News
Enugu Commissioner Accused of Giving Guns to Community Youths to Cause Violence and Arson
Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has accused the Hon. Commissioner of Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, of sharing guns and ammunition with the youths of his community, Mburubu, as well as launching media attacks against one of their good sons, Engr Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe.
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor, in a statement sent to newsmen in Enugu on Monday on behalf of Mburubu General Assembly, with respect to the reported crisis bedeviling the community, where two of their sons, Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe and Prince Lawrence Ezeh, have been fingered as parties fueling it, stated that the crisis has given much negative publicity to the community, especially allegations of the use of police and other security agencies to harass some youths.
He stated that the reports that circulated last week, where some youths who destroyed properties in the community accused an innocent man, Chief Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, of high-handedness, came as a shock because Prince Lawrence Ezeh has been the one using police and thugs to harass the people, especially Onuokaibe’s followers, aides, and others, and has written more than nine petitions against Onuokaibe, submitting them to various security agencies in Enugu, Abuja, and Lagos, including the police and DSS.
He stated that Prince Lawrence Ezeh had sent thugs to attack those who attended Onuokaibe’s official reception on February 2, 2024, where many people were locked up, beaten mercilessly, and also forced to pay fines.
He posited that Mburubu people have always respected Prince Lawrence Ezeh as a renowned son, but his commitment to tarnishing the image of Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe through both physical and media attacks, as well as using security agencies, has crossed the red line; adding that the height of it was giving some of the community youths guns to attack Dr. Onuokaibe and then playing the victim card.
According to Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor:
“We are shocked to the brim with what Prince Lawrence Ezeh has been doing to Onuokaibe, his followers, family, and supporters. This is a man who we always respect as a son, but instead of reciprocating the same to other Mburubians, he resorted to the use of security agencies to harass us, Onuokaibe’s supporters, and aides. Between December 2023 and November 2025, Prince Ezeh has written a series of petitions against Dr. Onuokaibe just to blackmail him. In one of his petitions which we saw, he labeled Onuokaibe a drug dealer dealing in ammunition, a fraudster, a terrorist, among others, just because the community chose him to lead us as our traditional ruler. Him and his co has arrested some of Ọnụọkaibe’s supporters who are also from Mburubu several times and took them to Abuja, including Hon Obinna Okonkwo, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Njoku, Hon Azubike Njoku among others. In one of the arrests, Onuokaibe, Hon Obinna, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Njoku and Hon Azubike Njoku were taken to IRS where hardened criminals are kept, yet Onuokaibe did not say anything. It is on record that a court order was obtained against Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, the police, and other security agencies from arresting them when the issue got out of hand. Prince Lawrence sent thugs to attack innocent villagers who organized a reception for Onuokaibe in February 2024, illegally locked them up, fined some, seized some of their properties, and committed other evil deeds, but he kept quiet after being begged not to react. All these happened in a country where we have freedom of association. In that vicious attack on his followers, more than 30 who are from Mburubu were beaten, and the reports went viral. But as a man of peace, Onuokaibe kept quiet after the intervention of some of our elders.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor also stated that the traditional leadership which Onuokaibe is contesting was a plea made by Mburubians to him in 2022 to come and lead them, which he had never imagined doing.
He also stated that Onuokaibe’s acceptance of the plea was the origin of these attacks against him by Prince Lawrence Ezeh, whom he accused of pocketing the community for years and dictating who becomes what without being questioned.
“After mourning our late Igwe in 2022, the move for a successor began, and a meeting was held at Obodo Uhuegbe Village Square with all people, the late Igwe’s cabinet, and the General Assembly present. He was not there. He was told that the community sought someone who would serve like the late Igwe, prioritize the community interest, bring development, be young and vibrant, and hold an Ozo title, which prompted lots of ideas and suggestions, especially regarding how our late Igwe emerged.”
“After deliberations and following the 1976 coronation agreement, he was chosen by the overwhelming majority, and a delegation was sent to inform him of the decision. He was shocked and surprised and did not say anything. He only told them that he would make some consultations. After his consultations, he accepted, and they submitted his name to the local government, then to the Ministry of Local Government Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters in December 2023 and January 2024, which got Prince Lawrence Ezeh annoyed, and he submitted the name of Linus Igbudu just to oppose him. Prince Lawrence Ezeh would prefer anybody but not Dr. Onuokaibe. When that failed, he began writing damning petitions against him and his supporters. He has sent armed thugs to beat them several times, but this last one will not work.”
On the recent crisis that arose from the community, Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor stated that Prince Ezeh got a court order through his cronies to stop Onuokaibe’s iri ji programme after hearing about the personalities that would attend just to incite him and, on top of that, sent armed thugs to kill him in his house.
“The recent crisis started when Onuokaibe scheduled November 1st as his new yam festival celebration day, which everybody has a right to do. He came back on October 31st to tell them that it would not take place again due to a court order from Enugu State High Court. On that same day, he was in his house telling his people the new development when some heavily armed youths blocked everywhere and started shooting sporadically. Everybody was shocked because such has never happened before in Mburubu. Aside from shooting sporadically, they began to destroy people’s houses and other properties belonging to his supporters. All these are on video. His family who came home is still traumatized because of the gunshots. These heavily armed youths did not cover their faces; they were acting with vigor while chanting Prince Lawrence Ezeh’s name. Over 30 innocent members of our community were beaten by these armed thugs, and I almost lost my life during that incident, if not for the timely intervention of security agencies. After the ugly incident, Dr. Onuokaibe had to write a petition to the police through his lawyer. One of the prime suspects, by name 2face, was invited but refused to answer until he was arrested. After his arrest, he made a confessional statement that prompted the arrest of others, who confessed that they were given guns by Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh and bullets by Chief Felix Chukwu, Abata Ana eri. They also confessed that the instruction was to belittle Onuokaibe and kill him on sight if possible and that the hotel where they held the meeting was Simipat Hotel, Mburubu, owned by Chief Simon, while Chief Joseph Nwankwo, Chief Linus Igbudu, among others, were part of it.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor also decried lies told in the media that Onuokaibe arrested youths of his community and forced them to bow before him as their traditional ruler.
“All these are lies. During the investigation by police coupled with gory revelations by the arrested youths, some elders of the land approached Dr. Onuokaibe to tamper justice with mercy and allow peace to reign. He was asked to help with the release of those youths so that it could be sorted internally, which he did. During all this, Prince Lawrence Ezeh and other sponsors of the assassination attempt and arson were nowhere to be found. Due to Dr. Onuokaibe’s kind nature, he released them to respect the elders who pleaded on their behalf. These boys, on release from custody, came to his house to thank him and also prayed for him. During that process, he urged them not to be involved in anti-progressive activities of some evil men in the land. He also told them that they must not support him but should support whoever they want, but should avoid the use of guns for any reason in Mburubu. After that meeting, those youths begged Dr. Onuokaibe to help them with clothes, which he did. It is on record that he bought clothes worth ₦30,000 for each of them and also released a sum of ₦10,000 each as transport. It was at that point that they begged him to kneel down for prayers, which he did, and they all prayed for him. All these are on video. To be honest, we are shocked with what they did in court. It was a total lie.”
Chief Aniobi Vincent Okafor however stated that Onuokaibe’s lawyers are in court to do justice to the suit while they are making a series of efforts to get the issue resolved.
“We are aware that Prince Lawrence Ezeh financed their court outing and media attacks on him just to hide the truth and we have begged Dr. Onuokaibe again to give us time to resolve it. The evidence against our people is so damning that if not well sorted, it could put us into severe crisis. At this point, we want peace.
We want our lovely Governor His Excellency Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to intervene in this matter. Let the will of Mburubu people on who becomes the traditional ruler as done in 1976 which is Dr. Jerry Ọnụọkaibe stands. It is sad that Mburubu as a community does not have any traditional ruler or existing government.”
News
SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu to Tackle Unemployment, Insecurity
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has concluded arrangement for the kick-off the zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project in Enugu community meant to tackle insecurity, unemployment and food insecurity.
The SEDC zone-wide 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation, which is meant to be established in each of the 15 senatorial zones of the five South-East states, would commence at a pilot scheme level on Sept. 22.
This is contained in a statement issued by the media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, Chief Uche Anichukwu, on Wednesday in Enugu.
The Managing Director of the Commission, Mr Mark Okoye, disclosed this during a community engagement at the pilot project site in Nomeh Unateze community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday.
Okoye said the SEDC had, following its establishment in 2024, used the first year to do extensive studies and design a blueprint that cuts across different areas of the South-East economy.
He said the agro-mechanisation projects, remained a major part of the commission’s blueprint, explaining that it would address insecurity, unemployment, and food security.
According to him, so, what we are here for is one of our flagship initiatives, which is called the South-East Agro Mechanisation Programme or the South East Agro Development Programme.
Okoye said that the SEDC was committed to develop up to 50,000 hectares of land and that would be used for mechanised farming across the region.
“We are here for a pre-assessment, pre-flag-off visit to see the area, understand the level of work that needs to be done and ensure that contractors can start mobilising so that once we hit the site we start running.
“Because a big part of what we are looking at is how to address food insecurity and unemployment, ensuring that we are producing what we put on the table.
“We are starting with pilot programmes where we are taking 200 to 300 hectares of farmland across 15 senatorial zones and developing them to standard farms.
“Where you not only have cassava, maize, some of our staple crops, but also some cash crops. In some areas, there will be the centres for learning and centres for productivity,” he said.
Okoye said that Gov. Peter Mbah would flag off the project on Tuesday, adding the SEDC team came to assess the area, meet with the community and ensurr that all the plans are in place.
“And within the second we put this investment here, at least N4 billion or N5 billion of added investment will come in,” he said.
Okoye commended President Bola Tinubu for addressing the long yearning by the South-East for a commission to mobilise resources and coordinate development in the region.
He urged the people to reciprocate the numerous gestures by supporting the Tinubu to continue the development efforts post 2027.
He further revealed that the commission would soon roll ou an investment agency to help mobilise local and Diaspora investments for the region’s speedy development.
A community leader in the community, Chief Uche Anichukwu, described the agro-mechanisation project as one of the blessings of the APC, Tinubu and Mbah administrations to Enugu State in general and Nomeh Unateze in particularly.
Anichukwu, who is also media aide to the Governor of Enugu State, said that the Nenwe-Nomeh-Mburubu-Nara road, with a spur to Oduma, had created ready and multiple access to market for the proposed agricultural project.
Speaking, Chairman, Nomeh Unateze Town Union Caretaker Committee, Dr Chukwudi Anyianuka, and other community stakeholders, reiterated their support for the project.
They commended Tinubu and Mbah for siting the project in their community.
“We are very happy. We cannot wait to see it actualised and we promise that we are going to provide everything that is necessary to make sure that this is established.
“The Commission has taken a methodical approach to regional development.
“Rather than the pitfall of throwing money at development challenges, it undertook a study of the region and came up with a master plan, which includes this initiative, to reinvent the South-East,” Anyianuka added.
Also present at the interactive session were the members of the traditional council of Nomeh Unateze and community heads.
…As Onitsha South Mayor Empowers Workers
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance and rehabilitation works at the recently closed First Niger Bridge are being hampered by poor lighting during night shifts and inadequate sanitary facilities at the site.
Recall that before the closure of the bridge, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, had disclosed that efforts would be made to carry out some of the rehabilitation works at night.
However, some of the workers at the site said poor lighting was affecting effective monitoring of activities on the bridge, while the poor sanitary condition of the area was also posing a threat to their health.
The workers made the complaints during a working visit to the bridge by the Mayor of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chief Emeka Orji.
Orji, who was accompanied by the Secretary of the Local Government, Barr. Paul Onuachalla, and executives of the Fegge Community Landlords/Tenants Welfare Association, led by its Chairman, Chief Nnamdi Onugha, provided cooked meals and packs of bottled water to the personnel and workers at the site.
Speaking after the visit, Orji said the gesture was aimed at supporting the workers and showing solidarity with the Federal Government’s rehabilitation efforts on the bridge.
He said, “To support the workers and give them a sense of belonging, that is why we came to appreciate them. We will continue doing so from time to time as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The Mayor also disclosed that the council had provided facilities, including mobile toilets and water tanks, while arrangements were being made for water tankers to supply water to the tanks.
Orji further stressed the importance of the military presence in Onitsha South, noting that the personnel would contribute to security, rapid response and protection of the bridge, Onitsha South and parts of Ogbaru Local Government Area.
He added that the council would continue to strengthen its collaboration with security agencies to ensure maximum security across Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Earlier, after inspecting the environment with the Mayor, the Officer in Charge, who pleaded anonymity, identified poor lighting at the bridge at night as one of the major challenges confronting the personnel.
According to him, the situation makes it difficult to effectively monitor activities around the bridge, particularly during night shifts.
He also complained about the poor sanitary condition of the under-bridge environment where the personnel camp, saying they had to clean up the area themselves upon arrival.
The officer further appealed for improved accommodation and food support for the personnel.
He, however, commended the Mayor for the visit and assistance, saying the gesture made the workers feel appreciated.
“We feel loved and appreciated. We are happy seeing you around,” he said.
Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that he bought his first private jet at the age of 22 and a half.
Dangote made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos during the formal launch of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals on the Nigerian Exchange.
Reflecting on his business journey, the billionaire said he had enjoyed travelling by private jet over the years but was now comfortable using commercial flights.
He also urged wealthy Nigerians to channel more of their resources into productive investments rather than luxury assets.
Dangote particularly appealed to affluent Nigerians who spend huge sums on private aircraft to consider investing such wealth in industries and businesses that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
“I try as much as I can to encourage people who are riding $900 million aircraft to please go and put that into production. We are not going to be a great nation without doing something productive,” he said.
He stressed that directing private wealth towards productive ventures would help strengthen the economy, create jobs and provide greater opportunities for national development.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has rejected claims that it appropriated or “stole” the idea of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit from another organisation whose application was reportedly pending before the Federal Ministry of Trade.
NDCCITMA considers the allegation misleading and wishes to set the record straight.
The concept of Niger Delta Economic and Investment Summit is a broad and widely recognised platform used globally to bring together government, the private sector, investors, businesses, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic growth and development. The use of the term “Economic Summit” does not, in itself, establish exclusive ownership of the concept by any individual or organisation.
More importantly, the chronology of events does not support the allegation being made against NDCCITMA.
While the said application was reportedly still pending before the Ministry of Trade as at September 2025, NDCCITMA had already gone through the appropriate processes and received approval from the Ministry of Trade in August 2025.
NDCCITMA did not rely on, copy, or appropriate the pending application of any other party in arriving at its name or identity
It is also important to distinguish between a concept and legally protected intellectual property, such as a registered trademark, proprietary material or other enforceable intellectual property right.
NDCCITMA remains committed to conducting its activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.Most importantly, in Suit No: FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026 filed on same subject matter in Portharcourt by the petitioner, the learned Judge had restrained the plaintiff from further interfering with the Summit being planned by the NDCCITMA. NDCCITMA will continue respect the rule of law
We therefore urge the public, stakeholders, the media to disregard any narrative unless such claims are supported by verifiable facts and relevant legal documentation.
NDCCITMA firmly rejects the allegation and maintains that its activities and identity were developed and pursued independently and through the appropriate regulatory channels.
The organisation remains focused on its mandate of promoting commerce, industry, trade, agriculture, investment and sustainable economic development across the Niger Delta region.
Signed:
Management
Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA)
The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.
Williams reportedly died suddenly on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment.
His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who expressed shock over the sudden loss.
The deceased was described by family members and associates as a dedicated public servant whose death had left a significant void.
A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was still struggling to understand the development.
Late Abang
“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.
Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, also described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”
He said Ikom Local Government Area had lost a committed public servant, adding that Williams’ life of service, humility and impact would remain in the memories of those he touched.
The commissioner’s death has thrown Cross River’s political and public service circles into mourning, with condolences pouring in for his family, colleagues and associates.
-
News2 days agoCommissioner Dies Suddenly at Abuja Hospital
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Odii: I’ll Attract ₦2tn Investment to Ebonyi in Six Months
-
News2 days agoSept. 26 Polls: ‘ENSIEC is over 90% ready’ – Chairman
-
Crime3 days agoGunmen Attack Commercial Bus, Kill Nine Passengers
-
Crime3 days agoEnugu Police Probe Alleged Disruption of Political Gatherings, Warn Against Violence
-
News4 days agoHotel Building Collapses in Enugu Kills One, Traps Workers
-
News3 days agoWhy Nigerian Leaders Should Spend Vacations at Home – Ebonyi Reps Candidate
-
Crime2 days agoKidnappers Dump 16-Year-Old Enugu Boy Near Onitsha Checkpoint, Police Rescue Him