Julius Malema, is on the ground in Lagos and will touch down here on Sunday. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president who will chair the opening ceremony, will also be on the ground same day.

    “We are all set, we are so excited. We are going to make this a never-to-be-forgotten experience, the type that will make you want to come back every time for a conference in Enugu,” he said.

    Also speaking to newsmen, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia said the government of Gov. Peter Mbah had strategically prepared Enugu to host conferences like that of the NBA and many others.

    According to him, Mbah’s administration in its design and thinking around tourism, hospitality, and economic growth, had already factored in most of what you are seeing in preparation right now.

    “Even without the NBA’s plan to come, we had already started planning what would happen if the NBA came here, if the Nigerian Society of Engineers came here, or others,” he stated.

    He recalled that not too long ago, Enugu was on Air over inaugurated 100 Compressed Natural Gas buses and five modern transport terminals.

    “The reconstructed and revamped Hotel Presidential was also unveiled, just to name a few. We want to ensure that when people come here, they move around easily, feel safe, and even love to live here.

    “We are grateful to the NBA for choosing Enugu and believe that they will have a memorable experience during their stay.”

    Meanwhile, one of the lawyers already in the state, Mrs Favour Abraham from Minna, Niger, said she was looking forward with excitement to a memorable experience in Enugu.

    “This is my second time in Enugu. I came here for the NBA conference in 2005. So, it has been 20 years.

    “Today, it is a beautiful city. At least from the airport, we had Enugu State CNG buses actually waiting for us. The people here are hospitable.

    “I can say Igbo people are very warm and welcoming.

    “Enugu has changed, and it is a beautiful city. So, we are here to explore, attend our conference, gain more skills and knowledge, and then enjoy Enugu to the fullest.

    “We have beautiful things like okpa, isiewu, abacha and more.

    “At least we are coming from the North, and we would love to explore the city,” she added.

  • Notorious armed robber killed in Enugu

    Notorious armed robber killed in Enugu

    He added that the operatives, in conjunction with members of the neighbourhood watch, also recovered firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits from the scene of the incident.

    Quoting him, “The Divisional Police Officer mobilised operatives and the Neighbourhood Watch Group to the scene. On sighting them, the criminal gang opened fire, but the team responded with superior firepower, neutralising one of the hoodlums, whose identity remains unknown, while others fled.

    “A search of the scene and the suspect’s body yielded a cut-to-size locally made single-barrel gun with one live cartridge, a locally fabricated beretta pistol with one live round of ammunition, a Nokia torch-button phone belonging to the suspect, two iPhones belonging to victims, a small red bag, a red-and-black coloured torchlight, and ₦9,000 in ₦1,000 denominations.”

    He said investigations on 8th August 2025 led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with four live cartridges, suspected to have been abandoned within the vicinity of the incident by the fleeing suspects.

  • Shock as residents discover huge bomb in Enugu community

    Shock as residents discover huge bomb in Enugu community

    A live explosive discovered at a farmland in Ochima community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State have sent chills amongst residents prompting protest after a live explosive was discovered in their farmland, the second such incident in two years.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the protesters, carrying placards with inscriptions like “Nigerian Army should leave Ochima community alone” and “Government should come and rescue Ochima community from Nigerian Army”, blamed their ordeal on ongoing military shooting exercises by the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, Enugu.

    The discovery of a live bomb in their farmland, according to the protesters, intensified fear among residents, who allege that the military’s shooting range is too close to their community. They expressed concerns over years of trauma, property damage, injuries, and even death resulting from stray bullets and explosives.

    The President General of the Ochima Town Union, Gerald Okwesili Ubaka, while addressing the media, stated that the community could no longer conduct its daily activities in peace.

    “The reason why we are protesting is that we are in danger.

    “The community cannot live comfortably again because every time bullets from the Nigerian Army, 82 Division, Enugu shooting range fall in our land. We cannot farm or fetch water from our streams,” he told journalists.

    Ubaka recounted the tragic death of a female resident, Gloria, in February 2022, who was hit by a stray bullet during military exercises.

    He explained that the recently discovered bomb was reported to the Police Divisional Headquarters at Ogbede, which promptly contacted the Police Anti-Bomb Squad in Enugu.

    “They came and helped us neutralise the explosive,” he said, noting that the detonation took place on May 10, 2025.

    “Last year we discovered a bomb and this year again we discovered another bomb. In our land, all the people and visitors are in danger and we are dying.”

    The Senior Special Adviser on Works in the local government, Engr. Onyebuchi Otoboeze, confirmed the community’s ordeal and applauded the council chairman for acting swiftly during the recent incident.

    Also speaking, the Station Catechist of Holy Child Catholic Church, Ochima, Lawrence Igwe, urged the government to intervene and prevent further disaster.

    “We are begging the government to take this matter seriously before more lives are lost,” Igwe pleaded.

  • Umuahia, Enugu standstill as IPOB enforces Biafra day

    Umuahia, Enugu standstill as IPOB enforces Biafra day

    Commercial and public activities were grounded across some eastern states, this includes, Enugu State, Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State on Friday as residents adhered strictly to the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) in commemoration of fallen Biafran heroes.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Biafra Day, observed annually on May 30, commemorates the 1967 declaration of the defunct Republic of Biafra by the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

    Although not officially recognised by the state or federal government, the day has taken root among many in the South East as a solemn remembrance of the Nigerian Civil War and its aftermath.

    In Enugu metropolis, TNG observed the closure of banks, markets, fuel stations, and schools. Public servants were seen briefly signing attendance registers before promptly returning home.

    As for Umuahia, the usually bustling streets were largely deserted, with the only signs of life being sporadic movements of tricycles and a few vehicles. 

    Shops along major roads remained shut, with markets and motor parks also following suit in compliance with the order.

    Banks across the city kept their doors closed to customers, and educational institutions, both public and private, remained closed, with students and pupils staying at home.

    Despite the lack of commercial activities, some youths were seen occupying the empty streets, engaging in a friendly game of soccer.

    Elsewhere, small groups of people gathered at the entrances of their homes, discussing the latest political and security developments in the country.

    The spokesman for IPOB, Emma Powerful, confirmed the lockdown, stating that the day has been set aside specifically to commemorate the sacrifices made by those who fought for the Biafra cause.

    Interestingly, the usual presence of security forces was not observed on the streets, and, as of the time of reporting, there had been no reported clashes between security agents and those enforcing the sit-at-home order.

  • LP Publicity Secretary defect to PDP

    LP Publicity Secretary defect to PDP

    Mr Titus Odo, the Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State on Wednesday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Odo defected to the PDP alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Prince Emeka Mamah, who was the State Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 Presidential election.

    NAN recalls that the duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the LP.

    Receiving the defectors at the party’s State Secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Dr Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.

    He explained that state Governor, Mr Peter Mbah gave them directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party for one reason or the other.

    “We are happy to have them in our midst and God has set this party on a good foot as 2027 is already assured,” he said.

    The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Odo expressed joy to return to his former party, revealing that Mbah’s massive development in the state informed his decision.

    “I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant developmental strides of Gov Mbah and I say kudos to him.

    “The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP Governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.

    “Another reason is that the Council Chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara is turning the Council Area into a township,” he said.

    On his part, Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North senatorial zone and the State chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.

    He extolled Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those that had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor”.

  • Enugu lawmaker dumps Labour Party for PDP

    Enugu lawmaker dumps Labour Party for PDP

    A Labour Party member of Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr Eze Gabriel, representing Isi-Uzo constituency, has defected to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Eze, who was elected on the platform of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, announced his defection during plenary on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that a letter announcing his defection to PDP was read by the Speaker of the assembly, Chief Uche Ugwu.

    In the letter, Eze expressed sadness over his decision, but said it was anchored on the irreconcilable divisions, incessant crises and factions within Labour Party at the national level and in the state.

    He stated that Labour Party, which was once a beacon of hope for progressive ideals, had regrettably become synonymous with internal strife, thereby diminishing its capacity to fulfill the aspirations of the electorate.

    The lawmaker described the recent conflict between Mr Julius Abure and Sen. Nenadi Usman at the national level and the one between Chief Kingsley Ugwu and Mr Casmir Agbo in Enugu State as stark reminders of the disunity within the party.

    He expressed the confidence that within PDP, he would have the supportive platform needed to continue contributing to the state’s development, even as he thanked his supporters for their understanding.

  • No recent mass killings, rape, arson in Enugu community – Council chairman

    No recent mass killings, rape, arson in Enugu community – Council chairman

    The Isi-Uzo Council Chairman in Enugu State, Mr Obiora Obeagu, has refuted social media video of recent killings in Eha-Amufu community in the area saying the last incident happened in 2022.

    The chairman made the clarification on Sunday in Isiuzo while briefing journalists who were on a fact finding mission in the area.

    The fact-finding mission emanated due to recent viral videos of protest and counter-protest by groups of women over alleged recent rape, mass killings and widespread arson in Eha-Amufu community.

    Obeagu admitted the existence of security challenges but refuted the story as fake.

    The chairman said that the Gov. Peter Mbah administration had since coming into office in 2023 continued to put in place both physical security and infrastructural measures that had ensured that what happened in 2022 did not repeat itself.

    “These included: the deployment of over 150 soldiers, deployment of Special Forces with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and gun trucks, ongoing collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army to construct military barracks in that border community.

    “Gov. Mbah has nearly completed 21.7km Agape-Agu-Mgbuji-Ogbete Road in order to open up our farm settlements, enhance security and vehicular access to the farmlands and forests within Eha-Amufu and other neighbouring communities in the council,” he said.

    The council boss blamed bad politics, deliberate lies and misinformation for the fabricated and fake social media videos and all unfounded allegations made within the videos.

    “So, when people tell you it was a spontaneous protest, it was not. It was orchestrated, well planned. In one of the clips I watched, a man was in the background like a hype-man, trying to hype the situation.

    “I heard him say that last week 200 people were killed. Yet, he did not show burnt houses, nobody was showing any images; while the things they talked about are things that are supposed to be graphic,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the people of Eha-Amufu community have also debunked alleged recent mass rape, killings and arson in their community.

    Speaking, the President-General of Mgbuji in Eha-Amufu, Chief Donatus Odoh, noted that the alleged protest on the supposed killing of 100 or 200 persons in Eha-Amufu recently in a viral video being circulated never happened.

    “Nothing happened here and there was no mass rape, killing or arson in Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu two weeks ago and till now,” Odoh said.

    He said that although there was a rape case in another autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, and he was involved in arranging the victim’s medical treatment following government’s intervention.

    “The rape victim, Mrs. Amarachi Nnaji, alleged in the fake video to be dead is alive. I saw the woman being driven on a bike returning from the market the other day. She is healthy,” Odoh emphasised.

    Odoh, however, confirmed past mass attacks on Eha-Amufu community by suspected herders before the coming of Gov. Peter Mbah, especially in 2022 when the community was sacked, leaving so many people dead.

    Another community leader, Chief Richard Ogenyi, said that but for isolated incidents, security had continued to improve after the 2022 attack through the interventions of Gov. Mbah and the Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Mr Obiora Obeagu.

    “So, I am surprised to hear that many people numbering in their hundreds were killed in Eha-Amufu. After the incident of 2022, we have not witnessed such a number of killings being circulated.

    “Since Obeagu’s second term and Gov. Mbah administration, we have witnessed a lot of security improvement and insecurity has dropped drastically,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the rape victim from Abor Eha-Amufu, Mrs. Amarachi Nnaji, while recounting her unfortunate experience in the hands of herders in her farm, noted that the information that she was in the mortuary was false.

  • Don’t panic on hearing gunshots in Enugu – Army

    Don’t panic on hearing gunshots in Enugu – Army

    The Nigerian Army has advised residents of Enugu State not to panic upon witnessing heavy movement of troops and equipment, or hearing gunshots, between March 17 and March 20.

    Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, gave the advice in a statement issued in Enugu on Thursday.

    According to Unuakhalu, the activity is part of a week-long range classification exercise by Nigerian Army personnel.

    “In line with the Army Headquarters Training Directives for 2025, the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army will conduct its first range classification exercise of the year from Monday, March 17 to Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    “The range classification will take place at the Army Training Area in Udi Local Government Area (LGA), located just outside the Enugu metropolis.

    “The exercise is designed to sharpen the shooting skills of officers and soldiers in the Division, as well as assess the serviceability of weapons that have not been deployed in operations,” he added.

    Unuakhalu further assured the public, especially residents of Ogbede, Ukehe, Umoka, Affa, Ochima, and Onyohor communities in Udi LGA, that there was no cause for alarm.

    He urged them not to panic on sighting heavy movement of troops and equipment or hearing gunshots during the specified dates.

    “Additionally, locals are advised to stay clear of the range area throughout the exercise, as it will involve the use of live ammunition,” he said.

    “Thank you for your usual cooperation, and please accept the warmest regards of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army,” Unuakhalu added.

  • Just In: Enugu LP chairman Agbo reportedly goes on indefinite suspension

    Just In: Enugu LP chairman Agbo reportedly goes on indefinite suspension

    Enugu state party chairman, Barr. Casmir Agbo has been placed on indefinite suspension after a vote of no confidence was passed on his leadership of the party.

    The leaders of the party in a communique made available to newsmen at the end of their meeting in Enugu among other things, accused their chairman if insubordination, attack of the party leader, alleged collection of bribe, replacement of elected party leaders without due process.

    The communique which was signed by 14 out of the 17 LG chairmen, zonal chairmen and other elected executives of the party also announced the appointment of Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu to pilot the affairs of the party pending when the party will hold its congress.

    “The Enugu State Labour Party has taken a significant step in holding its leadership accountable by passing a vote of no confidence in the State Labour Party Chairman, Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo.
    This unanimous decision taken by the State Working Committee and Local Government Party Chairmen reflects the party’s commitment to upholding its values and principles.

    “The vote of no confidence was taken due to litanies of anti party activities perpetuated and perpetrated by Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo and his cohorts.The following under listed reasons are the reasons for this vote of no confidence and/suspension:

  • SAD! Enugu tanker explosion death toll increases to 23 as more victims pass on

    SAD! Enugu tanker explosion death toll increases to 23 as more victims pass on

    The death toll from the tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has increaseed to 23, following the deaths of two additional victims who had been receiving treatment in the hospital.

    Franklin Agbakoba, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Command, confirmed the latest fatalities on Tuesday in Enugu. He stated that two female victims—one at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, and another at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu—succumbed to their injuries after battling for about a week.

    The deadly incident occurred on January 25, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when a fuel-laden tanker suffered a brake failure, overturned, and exploded. The inferno engulfed multiple vehicles, killing 11 people instantly before emergency responders could arrive.

    The situation worsened in the days that followed:

    January 26: The death toll rose to 18.
    January 29: The number of fatalities increased to 21.
    February 5: The latest update brings the toll to 23.
    Following the explosion, emergency personnel, including FRSC officers and the Enugu State Fire Service, swiftly responded to the scene.

    The fire was eventually extinguished, and the bodies of the deceased were evacuated, while injured survivors were rushed to major hospitals in Enugu.

    According to Agbakoba, five victims were initially admitted to UNTH:

    One succumbed to injuries at the end of January.

    Another remains hospitalized.
    Three victims from the same family were discharged against medical advice and opted for traditional treatment at home.
    At the ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu:

    Three female victims remain hospitalized.
    Two patients were referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital due to severe burns.
    At the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu:

    One of the three victims admitted six days ago has died.
    Two remain in critical condition.

    They were later joined by another victim referred from ESUTH.
    Agbakoba had previously disclosed that the tragic accident involved 44 individuals, as well as 16 vehicles (both commercial and private) and a commercial tricycle.

    In total:

    23 people have now lost their lives (8 males and 15 females).

    Another 23 sustained injuries and were treated across three major government hospitals:
    UNTH Ituku-Ozalla
    ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane
    National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.

    The rising death toll underscores the severity of burn injuries and the urgent need for improved emergency response and medical facilities in Nigeria. Authorities have continued investigations into the accident, with calls for stricter safety regulations for fuel tankers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.