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Tag: Enugu

  • Cholera outbreak cause of seven deaths in Enugu market -Commissioner

    Cholera outbreak cause of seven deaths in Enugu market -Commissioner

    The Enugu State Ministry of Health has revealed that cholera was the cause of demises of seven persons in the New Artisan Market.

    It also said that 19 others who were infected had been evacuated to the State Teaching Hospital, ESUT-Parklane, for treatment.

    This is contained in a statement the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, released Friday night.

    Obi noted that the ministry had begun surveillance, contact-tracing and risk assessment at the market and its environs, adding that Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak would be activated on Saturday in response to stop further spread.

    The statement partly reads, “The Enugu State Ministry of Health received reports of deaths occurring suddenly, after a short spell of illness, on Friday morning, the 16th of July 2021 around the New Artisan livestock market in Enugu, Enugu State.

    “Upon immediate investigation by the Ministry of Health’s rapid response team, it was observed that the patients presented with sudden onset of passage of loose stool and vomiting. It was revealed that the illness had resulted in the death of seven persons, and that subsequently, several others numbering about 19 were ill with the same symptoms of loose stools and vomiting.

    “The ill persons identified within the area were immediately and safely evacuated to the state teaching hospital and are receiving treatment, while health education on safe and hygienic practices were given to the inhabitants of the market.”

    He added, “Further tests carried out by the State Ministry of Health at the teaching hospital revealed that all the persons were suffering from Cholera. Samples were collected for further confirmatory tests of this finding.

    “Surveillance, contact tracing and risk assessment have commenced at the market and its environs, while the Enugu State Ministry of Health Emergency Operations Centre for Cholera outbreak response will be activated on Saturday 17th July 2021.

    “Cholera is an infection caused by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Risk factors are from poor sanitation, and contaminated drinking water.

    “The classic symptom is large amounts of watery diarrhea that lasts a few days. Vomiting and muscle cramps may also occur. Symptoms range from none, to mild, to severe. Diarrhea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death. Symptoms start two hours to five days after exposure.

    “It is prevented by improvements in sanitation, use of clean water, hand washing and vaccines. Treatment involves replacement of lost body fluids orally or intravenously, zinc supplementation and antibiotics.

    “While we commiserate and pray with those who have lost their loved ones, we enjoin the general public to keep safe as the situation is under control and the Enugu State Ministry of Health will keep the public informed on future developments.”

     

  • Robbers invade Enugu supermarket, cart away bags of rice, semolina, cooking gas, cartoons of noodles

    Robbers invade Enugu supermarket, cart away bags of rice, semolina, cooking gas, cartoons of noodles

    Gun wielding bandits have robbed a popular supermarket, Uzorbest Super-market Limited, at Onu Asata Junction of Enugu metropolis carting away goods worth over N1 million.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the robbers carted away 18 bags of 50kg foreign and local rice, 10 bags of 10kg rice; 30 cartons of noodles and five bags of 20kg semolina.

    The armed bandits also took away four giant cooking gas cylinder from a neighouring shop to the Supermarket.

    A correspondent of NAN, who visited the Uzorbest Super-market Limited on Tuesday, gathered that the bandits arrived the Supermarket in three Hilux jeeps in commando style at about 6 p.m. on Monday.

    The super-market attendance, Mr Sunday Ngwoke, told NAN that the bandits numbering about 15 were wearing black face masks and one of them kept shouting “load these bags quickly’’.

    “At first I thought they were government official that came to check for standard of the products.

    “I struggled to restrict one of them not taking the first bag of rice but when I saw the big gun one of them was holding I restricted myself.

    “They parked the whole items I mentioned to you earlier and loaded it into the three Hilux jeeps as been commanded by one of them.

    “Before they left, they started shooting sporadically into the air and scared everybody away.

    “We thank God no one was hurt throughout the incident and they did not take a kobo from the supermarket just the food stuffs and the four giant cooking gas cylinders of our neighbor,’’ he said.

    When NAN contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said that the Command was yet to get a brief of the incident from the Divisional Police Officer at Ogui Division.

    “The Command will establish contact with the DPO in the area and get full details of the incident.

    “I am assuring you and the members of the public that the Command will issue an official statement on the incident after being briefed,’’ he said.

  • Police officer goes on shooting spree in Enugu, kills five, injures four

    Police officer goes on shooting spree in Enugu, kills five, injures four

    The Police Command in Enugu State has confirmed five persons dead after a police cop attached to a company went berserk and attacked a compound within a neighbourhood in Enugu metropolis.

    The police also said that four persons sustained serious injury as a result of the attack that took place on Sunday at about 9:30a.m. in Golf Estate, GRA of Enugu.

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on his behalf by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu.

    Aliyu said that the police cop had been arrested and taken into custody pending the conclusion of investigation.

    “The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu, has ordered the deputy dommissioner of police in-charge of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.

    “The incident involved a police inspector attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 9, Umuahia, Abia and said to be on duty at a lottery company located within the Golf Estate.

    “The commissioner, who made the order after visiting the hospital where four of the persons said to have sustained gunshot injuries are receiving treatment.

    “Five others, whose injuries were critical, have been confirmed dead by doctors on duty and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy,’’ he said.

    The state police boss also directed the swift conclusion of the investigation of the incident to aid further necessary actions by the police authorities.

    Meanwhile, the commissioner had sympathised with the family and friends of the dead to remain calm and cooperate with the command in the ongoing investigation.

    He called on eye witnesses at the scene of the incident to volunteer useful information that would aid the thorough and swift conclusion of the investigation.

  • Police arrest 10 criminal suspects, recover firearms, ammunition in Enugu

    Police arrest 10 criminal suspects, recover firearms, ammunition in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu says operatives attached to `Operation Restore Peace’ have arrested 10 criminal suspects for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, unlawful possession of firearm and fighting in the state.

    The operatives recovered two firearms, four live ammunition of .9mm calibre, one expended cartridge, two vehicles, one tricycle, one machete and other incriminating items.

    The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Thursday in Enugu that the feat was in pursuance of `Operation Restore Peace’ mandates.

    Ndukwe said: “On May 28 at about 7a.m., operatives attached to Nimbo Police Division in synergy with Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested Nnamdi Okweli, 26; Victor Nwakor, 23 and Chisom Nwankpa, 22 for suspected kidnapping, while others escaped.

    “Their arrest is sequel to the receipt of reports alleging that the trio and others at large are responsible for kidnapping of farmers in the area. The suspects confessed to the crime, while discreet investigation is ongoing’’.

    The police spokesman said that on May 26 at about 7:30a.m., the operatives attached to Ogui Police Division, arrested Daniel Okoro, 21 and Nzekwe Michael, 24, while others escaped.

    He said that the duo and others at large, operating in a yellow-coloured Daihatsu Hijet Commercial Mini Bus with registration number: ELU 366 XJ, were alleged to have robbed their victims of N200,000 at gunpoint on May 25.

    Ndukwe said that the suspects confessed to the crime, while the said mini bus was recovered. Manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal gang.

    “In another development, acting on a distress call, operatives attached to Udenu Area Command in synergy with Neighbourhood Watch Group on May 26 at 4:30a.m., rescued and arrested two suspects from an angry mob in Eha-Alumona community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

    “One locally-made chief revolver pistol with four rounds of .9mm calibre of live ammunition was recovered from the suspects.

    “Their rescue and arrest is sequel to a report alleging that the duo and gang members at large, robbed their victim on May 15 at 1a.m. in Amundi village of the same community,’’ he said.

    He said that in yet another development, operatives attached to Enugu Area Command and law-abiding citizens, on May 23 by 9p.m., arrested Abdul Ayuba, 20 and Sati Sampson, 25, both of New Artisan Market, Enugu.

    The police spokesman said that the duo were arrested while fighting at the said location and upon search conducted on them, one locally-made pistol with one expended cartridge were recovered.

    Ndukwe said that all suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations on their matters are concluded.

    He said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, had reassured the Command’s unwavering commitment to actualise the mandates of `Operation Restore Peace’.

    “The commissioner has enjoined residents of the state to keep assisting the police with credible information required to further clamp down on criminal elements and stabilise security and order in the state,’’ he appealed.

  • JUST IN: Hoodlums raze INEC offices in Imo, Anambra, Enugu in fresh attacks

    JUST IN: Hoodlums raze INEC offices in Imo, Anambra, Enugu in fresh attacks

    The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) offices in Imo, Anambra and Enugu states have been burnt by hoodlums.

    According to reports, the Commission’s office in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, the State Headquarters office in Awka, Anambra State and Igboeze South Local Government Area office in Enugu State came under attack, Sunday night.

    Confirming the incident in a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the Commission, Festus Okoye, INEC, described the escalating attacks on its facilities as a national emergency.

    According to the statement, “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) met in emergency session today, Monday 24th May 2021, as attacks on its facilities in some states of the Federation continue unabated.

    “In the latest incidents, three offices of the Commission came under attack in Anambra, Imo and Enugu States. The Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji; his Imo State counterpart, Professor Francis Ezeonu, and that of Enugu State, Emeka Ononamadu, have reported that the attacks took place at various times on the night of Sunday, 23rd May 2021.”

    It continued that, “the State Headquarters office in Awka was set ablaze in the most devastating onslaught on the Commission’s facilities so far. The attackers were systematic and selective in their targets. The Pavillion which serves as Collation Centre during major elections was burnt down. In what is a major blow to our preparations for the Governorship election scheduled for 6th November 2021, two stores housing electoral materials were burnt down.

    “New and old (but serviceable) electric generating machines numbering 376 for all the Electoral Wards and the extra numbers for backup were completely burnt. The electric generators were recently relocated from the Local Government Areas (LGAs) to the State HQ in the belief that it is more secure than the LGA offices.”

  • Police probes fire incident at INEC headquarters in Enugu

    Police probes fire incident at INEC headquarters in Enugu

    The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, has ordered investigation into the fire incident at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in the state.

    Aliyu also directed a total cordon off of the premises to allow for proper investigation of the incident.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday.

    NAN recalls that fire brokeout at the INEC headquarters in Enugu, located at number 1 Achi Street, Independent Layout, Enugu, on Sunday evening (May 16).

    The commissioner, who raced to the scene alongside heads of other security agencies in the state, also ordered the deployment of adequate securitymen within the precincts of the INEC office complex.

    He said: “Yet to be identified armed miscreants on Sunday, May 16, at about 8:30 p.m., attempted to set the Enugu Headquarters of the INEC ablaze.

    “But were stiffly resisted by joint security operatives, who swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “The Enugu State Fire Service personnel that promptly responded to calls helped in quenching the fire, which had already set on five vehicles and two cushions within the office complex.’’

    The commissioner, however, enjoined law-abiding residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly volunteer useful information that would help the police in the investigation.

    Meanwhile, INEC officials in the state are yet to respond to NAN enquiries over the incident as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), his deputies and PRO did not pick their calls.

    NAN recalls that on May 13, at about 9.40 p.m. there was fire outbreak at the INEC area office located in Orba community in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    The commissioner of police had directed for investigation into the cause of that fire incident.

  • Fire guts INEC headquarters in Enugu State

    Fire guts INEC headquarters in Enugu State

    The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu State, was on Sunday night gutted by fire barely one week after the office in Obollo-Afor, Udenu was razed.

    The office is located at number 1 Achi Street by Agric Bank Bus stop in Independence Layout, Enugu.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The commissioner, who did not respond to further questions, said that he was still at the scene of the incident to save the office from the disaster.

    NAN however, gathered at the time of filing this report, that the Enugu State Fire Service as well as the Federal Fire Service were also doing everything possible to quench the fire.

    Several calls made to INEC officials especially the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Emeka Ononamadu and the Public Relations Officer by NAN were not picked.

    Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command has commenced investigation into the fire incident on the INEC office at Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the incessant fire incidents at the commission’s offices in some parts of the country is becoming a source of worry to its leadership and political players in the country especially as the 2023 general elections draw closer.

    The INEC leadership had last week said it will hold emergency meeting with all its Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) over the constant attacks on its offices.

    The meeting, TNG gathered will hold on Wednesday, May 19 in Abuja.

  • Mbaka: Protesting youths vandalise Enugu Catholic Bishop’s residence

    Mbaka: Protesting youths vandalise Enugu Catholic Bishop’s residence

    Protesting youths on Wednesday vandalised the official residence of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Callistus Onaga in protest of alleged arrest of Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the irate youths suspected to be members of the Adoration Ministry and numbering over 1,000 stormed the residence of the Bishop located at Igboeze Street, Independence Layout

    Mbaka is the founder and director of the popular Adoration Ministries, Enugu and Parish Priest, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Emene.

    One of the protesters told NAN anonymously that they wanted the Bishop to clarify the whereabouts of Mbaka who had not been seen since Tuesday.

    The protesters, who were chanting anti Bishop Onaga songs asked him to resign.

    They alleged that Onaga invited him on Sunday for a meeting where he handed him over to the security officers.

    Mrs Stella Nduka alleged that the man of God was invited for a meeting three days ago by his bishop and since then no one had seen him.

    “We are going to Bishop Court at Independence Layout to demand for his immediate release from his eminence.

    “He will explain to us where he kept him since Sunday and he cannot betray our daddy (Mbaka); he cannot be used to arrest him,” she said.

    Another member of the ministry, Kenneth Uzoma complained that the members waited for the priest to hold its service early hours of Wednesday but he did not show up.

    “This raised questions and suspicions that his rumored missing was true.

    “We waited and he did not show up, so we decided to protest at the bishop’s court to demand for his release.

    “We were told that his phone numbers were ringing without answering.

    “We are angry over everything and will not go until they release him to us,” he said.

    NAN reports also that adoration members are protesting at different parts of the state demanding for his release.

    There were heavy presence of military men at the bishop’s court trying to curtail the mammoth crowd that besieged the court to ensure that lives and property are not lost.

    Efforts to reach the Director, Communication, Catholic Diocese, Enugu, Rev. Fr Benjamin Achi and the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe failed as they refused to pick their calls.

  • Video: Celebration in Enugu over ‘release’ of Father Mbaka

    Video: Celebration in Enugu over ‘release’ of Father Mbaka

    There was wild jubilation in Enugu State on Wednesday following the release of Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, who was reportedly whisked away by unknown security operatives.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) had earlier reported how some of Mbaka’s followers staged a protest over his alleged arrest.

    However, another video exclusively obtained by TNG shows Enugu people jubilating to news of the release of the revered priest.

    Watch New Video:

     

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  • Video: Mass protest erupts in Enugu over ‘arrest’ of Rev. Mbaka; Ohanaeze raises alarm

    Video: Mass protest erupts in Enugu over ‘arrest’ of Rev. Mbaka; Ohanaeze raises alarm

    There is an ongoing protest in Enugu State over an alleged arrest of Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka by a yet to be identified security operative.

    Recall TheNewsGuru (TNG) had reported in series how the Enugu’s Adoration Ministry cleric strongly criticized President Muhammadu Buhari-led government in the past few days.

    According to reports reaching TNG, the protesters were said to be marching to the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese to report the unfortunate incident – Mbaka’s supposed arrest.

    Watch video of Protest:

     

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    Also, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC), issued an alert on Wednesday regarding the whereabouts of the fiery Enugu priest.

    Mbaka was last seen on Tuesday, according to the President-General of the OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who added that any attempt to locate him had failed.

    “We have it on good authority that his aides have neither seen nor heard from him since Tuesday.

    “Calls put to his mobile line have also remained unanswered; this has now prompted us to issue this alarm as we would not take it lightly should anything untoward happen to him.

    “We are giving the Federal Government 48 hours to produce the priest, else they should be ready to face Igbo youths. They were dining and wining with him all along and now that he told the truth, they are no longer comfortable with him.

    “Let nothing happen to Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka. It will not be in anybody’s interest,” the group warned.