TheNewsGuru

Tag: Imo State

  • Imo Gov’t seals collapsed two-storey building

    Imo Gov’t seals collapsed two-storey building

    The Imo State Government has confirmed the sealing of a collapsed two-storey building at Area 5 Extension Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the site of the collapsed building, the General Manager of Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), Mr Francis Chukwu, said that nine persons who were trapped in the building were successfully rescued.

    Chukwu expressed displeasure over the building collapse, pointing out that an in-depth investigation would be carried out to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the collapse.

    He directed that the owner and engineers handling the construction works should report to the agency immediately, warning developers against the use of substandard materials.

    “The government sympathises with victims of this collapsed building and hereby directs that the building be sealed and its owner and engineer report to the OCDA with immediate effect,” he said.

    Chukwu, however, conducted an inspection of other buildings around the area and directed the owners to report to the agency for recertification.

    One of the survivors, Mr Eke Martins, said that he managed to escape with his family of eight when the building collapsed on Wednesday morning.

    He, however, added that his youngest child sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

  • Imo Refinery death: Buhari orders clampdown on illegal refineries

    Imo Refinery death: Buhari orders clampdown on illegal refineries

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to intensify the clampdown on illegal refineries to safeguard the lives of citizens.

    The president’s directive is contained in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja.

    The presidential aide said the directive followed the reported deaths of tens of people on Friday night after an illegal refinery exploded at Abaezi forest in the Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area of Imo.

    Reacting to what he described as a “catastrophe and a national disaster,” the President said responsibility for the loss of lives and property must squarely lie with the sponsors of the illegal refinery, “who must all be caught and made to face justice.”

    The President conveyed “the condolences and the full depth and range of the nation’s shock and trauma” to the families of the victims, the Ohaji Egbema community and the government and people of Imo,

    He urged community leaders, police, and the secret service to never allow the occurrence of the heart-breaking incident in any part of the country again.

  • Illegal oil Refinery : How 109 bodies got burnt to death in Imo state

    Illegal oil Refinery : How 109 bodies got burnt to death in Imo state

    About 109 persons have been burnt to death after a gigantic fire erupted in an illegal oil refinery site at Abacheke Kpofire in Egbema community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, Friday evening.

     

    The incident which occurred on Friday evening claimed many lives, while some others got seriously injured.

    Meanwhile the Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, said only 20 persons died during the inferno.

    In a twist of fate on Saturday, the figure has increased to 109 while many bodies are still being searched for at the burnt refinery site.

    Nnaji said ,” It was more serious than we envisaged. As of this evening, we have counted 109 bodies on the ground while countless others fell into the river and others died inside the refinery.”

    The Commissioner for Petroleum Resources in Imo state , Goodluck Opiah, mentioned that the operator of the illegal refinery identified as Okenze Onyenwoke, is currently on the run.

     

  • Why I didn’t attend Rita Dominic’s traditional marriage ceremony- Mercy Johnson

    Why I didn’t attend Rita Dominic’s traditional marriage ceremony- Mercy Johnson

    Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie, has revealed why she could not attend Rita Dominic’s traditional marriage ceremony held on 19th April.

     

    Mercy Johnson, Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele and a host of other highly-rated Nollywood actresses were absent at Rita’s traditional marriage which generated speculations among social media users.

     

    Mercy Johnson took to her Instagram page to share a post where she congratulated her colleague for tying the knot with her Mr. Right.

     

    She wrote:

    “The Queen herself, Congratulations Queen, The celebration never ends. I wish you so much happiness in this new journey….P/s we all clicked our glasses to you on set yesterday….Gods blessings always Mami”

     

    A fan while reacting to the post, wondered why she was absent and why it took her so long to post on her page.

     

    Replying, the mother of four revealed that she was on a movie set.

     

    The follower asked:

    “I have gone through your page several times to see if it not you again since yesterday because I know you as one who is always genuinely happy with everyone, I was wondering since you didn’t go to Owerri, what happened to posting?”

     

    And Mercy replied:

    “Lol, I was on set, my heart is always with team happy…thank you loads”

  • Imo INEC attack: Two suspects arrested

    Imo INEC attack: Two suspects arrested

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has updated President Muhammadu Buhari on security situations in the state, including the recent killing of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by bandits in the state.

    The governor, who spoke to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting with the President, said two suspects were apprehended on Monday in connection with the incident.

    According to him, the suspects are currently helping the police in their investigation.

    The INEC Staff were attacked while carrying out the on-going continuous voter registration exercise on the fateful day.

    “To of the bandits were arrested on Monday and are helping the Nigerian police command in the state , to do a very thorough investigation.

    “Until that is done, I will not speak much on that,” he said.

    The governor, however, stated that the initial plan of the bandits was not the INEC Staff but the Correctional Centre Facility in Okigwe.

    He said on getting the information on that, the state government in collaboration with security agencies fortified security around the centre thus frustrating the bandits, who later vented their anger on the INEC Staff.

    He said: “The incident that happened, that involved the INEC Staff, regrettably, INEC was not the target.

    “We had the information that the Correctional Centre Facility in Okigwe was to be attacked by bandits and we caught their conversation so we fortified the facility.

    “True to it, the bandits, while approaching Okigwe, saw how fortified the place was and they tried to escape through Ihitte-Uboma , where they ran into INEC Staff on continuous voter registration and out of anger and frustration, attacked them. ”

    On the insinuation in some quarters that the state government was responsible for some of the atatcks in the state and beyond due to internal wrangling within the governing party, Uzodinma dismissed such claims.

    According to him, a government in power cannot shoot itself on the foot by causing mayhem.

    The governor also dismissed the call by Prof. Afe Babalola that an interim government should be formed at the end of the Buhari administration on May 29, 2023 instead of conducting the general elections.

    According to him, the nation constitution does not provide room for the formation of an interim government.

    “By May 29, 2023, if there is no elected government, our constitution has not provided for an interregnum. So we shouldn’t give a gap otherwise, you will be creating room for anarchy.

    “What will be the process for selecting the interim government because by May 29, the President will not have the constitutional powers to function as a President anymore.

    “So, I don’t think we will decide to abandon our constitution and it should be the instrument guiding our actions as a country.

    “If there is any opinion that he thinks it is worthy to be canvassed, superior to what is currently in the constitution, such opinion should be taken to the National Assembly and they will through due process, amend our constitution, to factor in such an opinion,” he said.

    Uzodinma said he also updated the president on the progress of work on two reconstruction of federal roads located in Imo.

    He said he had gotten the president’s approval to work on the roads; Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe and the affected roads would be due for inauguration in May.

    “The roads are almost 95 per cent completed and by next month, they will all be completed and the president has graciously approved that he will be there to inaugurate them,” he said.

  • Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu endorses wife to contest Imo State Senate seat

    Ondo State Governor, Akeredolu endorses wife to contest Imo State Senate seat

    Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has endorsed his wife, Betty’s ambition to contest the Imo East Senatorial District seat in the 2023 elections.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Akeredolu gave the endorsement in a romantic message to mark their 41st wedding anniversary.

    According to Akeredolu, his support for his wife to contest the Imo Senate seat is without any reservations or equivocation, stressing that the world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus.

    The romantic message titled: PUBLIC SERVICE: THE GREATEST PRIVILEGE reads: “Betty, FLOOS, let me choose this great day in our lives, our 41st wedding Anniversary to notch up in print my support for your popular and known quest to serve your people in the Senate.

    “The evolution of modern societies bears indelible evidence of significant inputs of few people. This trajectory records definitive impacts of those who dare to think and act differently. The consequence of this defiance finds expression in radical departure from the old order, leading to transformation. It yields quality accretions which impact positively on the people in any given space.

    “The world owes those who dare a debt of gratitude for audacity, tenacity, consistency and focus. These torch bearers withstand the brunt of vilification, contempt, deprivation and even rejection. They remain undaunted until the set goal is achieved. They are rarely praised afterwards.

    “Public service is taken as the highest form of participation in the affairs of a human community, state or a country. It ennobles anyone, privileged to serve, whose tenacity, focus and integrity ensure development. Only a few are truly equipped for service. They must be encouraged at all times.

    “Anytime, anywhere and under whatever circumstances, those who hold views which threaten to shatter age-long widely held beliefs and/or practices are a special breed. Those whose activities have borne positive impact on the lives of the under-privileged, must be supported by all good people.

    “I join all other well-wishers, admirers, supporters and stakeholders to support, openly and without any reservations or equivocation, my Adorable Betty in her bid to continue to serve the people in her State of birth, Imo.

    “I do this, most enthusiastically, as a partner, admirer and active follower for over four decades. I consider myself highly privileged to have a workaholic, gender and human rights activist, humanist and philanthropist as wife, adviser, harshest critic, supporter, political associate and, above all, an unrelenting ideologue, ready to sacrifice and confront any obstacle, natural and artificial. I am of the firm belief that any group, society, community, state or country, privileged to avail itself of the quintessential service of a bold crusader, as she, is lucky indeed.

    “Seeking to continue what she started long before I came into politics, when she ran for the House of Representative, at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, is not strange to me or anyone who has been watching the activities of this special personality. I SUPPORT HER ASPIRATION NOW, AS I HAVE ALWAYS DONE, EVEN BEFORE I JOINED POLITICS. I know her to be a passionate believer in rectitude. I believe in her mission to emancipate women from the shackles of all forms of oppression.

    “I have known her as a fiercely independent personality who is never afraid to voice her dissent on any issue. I have witnessed her triumphs over adversities at close quarters. She made me appreciate more the nuanced difference between foolhardiness and courage. Many have come to accept her as a rock of refuge for the oppressed and hopeless. She has been a strong advocate for equity and justice and against unprofitable superstitions, beliefs and habits which predispose people to diseases and avoidable deaths.

    “I am proud of this gift from Imo State. I support her aspiration wholeheartedly. I am convinced that the people of Imo State will enjoy quality representation from her. Her presence in the Senate promises exciting moments.

    “I harbour no anxiety that my Adorable Betty, ADA OWERE, has all it takes to BEMORE. While offering her my unalloyed support, I wish her all the best in this current quest to extend and particularise the scope of service in the interest of the people.

    “May the will of the Almighty be manifested and fulfilled in this endeavour, and many more, designed to uplift the downtrodden. May fair winds aid this sail!

    “Your Darlin, ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O. AKEREDOLU, SAN, GOVERNOR, ONDO STATE”.

  • Bandits and security operatives clash in Orlu leads to death of musician

    Bandits and security operatives clash in Orlu leads to death of musician

    Sunday’s clash between bandits and security operatives in Orlu area of Imo state has led to the death of a musician, Roco Nnadiekwe,(aka Ja Rule).

    The musician, a 2007 graduate of Political Science from Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, was said to have returned to his hometown from Port Harcourt, Rivers state, last week and was supposed to shoot a video of his latest song (single) in Owerri, on Monday, before his death.

     

    A popular musician in the state, Obinna Okoro, known as Acharaman, who is a friend of the 38-year-old entertainer confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

     

    Mourning his colleague, Okoro said “Roco {Ja rule} is my brother and friend since our university days.

     

    His dream was to be successful in life through his music. After our graduation, Roco went to Portharcourt in search of his family’s betterment.

     

    “He returned to music three years ago and later we recorded a song which he featured me in his 1st single called “ONYE NA WAY YA”.

     

    “Last week Roco returned home from Porth Harcourt and said he was going to shoot the video of that our song by tomorrow being Monday.

     

    “This afternoon the Nigerian army killed my homie Roco in his home town Orlu. Roco believes in Nigeria so much and today Nigeria has failed my friend. It’s hard to believe this.”

     

    Another musician, Uche Ndum, popularly known as Tooblac, who is a friend of the victim said “The Nigerian army has just killed my friend Roco two hours ago in Orlu.

     

    :This is so disheartening. I lack words right now.”

  • Black Sunday in Imo as gunmen duel with security operatives

    Black Sunday in Imo as gunmen duel with security operatives

    Chaos reigned in many parts of Orlu and Orsu local government areas of Imo state yesterday. Dare-devil gunmen and security agents in the state engaged in heavy exchanged of fire, TheNewsGuru.com can report.

    It was gathered that the gun fire exchange which started on Saturday night extended till Sunday morning and many people couldn’t go to church to worship for fear of being caught in the gun duel.

    Security operatives stormed the affected areas when reports filtered out that gunmen were regrouping to launch attacks.

    In the ensuing commotion, TheNewsGuru.com learnt, a hotel, Inland Guest House was completely razed down on Sunday morning.

    Areas affected by the heavy gun duel include Amanachi, Awo-Idemili in Orsu Local Government Area of the state.

    Banana Avenue and some parts of Orlu town which have been known for notoriety in recent times, also got caught up in the bedlam.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Imo state police command is yet to comment on the clash as at when filing this report.

    However, findings show that security agents in the state are on top of the situation to calm nerves in Orlu and Orsu local government areas.

     

     

  • Gunmen raze country home of Imo Commissioner for Justice

    Gunmen raze country home of Imo Commissioner for Justice

    Gunmen in three Toyota Hilux Vans razed the country home of the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo, Cyprian Akaolisa, on Sunday.

    Also razed was his father’s house in Obibi, Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of the state.

    The gunmen also razed part of the commissioner’s house in 2021. Sunday’s attack was, however, a total devastation of the commissioner’s house and that of his father.

    The commissioner confirmed the attack in a statement he issued in Owerri on Sunday.

    Akaolisa alleged in the statement that the arsonists were of Southeast extraction.

    “Igbo are a hardworking people who through their years of toil put up structures and leave developmental strides in their communities of origin.

    “Through my many years of struggle, I have managed to put a block on another to build a befitting house for my family; my aged father also has a house he built through his sweat.

    “Today, both buildings are in rubbles and ashes – our fellow Igbos burnt them.

    “Firstly, last year, these arsonists burnt my country home in Obibi, Awo-Idemili, Orsu Local Government Area of Imo for no just cause.

    “This year again, they returned and this time, they perfected the complete burning of even the blocks/bricks.

    “In other words, I wish to put on record that my family house is completely destroyed; this was after they used a truck to cart all the properties, fridges, television sets, beds and mattresses, generator sets and other household materials.

    “What are my crimes? Who did I offend? And what were my father’s offences?

    “I dare ask; where is the Igbo spirit? Who will invest in Igbo or Orsu Local Government Area today under this type of atmosphere,’’? the commissioner queried.

    Police spokesman in Imo, CSP Micheal Abattam had yet to respond to an inquiry concerning the arson at the time of this report.

  • Orsu Local Government of Imo state set ablaze by gunmen

    Orsu Local Government of Imo state set ablaze by gunmen

    Orsu Local government area of Imo state was yesterday set ablaze by unknown gunmen

    It was gathered that some miscreants have been terrorizing the community and this attack might be traced to them.

    Several buildings, including the chairman’s office, administrative block and parked vehicles among others were among the facilities torched.

    According to a source, who pleaded anonymity, said Orsu is a no-go-area for the youths, especially young men because the activities of unknown gunmen are so rife in the area.

    He said just like Orlu where it is also alleged that it has become a haven for unknown gunmen, Orsu has turned into a dead zone for young men.

    The Interim Management Committee Chairman and Members of Orsu Local Govt Council Area, Hon Uchenna Osuigwe, when contacted, confirmed the incident saying ,

    Orsu Local Government interim Management committee chairman ,Hon Uchenna Osuigwe confirmed the incident.

    “The information you seek is already trending on Facebook and from what I was told, the fire damaged so many things. You know there is no way a fire will not damage something but the extent of the damage is being assessed.

    “So in due time, after a fact-finding exercise, we will come up with a comprehensive report on this.”

    Police spokesman in the state, Michael Abattam, when contacted for confirmation of the incident, denied any knowledge of it .

    He said, “Officially, I don’t know about it but let me confirm from the DPO in Orsu..”