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Tag: Enugu State

  • Police rescue pregnant woman from kidnappers in Enugu, 2 suspects arrested

    Police rescue pregnant woman from kidnappers in Enugu, 2 suspects arrested

    The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested two kidnap suspects and rescued an expectant mother unhurt in the process along Eke-Egede Road in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State.

    The Command Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Saturday in Enugu that police operatives, acting on intelligence-guided discreet investigations, arrested two male kidnap suspects in connection with the incident.

    Ndukwe noted that the identities of the suspects had been withheld for investigation reasons, for the alleged abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA, around 9:45 p.m., on April 22, 2024.

    According to him, this was after the state Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, swiftly led a crack team of police operatives, complemented by a Neighbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guards, to rescue the woman on April 23, 2024, around noon, barely 24 hours after her abduction.

    He said: “Providentially, the woman, later identified as Mrs Chinwendu Igwe and already in her expected period of delivery, delivered a male child and, upon her rescue, was taken to the hospital.

    “She and the baby were medically attended to and are in good condition, courtesy of the Enugu State Government, which has undertaken to foot the medical bills of the mother and newborn.

    “A preliminary investigation into the incident revealed that the woman, unaided and for reasons yet-to-be ascertained, knowing that she was within her expected period of delivery, embarked on a journey by land with two of her children from Lagos to her paternal home in Egede, Udi LGA.

    “She got to 9th Mile around 9 p.m. Lacking a convenient means of conveyance, she boarded a commercial motorcycle, with the motorcyclist electing to transport her and her two children due to her state of pregnancy.

    “However, while on their way, the abductors attacked them, beat up the motorcyclist, and abducted the woman into the forest, leaving the rider and the children behind, before a team of police operatives responded upon intercepting information on the incident.”

    The Command Spokesman said that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping gang at large.

    Ndukwe said that the commissioner enjoined media houses to always maintain accuracy and objectivity when reporting security information of this nature to avoid misinforming the unsuspecting public and violating laws and ethics of media practices.

    “The commissioner, however, frowned at the fact that Mrs Igwe decided to embark on such a long-distance travel by land and unaided, considering her heavy pregnancy and the time of movement to her final destination.

    “She did not also consider stopping by and having her husband, who resides in Enugu metropolis, take her to the said paternal home at a later time.”

    In view of this development, the Commissioner has urged all and sundry to exercise discretion and caution in such circumstances.

  • NERC gives up regulatory oversight in Enugu to State govt

    NERC gives up regulatory oversight in Enugu to State govt

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), says it has transfered regulatory oversight of the Enugu electricity market to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

    With the Electricity ACT (EA), the commission retains the role as central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state and international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.

    The Commission in a statement on its website in Abuja, said that the transfer was in compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended).

    According to the statement, the EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes.

    The statement also said that the state has to request NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations in the state to the state regulator.

    ”Based on this, the Government of Enugu State complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC and requested for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market in Enugu.

    ”The Commission in the Order, made the following provisions: direct Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) to incorporate a subsidiary (EEDC SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Enugu State from EEDC.

    ”The company shall complete the incorporation of EEDC SubCo within 60 days from April, 22 and the sub company shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), among other directives.

    ”All transfers envisaged by this order shall be completed by October 22, 2024,” it said.

  • IGR: Our target is to pay salaries without FAAC – Enugu Govt

    IGR: Our target is to pay salaries without FAAC – Enugu Govt

    The Enugu State Government says its target this year is to pay salaries from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rather than relying on allocation from the Federal Government.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia made the disclosure at the 49th Annual Synod of the Enugu Archdiocese of the Methodist Church on Sunday.

    According to the SSG, who represented the governor, Mr Peter Mbah at the event, the government is determined to improve the revenue earnings of the state as well as boost its Gross Domestic Product from N4 billion to N40 billion.

    Onyia explained that the government did not increase taxes but to block the loopholes in revenue generation and capture businesses that had not been paying taxes.

    He encouraged residents of the state especially the private sector to pay their taxes direct to government coffers.

    “We have succeeded in blocking people from printing fake receipts on behalf of the government and ensured that all tax payments are paid to the government.

    “Our target is to pay salaries without allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) but from our IGR,” the SSG said.

    He also disclosed that in the next 40 days, there would be pipe borne water in most parts of the state capital adding that major road constructions and rehabilitations in some parts of the state would also be completed.

    The SSG thanked the Methodist Church for its support to the government especially during elections.

    Onyia urged the clergy to assist in teaching the people on behavioral change by encouraging their members to perform their civic responsibilities including payments of taxes.

    Earlier, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Christopher Edeh commended the governor for its achievements since assumption of office 10 months ago.

    The archbishop however, urged the government to reconsider its method of collecting taxes as the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs were finding it difficult to cope with the tax agents.

    Edeh also advised the governor to consider existing primary and secondary schools in its Smart School project noting that the government seemed to ignore the old schools while erecting new ones.

    He explained that the annual synod was the highest decision making body of the church where it reviewed and improve on its activities.

    The archbishop appealed to the government to include the church in its development programmes especially in appointive positions.

  • Police rescue victims of Eke-Ebe road kidnap

    Police rescue victims of Eke-Ebe road kidnap

    The Police Command in Enugu State has rescued, unhurt, persons abducted along the Eke/Ebe Road in Udi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state after a fierce gun battle with the abductors.

    The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu, said that the gun battle and rescue happened at about 6:15 p.m. on March 31, 2024.

    According to Ndukwe, police operatives serving in Ezinze Police Division, complemented by the Neighbourhood Watch Group, rescued the victims allegedly kidnapped on the same date at about 4:55 p.m., along Eke-Ebe Road.

    He said that after a fierce gun battle with the abductors, they abandoned the victims and fled.

    “The immediate rescue is due to the team’s swift response upon receipt of information alleging that the victims, who were plying the road in two Mercedes Benz 4Matic Jeeps, were abducted and taken into the forest.

    “However, further operations to hunt down the abductors are ongoing,” he said.

    He said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, had also condemned the viral video which allegedly showed that another police team responded to the incident, but without a clear knowledge of the location of the first responding team, and refused to go into the forest to rescue the same victims.

    The Command’ Spokesman said: “This is even when the police operatives had only arrived at the scene and were awaiting necessary intelligence-guidance before proceeding into the forest, to avoid any form of collateral damage.

    “The commissioner further described the allegations contained in the viral video as an unfortunate act of mischief that is obviously aimed at maligning and distracting the police from frontally tackling and purging Enugu State of die-hard criminals and their activities.

    “The commissioner emphasizes that the video was without doubt a gimmick intended to misinform and mislead the public and the command will not waver in its quest to rid Enugu State of unrepentant criminals and their activities despite the mischievous distraction.”

  • Police seek support for corporal whose wife delivered triplets

    Police seek support for corporal whose wife delivered triplets

    Police in Enugu State on Monday sought the support of public-spirited individuals, groups, and organisations for the family of a police corporal whose wife was delivered of a set of triplets on March 21.

    Helen, wife of Cpl. Kingsley Nnamani serving in Nsukka Urban Division of the Nigeria Police Force, was successfully delivered of the three bouncing baby boys.

    The new arrivals brought the number of the couple’s children to four as they had a two-year-old daughter before the new arrivals.

    Leading the campaign for support, Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, noted that the delivery marked a recurring and amazing phenomenon in the police command in Enugu State.

    Wife of a police sergeant similarly delivered a set of triplets in May 2023 at the Police Clinic, in Enugu.

    “This leaves no doubt that police officers, men and women in Enugu State are fertile,’’ police spokesman in Enugu State, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, quoted Uzuegbu as having said.

    The police commissioner described the great gifts as good omen for the police and for Enugu State in general and enjoined people of goodwill to support the corporal and his family.

  • Cattle Ranching: World Igbo Congress warns Enugu state government

    Cattle Ranching: World Igbo Congress warns Enugu state government

    The American Veterans of Igbo Descent and World Igbo Congress, WIC have opposed plans to establish a cattle ranch in Enugu State.

    The WIC has admonished the Enugu State government to exercise caution about siting a cattle ranch in the state, saying that it is a private business which does not align with Igbo ethos.

    The groups warned that establishing a cattle ranch in the state might lead to dire consequences.

    They issued the caution in a statement titled: ‘Concerns Regarding the Establishment of a Cattle Ranch in Enugu State’.

    The statement signed by WIC and AVID and addressed to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, reads: “We commend your efforts and leadership in Enugu State. However, we have become aware of plans to establish a cattle ranch in the state, which has prompted our joint communication.

    “We wish to express our collective disapproval and lack of endorsement for such initiatives within your jurisdiction. Drawing on the experience of a similar program initiated by former Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia State, which failed to deliver the anticipated economic benefits, we urge caution.

    “Recent unsettling reports of over 80 casualties near the Lokpanta cattle market, presumed to be Igbo natives, further underscore our concerns. Cattle ranching, being a private enterprise, does not align with the ethos of Igbo land.

    “The cattle herders are often associated with violence and disorder. The Igbo community values equality and freedom within democratic societies, and the establishment of a cattle ranch could have dire consequences. It is imperative to avoid actions that might compromise
    our people’s autonomy and resilience.

    “AVID and WIC implore you to seek prudent guidance to safeguard our homeland against potential threats and encroachment disguised as ranching activities. We offer our collaboration to enhance the safety and well-being of Enugu State residents and the wider
    Southeast region. As custodians of Igbo heritage, we urge you to protect every inch of our ancestral land from external influences.

    “It is worth noting that no part of Nigeria has allocated land for Igbo settlements or enterprises. Regions in the North boast vast expanses of land suitable for ranching purposes.

    “We encourage you to prioritize essential governance aspects such as education, infrastructure, reliable power supply, and poverty alleviation for the benefit of Enugu State’s populace.”

  • Gov Mbah makes fresh appointments

    Gov Mbah makes fresh appointments

    Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the reconstitution of Enugu Traditional Rulers Council.

    He has also made new appointments in Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) and Hospital Management Board.

    This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Thursday in Enugu.

    The appointments into the Enugu Traditional Rulers Council include His Royal Highness Samuel Asadu as Chairman, Julius Nnaji, first Deputy Chairman; G. N. Madu, second Deputy Chairman; and Hebert Ukuta, third Deputy Chairman.

    Others are Fidelis Nwatu as Grand Patron; Abel Nwobodo, first Grand Patron;  Augustine Otiji, second Grand Patron; and H. C. Eze, third. Grand Patron.

    Mbah, according to the statement, appointed Prof. Christian Ngwu as Chairman of ENSIEC while Solomon Edeh, Chinenyenwa Ogbu, and Mr George Ani were re-appointed as members.

    Others are Arthur Ifeanyi Ede, Paully Eze, Emmanuel Ogbodo, Emeka Ukwuaba as members, while Ifesinachi Umeobika would act as Secretary.

    The statement also indicated that Mbah appointed Dr Eric Odo as Chairman, Enugu State Hospital Management Board, and Dr Edith Okolo as Chairman, Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage.

    The appointments take immediate effect, according to the statement.

  • BREAKING: Six Labour Party members of Enugu Assembly defect to PDP

    BREAKING: Six Labour Party members of Enugu Assembly defect to PDP

    Six Labour Party (LP) Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    They made their defection known on Thursday in Enugu in a letter read by the Speaker, Chief Uche Ugwu, during plenary.

    The defectors include the Majority Leader, Mr Johnson Ani (Enugu North); the Chief Whip, Mr Ejike Eze, (Igbo-Eze North 1); and the Deputy Chief Whip, Ms Princess Ugwu (Enugu South Rural).

    Others are Mr Pius Ezugwu (Nsukka East); Mr Williams Amuka (Igbo-Etiti West); and Mr Osita Eze (Oji River).

    The defectors, in the letters, said their defection was as a result of the existence of irreconcilable division, incessant crisis within the labour party at the national level and across all the state chapters.

    They regretted that the party had evolved into perpetual discord with various factions embroiled in legal battles, which undermined its ability to effectively serve the interest of the people.

    According to them, the Labour Party, once considered a beacon of hope for progressive ideas, have regrettably become synonymous with internal squabbles, thereby reducing its capacity to fulfil the aspirations of electorates.

    They cited the cases of Mr Julius Abure and Mr Limido Apapa factions as well as the national treasurer as some of the divisions within the party.

    They expressed the hope that the PDP would give them the platform to continue to serve the interests of their people and thanked the leadership of the Labour Party for their support.

    The defectors also acknowledge that the letters were sent to the office of the Speaker by themselves, adding that they would work wholeheartedly for the progress of their new party in Enugu State.

    In his remark, the Speaker welcomed the defectors into the PDP and promised that they would be carried along in the legislative activities of the House.

    With the defection, the PDP now has the majority in the House with 17 members while Labour Party has only six members.

  • Gunmen kidnap senior matron in UNTH Enugu

    Gunmen kidnap senior matron in UNTH Enugu

    Gunmen, suspected to be abductors, on Tuesday kidnapped a senior matron serving with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla in Enugu State.

    Dr Augustine Duru, Chairman, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) UNTH Chapter, confirmed the incident in Enugu.

    Duru said that the senior matron (name withheld due to security reasons) was kidnapped in the same spot a medical doctor was kidnapped some weeks ago in the teaching hospital.

    “When the association got information about the kidnap, we contacted  the hospital security that confirmed that it was true.

    “MDCAN leadership then mobilised the Resident Doctors and nurses/widwives associations as well as the security to a meeting with the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Obinna Onodugo, on the matter.

    “We held good deliberations on how to remedy the situation and ensure our own abducted colleague is released as well as make necessary reports to the authorities concerned.

    “What was discussed or deliberated in the meeting is not what is meant for the public since it is a security matter. However, we are on it,” he said.

    It was learnt from unconfirmed source that the incident happened within the morning hours between 8a.m. and 9a.m.

    An SUV vehicle allegedly belonging to the abducted senior matron was seen abandoned at the spot of the incident in the hospital with bullet perforated glass on the front passenger side.

    Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Dan Ndukwe failed as messages and calls made to him on the incident were never responded to.

  • Enugu coal mining communities decry pollution of water source

    Enugu coal mining communities decry pollution of water source

    Some communities in Enugu State have expressed concern over contamination of their sources of drinking water and livelihood by the activities of coal miners.

    They also expressed displeasure over the frequent violation of environmental safety and disregard for their health by coal miners operating in the areas.

    The traditional rulers and presidents-generals of these communities made this known at a media briefing, on Tuesday, in Enugu.

    HRH George Onoh, the traditional ruler of Nsude Autonomous Community in Udi local government, appealed to the government to intervene by ensuring that companies engaged in mining obtained mining consents.

    Onoh, who spoke on behalf of the affected communities urged the government to ensure that miners conform to global best practices to save them from pollution and other health hazards.

    He called for the withdrawal of consents to mining companies failing to adhere to best global practices as their activities destroy vegetation and farmlands through environmental degradation.

    “Following a series of deliberations, we have unanimously agreed that we need to review the mining consent obtained by mining companies from our communities that have not lived up to expectations.

    “Some of them were fraught with illegalities. This is in addition to brazen disregard for the environmental safety of our people whose sources of water and farming have been polluted from the source,” he said.

    He urged individuals and organisations interested in mining to reach out to the government through the Secretary of the State Government to verify that they had the consent of communities.

    “They should comply with ethical, environmental and professional measures that guarantee the safety of their host communities subject to the Federal Government cadastre certificates,” he said.