News
Ebonyi Community Alleges Attacks, Destruction Of Properties By Thugs
Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
The traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, His Royal Highness, Eze Gabriel Uzoma Okoro, the Odu II, other members of the traditional rulling council and youths of the community have condemned the alleged physical attacks, destruction of houses and other inhuman treatment being carried out on innocent citizens of the community by suspected thugs loyal to the former Town Union Caretaker Chairman Mr. Orji Elijah.
The traditional ruler and others who decried the activities of the former Town Union President called on Governor Francis Nwifuru to immediately wade into the looming crisis in the community to avoid it’s escalation into a communal crisis.
In an interview with Journalists in Abakaliki, the Monarch traced the fledging crisis in the area to December last year when the Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Orji Elijah Okechukwu was requested to give account of his stewardship from January 2020 to December 2023.
According to him, Mr. Orji Elijah Okechukwu has been selling the land of the community indiscriminately, refused to account for her and has been allegedly recruiting thugs to terrorize, maim and destroy properties in Ihie community.
“It was December last year that I invited Orji Elijah Okechukwu to give account of his stewardship as the chairman of the community because he has been selling the land that belongs to the community without the consent of the community.
“He said that instead I will remove him form his position, he will rather dethrone me. He quarelled and left my palace that December and left. I travelled to Aba that December while in Aba, I was called that I have been removed as the Eze of the community that the news was everywhere. I told them that I have never seen where a traditional ruler is dethroned alive that there will not be peace in such a community.
“He mobilized to one chiefs house and set his properties ablaze. I was calm and watching him. They also attacked and destroyed the property of my prime minister. My former prime minister was removed because he joined him and they have been parading him as the new traditional ruler.
“I had earlier arrested him over impersonation. What they did was to start destroying the properties of some members of the community. Anyone that visits my house will be fined for coming to my house.
“What I want now as a traditional ruler is lasting peace. My appeal to government is to arrest the Perpetrators of this heinous crime so that they will understand that it is a taboo to kill anyone. So that they can sheath their sword for peace to reign.
Speaking also, the Palace Secretary, Barr Damian Ajah disclosed that the remote cause of the crisis in Ihie community was the refusal of Mr. Orji Elijah Okechukwu to appear before the traditional rulers’ council to account for his stewardship.
He further disclosed that the crisis re-erupted when the Ivo local government chairman fixed a parallel new yam festival resulted into violent attacks in the community.
Mr. Orji Elijah Okechukwu who in his characteristic nature of thuggery usually fermenting violence went mobilized his boys, his lieutenants, they came on that day through the town crying medium went round Ishiagu community disseminating the unfounded date for the new yam festival of Ihie Autonomous community which has already been fixed for Saturday the 28th day of September, 2024 is not going to hold.
Then much to our chagrin, the chiefs in the palace and his royal highness on the night of 26th of September, we saw a press statement circulated in the media issued by the local government area chairman in the person of Chief Ajah Emmanuel Ogbonnaya that every cultural activity billed to be held in Ihie autonomous community between the period of 26th to 30th of September has been cancelled and banned.
“The remote cause of the crisis happening at the present is the blatant refusal of Mr. Oji Elijah Okechukwu to appear before the palace of the traditional ruler the the council of elders of Ihie autonomous community to give account of his stewardship while in office as the caretaker chairman of Ihie autonomous community between the period of January 2020 and December 2023.
“I am one of the victims of the attack. I was attacked in the morning of 31st August, 2024. We have other palace chiefs that were attacked and some other members of the community who were not connected with the crisis.
Some of their names are Chief Chukwu Godwin Uchenna, the palace PRO of the Ihie traditional ruling council, not that he was attacked, they unleashed serious mayhem on him. He sustained serious injuries. His phone was also ceased and still with them. Chief Onwudiegwu Ngbabu, one of the palace chiefs, they went to his shop raided and ravaged it.
Mr. Ovia Innocent Uchechukwu who just established a beer parlour shop was attacked also. The reason for attacking him is because his father Chief Gilbert is one of the Chiefs in the palace of His Royal Highness the Odu II. They said since they cannot get hold of Chief Gilbert Okoro that they know where his son is and the best thing to is to attack his son.
Mr. Ndubusisi John Daniel Samuel from Umuchoke in Ihe autonomous community said je was also attacked.
“I was one of the victims that was attacked just because my father is a palace chief. Because they could not get my father, they came and attacked me. They summoned meeting that we should come to make peace in our community. When we got there, I was telling them that there was no need for violence that we ahold make peace.
“I told them there was no need for us to be fighting with gun and cutlasses rather we should make lasting peace in our community. Suddenly machete landed on my left hand. They nearly killed me that day. So, we are calling on the Ebonyi State Governor to intervene in the matter in order to forestall further attack. We are yet to see government effort in making peace in our community. The local government chairman should be called to order. We are in trouble, all of us are in trouble.
“I was attacked by one Festus Nwafor and the SA to the Chairman. The Ivo local government area chairman is aware of this and he did not do anything. We have been expecting him to make lasting peace in our community, but we are not seeing the peace rather violence by chasing us with guns and machetes”, he said
When contacted, Mr. Orji Elijah denied the allegations and accused the traditional ruler of high-handedness. Ends.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the demise of its Enugu State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Franklin O Agbakoba.
This is contained in a statement issued by FRSC Deputy Corps Commander in-charge of Enugu State Operations, DCC Kyrian C Okolo, on Friday in Enugu.
“FRSC Enugu State Sector Command received the sad news of the demise of CC Franklin Agbakoba on Thursday, July 30,2026.
“The late Sector Commander died at Niger Foundation Hospital, Enugu where he was receiving treatment.
“His corpse have been deposited at the Eastern Medical Center, Enugu,” he said.
Until his death,CC Franklin Agbakoba made inter-agency collaboration and partnership his legacy and promoted safer roads within Enugu State.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
He described his uncle as a visionary leader who was wrongly punished for a coup he had no role in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi noted that his uncle’s tenure as Head of State was brief and ended violently.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death resulted from his position rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
He expressed hope that his appeal would reach those with the power to act on it.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, taking charge in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 coup that had claimed the lives of the country’s political leadership.
He survived that coup and helped crush the mutiny, but his later decision to centralise power under Decree 34, along with his failure to prosecute the plotters, fuelled resentment among northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in a mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup
The directive was contained in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
Addressed to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and lawyers, the circular said the order took immediate effect and formed part of efforts to uphold professional standards within the apex court.
The memorandum read, “I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria.”
It further directed all affected officers to immediately stop using the title in official correspondence and other official materials.
The memo stated, “Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect.”
The memorandum added, “Heads of Departments and Unit Heads are requested to ensure strict compliance with this directive by all officers under their supervision. Please be guided accordingly.”
The directive comes weeks after the Council of Legal Education cautioned prospective lawyers against wearing wigs and gowns or presenting themselves as qualified legal practitioners before they are formally called to the Nigerian Bar.
The council said such conduct undermined the dignity of the legal profession and warned that violators could face disciplinary measures.
It also reminded candidates that the use of legal regalia is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct and is reserved for duly qualified legal practitioners
The Enugu State Government says it has intensified fight against quackery across all health professions, particularly in the laboratory practice within the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, revealed this on Friday while receiving the National President of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr. Casimir Ifeanyi, on a courtesy visit to his office in Enugu.
Ugwu decried the growing trend of unprofessional practices and establishments where laboratory services are combined with pharmacies, patient treatment areas, provision stores, and other unauthorised activities.
According to him, such practices are unacceptable and dangerous to public health.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate quackery especially in laboratory practices and operations through sustained monitoring, regulation and enforcement.
The commissioner also commended the association for its dedication to promoting excellence in medical laboratory science and public health advocacy.
He assured the team of the ministry’s willingness to collaborate with professional bodies whose activities align with the government’s vision of delivering accessible, quality, and people-centred healthcare services across the state.
Ugwu stressed the remarkable strides recorded under the administration of Gov. Peter Mbah in transforming the health sector, including investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, primary healthcare revitalisation and improved service delivery.
He urged the association to remain steadfast in upholding professionalism and ethical standards, emphasising that stronger partnerships between government and healthcare professionals remained essential in building a healthier Enugu State.
Earlier, Ifeanyi, who made the visit with some members of his national executive and Enugu State Chapter of AMLSN, briefed the commissioner on the association’s forthcoming AMLSN Annual Public Health Lecture.
He solicited the state government’s goodwill, support and participation in the event, which would be held in Enugu.
“The annual lecture is aimed at advancing quality healthcare delivery, promoting public health awareness, and fostering stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and government institutions,” he said.
He noted that the association remained committed to improving professional standards and supporting initiatives that would enhance healthcare outcomes for residents of Enugu State and Nigeria at large.
…Inaugurates Amufie Town Union executives
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government has urged Town Union President Generals (PGs) across the state to adopt inclusive leadership that promotes peace, unity and sustainable development in their communities.
The Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Chief Charles Egumgbe, gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the newly elected 14-member executives of the Amufie Town Union in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The executive committee, led by the President-General, Engr. Kenneth Okechukwu Ogili, was presented with certificates of return at the ministry’s headquarters in Enugu.
Egumgbe urged the new leadership to ensure transparency, accountability and regular engagement with members, stressing that women and youths must be carried along in decision-making.
He advised the executives against operating exclusive caucuses, noting that town union affairs should be conducted openly through regular meetings where decisions are collectively taken.
“You must carry everybody along. Let your policies be all-inclusive and ensure that members are well informed about your activities. Matters should be tabled before the executive and decisions reached collectively,” he said.
The commissioner warned against abuse of office, particularly in matters relating to community land, stressing that anyone found working against the interest of the community could be removed under the state’s Town Union law.
“I don’t know whether you will receive remuneration because this is service to humanity. But whatever you do, don’t sell community land illegally. Land has a way of fighting for itself,” he cautioned.
Responding, the new inaugurated President-General, Ogili, pledged to lead with transparency and work closely with his executive to promote peace, unity and development in Amufie.
He said the administration would prioritise security by strengthening the neighbourhood watch and collaborating with security agencies to flush out criminals from identified flashpoints.
Ogili also promised to maintain a cordial working relationship with the traditional ruler of the community.
“The Igwe is our father. We have different constitutional roles, and there will be no conflict between us. We shall work harmoniously for the peace and progress of Amufie,” he said.
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