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BREAKING: 5 detained Obigbo residents dies in army custody, 134 still missing

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Five out of over a hundred residents of Obigbo (Oyigbo) in Rivers State secretly held at the Nigerian Army’s Alpha Military Commando Base in Suleja, Niger State, have lost their lives, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) announced today, Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

A statement signed by the group’s Principal Officers; Emeka Umeagbalasi, Obianuju Igboeli, and Esq., Chidimma Udegbunam, Esq. gave the names of the victims as Thomas Ekwueme, Pius Onochie, Obinna Akapuru, Monday Ifeanyi and Tobechukwu Odoka.

Intersociety regretted that out of about 550 abducted Obigbo residents, “not less than 134 are still not independently located and are still languishing in secret military custodies, only known to the Nigerian Army.”

The rights group, however, announced the release of a fresh batch of 107 detainees. (See list below)

It said that “their release followed a court bail granted to them a week or two ago and perfection of their bail conditions. The 107 mostly Igbo Christian citizens of Obigbo residency have also successfully rejoined their families and other loved ones over nine months after they were waylaid by soldiers of the Nigerian Army on their way back from work or going to work and other legitimate social activities and abducted and disappeared.”

Intersociety recalled that soldiers “had on 21st Oct 2020 invaded the Obigbo part of Rivers State following the State-wide broadcast by Governor Nyesom Wike who hastily and maliciously accused the Indigenous People of Biafra of masterminding the EndSARS protests in the State that led to death of dozens of civilians and security personnel and destruction of some public properties. The Governor had played into the hands of the lopsidedly composed Nigerian Army which cashed in on his broadcast to lay the area under siege and go on killing spree leading to the death of not less than 102 civilians in two months, during which no fewer than 550 were abducted and private properties worth hundreds of millions of naira burnt or destroyed.”

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The statement further said: “With the release of 107 Obigbo abductees in addition to release on 29/30th June 2021 of 26 others held by DSS and previous release of a total 283 other abductees; a total of 416 of the 550 abductees have been freed through various Court bails. In other words, not less than 134 are still not independently located and are still languishing in secret military custodies, only known to the Nigerian Army. It must be remembered that till date, the authorities of the Nigerian Army have kept mute over the abductions and disappearances; refusing to speak on why they were abducted and held in captivity for almost ten months without trial. Intersociety had in its statement of 6th July 2021 released names of the 112 abductees including the four (now five in number) that died.

“Sadly, among those 112 abductees, secretly held at the Nigerian Army’s Alpha Military Commando Base in Suleja, Niger State, five have lost their lives; namely: Thomas Ekwueme, Pius Onochie, Obinna Akapuru, Monday Ifeanyi and Tobechukwu Odoka.”

Below are the names and states of origin of those recently released in Suleja-Abuja.

        NAMES          AGES STATE
        Benjamin Eze  27        ANAMBRA
        Paul Uwazieike           22        ABIA
        Humphrey vickie         38        EBONYI
        Peter Umeze    20        IMO
        OdemgboIsreal           26        ANAMBRA
        Prince Achi     30        ABIA
        Wie Gift          25        EBONYI
        KamsoIgnatus 27        ANAMBRA
        Chibuike Ochi 29        ANAMBRA
        Bobo Ochi       32        IMO
        Mensah Boniface        44        ENUGU
        Elechi Sylvester          29        ENUGU
        AmadiChinasa                     30           IMO
        Okeke Zachariah         41        IMO
        Mebechi Justice           35        ABIA
        AnwulukaDieide         22        EBONYI
        Alphonsus white         47        EBONYI
        Saturday Amonwa      24        EBONYI
        Daniel Onwubiko        31        IMO
        SupuruOnochie           22        IMO
        Clifford Francis          25        ABIA
        EmekaUgbochi           26        ABIA
        EchefunaUchenna       24        ABIA
        Anthony Okpara         31        IMO
        Godswill Ike   30        IMO
        IkennaAbuoma           29        ENUGU
        Paul Nwille     28        ABIA
        Okochi Emmanuel      27        ANAMBRA
        Richard Okoli 28        ANAMBRA
        Imma Sunny    27        ANAMBRA
        Johnson Akabuku       26        IMO
        MichealAzubuike        24        EBONYI
        Oku Confidence         22        EBONYI
        Mark Uche      22        EBONYI
        Mr Dominic Asiema    20        ABIA
        Freedom Acalpu         21        ABIA
        Nsikak Friday 20        EBONYI
        ChinonsoAmaechi       25        EBONYI
        Bright Sunday 26        ABIA
        OkparaDinma  48        ABIA
        John Igweba    21        ABIA
        HumpheryChukwunonoso      21        EBONYI
        Boniface Uwuoma      45        IMO
        OsaretinChinda           23        ABIA
        Ekene Denison            25        EBONYI
        Emma Maduabuchi     40        ENUGU
        Chiedu Kelvin 29        EBONYI
        Osita Austin    28        ABIA
        Legit Kerere    27        IMO
        Eric Alphonsus            28        ABIA
        Iyke     37        ENUGU
        Godwin Ume  30        IMO
        ChineyezeEkpere        35        ENUGU
        Innocent Odum           37        IMO
        Pastor Uchenna           35        IMO
        Boniface Ume 30        IMO
        Gilbert 29        EBONYI
        Okafor Kingsley         28        ANAMBRA
        ChieyuranIbe  26        ABIA
        Emeka David  25        ABIA
        Sodienye Moses          24        ABIA
        OnyinyeNwokeke       23        IMO
        Monday Ogah 28        IMO
        IfeomaIgwe    26        ABIA
        ChikeJideofor 38        IMO
        ChukwudiAnyazue     35        IMO
        Chimezie         32        ENUGU
        Ayigbo            31        EVONYI
        Chijioke           29        EBONYI
        Ekene  26        IMO
        Nwude            25        ENUGU
        Vincent           28        IMO
        Ugochukusu    26        ANAMBRA
        AdrewIheme   24        IMO
        Thomas Ibekwe           22        ENUGU
        Precious Anozie          25        ABIA
        Cletus Justice  23        ABIA
        Augustine        34        ABIA
        OsitaChikwado           27        ABIA
        Adam Kennedy          29        ENUGU
        EgesiGoffrey  38        IMO
        ChidiOkeke     29        IMO
        Egbo Godwin 38        IMO
        TobechukwuUdoka    29        EBONYI
        Chineyenze Bishop     34        IMO
        AkaudoObinna           21        ENUGU
        KanyineneUche          20        IMO
        AzubuikeCalistus        32        ANAMBRA
        Victor Ugoechi           31        ANAMBRA
        OkwuNonyerem         31        IMO
        KamsoAnayo  39        IMO
        SopuruDikachi            35        ENUGU
        ChibuikeUzo   32        ENUGU
        Osuagwu Emmanuel   31        IMO
        Ojiako Bright  33        IMO
        Harrison Jude  34        IMO
        Winner Onukube         32        IMO
        Chika Dede     30        IMO
        Papa Emma     28        IMO
        Success Mba   26        IMO
        Clifford Obunneme    27        IMO
        ChieunraChukwuma   38        ENUGU
        Ekweme Thomas         36(Dead)         IMO
        Pius Onochie   32(Dead)         ENUGU
        ObinnaAkapuru          28(Dead)         IMO
        Monday Ifeanyi          27(Dead)         IMO
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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

 

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

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Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners

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The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

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