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Author: Our Correspondent

  • Police nab man in juju related armed robbery case in A’ibom

    Police nab man in juju related armed robbery case in A’ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo

    The Police in Akwa Ibom has arrested a 29 year old man, Benjamin Patrick for allegedly using juju and arms to rob a woman of N4.2M in Uyo.

    The suspect whose bank account and Point of Sale (POS) terminals were used to withdraw the stolen funds within a five-minute interval according to a Police statement endorsed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John in Uyo yesterday was a member of a criminal syndicate still at large.

    According to The statement, “sometime in November 2025, the Command received a petition dated 20th November 2025. According to the petition, the complainant stated that on 19th November 2025, while standing along Uruan Street, Uyo, to board a commercial vehicle, a saloon car stopped and invited her to enter. Unknown to her, the occupants of the vehicle were members of a criminal syndicate.

    “After driving for some distance, the suspects diverted to a different route, produced a firearm, and forcefully robbed her of her ATM card. She was subsequently compelled at gunpoint to disclose her ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN). The suspects allegedly invoked juju, hypnotized the victim, and forcefully escorted her to her residence, where they ransacked her home and robbed her of ₦900,000 in physical cash.

    *Further investigation revealed that the syndicate also withdrew an additional ₦3,300,000 from the victim’s bank account through her ATM card, transferring the funds into different bank accounts, bringing the total loss to ₦4.2 million.”The statement said.

    It added that upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command immediately swung into action leading to the arrest of the suspect.

    “The victim positively identified the suspect as one of the individuals who conveyed her in the vehicle where she was robbed of her ATM card. The suspect is currently in custody.

    “In the course of investigation, three (3) POS machines used in the illegal withdrawal of thwqycztae funds were recovered. Investigation is ongoing to uncover the full network, recover the stolen funds, and arrest other members of the syndicate.* It said.

    The Command assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all perpetrators involved in this heinous crime are brought to justice.

    “The Command also uses this medium to warn criminal elements that Akwa Ibom State is not a safe haven for crime and urges members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding suspicious vehicles, and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.” It concluded.

  • Sapele Land: Do Not Dare Us, Okpe Group Warns Itsekiri Chief, Others

    Francis Wilfred

    The Pan Okpe Socio-Political and Cultural group has reacted to a recent statement by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri Kingdom, who alledgedly, claimed that Sapele belongs to the Itsekiri.

    A statement signed by Igho Akeregha,
    President, Okpe People’s Forum, (OPF)
    described the statent as reckless and inflammatory.

    Rising from an emergency meeting held in Sapele, Delta State to review the development, the OPF took cognisance of the hollow threat of the said Chief Uduaghan who issued a caveat emptor over the foundation laying ceremony of a new Sub-Palace of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Sapele and threatened that there would be communal violence if the Sub Palace was allowed and the Okpe People’s claim of ownership of Sapele is sustained.

    The OPF notes that Chief Uduaghan is not the first Itsekiri to challenge Okpe ownership of Sapele. His forebears who fled from a war extermination and were accommodated by the Okpe in Sapele during the colonial era displayed enormous ingratitude by turning around to challenge their Okpe host to the overlordship of Sapele.

    It is historically and legally settled that ownership of Sapele belong to the Okpe people. Several courts of competent jurisdiction, particularly the landmark case of Chief Ayomano & Another v. Ginuwa II (9 WACA 85), laid the matter to rest as the West African Court of Appeal upheld the Okpe people’s ownership of Sapele lands and dismissed claims of Itsekiri overlordship.uThe

    The judgment established that the Okpe people were the original settlers on Sapele land and that Itsekiri presence in the town began only after the Nana War of 1894, when displaced Itsekiri groups sought refuge in Sapele with the permission of the Okpe people under customary tenancy arrangements.

    Having lost all their cases in court, some Itsekiri have not relented in their veil pursuit of a wild fantasy rooted in non existent title to Sapele. This is the typical character of some prominent Itsekiri who have a well documented notoriety of laying spurious claims to lands belonging to other ethnic groups.

    Some neighbours of the Itsekiri like the Urhobo and Ijaw have in the past, been forced to defend themselves against these land-grabbing individuals of Itsekiri stock who have the penchant of imposing war on their neighbours over lands they do not own.

    In the instant case, Chief Uduaghan has not hidden his intention to similarly declare war on the Okpe over ownership of Sapele lands.

    The said Chief Uduaghan, who neither owns a House in Sapele nor live in the town is threatening communal conflict. His controversial records are in the public domain and we are familiar with his divisive rhetoric. The OPF wish to remind Chief Uduaghan that no single individual or group have the monopoly of violence. We are poised and prepared to deal with his threat howsoever and in whatever form.

    The Itsekiri, a minority in Warri and Delta state, and their Olu, should warn his rascally subjects not to provoke the Okpe people. The outcome of any conflict instigated by the Itsekiri against the Okpe will result in unprecedented and unimaginable regret for them.

    Chief Uduaghan had the temerity to threaten the revered Monarchy of the Okpe Nation by warning HRM, Felix Mujakperuo, Orhue 1, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom to stay away from the foundation laying ceremony of the Sub Palace in Sapele which held successfully on January 24, 2026. This, for us, is the red line which Uduaghan and his cohorts have crossed.

    As a group, we had expected Chief Uduaghan to stop the ceremony, but neither his shadow nor that of any of his destabilising agent was seen by our vigilant forces.

    The OPF states unequivocally, that title to all lands in Sapele is vested in the Sapele Okpe Community Land Trust Association, the statutory body responsible for the management and control of all land on behalf of the indigenous Okpe people.

    This is recognised under the Delta State Traditional Rulers, Council and Chiefs Law. The schedule to the law acknowledges Sapele Local Government Area as belonging exclusively to the Okpe people and recognizes only the Orodje of Okpe as the statutory traditional ruler for the area.

    From the foregoing, any Itsekiri individual or group who deliberately misrepresents these legal and historical facts to stoke conflict with the Okpe must be reminded that we are hospitable people who want to live in peace but are prepared for war against those who seek to destroy us and seize our lands by force of arms.

    The OPF have read some provocative and twisted narratives that the court judgment limited Okpe ownership of Sapele land to 510 acres. Nothing can be farther from the truth as the merchants of this falsehood will stop at nothing to sell half baked information to unsuspecting and gullible individuals with the ultimate objective of grabbing Okpe land through the back door.

    We hereby serve this notice to any war mongering individual or ethnic group that the Okpe people stand guard to protect their traditional institutions and ancestral lands and are ready to give peace for peace and war for war.

    The Okpe are not cowards. We are Warriors. The statement concluded

  • Ibeno Clan Council Applauds Gov. Eno’s Land Reclamation, Calls For Expansion To Flood-Ravaged Communities

    Ibeno Clan Council Applauds Gov. Eno’s Land Reclamation, Calls For Expansion To Flood-Ravaged Communities

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi

    The Ibeno Clan Council has lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the ongoing land reclamation project along Secretariat Road, describing it as a bold and life-changing intervention that will permanently address the long-standing environmental challenges in Ibeno Local Government Area.

    The commendation was given on Saturday at Upenekang during an inspection tour of the project site by stakeholders of the clan.

    Speaking on behalf of the council, the Secretary, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia, said the initiative was already transforming the area and would unlock new opportunities for physical development, economic growth and improved living standards for residents.

    “This project will put an end to the perennial flooding and erosion that have plagued some Ibeno communities for years. It will create safe and usable land, attract investors, and enhance the quality of life of our people,” Chief Udofia stated.

    He noted that the land reclamation effort reflects Governor Eno’s people-centred leadership philosophy, which prioritises riverine and coastal communities that have often been neglected in the developmental process.

    According to him, the people of Ibeno are witnessing tangible dividends of inclusive governance under the ARISE Agenda.

    “For the first time in a long while, our people can see development they can touch and feel. From the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern primary school to over ten kilometres of roads across our communities, Governor Umo Eno has shown that Ibeno truly matters in the Akwa Ibom project,” he said.

    Chief Udofia added that since assuming office, the governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to equitable development, ensuring that coastal and oil-producing communities such as Ibeno are not left behind.

    “These projects go beyond physical infrastructure; they restore confidence and rekindle hope among our people,” he noted.

    He further highlighted that the road projects have significantly improved access and mobility, while the new primary school will enhance learning conditions for children and reduce the burden on parents who previously struggled with inadequate facilities.

    “These are not paper projects or empty announcements. They are visible, ongoing, and life-changing. They speak to the governor’s sincerity and his desire to govern with fairness, compassion and a listening ear,” he added.

    Beyond education and road infrastructure, the clan council acknowledged other people-oriented initiatives of the Eno administration, including community infrastructure, social welfare programmes and sustained engagement with host communities.

    According to Chief Udofia, these efforts reflect the governor’s understanding of Ibeno’s environmental challenges and strategic importance to the state’s economy.

    The council also commended Governor Eno’s emphasis on peace, dialogue and unity, which gave rise to the historic Ibeno/Esit Urua Peace Accord nothing that, this leadership style has reduced tensions and created an enabling environment for development, investment and youth participation.

    “We appreciate what has been done, and we encourage the governor to sustain this momentum, especially in coastal infrastructure, environmental protection, skills acquisition and job creation for our youths, and with continued commitment, Ibeno will grow even faster,” he said.

    While expressing gratitude, the clan council appealed to the state government to extend similar land reclamation and environmental intervention projects to other flood-prone and erosion-ravaged communities within Ibeno Local Government Area.

    The council maintained that sustained government attention would significantly improve safety, stimulate economic activities and accelerate overall development in the area.

    Chief Udofia concluded by pledging the full support of the people of Ibeno to Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda, assuring that the community would continue to partner with the state government to ensure the successful execution of developmental projects across the local government especially, the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway passing through Ibeno.

    He also declared that the people of Ibeno hold the governor in high esteem and would continue to support his leadership and political aspirations, alongside Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Governor Umo Eno has shown that he truly cares for the people of Ibeno. This project is a proof that his administration is determined to tackle our challenges head-on,” he said.

    For the people of Ibeno, the message remains one of gratitude, combined with a hopeful call for sustained partnership and more milestones on the path to shared prosperity.

  • Airports, Drug Syndicates, and Nigeria’s Global Reputation

    By Tahir Wali

    Nigeria’s airports are more than transit points; they are gateways to our national reputation, economic future, and global standing. At a time when international mobility is increasing and criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, tightening airport security is no longer optional – it is urgent.

    Drug trafficking has become the most persistent challenge confronting airports. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports almost every Sunday of arrests of traffickers mostly at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports. Perhaps because it is directly linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, arms proliferation, and organized crime. Strengthening airport security supports Nigeria’s broader national security architecture and aligns with ongoing counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism efforts.

    Recent years have shown a troubling pattern: drug trafficking syndicates increasingly exploit airports, pilgrims, first-time travellers, and even insiders within aviation systems. Each arrest of a Nigerian-linked drug courier abroad does not only affect the individual involved or their family; it reinforces negative stereotypes, creates diplomatic strain with host countries, and casts a long shadow over millions of law-abiding citizens who then face profiling, delays, and suspicion at foreign borders.

    Tightened airport security is therefore not about harassment or inconvenience. It is about protection – of travellers, of national dignity, and of Nigeria’s international credibility. The issue becomes even more critical during high-volume travel periods such as religious pilgrimages. Events like the Hajj involve massive passenger flows, making them attractive targets for criminal exploitation. Enhanced security during such periods protects pilgrims from legal trouble abroad and shields the nation from diplomatic embarrassment.

    Some newspaper reports from 2020 – 2025 on drug trafficking arrests indicate that four intending Hajj pilgrims were arrested with cocaine before departure in Lagos (Daily Post https://dailypost.ng/2024/06/06/ndlea-arrests-four-intending-hajj-pilgrims-with-cocaine/ Telegraph NG https://telegraph.ng/news/2024/06/06/ndlea-arrests-four-hajj-pilgrims-with-cocaine-consignments-in-lagos/ The Whistle), while seven pilgrims and nine facilitators were arrested at Kano/Saudi Arabia for planting drugs in luggage (The Guardian https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ndlea-dismantles-drug-syndicate-using-hajj-pilgrims-as couriers/ BusinessDay https://businessday.ng/news/article/ndlea-arrests-syndicate-sponsoring-pilgrims-to-hajj-with-cocaine/Punch https://punchng.com/saudi-arabia-frees-three-nigerian-pilgrims-arrested-for-drug-trafficking/ Vanguard https://www.vanguardngr.com/saudi-arabia-frees-3-nigerian-pilgrims-arrested-for-drug-trafficking/).

    There are reports of criminal syndicates operating at airports that exploit large religious movements such as Hajj for smuggling due to high passenger volumes and emotional vulnerability. They use pilgrims as couriers by sponsoring them or tagging bags containing illicit drugs with names of unsuspecting Nigerians. For instance, the story of three Nigerian innocent pilgrims whose names were secretly tagged to the bags containing the drugs by operatives of a syndicate last year at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, was pathetic. They were arrested and detained in Jeddah. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), they were released after weeks of sustained diplomatic engagements by Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities. Criminals have no place at sensitive places like airports.

    All this underscores the need for enhanced interagency collaboration between NAHCON, NDLEA, Immigration, and airport authorities. Recommendations include pre-departure screening, baggage-chain audits, and bilateral cooperation with destination authorities. Once these measures are effectively and sustainably executed, it will deal a decisive blow against transitional organized crime using airport as a channel. Drug trafficking is rarely a standalone activity; it is intertwined with money laundering, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism financing.

    Airports that are weakly secured become attractive corridors for these networks. Robust screening, intelligence-led profiling, and technology-driven surveillance can disrupt these criminal supply chains at their most vulnerable point, and also reduce secondary screening burdens at destination airports, and foster mutual trust. Strong compliance with international aviation and drug control obligations is vital. Nigeria is a signatory to multiple international conventions, including the UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and ICAO aviation security standards.

    Second, Nigeria’s global image is at stake. Countries known for lax airport controls often find their citizens subjected to blanket suspicion overseas. This undermines diplomacy, business travel, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. By enforcing high security standards at home, Nigeria sends a clear message: it is a responsible global actor that takes international obligations seriously. It also helps prevent severe legal consequences for citizens abroad.

    Third, tightened security safeguards innocent travellers – particularly vulnerable groups. Young people, the elderly, less-educated individuals, the unemployed, and first-time international travellers are frequently targeted as drug mules through deception or coercion. Preventive screening and behavioural detection can save lives, futures, and families from irreversible consequences.

    Importantly, effective airport security does not mean indiscriminate searches, ethnic or religious profiling. Modern aviation security is intelligence-driven, coordinated, and respectful of human rights. It thrives on collaboration and effective coordination – between the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, DSS, airport authorities such as FAAN, and international partners – rather than isolated agency actions. In other words, stronger screening, profiling, and intelligence-led checks reduce the use of passengers, couriers, and even airport staff for trafficking.

    Beyond security, there is also an economic argument. Secure airports attract airlines, investors, and tourists. Confidence in aviation security strengthens Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for trade and travel in West Africa, and the wider continent.

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We can either react to scandals and arrests after they occur, or we can invest in prevention, professionalism, and proactive enforcement. Proactive security prevents collective punishment of Nigerian citizens from stricter visa regimes or travel restrictions, and profiling of Nigerian travellers. Similarly, improved passenger education, profiling, and screening can protect travellers from manipulation and coercion. Tightening airport security is not a sign of distrust in citizens; it is a declaration of seriousness about national responsibility to protect citizens, uphold human lives, and disrupt transnational criminal networks. We must protect our international image and diplomatic standing.

    Strengthened airport security will signal Nigeria’s commitment to responsible global citizenship. The world is watching who controls their borders and who looks the other way. Nigeria must choose leadership. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is providing renewed hope leadership in that direction, and therefore, our hope is alive for tighter border security.

    Tahir writes via walproent@gmail.com

  • Rivers political crisis: Amagbein urges Tinubu to intervene, settle Wike, Fubara

    By Our Correspondent

    Niger Delta former freedom fighter, the self-styled General Endurance Amagbein has urged President Bola Tinubu to step into the ongoing political crisis between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike with a view to restoring peace and unity among them.

    In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja, Amagbein said if nothing is done urgently, things could get out of hand and result in violence and bloodshed where innocent citizens might be affected.

    He said where the Rivers political impasse has headed, it has reached the point where only President Tinubu can settle them amicably so that they can embrace peace and work together for the APC in 2027.

    Amagbein, fondly called Adaka Boro the second, also pleaded with Governor Fubara and the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to put their differences aside and embrace the ‘father and son’ approach in ending the raging crisis tearing them and the entire Rivers State apart.

    He said this is necessary and urgent because saboteurs are taking advantage of the situation to enrich themselves by playing diversionary politics and looting the treasury of the government of Rivers State.

    The ex-agitator also hinted that while the attention of the whole country is focused on ugly developments in the Rivers political stage, some people who don’t mean well for the state are smiling to the bank through this same divide and rule strategy.

    Amagbein said the only way to prevent these evil doers is for the President to settle the lingering political crisis once and for all, so that attention can be given to other critical sectors of the state so that any suspicious move can be detected and arrested.

    “Wike and Fubara should join force to promote President Tinubu’s 2027 agenda, and not to allow crisis-mongers to destabilize Rivers State.

    “Some of these crisis mongers are not from Rivers State, but they have infiltrated the system and positioned their agents in the politics sector of Rivers State whom they are using to add fuel to the fire.

    “It’s about time critical stakeholders stepped in to preach peace to all the parties involved in this war.

    “I also want to call on King Asari Dokubo and King Ateke Tom to be vigilant and study the situation keenly and not allow anybody from another state to destabilize their domains,” he said.

    Amagbein also cautioned Ijaw youths against taking sides with either Wike or Fubara, as their differences can be resolved, but rather support the interest of Rivers State for the overall good of the people.

    He said supporting one side of the divide against the other will not result in any good because the impasse is a mere misunderstanding between a father and his son.

    According to him, “Some persons are planning to use this crisis as an avenue to frustrate Tinubu’s chances of winning the 2027 presidential elections in Rivers State, and so Wike and Fubara should reconcile and come to terms to put the enemies of the Tinubu Government to shame.”

    Amagbein said for some people, the only way they benefit from any government is through crisis and that is very common in Rivers State.

    He said the crisis has lingered because of people who don’t mean well for both Wike and Fubara who are close to them giving them evil counsel, rather than to preach peace.

    He also urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to give peace a chance for the overall good of the citizens.

  • NSCDC: A Force for Security or a Source of Corruption?

    NSCDC: A Force for Security or a Source of Corruption?

    By Adamu Isah

    Shockwaves are currently sweeping through Nigeria’s security apparatus as furious NSCDC sources reveal explosive allegations against Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, branding his tenure a “catastrophic betrayal of trust, a cesspool of greed, and a shameful demolition of a once-proud force”.

    The allegations against him paint a picture of a leader who allegedly prioritized personal gain over the welfare of his officers and the security of the nation.

    Allegations against the commandant include, excessive centralization of power, commercialization of posting, death of professionalism among others.

    Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi joined the NSCDC in 1996 and has served in various capacities, including Divisional Officer, Head of Operations, and Head of Intelligence.

    Audi was promoted to Commandant of Corps in 2007 and has held several leadership roles, including State Commandant in Imo State, Director of Procurement, and Zonal Commander. He was appointed Commandant General in 2021.

    Audi holds a PhD in Public Administration, Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Law Enforcement, and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education.
    Under his leadership, the NSCDC is believed to have combated economic sabotage and oil pipeline vandalism.

    However, Dr. Audi, has also been involved in several controversies. These include ordering the withdrawal of a petition filed by an NSCDC officer against the Nigeria Police and apologizing for the embarrassment caused. There have also been allegations of corruption, with a Deputy Commandant arrested alongside a former Naval Chief for alleged N3 billion fraud in Febuary 2025.

    Critics also accuse Audi of diverting funds meant for officer training, leading to inadequate preparation of officers. In April 2025, NSCDC officers were also detained for allegedly extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveler, with Audi promising decisive action for which nothing has been heard

    Some accuse Audi of prioritizing personal survival and tenure elongation over NSCDC’s security mandate. These controversies have raised concerns about accountability and professionalism within the NSCDC.
    A closer look at these allegations is revealing:

    Commercialization of Postings and Training.
    Audi’s administration is accused of turning postings and training into a lucrative business, with officers allegedly paying up to N10 million for desirable positions. This not only undermines the professionalism of the Corp but also creates a culture of corruption, where those who pay the most are rewarded with plum assignments. A source who spoke to our correspondent said that this has become an entrenched culture within the services as “posting which out to be routine can now be influence with financial inducement”

    Centralization of Power.
    The concentration of power in Audi’s hands, reportedly including the involvement of his spouses in issuing directives to State Commandants, has been described by insiders as “a recipe for conflict and insubordination”. This has allegedly led to a culture of fear and sycophancy, where officers are more concerned with currying favor than performing their duties.

    Neglect of Welfare and Infrastructure
    The alleged neglect of officer welfare, including unpaid allowances and poor working conditions, is believed to have demoralized the Corp and undermined its effectiveness. According to a source, “the lack of investment in infrastructure, including the failure to build new state command buildings, is a stark contrast to the lavish spending on personal projects”,

    The cumulative effect of these allegations is a force that is ill-equipped, demoralized, and lacking in professionalism. The NSCDC, once a proud institution, is now reportedly struggling to perform its core functions, with officers more focused on survival than serving the nation.

    The allegations against Audi and his administration are serious and demand a thorough investigation. If true, they represent a catastrophic failure of leadership and a betrayal of the trust reposed in the NSCDC. The NSCDC must regain its credibility as a professional and effective security agency, and that starts with rooting out corruption and restoring the dignity of its officers.

    As things stands the tenure of Abubakar Audi is widely regarded within the Corps as a period of unprecedented Institutional regression, one that many officers argue reversed decades of professionalisation and dragged the NSCDC back into a volunteer-era mindset. The cumulative effect of alleged financial impropriety, administrative arbitrariness, welfare neglect, and infrastructural decay has left the Corps weakened, demoralised, and structurally hollowed out.

  • Ibeno community Lampoons EPU for Obstructing Development in A’Ibom

    Ibeno community Lampoons EPU for Obstructing Development in A’Ibom

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo

    The Ibeno Clan Council has described the Eket People’s Union (EPU) as an unelected opposition accusing the group of abandoning its cultural mandate and objectives into a political pressure group bent on obstructing development in Akwa Ibom State.

    The Secretary of Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Udofia Okon Udofia said this in an interaction with newsmen in Upenekang stating that, EPU has “metamorphosed from a sociocultural body into an unelected opposition, with a mission to sabotage governance, investment and institutional authority in the state.”

    According to him, the turning point in the life of EPU came after Governor Umo Eno declined to endorse union’s false claims over the Stubbs Creek Reserve Forest (Odorokuku/Utan Ibeno).

    “That lawful refusal, based on records and the responsibility of government to all citizens, became the trigger for an all-out confrontation. From that moment, EPU stopped arguing its case and began prosecuting a vendetta against the state,” he said.

    The Ibeno Clan Council Secretary noted that, instead of seeking legal redress in court or peace committee as earlier proposed by Governor Eno, EPU allegedly resorted to what he described as “insult, incitement and personal attacks” against the Governor and the institutions of government.

    “The language directed at the Governor was not accidental. It was strategic. By attempting to desecrate the office, they sought to weaken the state itself,” he said, adding that EPU had shifted from grievance to what he called “weaponized hostility.”

    The Council further alleged that EPU now pose propaganda, all focused on one objective: bringing down Governor Umo Eno’s administration without seeking a mandate from the people,” the Secretary said.

    He added that policy and development initiatives are no longer judged on merit but filtered through “ethnic absolutism and permanent opposition.”

    According to him, EPU’s posture is hostile to investors, thereby endangering major projects envisioned by the state government.

    “In its obsession with territorial claims, EPU projects the state as unsafe for serious investments. Investors thrive on predictability, but EPU thrives on disruption,” the Secretary said.

    He listed economic interests and infrastructure projects involving BUA, Seplat, Tulcan and the Coastal Highway as targets of what he described as “rhetorical sabotage.”

    “Instead of seeing jobs, roads and revenue, they see leverage. Capital investment does not negotiate with chaos; it simply leaves,” he warned.

    The Ibeno Clan Council maintained that, Governor Umo Eno’s refusal to validate disputed claims was an act of governance, not oppression.

    “No Governor sworn to protect the entire state and people can surrender public trust to sectional or ethnic pressure: the law does not yield to volume, and records do not dissolve under insults,” the Secretary said.

    He argued that EPU’s actions reveal a contradiction: demanding respect for identity while showing “utter contempt for institutions that protect all identities” adding that, history would judge EPU not by how loudly it protested, but by what it stood against.

    “At a critical moment when Akwa Ibom needs stability, cohesion and investment, one union chose antagonism over engagement and obstruction over development.

    “This is not just a dispute over land; it is a warning about what happens when cultural organisations abandon their moral values and attempt to replace law with ethnicity and politics with hostility.”

    “Governments come and go. Records remain. Development, once lost, is hard to recover and no union has ever succeeded in bullying truth, institutions and time into submission.”

  • Vigilante group discovers two decomposing bodies in Kogi forest

    Vigilante group discovers two decomposing bodies in Kogi forest

    From Noah Ocheni , Lokoja

    Local Vigilante over the weekend discovered two decomposing bodies while combing forests in Abocho community between Emewe and Ofafu villages in Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

    It was gathered that the local securities reported their discoveries to the Police Post in Abocho on Thursday 22nd January 2026 after which the bodies were evacuated and deposited at a Morgue in Anyigba for further investigation.

    The police investigation is linking the decomposing bodies to be part of travellers abducted on the 6th of January while on transit from Abuja to Eastern part of the country.

    It was learnt that the kidnap incidence was reported to the Police in Ugwolawo, Ofu local government of Kogi state at the time of the attack.

    Daybreak Nigeria learnt that a family members have been able to identify one of the decomposing bodies as his relation, while the search for the identity of the second victim continues.

    The local vigilantes have suggested thorough bush combing especially around the forests in Ochadamu, Ogbabo, Ajebenehi, Oji-oto, down to Oko-wowolo known to be locations where kidnappers used to hid their victims to negotiate ransom.

    The state’s public relations officer ASP Afusat Saliu Oyiza is yet to respond to calls and messages for confirmation of the discovery at the time of this report.

  • Bandits attack Kaduna community, kill 4, kidnapped 13.

    Bandits attack Kaduna community, kill 4, kidnapped 13.

    By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

    Yarkasuwa Saminaka, a Christian dominated community in Lere LGA of Kaduna State has been attacked by bandits resulting in the brutal killing of four persons, while several others have been kidnapped.

    Briefing newsmen on Monday in Kaduna the leaders of community elders’ Forum Mr. Rabo Sabo Jantsauni, along with the youth Forum said the armed bandits invaded the area around 11pm to 12 midnight and started shooting sporadically which led to the killing of four, with five injured and 13 others abducted in November 2025.

    The duo also said the community, together with the family members of the kidnapped victims managed to sell their foods stuff and contributed N40 million for the abductors but could not secure their released.

    According to Mr. Rabo Sabo Jantsauni, who briefed newsmen, rather than releasing the abductees after collecting the N40 million, the bandits is demanding for N300 million ransom with some motor bikes, which prompted the press briefing.

    Mr. Rabo Jantsauni further said the inhabitance of the Yarkasuwa community are in critical condition because of the attacks, killing and abduction in their villages, appealing to the federal government, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State and chairman Lere LGA to intervene.

    He lamented that the N40 million ransom was delivered to the terrorists on the 7th of January, 2026, making it about 3 weeks now, but expressed surprised that none of the kidnapped victims have released.

    “Sir, we are in a critical condition here in Yarkasuwa because of what happened three weeks ago kidnappers attacked our villages they killed four (4) people five were injured and thirteen (13) were kidnapped.

    “They said we should give them #300,000,000.00 for ramson sir; where can we find that amount and they also said they are in Rijana forest, if we have the soldiers that can rescue our people we should ask them to come.

    The kidnapped victims were identified as follows: 1)Denatu Habibu 2)Mrs Rahab Danbala.3)Yohanna Umaru 4)Catherine Amos 5) Ibrahim Bagobari 6) Rev Istifanus Dungu . 7) Habibu Yahaya, 8) John Ibrahim , 9) l Love Markus 10) Mummy Markus 11)Christiana Dungu 12) Lois Markus Mary Danbala.

    Contacted, the spokesman of kaduna State police command DSP Mansir Hassan did not respond.

  • Abia state government to revamp tertiary institutions in the state

    Abia state government to revamp tertiary institutions in the state

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    Hope has risen for Abia tertiary institutions abandoned to decay by previous administrations.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Alex Otti, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, demolitions of these structures will commence in few days ahead to give way for their upgrade

    This gesture is to mark the governor’s commitment to recover and remodel state- owned tertiary institutions.

    It will be recalled that most of these structures have remained in the state of dilapidation over the years but with the recovery exercise which is about to take off, the learning environment for students would be enhanced.

    The affected institutions are Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu , which will be completely transformed; Abia State University, Uturu , which is undergoing massive rehabilitation.

    Abia State Polytechnic, Aba temporary site would be transformed, whie its permanent site is undergoing massive construction in preparation for relocation. Structures in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba would also be undergoing massive construction.