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Tag: Imo

  • Police begin investigation to identify man electrocuted inside transformer

    Police begin investigation to identify man electrocuted inside transformer

    The Imo Police Command says it has begun investigations to unravel the identity of a middle-aged man who was electrocuted while allegedly stealing cables from a transformer.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday.

    He said that the electrocuted lifeless body had been evacuated to a morgue.

    Okoye said that the incident occurred on Wednesday at one of the transformers located inside the premises of the Government College, Owerri.

    He said that the Police had already commenced investigation into the identity of the electrocuted man and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “We can confirm that there was an electrocution in the school compound and investigations are ongoing to determine the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.

    A staff of the school who pleaded anonymous told NAN correspondent that there was lightening at the transformer on Wednesday night making residents assume that it had blown up.

    He said the noise necessitated the hostel management and some neighbours to come out to ascertain the extent of damage,  but to their surprise, they discovered an all black lifeless body in the transformer.

    He said the school authority reported the incident to the Enugu Electricity Development Company and the Police with the latter conveying the lifeless body to the Federal Medical Centre,  Owerri.

  • Uzodimma redeems N30m gift to 6 Super Falcons players

    Uzodimma redeems N30m gift to 6 Super Falcons players

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma has redeemed his pledge of N30m to six Super Falcons players who participated at the 2022 Africa Women Championship (AWCON) in Morocco who are from the state.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, in Owerri.

    Uzodimma had pledged N5 million for each of the players when they paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri.

    The players are Desire Okparanozie, Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Vivian Ikechukwu, Goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi,  Ohale Osinachi and U.S.-born Michelle Alozie.

    Uzodinma said that he was particularly touched by the display of football artistry exhibited by the women folk against their Morrocan competitors.

    “The six women not only did Nigeria proud but also Imo where they hail from “, the governor said.

    He congratulated the Super Falcons for also qualifying for the Women World cup holding in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20.

    On July 19, 2022, the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco beat the super falcons 5-4 on penalties to reach the final of the AWCON.

    In the keenly contested encounter at the Moulay Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, the North Africans dashed the Nigerian ladies’ hopes of winning the trophy for a record tenth time.

    The first forty-five minutes was cagey and enterprising but ended goalless.

    Both teams, however, started the second half with increased vitality and desire to score goals.

    Three minutes into the second half, Nigeria’s Halimat Ayinde was given her marching orders after getting a red card.

    Uchenna Kanu, however, broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute from a scramble within the opposition goal post to put Nigeria ahead.

    Four minutes after Kanu’s goal, Morocco level up from a defensive blunder by the Falcons back line.

    Rasheedat Ajibade, the heroine of the quarter-final game against Cameroon, was thereafter sent off for a second yellow card offence to reduce the Nigerian team’s work force to nine.

    Inspite of the red cards, the Falcons refused to let their guard down.

    After adding six minutes to regulation time, the game went into extra time.

  • Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Sit-at-home: Gunmen attack traders, raze vehicles in Imo

    Gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order on Friday night, attacked Amaraku market located at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo state.

    Although no life was lost in the attack, it was gathered that the gunmen, suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), set a tricycle and vehicles ablaze.

    Also, the attackers destroyed some goods and properties of petty traders, who are mostly women.

    An eyewitness said that the gunmen also attacked Obolo community in the same Local Government Area.

    “The gunmen were angry with the traders and transporters for flouting the order.

    “The attackers warned traders to close shop and never to flout the order, warning them not come out on Saturday.

    “They went on to raze part of the market and burnt vehicles.” the source said.

    The source said the gunmen shot indiscriminately into the air which made the traders scamper for safety.

    Efforts to get the reaction of the Imo Police Command proved abortive as the Police spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, neither picked his calls nor replied to text messages sent to him.

    NAN

  • Sit-at-home: Imo govt. debunks attack by suspected IPOB gunmen

    Sit-at-home: Imo govt. debunks attack by suspected IPOB gunmen

    The Imo Government has debunked reports that unknown gunmen enforcing a sit-at-home directive on Wednesday morning, attacked the state Secretariat on Port-Harcourt road, Owerri.

    In a statement signed by Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oguwike Nwachukwu, it noted that there was no such incident involving unknown gunmen.

    Social media had peddled reports that gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had invaded the secretariat,  shooting sporadically and causing workers to scamper for safety.

    “What happened was that the Police trailed a suspect in a case to the secretariat to effect his arrest in an alleged criminal matter.

    “It was in an attempt to effect the person’s arrest that the police fired warning shots,” he said.

    The state government urged members of the public to ignore any information linking the incident to unknown gunmen as there was nothing like that.

    “Government also reassures Imo residents of her willingness to do everything constitutionally possible to protect their lives and property, both at their homes and offices,” he added.

    Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, proved abortive.

    Okoye neither picked his calls nor replied to a text message sent to him for his reaction.

  • Imo PDP stronger, focused on guber election – Chairman

    Imo PDP stronger, focused on guber election – Chairman

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo has said that the party is stronger, united, and not distracted with the defection of seven State Working Committee (SWC) members to APC.

    Mr Charles Ugwuh, state PDP chairman said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports seven members of the PDP state working committee (SWC) in Imo resigned from the party and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    They are Martin Ejiogu, Deputy State Chairman, Collins Opuruozor, Publicity Secretary, Ray Emeana, Secretary, Greg Nwadike, Youth Leader, Maria Mbakwe, Women Leader; Josiah Eze, Treasurer; and Chibuisi Obido, Vice Chairman, Orlu zone.

    Ugwuh called on the members and the general public not to be discouraged by the defection of the seven executive members.

    The chairman who claimed the party remained ever stronger and indivisible in the face of conspiracies and plot to polarize it, expressed optimism that it will win the Nov 11 gubernatorial elections.

    “We enjoin all our members and teeming supporters to remain faithful and confident in the subsisting processes in this current situation.

    “The party remains strong and determined to pursue its overall objectives and clear focus to win the November 11th Governorship Elections.

    “The structure, manifesto and constitution of PDP, is inherently robust and resilient to the extent that no vacancy at any scale, has capacity to undermine functionality of the Party at any level.

    “It is evident from historical antecedents, where pessimistic commentators had predicted the extinction of PDP, yet the party remained as strong as ever”, he said.

    Ugwuh assured of the party’s support for its flag bearer in the election, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu.

  • Police nab 5 notorious robbery suspects, recover arms in Imo

    Police nab 5 notorious robbery suspects, recover arms in Imo

    The Police command in Imo says it has arrested five notorious armed robbery suspects terrorizing Owerri and its environs.

    The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.

    Okoye said the suspects were arrested by the command’s Tactical Team at about 4.30 p.m. on June 16.

    The spokesman listed names of the suspects as David Christopher, 19; Sheriff Abraham, 19; Emmanuel Akala, 27; Sanusi Umar, 20 and Mohammed Ashiru, 20.

    According to him, in the course of investigation, the suspects volunteered statements confessing that they have masterminded various armed robbery incidents within Owerri West Local Government Area.

    “They took the operatives to their criminal Hideout at Ama Hausa in Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, where two locally-made pistols, rounds of live cartridges, numerous handsets and other incriminating items were recovered after a thorough search.

    “Efforts are in top gear to arrest other members of the syndicate at large,” he said.

    “Meanwhile, the suspects will be arraigned upon completion of a discreet investigation,” Okoye added.

    The spokesman said the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Barde, has given the assurance that the command was committed to flushing out all criminal-minded elements from the state.

    Okoye urged residents of the state to join hands with the Police and other security agencies in the onslaught against all forms of criminality.

    He further advised members of the public to reach out to the command on 08034773600 or 08098880197 in case of emergencies.

  • NNPP voids suspension of Imo chairman

    NNPP voids suspension of Imo chairman

    The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has voided the suspension of its Imo chairman, Chief Charles Duruimo by the local government chairmen of the party.

    The NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major stated this at a news conference in Abuja.
    Major said that the decision was taken by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

    “Recently, there was a leadership disagreement in the Imo Chapter of our great party in which the State Chairman, Duruimo was purportedly suspended by aggrieved officers in the state over alleged anti-party activities.

    “Duruimo dismissed his removal, stating that his leadership had earlier suspended the officers and members involved in the plot to sack him.

    “The national leadership of the party led by Alhaji Abba Kawu-Ali has stepped into the matter with a view to amicably resolving it in the interest of the party and the good people of Imo who desired a new and better Nigeria on the platform of NNPP.

    “Accordingly, the National Working Committee (NWC) directs that status quo should be maintained in the Imo State Chapter Executive led by Chief Charles Duruimo,” he said.

    Major added:“All actions taken by the two sides in the leadership disagreement are null and void, and of no effect in running the affairs of the party in Imo.” he said.

    He said that the affected officers of the party did not explore the appropriate channel of communication and procedure in handling the dispute in line with the clear provisions of NNPP’s constitution.

    He added that in the next few days, the state executive would be invited to Abuja to formally resolve the crisis.

    He said that the need for peace, unity, teamwork and synergy in running the affairs of the party in Imo could not be over emphasised as itbprepared for the November 2023 governorship election.

    “NNPP is poised to win Imo governorship poll and will not allow an intra party squabble to distract it from winning the state, to expand its frontiers in the nation’s democratic space.

    “Having fielded credible, competent and resourceful candidates in Kogi and Bayelsa, NNPP is equally resolute in winning the two states,” he said.

    Major called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field to all political parties and their candidates in the upcoming poll and ensure that the people’s mandate was respected.

    He advised INEC to test run its Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) to avoid the hitches associated with past elections.

    “Every vote matters and should be counted and count in the overall results. This is the only way to consolidate the nation’s frail democracy and reaffirms Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process,” he added.

    He said that with an action governor, two distinguished senators, 20 lawmakers at House of Representatives and several States Houses of Assembly, NNPP was set to bolster the nation’s constitutional rule as the fastest growing party.

    Major said that the NNPP wasdetermined to make Nigeria a land of justice, freedom and equal opportunities where all citizens were at liberty to aspire to achieve their lifetime goals and ambitions; a land to live in peace, prosperity and happiness.

  • Declare state of emergency in Imo state – group urges FG

    Declare state of emergency in Imo state – group urges FG

    Coalition for True Governance (CTG) has condemned the killing of the traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo in the Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Victor Ijioma, and the traditional prime minister of Mgbele in the same LGA.

    The group in a statement on Friday said the assassination of the monarchs is an appalling act of violence.

    CTG’s convener, Chief Charles Odenigbo charged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Imo, adding that Governor Hope Uzodinma has failed to secure the residents.

    Odenigbo said the declaration was necessary to ensure the swift deployment of security forces and the implementation of measures to prevent further loss of lives and property.

    “The state of emergency will provide the government with the necessary authority and resources to combat the escalating violence and restore law and order,” he noted.

    Speaking further, he said: “We urge the government to launch a thorough investigation into the killing of the traditional ruler in Oguta, with the aim of identifying and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    “It is crucial that all involved, regardless of position or influence, are held accountable for their actions. The government must demonstrate its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens.”

    CTG further implored the Nigerian government to prioritise community engagement, dialogue, and reconciliation initiatives in Imo State.

    The statement pleaded to the international community, particularly regional organisations and human rights bodies, to closely monitor the situation in Imo State.

     

  • Police begin investigation into killing of Imo traditional ruler

    Police begin investigation into killing of Imo traditional ruler

    Police in Imo have begun investigation into the murder of the traditional ruler of Orsu Obodo community in Oguta council area of the state, Eze Victor Ijioma, by gunmen.

    They are also investigating the murder of the traditional prime minister of Mgbele community in the same council area.

    Gunmen shot the traditional ruler dead in his car at Izombo community in the council area on Thursday and set him ablaze thereafter.

    The traditional prime minister of Mgbele community was killed in his town also on Thursday.

    Police spokesman in Imo, ASP Henry Okoye, told newsmen in Owerri on Friday that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Barde, had launched a team of investigators to arrest the fleeing gunmen.

    He added that security patrols had been increased in the areas to restore confidence in the minds of residents.

    “Mr Barde condemns in strong terms the gruesome murders and has inaugurated teams of security men to go all out to arrest the hoodlums.

    “We are collaborating with the military and we have increased security presence in the areas with the view to arresting the killers.

    “The commissioner of police commiserates with the families of the killed community leaders and prays that God gives them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,’’ Okoye said.

  • Again, gunmen kill 2 policemen in Imo

    Again, gunmen kill 2 policemen in Imo

    Gunmen ambushed and killed two policemen at the popular “Okpala Junction’’ at Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo on Saturday.

    The attack came one month after five policemen and a couple were killed at the same junction on April 21.

    On March 27, gunmen ambushed and killed five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the same Ngor-Okpala Council Area.

    An eyewitness of Saturday’s murder said businesses in the community quickly shut down as everyone scampered to safety.

    Police spokesman in Imo, ASP Henry Okoye said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammed Barde, had ordered a manhunt for the assailants.

    “It was an ambush; two of our personnel gallantly paid the supreme price while one, shot on the leg is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

    “They were ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Independent People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network.

    “In a protracted gun duel that ensued, the hoodlums escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries,’’ Okoye said.

    He added that one of the operational vehicles used by the hoodlums had been recovered.

    “The vehicle was riddled with gunshots and was smeared with blood.

    “This evidently suggests that our operatives actually gave the hoodlums a fierce battle.

    “The Commissioner of Police has ordered a manhunt for the assailants with a view to arresting them and bringing them to face the full wrath of the law.

    “We are assuring members of the public that sooner than expected, that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be arrested and brought to book,’’ Okoye stressed.

    He urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities, noting that normalcy had returned to the area.

    “We have equally sent another patrol team to the place to restore security confidence,’’ he said.