A veteran journalist and media practitioner, Aliuna Godwin, has declared his intention to contest for the Ebony/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections on the platform of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).
Aliuna, who made his position known while speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, vowed to mount a strong campaign and emerge victorious at the polls, promising to provide what he described as purposeful and people-oriented representation to the constituency.
He expressed concern over what he described as the worsening economic hardship and poverty confronting residents of the constituency, as well as inadequate basic infrastructure and social amenities.
According to him, the challenges include poor road networks, inadequate access to potable water, epileptic electricity supply, gaps in basic education and limited economic opportunities for young people and other residents in the rural communities.
The aspirant said his decision to seek elective office was driven by his desire to change what he described as the “ugly narratives” in the constituency and provide practical solutions to the challenges facing the people.
Aliuna is the Publisher of The Nations News Nigeria and a former Financial Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebony State Council.
He has also worked with several reputable media organizations, including Daily Asset and Daily Post Nigeria.
He said his experience in journalism had exposed him to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians and strengthened his resolve to seek public office.
“I’m zealously willing to change the ugly narratives in Ebony/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency. The people are now very tired of empty promises by people who have occupied the position.
“Just give me two years, you will see the manifestation of leadership ingenuity. The people of Ebony/Ohaukwu will witness massive human capital development, infrastructural revolution and general economic prosperity,” he said.
The DLA aspirant pledged that, if elected, he would pursue legislation and initiatives aimed at promoting job creation, massive empowerment programmes, human capital development and inclusive governance.
He also vowed to prioritize healthcare delivery and education, including improved medical facilities, quality education and scholarship opportunities for deserving constituents.
On press freedom and the safety of journalists, Aliuna said he would work with other prominent leaders and stakeholders across the country to strengthen the protection of journalists and promote freedom of the press.
He further pledged to support measures aimed at improving security and sustaining peace across the Ebony/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency, describing security as a prerequisite for economic development and meaningful investment.
Aliuna also spoke positively about the DLA, describing it as a relatively young political party with what he called a strong commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
He specifically cited the party’s presidential hopeful, Amb. Moses Adebisi, as part of the leadership he believes shares the party’s vision for the country.
The House of Representatives hopeful urged the people of Ebony/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency to support his ambition, promising effective representation and a development agenda centred on the needs and aspirations of the constituents.
He maintained that his experience in the media, coupled with his understanding of the challenges confronting the people, had prepared him for the responsibility of representing the constituency at the National Assembly.
Aliuna assured the constituents that, if given the mandate in 2027, he would make accountability, development, security, education, healthcare, employment and economic empowerment the pillars of his representation.
The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested 14 kidnap suspects through intelligence-led operations, which busted major kidnapping syndicates operating in the state.
Police recovered some items, which included: five AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns; one locally-fabricated firearm, 310 rounds of live 7.62 x 39mm ammunition; eight live cartridges and seven AK-47 empty magazines.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in Enugu on the recent successes recorded by the command in the state against coordinated syndicates of kidnap gangs.
The commissioner said that recently, in separate joint operations, security operatives rescued kidnapped victims at Ogbozara Community in Nsukka LGA and Owukpa Community in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, with several exhibits, including live ammunition, recovered.
According to him, most recently, one of the victims abducted from a Church at Inoyi, Affa Community in Udi LGA, was rescued on Aug. 2.
“A joint, intelligence-led operation subsequently led to the rescue of the remaining two victims, the arrest of three suspects, the neutralisation of one suspect, and the recovery of ransom money, firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.
“Further intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Violent Crime Response Unit (AK-VCRU) led to the arrest of two additional male suspects linked to the Affa Church kidnapping.
“The duo, who fled to Port Harcourt following the operational pressure mounted by joint security operatives, were traced and arrested in Port Harcourt and brought back to Enugu.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that after fleeing Enugu, the suspects regrouped with their cohorts in Port Harcourt and abducted another victim, who was released after a ransom of ₦5 million was paid,” he said.
The commissioner said that in a sustained offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes, 12 additional suspects were earlier arrested through human and technical intelligence-led operations conducted in different parts of the country.
He said that the suspects were arrested on various dates in June, July and August 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Enugu, Kogi, Nasarawa, Rivers, Kwara and Taraba States.
Giwa said investigation indicated the suspects are members of an organised criminal network operating from different parts of the country, adding they converge in Enugu State to plan and execute kidnapping operations before returning to their respective locations.
He said that the network was aided by an Enugu-based member, who operates a tricycle and provides transportation for the gang members, their firearms and other criminal implements to and from operational locations.
The state police boss said that another Enugu-based member provides intelligence that enables the gang to evade security surveillance and identify suitable targets and locations.
“The suspects have, during interrogation, confessed to involvement in several recent and past kidnapping incidents across Enugu State, including along Enugu–Ugwuogo–Opi–Nsukka Road; Obioma–9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Okpatu Road; Eke–Affa–Egede–Ezinze axis; and various locations in Ezeagu LGA.
“Specifically, preliminary investigation has linked the suspects to the following armed kidnapping incidents: The abduction of a male victim at Mgbabuowa/Aguobuowa, Ezeagu LGA, on May 25 during which ₦5.5 million was obtained as ransom.
“The abduction of two male victims and the shooting and murder of a female victim at Obioma, Udi LGA, on May 9 during which the gang obtained twenty-eight thousand US Dollars ($28,700) as ransom.
“The abduction of two male victims along the Eke–Ezinze Road, Udi LGA, on April 10 for which Seventy Thousand US Dollars ($70,000) was obtained as ransom.
“The kidnapping of seven victims at Obinaofia, Ezeagu LGA, on April 12 during which ₦25 million was obtained as ransom as well as other kidnapping incidents and ransom payments which the suspects disclosed during interrogation,” he said.
He said that the suspects laundered and concealed proceeds of their criminal activities through investments in livestock and different properties, lavish spending and other conspicuous consumption, as well as leisure and overseas trips.
The commissioner noted that further investigations would establish the suspects’ involvement in other kidnapping and violent-crime incidents within and outside the state, identify and arrest other members of the syndicate, and recover additional firearms, ammunition.
“The command will also recover other criminal proceeds and finally after the extensive investigations they will be charged to court in accordance with extant laws,” he added.
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), has broken his silence on one of the most painful episodes of his military career, saying he could not save his childhood friend and fellow soldier, the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, after an investigation linked him to the 1985 coup plot against his administration.
Babangida made the disclosure during a special program on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna as part of activities marking his 85th birthday. The program was monitored in the Niger State capital.
The former military ruler said the allegations against Vatsa initially appeared unbelievable because of their extraordinary shared history.
According to him, he and Vatsa grew up together, attended the same school, graduated in the same year and joined the military at the same time.
“When I first heard the rumours that General Mamman Vatsa was involved in a plot to overthrow my administration, I could not believe it,” Babangida said.
He recalled that after receiving the allegations from a senior military officer, he summoned Vatsa and another senior officer, General Mohammed Gado Nasko, to his office for explanations.
Both men, he said, denied any involvement in the alleged plot. Babangida, however, said the matter subsequently moved beyond personal assurances when a military commission of inquiry was constituted to investigate the allegations.
While Nasko was cleared, the former military president said the panel found evidence connecting Vatsa to the aborted coup. The finding, he admitted, left him devastated.
“When it was finally confirmed that investigations revealed General Vatsa’s involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed,” he said.
Babangida added: “There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa.”
On the involvement of Civilians in Military coups,The former military president also offered a broader assessment of Nigeria’s history of military interventions, arguing that successful coups in the country had never been purely military affairs.
He alleged that wealthy civilians had, at various times, played significant roles in financing or supporting military takeovers.
Babangida also spoke warmly about the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom he described as a close personal friend whose generosity cut across ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.
He said Abiola deployed his wealth to improve the lives of Nigerians regardless of their background.
“Chief MKO Abiola was a man who used his God-given wealth to positively impact the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their background,” he said, describing the late businessman as exceptionally generous and a man who built friendships across the country.
Speaking On one of the most controversial decisions of his administration, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election—Babangida described the decision as one of the most difficult choices of his military career.
The election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was won by Abiola, but its result was annulled by the military government.
Babangida said the decision was taken collectively and was considered, at the time, to be in the overall interest of the country.
“I must say that it was one of the toughest decisions taken during my military career, but it was made in what we believed was the best interest of the nation,” he stated.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, the former military president urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country.
He called on citizens to continue supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that the government’s ongoing efforts would eventually produce positive results.
Babangida also appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders to place national interest above sectional considerations and intensify their efforts toward strengthening Nigeria’s unity, peace and development.
His comments come as Nigerians prepare to mark the 85th birthday of the former military president, whose years in power remain among the most consequential and contested in Nigeria’s political history.
General Babangida’s 85th birthday celebration is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, with special prayers expected at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.
Two suspected cultists on a motorcycle for a killing mission within the axis of Isuaniocha bridge, Awka North local Government area, Anambra stated, had on sighting a police patrol team, reportedly abandoned their motorcycle, two locally made pistols, two slippers, a bag, and three caps with cultism inscriptions.
It was gathered that on chasing the suspects by the police team, they abandoned the motorcycle and other items and fled into the bush.
On arrival to the abandoned items, the police team, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), recovered the abandoned items.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, (SP), said, “The Operatives in the afternoon of 13th August 2026 while on patrol along the Isuaniocha Bridge, sighted two young men riding a black-colored Sanyang motorcycle without a registration number.
“The suspects, on sighting the Police team, suddenly and recklessly turned the motorcycle in an apparent attempt to evade the operatives. The suspicious action prompted the officers to give them a hot chase.
“During the pursuit, the suspects fell from the motorcycle and abandoned it, together with two slippers and a bag, before fleeing into a nearby bush.
” A search of the abandoned bag subsequently led to the recovery of two fabricated pistols and three caps bearing an inscription associated with the Vikings Confraternity.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and determine their identities, affiliations and the circumstances surrounding the possession of the recovered firearms and items.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, noted that the Command remains committed to sustained patrols,
intelligence-led operations and proactive policing measures aimed at disrupting criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the State.
He further directs that efforts should be intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has said the task ahead of the 2027 general elections goes beyond winning political power, stressing the need to give Nigerians a credible choice for the future.
Makinde stated this on Thursday at the APM National Convention held at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Square in Bauchi State.
He described the emergence of the APM as timely, saying a credible opposition remains essential to the survival and growth of democracy.
According to him, political parties must move beyond the politics of opposition for its own sake and instead present Nigerians with credible alternatives capable of improving their lives.
Makinde urged the newly elected leaders of the party to collaborate with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the need for a political system built on trust, accountability and measurable results.
He described Bauchi as “the heartbeat not only of the north-eastern part of Nigeria but the entire northern Nigeria, and indeed the entire country,” noting the state’s historical significance as the home of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister at independence.
“The next political system must restore something that has steadily disappeared from our politics, and that thing is trust,” Makinde said.
“Nigerians must believe that when leaders make comments, those comments and their commitment must mean something.”
The APM presidential candidate outlined three principles he said should guide the party’s approach to politics.
He said political disagreements should not turn opponents into enemies; opposition parties should focus on presenting a “credible and demonstrably better alternative”
Rather than merely seeking to remove those in power; and political parties with differences should still be able to agree that “Nigeria must work better for its people.”
Makinde said the 2027 election should therefore be a contest of ideas, urging political parties to debate evidence, compare records and present clear, measurable plans to the electorate.
“The task before 2027 is bigger than winning an election. It is to give Nigerians a real choice about the future of their country,” he said.
He challenged politicians seeking the trust of Nigerians to answer a fundamental question:
“How will the lives of Nigerians be better because we were given the opportunity to lead?”
APM Chairman: Nigerians Are Tired of Empty Promises
Also speaking at the convention, the National Chairman of the APM, Yusuf Dantalle, said the party was prepared to offer Nigerians a new political direction.
Dantalle said Nigerians were tired of what he described as lies, deception and political intrigue, adding that the country needed leadership focused on tangible and measurable results.
He expressed concern over the continued killings and displacement of Nigerians across the country’s geopolitical zones, stressing the urgent need for practical solutions to the challenges confronting citizens.
The party chairman also highlighted the importance of access to education and healthcare, arguing that Nigerians in the past enjoyed better access to essential social services.
Dantalle further criticised the treatment of Nigerians in some foreign countries, arguing that Nigeria had historically contributed significantly to the development of some of those countries.
He urged APM supporters to take the party’s message to Nigerians “from person to person, house to house,” as the party begins its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Nkemkama Kama, and other stakeholders in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have applauded governor Francis Nwifuru for promoting peace, political cohesion and inclusiveness.
The stakeholders said that the approach has strengthened the state’s prospects for sustainable development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made this known while speaking with newsmen during the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally held in Ivo LGA ahead of the August 22, 2026 local government elections.
On his part, Kama described the massive turnout at the rally as a reflection of the APC’s popularity and the people’s confidence in the administration of Governor Nwifuru.
“There’s only one party and that party is APC. It’s a party affair, it’s a local government affair. It went very well, as you can see,” Kama said.
The federal lawmaker urged elected and incoming local government officials to make service, accountability and legacy their priorities, stressing that leadership should ultimately be judged by the benefits it delivers to the people.
He advised public officials to lead with dignity and ensure that resources meant for the people reach them.
Addressing opposition criticism of the APC-led government, Kama said opposition parties had a legitimate responsibility to scrutinise those in power, but urged them to make their criticisms constructive and based on facts.
Drawing from his previous experience in opposition politics, he said the government would continue to respond to allegations with verifiable projects and records rather than propaganda.
“Our own is not to go into certain maps. We shouldn’t dwell on propaganda. We put facts for them.
That’s the way to answer propaganda,” he said, while acknowledging that no government was perfect and urging the media and opposition to recognise achievements while pointing out shortcomings constructively.
Kama particularly praised Governor Nwifuru for what he described as an unusual ability to bring political stakeholders across Ebonyi together.
According to him, the governor’s inclusive leadership style has given people a sense of recognition and belonging, thereby contributing to the relative peace in the state.
“People are looking for recognition, relevance and importance. He has been able to make everybody feel important, part and parcel of the government, and has brought everybody together,” Kama said.
He also described Nwifuru as possessing “native intelligence,” noting that his political dexterity and ability to work with diverse stakeholders were important to attracting development to Ebonyi.
He stressed that peace remained the foundation for economic growth and infrastructure development, arguing that insecurity and political instability would discourage investment and disrupt government activities.
“Peace is the fundamental, the bedroom of every development you can think of,” he said.
The Executive Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, also commended the governor and other stakeholders for sustaining peace and development in the area.
Ajah said his administration had focused on infrastructure, education, security, empowerment and community reconciliation, citing completed markets, bridges, roads, courts and other public facilities among its interventions.
Ajah identified peace, unity and security as the administration’s major achievements, particularly efforts to reconcile communities and stakeholders previously divided by disagreements.
He also highlighted educational support for students and graduates, as well as logistics and infrastructural assistance provided to security agencies operating in the area.
He urged the people to protect the prevailing atmosphere of peace and resist attempts to exploit political differences for destabilisation, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in an environment of unity and stability.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, cautioned the people of Ivo against what he described as the “politics of gambling,” urging them to uphold zoning, equity and political rotation, which he said had contributed to stability in Ebonyi.
He also cited interventions by the Nwifuru administration under its People’s Charter of Needs agenda, particularly in peacebuilding, infrastructure, education and human capital development, while calling on voters to support APC candidates in the August 22 election.
Presenting the APC flag to the party’s chairmanship candidate for Ivo LGA, Governor Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, said the people of Ivo had made the right choice by selecting the party’s candidates.
The deputy governor urged the electorate to remain united and support leaders capable of consolidating the administration’s development agenda at the grassroots.
Other stakeholders, including Ebonyi State lawmaker Chief Onyebuchi Ogbadu, Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Development Chief Chinedu Nkah, former Ivo LGA chairman Chief James Aro Nweke, former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Uchenna Orji,
Others are; the President of Ishiagu Community Development Union Chief Moses Ajah and other community leaders, expressed support for the APC and commended the administration’s emphasis on peace, unity and development.
The rally, attended by politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, business operators, youths, students and market women, served as a major mobilisation ahead of the August 22 local government elections.
The stakeholders maintained that political stability would remain critical to attracting investment, executing infrastructure projects and improving citizens’ welfare,
They urged Ebonyians to preserve the peace and cohesion they said would be essential to the state’s development trajectory as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Niger State governorship election, Mohammed Kpautagi Mohammed, has unveiled former Commissioner for Water Resources, Mamman Musa, as his running mate, as the opposition party intensifies preparations to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mohammed, popularly known as M.K. Mohammed, made the announcement at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press center in Minna, where he formally presented Musa as his deputy and outlined a five-point development agenda for the state.
The ADC flag bearer, a former top federal civil servant from Mokwa Local Government Area, said his decision to contest the governorship election was motivated by the need to provide an alternative to the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
He expressed concern over what he described as persistent economic and social challenges confronting residents, including insecurity, unemployment, poor healthcare services, deteriorating infrastructure and the welfare of pensioners.
“ For too long, our people have waited. Our mothers in the markets still cry over high prices, our graduates are still roaming the streets, our hospitals lack drugs, our roads are bad and our farmers are afraid to go to the farm.
“This must change, and it must change under the ADC. We will run a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Mohammed said.
Five-Point Agenda
Mohammed said an ADC-led administration would anchor its policies on five key areas: security; job creation and economic development; health and education; infrastructural renewal; and the regular payment of pensions.
On security, he said his administration would prioritize the protection of lives, property and livelihoods, particularly to restore the confidence of farmers and enable them to return safely to their farms.
He also pledged to pursue policies that would create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activities and improve the standard of living of residents across the state.
Healthcare and education, he said, would receive renewed attention, while infrastructure would be upgraded to address the challenges posed by poor roads and inadequate public facilities.
The ADC candidate further promised to prioritize the welfare of pensioners, stressing the need for an administration that would treat retirees with dignity by ensuring the payment of their entitlements.
i Am a Team player
Explaining his choice of Mamman Musa as running mate, Mohammed said governing a state as diverse as Niger required teamwork, competence, accountability and a shared commitment to public service.
He dismissed the idea that he possessed a “magic wand” capable of solving all the state’s challenges overnight, but pledged to build a government driven by hard work, transparency, accountability and collective responsibility.
“I am not a narcissist; I am a team player. And to our opponents, it is not a fight; it is about who can serve better,” he said.
He also urged voters to look beyond party affiliations when making their choice in the 2027 election, arguing that the contest should be about the future of Niger State and the next generation.
According to him, the ADC would give the people an opportunity to choose leaders based on competence, integrity and the capacity to deliver meaningful development.
Musa Brings Political Experience
Musa, the newly unveiled deputy governorship candidate, is a former Commissioner for Water Resources in
Niger State, a position he held until 2023.
He previously served as Commissioner for Sports under the administration of former Governor Abubakar Sani Bello.
His emergence on the ADC ticket adds another layer of interest to the 2027 political contest, particularly because his wife, Hajiya Hadiza Idris Kuta, currently serves as Commissioner for Women Affairs in the administration of Governor Bago.
Speaking after his unveiling, Musa assured Mohammed of his loyalty and commitment to the ADC ticket, pledging to work with the governorship candidate in the interest of the people of Niger State.
ADC Positions for 2027 Contest
The ADC is positioning its ticket as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with Mohammed promising to mount a strong challenge against the ruling APC.
Mohammed emerged as the ADC governorship candidate after winning the party’s primary election with 67,924 votes. His closest challenger, Alhaji Idris Usman, polled 27,769 votes.
With the unveiling of Musa and the presentation of its five-point agenda, the ADC has formally set out its political and development message as the 2027 governorship contest gathers momentum in Niger State.
For Mohammed, the campaign is not simply about defeating an incumbent political party, but about convincing voters that the state can chart a different course through a government built on security, economic opportunity, quality public services, infrastructure and accountability.
Flood, dilapidated roads cause kidnapping, armed robbery in Ogidi community- Residents
..,…. Beg Soludo to rescue Community from Vinas Road Nightmare
By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha
Residents of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have cried out to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo over the deplorable condition of Vinas Road and the devastating flooding allegedly linked to recurring deaths, kidnapping and armed robbery in the area.
The residents, under the aegis of the Okeluche Landlord Association, Ogidi, said the situation has become unbearable and urgently requires government intervention to save lives and property.
Speaking with journalists while taking them round some of the affected areas, t
The chairman of the association, Nzekwesili Michael, made this known while speaking with newsmen during the inspection of some bad spots and identified Vinas Road,
which links the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and areas around the Building Materials International Market, Synthetic Material Market, Boropit, Ogbe Etiti, Keluche and 3-3 Onitsha, as one of the major roads requiring immediate rehabilitation.
Michael said residents are frequently trapped on the road whenever it rains because floodwaters completely submerge the route.
According to him, the flooding has claimed several lives, including that of a member of the landlords’ association, Mr Hyginus Odike, who was allegedly swept away after hitting his head on a culvert. He said Odike’s corpse was recovered eight days later at Nkisi River, bound towards the River Niger.
The association chairman lamented that the community had continued to lose residents, including commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators as well as students, whenever heavy rainfall causes flooding.
He appealed to Governor Soludo to come to their rescue, saying residents had spent huge sums of money buying sand, stones and cement to carry out repairs and construct drainage, only for the work to be destroyed whenever another heavy downpour occurs.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Vinas Road Committee, Mmaduakonam Daniel Mgbako, disclosed that residents had spent more than N25 million on attempts to address the road and flooding problems.
He recalled a tragic incident in which a resident returning from the market was swept away by floodwaters, while children returning from school and their mothers who attempted to rescue them were also allegedly caught up in the disaster.
He said schools in the area were submerged during the incident and that the community continues to experience similar flooding whenever it rains.
Mgbako further alleged that the poor state of the road had created an environment conducive to criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and motorcycle theft.
He claimed that several residents had been abducted in the area, especially during rainy periods, with ransom demands allegedly running into millions of naira.
He also alleged that a man who recently attempted to drop someone off in the area was abducted, while several motorcycles belonging to commercial operators had been snatched.
According to him, residents have taken steps to improve security by installing streetlights and engaging monitors, but the measures have not completely stopped the attacks.
He alleged that a young man recently settled in the area by his employer was kidnapped and that N11 million was reportedly paid as ransom.
Mgbako added that the security situation had become so disturbing that some residents were reluctant to return home, with some allegedly choosing to lodge in hotels.
The Public Relations Officer of the landlords’ association and Chief Security Officer of the community, Apeh Chukwunonso, said residents were exhausted from repeatedly contributing money towards repairs on the road.
He maintained that the worsening condition of Vinas Road was contributing to the community’s security and environmental challenges, stressing that the situation had gone beyond what residents could handle through self-help.
A tenant in the community, Gift Ifeme, also expressed frustration over the situation, saying some residents were already considering moving out because of the persistent flooding and insecurity.
The residents appealed to Governor Soludo and relevant government agencies to urgently rehabilitate Vinas Road, construct effective drainage infrastructure and strengthen security around the community.
They stressed that despite their repeated efforts and financial contributions, the magnitude of the problem had overwhelmed them.
They said government intervention was now critical to prevent further loss of lives and restore economic and social activities in the area.
..,…. Beg Soludo to rescue Community from Vinas Road Nightmare
By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha
Residents of Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have cried out to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo over the deplorable condition of Vinas Road and the devastating flooding allegedly linked to recurring deaths, kidnapping and armed robbery in the area.
The residents, under the aegis of the Okeluche Landlord Association, Ogidi, said the situation has become unbearable and urgently requires government intervention to save lives and property.
Speaking with journalists while taking them round some of the affected areas, t
The chairman of the association, Nzekwesili Michael, made this known while speaking with newsmen during the inspection of some bad spots and identified Vinas Road,
which links the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and areas around the Building Materials International Market, Synthetic Material Market, Boropit, Ogbe Etiti, Keluche and 3-3 Onitsha, as one of the major roads requiring immediate rehabilitation.
Michael said residents are frequently trapped on the road whenever it rains because floodwaters completely submerge the route.
According to him, the flooding has claimed several lives, including that of a member of the landlords’ association, Mr Hyginus Odike, who was allegedly swept away after hitting his head on a culvert. He said Odike’s corpse was recovered eight days later at Nkisi River, bound towards the River Niger.
The association chairman lamented that the community had continued to lose residents, including commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators as well as students, whenever heavy rainfall causes flooding.
He appealed to Governor Soludo to come to their rescue, saying residents had spent huge sums of money buying sand, stones and cement to carry out repairs and construct drainage, only for the work to be destroyed whenever another heavy downpour occurs.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Vinas Road Committee, Mmaduakonam Daniel Mgbako, disclosed that residents had spent more than N25 million on attempts to address the road and flooding problems.
He recalled a tragic incident in which a resident returning from the market was swept away by floodwaters, while children returning from school and their mothers who attempted to rescue them were also allegedly caught up in the disaster.
He said schools in the area were submerged during the incident and that the community continues to experience similar flooding whenever it rains.
Mgbako further alleged that the poor state of the road had created an environment conducive to criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and motorcycle theft.
He claimed that several residents had been abducted in the area, especially during rainy periods, with ransom demands allegedly running into millions of naira.
He also alleged that a man who recently attempted to drop someone off in the area was abducted, while several motorcycles belonging to commercial operators had been snatched.
According to him, residents have taken steps to improve security by installing streetlights and engaging monitors, but the measures have not completely stopped the attacks.
He alleged that a young man recently settled in the area by his employer was kidnapped and that N11 million was reportedly paid as ransom.
Mgbako added that the security situation had become so disturbing that some residents were reluctant to return home, with some allegedly choosing to lodge in hotels.
The Public Relations Officer of the landlords’ association and Chief Security Officer of the community, Apeh Chukwunonso, said residents were exhausted from repeatedly contributing money towards repairs on the road.
He maintained that the worsening condition of Vinas Road was contributing to the community’s security and environmental challenges, stressing that the situation had gone beyond what residents could handle through self-help.
A tenant in the community, Gift Ifeme, also expressed frustration over the situation, saying some residents were already considering moving out because of the persistent flooding and insecurity.
The residents appealed to Governor Soludo and relevant government agencies to urgently rehabilitate Vinas Road, construct effective drainage infrastructure and strengthen security around the community.
They stressed that despite their repeated efforts and financial contributions, the magnitude of the problem had overwhelmed them.
They said government intervention was now critical to prevent further loss of lives and restore economic and social activities in the area.
Worried by the perennial flooding affecting several riverine communities across the state, the Niger State Government has designed a two-abode system aimed at safeguarding lives and property from recurring flood disasters.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Inga, disclosed this in an interview while speaking on the recent flash flood disasters recorded in parts of Minna metropolis.
Inga said the state government was concerned about the annual loss of lives and property to flooding and was working towards finding a lasting solution to the challenge.
According to him, the two-abode system is designed to enable communities living in flood-prone areas to relocate temporarily to designated upland settlements during the rainy season and return to their original communities during the dry season.
He explained that the initiative was conceived after the government discovered that many riverine communities were deeply attached to their ancestral settlements because of the water resources that support their livelihoods.
“We have designed the two-abode system because it will be of great help to our people. During the rainy season, they are expected to vacate the flood plains for upland settlements,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the government was committed to the initiative, noting that women and children are often among the worst affected whenever disasters occur.
On the recent flash flood that destroyed hundreds of houses in Minna following a heavy downpour, Inga described the incident as a major disaster.
He said the government was currently compiling data on victims and the extent of damage to determine appropriate assistance for those affected.
The commissioner, however, attributed part of the flooding to indiscriminate construction along waterways, warning residents against erecting structures on natural drainage channels.
“We want to advise people to be more conscious of their attitude towards the environment. Some structures are erected alongside waterways.
“The truth is that whatever happens, water will naturally find its way and, in the process, destroy houses and other properties,” he said.
Inga appealed to development partners and the Federal Government to support the state with additional interventions after the ongoing assessment of affected communities is completed by the Niger State Emergency Management Agency.
He also disclosed that the state emergency management help desk and offices had been activated across the state to enable residents to report flood-related emergencies and access timely assistance.
The commissioner said the activation became necessary following the inclusion of Niger among states identified by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) as being at risk of flooding during the current rainy season.
The Ankpa Brothers (AMEFU), a prominent socio-cultural group in Kogi State, has called for the immediate release of Tony Tony, urging authorities and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions in the community.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its President, Sani Daniel, the group appealed for calm, restraint and adherence to due process, stressing that the circumstances surrounding Tony Tony’s arrest should be handled with maturity and fairness.
AMEFU said the peace and stability of Ankpa must remain the priority of all stakeholders, noting that disagreements and grievances were better resolved through constructive engagement than confrontation.
The group said it remained committed to promoting unity, justice and peaceful development in Ankpa and Kogi State.
He added that every party involved in the matter should be given the opportunity to present its position and seek a mutually acceptable resolution.
“We therefore appeal for calm and restraint from all sides.
Where there are grievances or allegations, they should be addressed fairly, transparently and in accordance with due process, while safeguarding the dignity and lawful rights of everyone involved,” the statement said.
AMEFU described Tony Tony as “a voice of reasoning and dialogue,” arguing that opening channels of communication would do more to promote peace and reconciliation than measures that could deepen divisions among the people.
“Tony Tony has been a voice of reasoning and dialogue, and we believe that allowing dialogue to prevail will contribute more positively to peace and reconciliation than actions that may deepen tension or division,” the group stated.
The socio-cultural organisation therefore appealed to the appropriate authorities to give urgent and compassionate consideration to Tony Tony’s release, subject to the requirements of the law, while creating an enabling environment for the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues.
It also urged community leaders, government officials, security agencies and other stakeholders to work collectively towards resolving the matter peacefully.
According to the group, responsible engagement, mutual respect and strict adherence to due process remain the best ways to resolve disputes and preserve peaceful coexistence in Ankpa.
AMEFU further appealed to its members, youths, supporters and the wider public to refrain from inflammatory statements, protests or actions that could heighten tensions.
The group warned that any attempt to aggravate the situation could create unnecessary divisions and undermine the peace and unity of the community.
“Our collective interest should remain the peace, unity and progress of Ankpa,” the statement said.
AMEFU concluded its appeal with a call for reason and reconciliation, saying: “Let reason prevail. Let dialogue prevail. Let peace prevail.”
