TheNewsGuru

Tag: Onitsha

  • Angry mob set 2 suspected phone thieves ablaze

    Angry mob set 2 suspected phone thieves ablaze

    Two persons, suspected to have stolen a cell phone and other valuables from a woman, were on Wednesday night set ablaze by an angry mob at Upper Iweka motor park in Onitsha, Anambra.

    An eyewitness and commercial bus driver, Papa Uchenna, said the suspects, who were three in number and operating with a tricycle, attacked and dispossessed the woman of her cell phone and other valuables.

    He said as they jumped into the tricycle and were about to drive off, the tricycle engine failed to start and they were apprehended by some boys at the park.

    Uchenna said that when they were being beaten, other people around brought tyres and petrol and set them ablaze.

    Confirming the incident, the Spokesman for the Police Command in Anambra, DSP. Tochukwu Ikenga, said the third suspect escaped.

    He said that police operatives recovered the tricycle, handbag and infinix cell phone, allegedly stolen from the woman the suspects.

    He said that efforts are in place to apprehend the fleeing gang member.

  • Petrol tanker explodes as fire engulfs petrol station in Onitsha

    Petrol tanker explodes as fire engulfs petrol station in Onitsha

    A fire outbreak on Sunday evening devastated a petrol station near Boromeo roundabout in the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra.

    A resident who witnessed the incident said that a petrol-laden tanker exploded and burst into flames while waiting to have the fuel discharged.

    The eye witness said that heavy traffic on Awka Road in the city delayed the arrival of fire fighters who later battled to contain the raging inferno.

    Meanwhile, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, Spokesman of the Anambra Police Command has confirmed the incident.

    He said that police personnel attached to the Inland Town Divisional Headquarters, Onitsha arrived the scene and cordoned it off to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the incident to loot.

    Ikenga said preliminary investigation revealed that the truck caught fire inside the fuel station while awaiting to have its content offloaded.

    He said the cause of the explosion, extent of damage and number of casualties have yet to be ascertained.

  • Dilapidation, grid-lock on Onitsha-Enugu Road may obstruct Anambra Governorship Election – CLO

    Dilapidation, grid-lock on Onitsha-Enugu Road may obstruct Anambra Governorship Election – CLO

    The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) says dilapidation and hours of grid-lock on the Amansea-Ugwuoba axis of Onitsha-Enugu Road may affect the forthcoming Nov. 6 Governorship Election in Anambra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Amansea-Ugwuoba axis of Onitsha-Enugu Road is located at boundary areas of Anambra and Enugu States about 15 minutes drive, but it now takes about three hours to crossover to either states.

    The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said this while speaking with NAN in Enugu on Saturday on the urgent need for the Federal Government to rehabilitate the dilapidated Amansea-Ugwuoba axis of Onitsha-Enugu Road.

    According to Ezekwueme, the current nature of the axis of the road had added to time used to get from Onitsha to Enugu, thus, from a previous average of one hour and 30 minutes to present three hours minimal.

    He also said that the development had led to recent over 50 per cent increase in fare to ply Onitsha-Enugu Road from a previous average of N1,200 to the present N1,800 and N2,000.

    “We urgently appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgent public importance to order the Minister of Work and Housing to commence immediate and inevitable rehabilitation of Amansea-Ugwoba axis of Onitsha-Enugu Road.

    “This axis of the road as it is now remains inaccessible and a dead trap; while people now sleep on the road before they can’t continue their journey due to “long stretch of hell of grid-lock”.

    “It is existential reality that the bad condition of the road has brought untold hardship, suffering, nightmare and sorrow to commuters, road users and citizens.

    “Again, the current state of the road and its hours of grid-lock may obstruct Anambra Governorship Election come Nov. 6, if unchecked and not put into consideration.

    “As it will be difficult, if not impossible, for people to comfortable travel on the road especially its halfway, which is traveling from Awka to Enugu State and vice versa.

    “It is very unfortunate and despicable that on Tuesday, Oct. 26, the road was blocked and all travelers were stranded, as most of them slept on the road,” he said.

  • Sit-at-Home: Economic activities halt in Imo as travelers stranded in Onitsha

    Sit-at-Home: Economic activities halt in Imo as travelers stranded in Onitsha

    Economic and social activities have halted in Imo over the Sit-At Home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for fear of possible attacks.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reporter who monitored the development on Saturday in Owerri, reports that residents of the state have deserted markets and streets of the state capital for safety.

    NAN reports that the pro Biafra agitators led by Nnamdi Kanu issued a statement that ordered people from the South East to sit at home between May 30 and May 31 for the annual Biafra Remembrance Day.

    The statement issued by Kanu said the day was set aside in remembrance of over 5 million Biafrans who died during the three-year civil war in Nigeria.

    NAN reports that people also kept away from the Government House axis with businesses around it under lock and key while combined team of security agencies are seen patrolling the streets of the state capital.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abutu Yaro had earlier issued a statement, assuring residents of adequate security and urged the people to ignore the threat.

    But only presence of the military and police forces were noticed, while people kept away from the popular Ekeukwu Owerri Market and the timber market in Naze.

    A commercial motorist, Mr Okechukwu Nnaji told NAN that motorists started experiencing poor patronage from commuters from May 28.

    “As I speak with you, I have not gotten N 2,000 since three days now, I normally make N8,000 daily.

    “I don’t know how to feed my family if things do not improve soon,” he said.

    A food vendor, Mrs Angela Eze popularly known as (Mama Africa) expressed worry that the situation might affect the economy of the state drastically.

    She appealed to government to use diplomacy and find lasting solution to the problem.

    In Onitsha, Anambra, some travellers enroute Onitsha to Asaba and other parts of the country have expressed dismay over delays caused by security checks at the busy Niger Bridge, Onitsha in Anambra.
    Those who spoke to NAN said travellers were made to spend hours at the Bridgehead before crossing.
    Those who managed or succeeded to cross over to Asaba and vice versa did so trekking or using commercial motorcycles.
    A traveller, who pleaded anonymity, said he joined an early morning vehicle heading to Lagos but was delayed by the check point mounted by the Police and Nigeria Army.
    “I have spent more than three hours here trying to drive across the bridgehead.
    “They said some gunmen killed five soldiers yesterday at Ihiala.
    “I believe that this is why they are delaying us here,” the source said.
    A private vehicle commercial driver, Mr Kelechi Onwudiwe alluded the intensified security checks to the sit-at-home directive by members of the proscribed IPOB.
    “The traffic here in Onitsha is terrible. It is deliberately caused by soldiers who are searching for members of IPOB,” Onwudiwe said.
    In his reaction, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said the security check was a routine exercise.
    Ikenga said the check point was part of strategies security agencies used to control and screen people coming and leaving the state.
    “The check has been there before now even before the sit-at-home order.
    “The purpose of the check point is to screen road users, detect crime and maintain law and order.
    “In as much as we are still analysing the security situation, the check point is like an ordinary day exercise for us,” he said.
    The spokesman said the Police was bent on delivering its mandate of protecting lives and property.
  • BREAKING: Fear grips Anambra as truckload of live bullets falls in Onitsha

    BREAKING: Fear grips Anambra as truckload of live bullets falls in Onitsha

    A truckload of live bullets on Sunday fell in Onitsha, the business hub of Anambra State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the development has sparked fear across the length and breadth of the State.

    The truck fully loaded with cartons of live bullets fell into a ditch and spilled its content all around the street.

    The incident occurred on Sunday morning on Awka Road as early worshipers made their way to churches.

    The incident attracted heavy security presence to the Awka Road area and Shoprite axis of the city.

    It was gathered that the truck, a Mercedes Benz 911 model was said to be moving the goods out of Onitsha to an undisclosed location.

    The driver lost control and the vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the ditch.

  • Truck kills pedestrian in Onitsha

    Truck kills pedestrian in Onitsha

    A middle-aged man has been confirmed dead in an accident involving a truck on Onitsha-Owerri highway in Onitsha, Anambra late on Saturday.

    Mr Andrew Kumapayi, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander confirmed the development in Awka on Sunday.

    “The crash involved a Mark truck with registration number, JJJ660XB, driven by an unidentified person.

    “Eye-witness reports reaching us indicate that the crash was due to break failure which made the truck to roll back and crush a man who was walking on the road.

    “FRSC rescue team from Upper Iweka Outpost rushed the victim to Toronto Hospital in Onitsha. He was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty and his body deposited at the morgue,” Kumapayi told NAN in an interview.

    The sector commander said that the driver of the truck had been handed over to the police for further investigation.

    While condoling with the family of the deceased, Kumapayi warned motorists, especially truck drivers to put their vehicles in order, saying that the FRSC had started clamping down on rickety vehicles.

    He also advised pedestrians to be safety-conscious before crossing highways.

  • Truck kills four female hawkers in Onitsha

    Truck kills four female hawkers in Onitsha

    Four female hawkers have been confirmed dead in an accident involving a truck on Upper Iweka Flyover in Onitsha, Anambra.
    Mr Andrew Kumapayi, the state Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Wednesday, said the accident occurred at 7.30.a.m.
    “The crash involved a blue Mercedes Benz truck with registration number XF259UNZ driven by an unidentified person.
    “Eyewitness reports reaching us indicate that the truck driver had a disagreement with revenue collectors on Upper Iweka Flyover, and the truck rolled back and crushed four female hawkers along the road.
    “The driver of the truck and his motor boy came out without injury.
    “FRSC rescue team, along with some officers of the the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, rushed the victims to Toronto Hospital in Onitsha and deposited their bodies at the morgue after doctors on duty confirmed their death,” he said.
    The sector commander said that the driver of the truck had been handed over to the police for investigation.
    While condoling with the families of the dead, he urged Nigerians to be mindful of the dangers associated with hawking near highways.
  • Onitsha Christians for Trump and matters arising, By Chido Nwakanma

    Onitsha Christians for Trump and matters arising, By Chido Nwakanma

    THE PUBLIC SPHERE with Chido Nwakanma

    The intrepidity of Onitsha came to the fore on 25 October as the city inserted itself forcefully into the 3 November general elections a world away in the United States of America. Most Reverend Professor Daddy Hezekiah led his flock in a rally and march around Onitsha city, hailing and praying for a Donald Trump victory. It reverberated globally.

    Their lack of what lawyers call locus standi was not a barrier to the Onitsha Trump supporters: they had no direct stake, no membership of the Republican party nor registration to vote. For their efforts, they got the acknowledgment of the Donald, a notable narcissist. He tweeted: A parade for me in Nigeria, a great honor! pic.twitter.com/EHiSQMFvSZ — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 3, 2020

    The parade by the Living Christ Mission Inc was against the backdrop of anti-Nigeria words and actions by Donald Trump. He called Nigeria a shithole, reduced opportunities for immigration for settlement or study, and has fought against Nigerians seeking high profile jobs at AfDB and WTO. Many have made memes and jokes out of the Onitsha Christians and their escapade.

    However, it is not a laughing matter nor for ridicule. We deal here with a context of two issues with a high toxicity quotient: religion and politics. Handle with discretion. Yet, we must break eggs to make this omelette.

    The religious element has inflamed the discourse for and against. Christians of a certain persuasion have brought various narratives to bear on the matter. Touchy. Friends, family, colleagues, and classmates are falling apart over differences on the issues. Caution: please do not tear each other over Donald Trump.

    The Trumpian Christians have shared all manner of narratives. One was very loud and forceful in its claims and many falsehoods.

    “IN CASE YOU DONT UNDERSTAND THE REASON FOR THE BATTLES AND THE UNENDING CONFRONTATIONS: Trump vs New world order; Trump vs The Abortion Law; Trump vs The Anti-Christ Agenda; Trump vs Vaccine producers; Trump vs Homosexual/ Lesbian/Gay; Trump vs Terrorists Beneficiaries; Trump vs Pope? (You won’t understand); Trump vs Mainstream media (MSN); Trump vs Social Media Owners; Trump vs Bad leadership promoters in Africa; Trump vs killers of Christians in Africa; Trump vs Injustice; Trump vs The Illuminating (Illuminati) Members); Trump vs One World Government; Trump vs The Cancellation Of Prayers; Trump vs The Haters Of Humanity; Trump vs Anti God’s Laws; Trump vs Election Riggers; Trump vs vs vs….Victory Is Sure in God Name”.

    A school mate shared this in our class platform. He took umbrage at my calling him out publicly. “We all have our perspectives at looking at things. You have yours with your reasons; I have mine. The least you can do is respect that.”

    I responded: “The Christian community seeks so much drama. Even in the days of our Lord Jesus Christ. For that reason, He warned them against a fixation on signs. He said that of the hour and time no man knows. Only the Creator can tell. As an 11-year old, I was a victim of the Christian end-time hoax when Jehovah’s Witnesses frightened my young soul with their false claim that the world was ending in 1975. It was a massive deception. Many End-Time followers see all manner of spiritual significance in everything, ascribing to poor Donald Trump matters of which he has absolutely no ken”.

    He came around, we shared the Word, and I apologised for calling him out in public. Childhood friends.

    There is no surprise in Onitsha boldly stepping out on the trending topic of certain Christians for Donald Trump. Onitsha intrigues. Onitsha confounds. Onitsha excites.

    Onitsha is the birth city of Christianity in Eastern Nigeria and is responsible for the growth of the faith and literacy in the land. Who can forget the images of the throngs that witnessed the visit of the Pope to Onitsha? Or the miniwars between the Anglicans and Catholics?

    It is the Onitsha Spirit. Audacious. Onitsha represents the best and worst of the Igbo. So much energy. Drive. Innovation. Onitsha is the city that gave the world a genre of literature with its name: Onitsha Market Literature. It is the main distribution point that ensured Nollywood became a global phenomenon.

    Onitsha has its distinctive brand of gospel music. It is high decibel, vociferous and calls down angels while lifting the spirits of men up to dance. Increasingly, women lead the most successful bands:

    I love Onitsha. It also irritates. I love it for what it represents and for my people who live in it.

    A beloved cousin has lived in Onitsha 40 years. He trained the old-fashioned way in mechanical engineering and how to fix crankshafts and engines. It was for an era when industrialisation was top priority in Nigeria. Over the years, the economic changes have buffeted him but not his spirit.

    My cousin is not the tallest of men. Many years ago, when it was time, he showed the Onitsha and Igbo spirit. He went for the tallest girl in the hood, all 6.2” of her, and brought her home as wife. She had the same pluck, serving as apprentice trader in selling wrappers and stuff and graduating to an importer who regularly travelled to China to “tu ahia container”. Covid19 has only slowed but cannot stop them.

    Scholars of religion in Igboland and Nigeria need to step up. I call on Chukwu Ogbajie, C.O. Okeke, F. Anyika, J.C. Nwaka, F.K. Ekechi, P.E. Nmah and T. Adamolekun.

    Is the phenomenon of Trump Christians an inflection point for Christianity in Africa and the world? Or does it just replicate what has happened over the years at times of crisis when men seek answers in end-time messaging and decode the signs for themselves with varied meanings? This story is unfolding.

    https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/11/22/onitsha-christians-for-trump-and-matters-arising/

  • IPOB’s sit-at-home order: Markets, parks, commercial activities paralyzed in Onitsha

    IPOB’s sit-at-home order: Markets, parks, commercial activities paralyzed in Onitsha

    Commercial activities were stalled and intending travelers stranded in Onitsha following the declaration of Sit-at-Home declared by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

    Though major markets in Onitsha metropolis like the Onitsha Main Market and Bridge Head market normally close shops on October 1 independence days, traders in the two markets and other markets like Ogbaru main market, Ochanja and Electromart all stayed at home.

    While some of the traders engaged in drinking spree in most restaurant shops located in the streets, others played soccer and also carried out sanitation activities within their residences.

    The ever busy Upper Iweka was deserted while most motor parks that normally attracted heavy human and vehicular traffic were deserted.

    Only few drivers of tricycles and commercial buses plying within the town service came out to offer skeletal services.

    Armed security agents in various patrol vehicles were also seen patrolling in groups across various parts of the city to avert any possible breakdown of law and order.

    Speaking on the development, a stranded passenger travelling to Lagos, Ikechukwu Ogbonna accused the IPOB members of playing on people’s intelligence and cashing on the National Public Holidays to declare a sit-at-home.

    Another respondent, Michael Okeke told newsmen that those who stayed in their homes in Onitsha did that out of fear of being harmed in any way by the pro-Biafra groups.

  • TRENDING VIDEO: Govt opens Niger bridge, thousands pour in and out of Onitsha

    River Niger Bridge, the border between Delta and Anambra States was on Monday opened to thousands of people pouring in and out of Onitsha, following the ease of restriction of movement.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the River Niger Bridge in Onitsha, also known as the Onitsha Bridge, connects southeastern Nigeria with western Nigeria over the River Niger. It is linked to Asaba, the capital of Delta.

    Following the restriction of movement to contain the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, the bridge was closed, locking out traffic of any kind in and out of the two States.

    However, on Monday, following the easing of movement order, the bridge was opened to a mammoth crowd crossing the bridge into and out of Onitsha.

    See video below: