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How Two Chinese, Police Inspector Were Killed In Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police Command  on Saturday April 5,2025 ,reaffirmed their commitment towards adequately protecting lives and properties of residents of the state.

The assurance is coming on the heels of the   rescue of three  Chinese nationals ,and two Police officers from the hands of kidnappers.

Tragically, however, two other Chinese expatriates and one of Inspector of Police were killed by the hoodlums.

A statement from Chilaka Maureen DSP ,the Command’s spokesperson informed  that the Chinese nationals  were ambushed and attacked by the gunmen while they were on their way to their Company premises ,in Agukwu-Amaya Ndundu community in Isukwuato Local Council of the State on Friday April 4.

According to the Police, in the course of the attack ,the criminal elements killed the Manager of the Company, Mr Quan, his colleague Mr Cai and Inspector Audu Saidu ,one of their security escorts.

The assailants also  carted away Inspector Saidu’s service rifle.

“The Abia State Police Command in collaboration with the Military and other sister Security Agencies, led by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Uturu, has successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates and two escort Police Officers .

“This followed a distress call received on 04/04/2025 at about 17:30hrs that unidentified armed men had ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their Police escorts while they were en route to their Company site located at Agukwu-Amaya ,Ndundu community ,Uturu ,Isukwuato LGA .

“Tragically, during the attack ,the Manager, Mr Quan, his colleague Mr Cai and Inspector Audu Saidu ( one of the escort officers) were killed .

“The assailants also carted away Inspector Saidu’s rifle.

“Upon receiving the information, Operatives from Abia state Command, in a joint operation with the Military and other sister Agencies, launched a search mission .

“As a result, three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt, while one sustained injuries.

“Inspector Uba Ahmed ,who was rescued, suffered gunshot injury on the leg. Both the injured officer and the expatriate are currently receiving treatment at the FMC Abakaliki”, the police stated .

According to the police, operatives from the tactical team of the Command ,led by the  Deputy Commissioner of  Police have visited the scene of the attack ,as part of an ongoing search and rescue  operation for other victims .

“Through collaborative action ,involving the police ,the military ,and local community members ,Inspector  Ijeagwa Friday was also  rescued unhurt ” Maureen noted .

The State Commissioner of Police CP Danladi Isah, while lauding the Joint Security Team for the efforts, also assured that the perpetrators of the dastardly act will be tracked down and brought to justice .

“I Was Looking Forward To Baba’s 90th Birthday On April 14” – Oyo Gov Makinde Mourns Fmr. Gov. Olunloyo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Victor Olunloyo and Seyi Makinde

By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has expressed  sadness over the death of former Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. He described it as the loss of a highly intelligent and capable leader for Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday, Governor Makinde conveyed his deep sympathy to the Olunloyo family, the people of Ibadan, and the entire Oyo State.

He noted the particular poignancy of the renowned Mathematician and Elder Statesman passing away just before his 90th birthday.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and the good People of Oyo State, I express my heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr Omololu Olunloyo, the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State on the demise of the former Governor.

“In Dr Olunloyo, we have lost another icon. This time, we lost a highly cerebral and patriotic leader, who served our great state at its early stages.

“This death hits differently because I was looking forward to Baba’s 90th birthday, which would have come up on April 14th.

However, we have to submit to the will of God, who gives and takes lives as He wills.

“My joy is that our government immortalised and honoured Pa Olunloyo in his life time and he was present to witness it, as we named the Ibadan Airport Road and the Leisure Park on the axis after him in recognition of his service to the State.

“May the Lord grant repose to his soul and give his family the fortitude to bear his demise.”

A statement by his family on Sunday, stated that the former governor died a few days before his 90th birthday.

The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.

“With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.

The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.

“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.

“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial. Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”

LASG Queries Hospital Over Death Of Pregnant Woman, Begins Investigation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mrs Kemi Akinbobola

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government has started an investigation to unravel the circumstances which led to the death of Mrs. Kemi Akinbobola, a pregnant woman at As Salam Convalescent Centre in Ibeju, Lekki Local Government Area, of the State.

Akinbobola was alleged to have  been denied medical care by the Health Facility over the inability of her husband, Folajimi, to pay the sum of ₦500,000 as deposit.

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, made this  disclosure while responding to the public outcry which followed her passing. He stated that a Panel has been set-up to uncover the details, and identify any breaches in medical care standards.

Abayomi explained that the panel was setup by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, HEFAMAA.

“Initial investigations suggest that multiple parties, including a traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, were involved and are currently being interviewed”, he added.

“The investigation focuses on several critical areas: verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities with HEFAMAA, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to emergency medical protocols, and identification of any negligence that contributed to the incident. A report from the panel is anticipated soon, and those found responsible will face legal consequences.

“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections. The Government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards Facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.

“We also wish to reiterate that no Healthcare Facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties.

“We are also using this opportunity to reiterate Government’s  position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.

“The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasizing the importance of using Government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the Government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards.

“Moreover, the Lagos State Government calls on community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to collaborate in promoting maternal and child health. The Government is committed to justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family, assuring that accountability for negligence and breach of duty will be pursued vigorously”.

“Attempting To Destroy LP Will Lead To Your Destruction” – Gov Otti Warns Abure

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti and Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged the erstwhile National Chairman of Labour Party, LP,  Bar. Julius Abure and his National Working Committee, NWC, members to place the interest and unity of the party  above any other considerations.

Governor Otti’s admonition  comes against the backdrop of the insistence by the Abure-led NWC of still being in charge, despite  the Supreme court verdict on the Party’s leadership crisis.

The Apex Court had, on Friday April 4, 2025, in a unanimous decision by a five-man man panel of Justices,  affirmed  the supremacy of political parties in all internal issues, including Leadership.

The Panel had, while upholding the appeal filed by the Senator Esther Nenadi Usman-led Interim leadership of the party against the continued stay in office the Abure-led NWC, also held that  its tenure had elapsed as at the time of the conduct of the controversial Nnewi Convention  in 2024.

However, the judgment has since been subjected to varying interpretations by the concerned parties,with Abure and his official claiming not to have been sacked, as widely perceived by not a few as well as the interim leadership of the party.

The Usman-led interim leadership was put together on September 4, 2024, at a special Stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital, as a last practical effort at saving the the Party from a complete death.

The meeting, attended by its 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, his running mate, Senator Datti Ahmed, Members of the National Assembly caucus, and other major stakeholders across the country, was convened and hosted by the Party’s only elected Governor, Otti.

However, the outcome of the parley including the establishment of the Usman-led interim leadership was roundly rejected by the Abure faction, which insisted on the sanctity of the outcome of the heavily  boycotted Nnewi Convention where they claimed to have been re-elected for a second term in office.

But reacting to the position of the Abure-led faction on Saturday April 5, 2025 at an event in his Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Council of the State, Governor Otti called on  the Abure group to consider giving peace a chance in the overall interest of the party.

According to him, any attempts to undermine the peace, stability and growth of LP at this stage will be counterproductive. He emphasized the pre-eminence of the party over all other persons and interests.

He, however, warned those trying to destroy the party to be mindful of the fact that they are also destroying themselves.

“The Party is bigger and more important than any of us. The triumph of evil over good is for a while.

“So, we thank God for the Supreme Court judgment on Friday. We, somehow, believed that justice will be done to Labour Party, and we are happy that it has been done.

“However, I have heard and observed some people claiming not to have been removed from office by the Supreme Court judgment.

“We can, as well, ignore them, but I will not. I want to appeal to them to give peace a chance. Except if their target has been to destroy the party from the onset.

“But if they want to destroy the Party, they will end up destroying themselves, and the party will become even stronger”, Governor Otti warned.

Anambra APC Governorship Primaries: Ozigbo  Knocked Out Mercilessly

By
The Source
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Chief Valentine Ozigbo

By Charles Igbo

Dr. Valentine Ozigbo was, in the early hours of Sunday, 6th April, given the worst beating of his political life.

He was mercilessly knocked out of the All Progressives Congress’ Governorship Primaries by businessman, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.

Ukachukwu scored a total of 1,455 votes to Ozigbo’s miserable 67 votes which placed him on a very distant second place.

Until recently when he shocked many by decamping to  the   All Progressives Congress, APC, Ozigbo was of the Labour Party, LP, and a strong ally of its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Elections, Peter Obi. Ozigbo was its Governorship Candidate and was roundly beaten by the incumbent, Professor Charles Soludo.

A few days after joining the APC, he picked its Governorship Primaries forms, confirming it was the reason for which he left. He then surprised many by visiting President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo to present the forms to her.

Just before the APC Primaries, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, owner, United Nigeria Airline, Paul Chukwuma and Chukwuma Umeoji, withdrew from the race citing “no confidence” in the process.

The Primaries of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, and LP, had, earlier, produced incumbent Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and George Moghalu, respectively, as their flag bearers.

Olunloyo, Fmr. Oyo State Gov., Dies

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Victor Olunloyo Is Dead

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Governor of Oyo State,  Dr. Omololu Olunloyo has passed on.

In a terse statement, the family said the renowned Mathematician and Administrator passed Sunday, 6th April.

“Omololu Olunloyo passed on to eternal glory at 1.40am on the 6th of April 2025. We thank God for a life well spent. May the Lord Jesus rest his soul”, the statement read.

He was the Governor of Oyo State, briefly – October 1 1983 to December 31, 1983, under the National Party of Nigeria, NPN, Government of late President Shehu Shagari. The Government was toppled by a military coup d’état which produced Major General Muhammadu Buhari as Head of State.

Among others, Dr. Olunloyo was the father of Pharmacist-turned controversial investigative Journalist, Kemi Olunloyo.

Cause of death is assumed to be old age-related. Dr Olunloyo passed a few days to his 90th birthday.

Emergency Rule: Suspended Rivers Assembly Members Embark On Foreign Trip

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rivers Pro-Wike Lawmakers

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesome Wike, allegedly, may have bankrolled a foreign trip for the suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule are currently in the United Kingdom, (UK) on a tour.

Since they were suspended with Governor Siminialayi Fubara, nothing has been heard about the Lawmakers who were on the verge of removing the Governor before President BolaTinubu declared a State of Emergency.

It was, however, gathered that the Lawmakers and their families are still occupying the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt after the emergency declaration.

The Sole Administrator of the State had earlier ordered the Lawmakers to vacate the quarters.

A statement by Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, Martin Wachukwu, confirmed that the Lawmakers had left the shores of the country.

Amaewhule was said to have declared open the 10th Rivers Assembly Legislative Tour of the United Kingdom on Friday.

The suspended Speaker claimed that  the Legislative Tour would afford the House the opportunity to learn new things outside the shores of Nigeria which would improve the capacity of members for the task ahead.

The opening ceremony, which was said to be the Day One of a five-day tour, took place in Central London and focused on “Legislative Dynamics in the Presidential and Parliamentary Systems”.

Principal officers and members of the House, who spoke at the opening ceremony expressed optimism that the tour would provide another opportunity for peer review and gainful insights for parliamentary oversight.

The statement said the legislative tour brought to three  the total number of capacity building programmes organized by the leadership of the House without funding from Government.

“These programmes including the present tour are 100 per cent sponsored by concerned leaders of the state, who have remained supportive of the House despite the prolonged, provocative and unconstitutional non-funding of the House by the suspended Governor Siminalaye Fubara.

“In this regard, the House used the opportunity of the opening ceremony to express immense gratitude to the political leader of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and other political leaders under the umbrella of the Rivers State Elders Council who have continued to stand by them.

“10th Assembly members prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon their lives and endeavours,” the statement reads.

Amaewhule extended appreciation of the House to Rivers people for their confidence in the House and their continued support.

He assured better days were ahead and urged them to remain peaceful and supportive of the Sole Administrator in Rivers State.

Governor Muftwang Laments, Says Clashes In Plateau Beyond Farmers-Herders

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Caleb Mutfwang - Plateau state Governor

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has stated that the ongoing attacks and killings in some parts of the State is a coordinated crime sponsored by conflict merchants and not farmer-herder clashes as speculated.

Governor Muftwang made this assertion during the Fashion and Arts Exhibition organised by the Tincity Fashion Week titled “The Plateau Experience”, in Abuja.

It would be recalled that gunmen attacked Manguno, Daffo and Josho communities of Bokkos Local Government Area, LGA, of the State.

During the attack, many houses and other properties worth millions were destroyed, and there were human fatalities.

The Governor insisted that the attacks were a well- organised criminality, and disclosed that his Government and Security Agencies had put measures in place to forestall future occurrence.

“I want to thank all of you who are here to support and honour Plateau with your presence in this event. We do not take this show of solidarity lightly.

“We contemplated suspending this event due to the current security situation in the state, but we decided not to allow the situation ruin the good things we have to celebrate.

“And I must say that the aim of the enemy is to throw the state into gloom and mourning but we will rise above their intent and not give them what they want.

“For those who think that the current situation is a farmer-herder issue, let me disabuse your mind from that perception; it is a product of organised crime by malicious elements who do not want peace to reign in the state.

“I want to assure the good people of Plateau that God will give us victory over these miscreants and their end has come” he said.

Police Storm, Dismantle Anambra Notorious Criminal Hideout

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Police on Duty

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In its determination to  take the battle to the  criminals and dominate the space, the Anambra State Police Command on Saturday April 5, 2025,  said it has smashed and dislodged criminal elements from their Camp in Ogbunka Community, Orumba South Local Council of the State.

A statement from the State’s Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga SP said that the raid and subsequent dismantling of the notorious criminal cell ,was preceded by the receipt of actionable intelligence on the activities of the gang.

According to him, the well- coordinated operation was conducted on Friday, April 4, by the State’s Joint Security Team, comprising operatives from the Police, Army, Navy, Department of State Services, DSS , Anambra State Vigilante Service, and other local outfits.

The Police Spokesman noted that operatives, after overpowering the hoodlums during over six hours of grueling gun battle, recovered several explosive devices and other items.

“The Joint Security Team in a six ( 6) hour gun battle with the armed criminals ,overpowered the criminals and  diffused some explosives used  as shields on the camp by the hoodlums.

The team also recovered a lot of relief materials like pots, foodstuffs, and parts of suspected stolen vehicles ,even as some of the criminals escaped with varying degrees of bullet injuries inflicted on them.

Following the successful operation, Operatives Ikenga said, have taken complete control of with a view to establishing full dominance.

This, he noted, is to enable security operatives  effectively respond to any situation that may likely arise from the operation.

In the same vein, the Police Spokesperson stated the enhanced security in the area is also to track down the fleeing members of the group.

Anambra Gov Election: Muoghalu Is LP Candidate As Soludo Gets APGA’s Second Term Ticket

By
Ayodele Oni
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Chief George Muoghalu

By Ayodele Oni

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) and the Labour Party, (LP) have elected their governorship candidates for November 8 election in Anambra state.

Incumbent State Governor, Professor  Chukwuma Soludo, emerged as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA).

The incumbent, who was returned unopposed, polled over 3,000 votes during the Primary, which was held in Awka, the state capital, on Saturday.

In addition, Chief George Muoghalu, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), secured the Labour Party (LP) ticket for the same election.

Soludo clinched his nomination through a unanimous affirmation from party delegates at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Muoghalu emerged as the LP’s flag-bearer with a total of 575 votes from delegates at the Primary election held at Finotel Hotel, also in Awka.

Despite the withdrawal of his only rival, John Nwosu, just eight hours before the election, Nwosu was still recorded as receiving 19 votes.

At the time of this report, the Governorship Primary elections for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were still underway.

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