Ebube Agu begins operations in Ebonyi, arrests eight suspected armed robbers

By CHARLES IWUOHA

Operatives of the South East Security Outfit, Ebube Agu, the Ebonyi State Command, have arrested no fewer than eight armed robbery suspects.

The suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crimes, were arrested at their various crime scenes and brought to Old Government House located opposite the headquarters of Ebonyi State Police Command, Abakaliki.

The Commissioner of Internal Security, Border Peace and Conflict Resolutions, Mr. Stanley Emegha Okoro, confirmed the arrest on Friday. He said no day passes without Ebube Agu arresting crime suspects in the state.

Okoro stated that Ebube Agu since its formation has recorded a lot of breakthroughs, controlling crimes and criminality and restoring peace and order in the state.

One of the suspects, Igwe Paulinus, who hails from Ikwo Local Government Area, said: “I have a gun called 1 Npa, so according to what is happening in Ebonyi State, I decided to bring it out and surrender, that I will not do it again. I will not do anything about stealing again and I promise. That’s why I bring the gun out and I promise, Sir.

“Look at the gun, Sir. The reason I bought the gun was for protection and for now I have quit and I promise, I will not do it again. I have involved in two or three robbery at meat market here. I use to rob phones.

“My friend whom I use to follow and rob have entered prison. I have no one again since then. They have been looking for me on the case that made him (friend) to enter prison.

“I decided to quit, thinking of how to join Ebube Agu security network. I was in the town thinking of how to come and join Ebube Agu but because of what I have done, I didn’t know how to approach them and tell them.

“I was at the Vanco Junction when I saw them (Ebube Agu) coming. I didn’t run, I stood and surrendered myself to them,” he said.

Another suspect, Ngele Chiemerie, said: “I’m here because we collected someone phone at Nsukka Street, Abakaliki, in front of my house. I have robbed only two times. Forgive me, Sir, I will not do it again.”

One other suspect who gave his name as Chinweuba and hails from Oriuzor community in Ezza North Local Government Area said: “I was sleeping in my friend shop when Ebube Agu security network came in there and arrested us. They said we have been robbing people.

“Yes, I have been robbing people. I have been involving in crimes. I have been collecting people’s phones in the town.”

The suspects were later handed over to the police for further investigation and possible arraignment in court on Monday.

Wonders Governors Umahi, Ugwuanyi are doing and why Governor Obaseki needs to sit up

By Patrick Eholor

Yesterday afternoon, I left Anambra State, and arrived Enugu. And I see the wonders Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is doing in Enugu State. Roads are tarred into the villages, but in Benin, you cannot even drive to the palace of the Oba. What an abysmal failure!

I have also been to Ebonyi on this tour, and what I saw is out of this world!

Governor Dave Umahi has transformed a bush state into a modern metropolis.

This is not about party. There are bad Governors in PDP, and there are bad governors in APC,but there are winners among the individual governors.

Chief Patrick Eholor(One Love Foundation), Chief Emeka Kalu(PDP Leader), Dr Nkem Okeke(Anambra Deputy Governor) and Mazi ThankGod Ofoelue(Jungle Journalist Media Ltd) in Anambra State yesterday

Governance is continuation, and is about the people. No matter what the issue is with your predecessor, you must build for the people.

We are living with Gov Obaseki who is acting as a sole administrator, instead of an elected governor, forgetting that government is for the people, we the people. He has not nominated his commissioners as of today, he has not created any boards, he has not rewarded his political chieftains with personal assistants in his cabinet. He has not created an enabling environment to accommodate the unemployed army of youths who are derailed into different acts of criminality due to bad governance.

Well tarred and neat Nsukka road

We didn’t vote for Oshiomhole, we didn’t vote for Ize Iyamu, so be very careful when you attack me on my honest observation for a better Edo and Nigeria.

It’s unfortunate that the heartbeat of Nigeria is in coma.

We now seem to be living in the city of the blind, where the one eyed man has is the king.

I honestly think that’s its time for men of impeccable character to get involved in politics, otherwise, strangers touts, and thieves will govern the honest and responsible citizens.

Another section of the road in Nsukka town

Am sure there are very good men who should be in politics, but are shying away because they think it’s dirty.

Its now or never for you to get involved. If not for your sake, for the sake of your children, and the coming generations. We can collectively rewrite our history and posterity will be on our side.

Let our past guide us to our future. We should stop lamenting about our present.
It is not because the Governor is smarter than us that he got elected, it is because of the will and grace of God. But you cannot have two captains in one ship. If he can do it, you can do better. Because he is not God, don’t forget. He was only elected to pilot the affairs of Edo State.

Am certainly hopeful that the best is yet to come for Edo State.

Some will say, Godwin Obaseki has tried his best, and I and others will say his best is not good enough.

Let’s get involved to ask them questions. There are reasons we voted them into power.

This is not an attack on the Governor, but an attempt to criticize constructively in order to move our state forward.

Very neat and well tarred roads constitute Nsukka town in Enugu North Senatorial Zone

Recently, I talked about accountability of Constituency Projects. It’s our projects. We have a right to ask questions, that’s why they were elected.

I talked about Buhari Administration failing to provide adequate security to its citizens. I talked about some governors who have failed to provide their citizens with security. I talk about local government chairmen who don’t know their responsibilities. I talk about police who have failed in all ramifications, and many other issues concerning state of the nation.

Yes sir, yes sir can never be my friend.

It’s time for you to be asking for the dividends of democracy for electing Godwin Obaseki, or history will judge you.

I wish it was about Obaseki but it clearly isn’t. I am a patriotic citizen. Am hoping and believing its possible for a better Nigeria.

Let us all join hands together and criticise government and give credit when due.

Comrade Patrick Eholor is a freedom fighter for the masses and is the founder and Chairman of One Love Foundation, a human rights network.

Fulani herdsmen murder 22 as they invade Eha Amufu, Ụzọ Uwani, Obeagu in Enugu, Ebonyi States

No fewer than 22 persons have been reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in separate attacks in Ebonyi and Enugu States on Monday.

According to The Punch, 16 persons who were between the ages of 18 and 56 were killed during an invasion in the Obeagu community in the Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

In the same vein, the Enugu State Command of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday confirmed the killing of six persons in Adani community, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state by yet to be identified hoodlums.

It also confirmed that another two persons were injured in the incident, while shops and other properties were destroyed.

Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi has since condemned the deaths on Tuesday.

Umahi, who spoke at Obegu in the Ishielu Local Government Area of the state, said, “I got very shocking news this afternoon about the attack on about four communities of Nkalaha, Obegu, Amaezu and Umuhuali in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state by herdsmen wielding AK-47 rifles. They came yesterday (Monday) and killed 15 members of these communities.

“Good enough, we have some traces of the sponsors; we have the traces of those who came here. I will not disclose it, but I am going to escalate the identities of the people to the highest authorities and we wait to see what they will do. But we condemn this attack; if it is allowed to go this way, it is capable of generating very serious civil war among the nation of Nigeria.”

“I want to demand from the security chiefs to fish out these people because they are well known; they should fish them out. Let them face the wrath of the law.”

Cross River, Ebonyi Stakeholders Seek Amicable End to Century Old Land Dispute

Nigerian map showing Ebonyi, Cross River States

Stakeholders in Cross River and Ebonyi states on Tuesday came together at a round table to embrace peace and work towards finding lasting solution to land disputes spanning a century.

The round table which was at the instance of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) aimed at bring peace to the area and subsequently creating an atmosphere for the National Boundaries Commission to demarcate the boundaries between the warring communities.

At the round table are representatives from the warring communities in Abi, Obubra, Yala local government areas of Cross River State, and Abakaliki, Uzzi and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi State, with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Orientation Agency, National Emergency Management Agency, National Boundaries Commission and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Also at the round table are representative from both Ebonyi and Cross River state governments, federal lawmakers representing the areas in dispute.

Speaking at the Opening, the Director General of IPCR, Dr. Bakut Bakut said this meeting of stakeholders has become very necessary because of the recurrent nature of the conflict and its changing dynamics.

He lamented that: “The loses in both human and material ramifications, as a result of this age long conflict that spans over a 100 years in some cases, has been enormous, unimaginable and embarrassing.

“This is no longer acceptable, hence this very enlarged stakeholders meting cutting across government officials, traditional rulers, town union/opinion leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, security agencies and other critical agencies connected with finding solutions to such a hydra headed conflict.”

He said: “Disagreements on issues are bound to exist where two or more people are involved. Conflicts are therefore inevitable amongst human beings, but the most important thing there is for if not to be violent, while strategic steps are taken to resolve such disagreements.”

Bakut said: “The conflict between these communities in these local governments have become so perennial and catastrophic, such that we have to o take a more strategic and positive position on their resolution.

In a key note address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha who was represented by one of the Directors in his office, Mrs. Veronica Agugu said: “Despite all the issues, government at all levels has intervened in the crisis with a view of restoring lasting peace to these two states. It is noteworthy to mention that, this two state governments have established a pact to maintain peace between the warring communities.”

He lamented that the prevalence of communal conflicts has serious implication for socio-economic development and national security of the country.

A communique is expected at the end of the round table which draws to a close on Wednesday.

Committee to sensitise Enugu and Ebonyi communities affected by land dispute

The Deputy Governor of Enugu State and Chairman of the Enugu State Boundary Commission, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, has stressed the need for adequate sensitisation to be carried out in disputed border communities of Enugu and Ebonyi States before the determination and demarcation of interstate boundaries between the two states.

She spoke during a joint meeting of officials on Enugu/Ebonyi interstate boundaries held at Government House, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Ezeilo said, “Violence, conflict, insecurity and absence of rule of law triggered by border and land skirmishes can foist debilitating fragility on communities and people, hence the need for urgent and adequate measures, and policies to reduce the scramble for land and territorial sovereignties within communities and states.

“Worthy of note is the fact that the present Ebonyi/Enugu interstate was at one time inter-divisional boundary between Abakaliki and Nsukka division which was transformed into part of the intra-state boundary of the old Enugu State before the creation of Ebonyi State in October 1996,” she stated.

Earlier in his contribution, the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Boundary Committee, Barr. Solomon Ejim stressed the need for Enugu and Ebonyi States to maintain peace till the final determination and documentation of the boundary lines.

Ebonyi State Governor tests positive to COVID-19, as Abia Governor recovers

The Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The Governor confirmed this in a statement personally signed by him on Saturday.

He and some of his close aides tested positive for the virus after carrying out the coronavirus test, the statement said.

Umahi further disclosed that, presently, they are not showing any symptoms but have since isolated, in line with protocols laid down by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The Governor directed the Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, to take over the frontline coordination of the state’s fight against the pandemic to protect Ebonyi people.

Umahi appealed to the people of Ebonyi state to take the NCDC protocols more seriously while stating that he’s working from home and will conduct all meetings virtually.

In a related development, the Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has recovered from the virus after his sample result returned negative.

A statement released by the state’s commissioner for information John Okiyi Kalu, says “a repeat COVID-19 test conducted by Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) on samples submitted by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Thursday, 2nd July, 2020, returned negative result on Friday, 3rd July, 2020”

“Governor Ikpeazu is therefore deemed free of the virus according to the extant guidelines of NCDC and the World Health Organization (WHO)” the Commissioner said.

COVID-19: Umahi orders arrest of police, family members over conduct of burial ceremonies

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Friday ordered the immediate arrest of those that organised the burial ceremonies that took place in Ezza South and Ikwo local government areas of Ebonyi State.

The Governor who frowned at the development stressed that it was wrong for citizens of the state to violate government directives on the ban on burial ceremonies, among others.

Umahi, who stated this while briefing newsmen on government’s efforts towards tacking the dreaded coronavirus in the State, directed the State Commissioner of Police, CP Awoshola Awotinde, to ensure the arrest of all the policemen that supervised the burial ceremony.

He further directed the Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekuweme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Ebonyi State to stop releasing corpses for burial in the State so to ensure the safety of citizens of the State.

“Commissioner of Police make sure that the policemen that supervised the burial are arrested and detained. Chairmen of Ezza South and Ikwo, I don’t understand how burial ceremonies will take place in your LGA and you people are not aware. This thing should stop. We should safeguard the lives of our citizens.”

Umahi called on the Permanent Secretary of State Affairs, Mr Austin Udude and Commissioner of Health, Dr Daniel Umezuruike to identity 2 hotels within the capital which will be taken over by the State government for occupation by medical workers in the fight against the scourge.

On the lockdown of the State which will commence today, the Governor charged the Chairmen of all the LGAs and security operatives to ensure strict compliance to the directive of the State Government.

According to Umahi, the lockdown is not a joke as only vehicles on essential duty will be allowed into the State.

“The kits we ordered will arrive tomorrow. Everybody should take this campaign seriously.”

Ebonyi Govt bans burials, weddings, conferences, public gatherings

Otu Obiahu, (AJM NEWS)

In a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the state, Ebonyi Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi has taken a step further by banning all forms of public gatherings such as Night Clubs, Weddings, Burials, Conferences, Seminars and other related gatherings in the state.

Governor Umahi gave the order through his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe in a town hall meeting held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abakaliki, the State Capital.

The Governor, however noted that the ban is for a period of one month in the first instance.

Governor Umahi also directed that civil servants in the state will, from 25 March, work from home, except those on essential duties.

Umahi also warned traditional rulers and council chairmen against shielding any person suspected to have contracted the deadly virus.

He said the ban is part of measures to protect the people from contracting the deadly coronavirus which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

He said: “It is painful to take the
decision but government had to reason that it is better to let the dead bury the.dead for now.
“But if you feel that you cannot wait,
then you can take the corpse and bury just you and your family without any ceremony.”

He further noted that anybody suspected to have contracted the virus should be sent immediately to the nearest health centre for onwards transfer to the state isolation centre at the Unity Square Abakaliki.

It is of note that Governor Umahi had last week ordered the closure of all public and private schools in the state, to check the spread of Coronavirus which is gradually spreading across the country.

©AfikpoJokwaMedia

Tension As Explosion Rocks Ebonyi State

Nwezenyi Igbeagu community, in Ebonyi State was thrown into tension earlier on Sunday, 9th February after a tanker exploded.

The tanker was conveying about 32,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (diesel) when the incident occured.

Jungle journalist media Limited gathered that the development caused tension in the community as residents initially thought they were under attack from terrorists.

More details soon.

Airport project: Group seeks justice for displaced farmers in Ebonyi

The Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria (HURIDE), says it plans to explore all available means to seek justice for displaced farmers whose ancestral farmlands were demolished by Ebonyi Government.

Mr Samson Oko-Nweke,the state HURIDE Chairman, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

“We condemn the hurriedness of the state government to dislodge the poor Ezza people and render them homeless for the Airport project without exhausting all due processes.

“We also query why government tends to be disregarding and ignoring the court of law before where the matter between the embattled people and the state (NAN)government is still pending.

“How can government just rise in utter disrespect to court proceedings, invade people’s ancestral homes with heavily armed security men and start demolishing their houses, farmlands, economic trees and churches without due consultation, compensation or alternative settlements.

“This is a ruthless strategy, an inhumane treatment, a vindictive approach and a total show of disrespect for the rights of the common people,” he said.

According to Oko-Nweke, the group was ready to explore all available avenues within the known boundaries of the law to ensure the situations were timely remedied and damages adequately compensated.

(NAN)