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Author: Monday Ajogun

  • Anambra: Gunmen attack Ogbaru LG hqs, set patrol vehicles ablaze

    Anambra: Gunmen attack Ogbaru LG hqs, set patrol vehicles ablaze

    Attack
    By Monday Ajogun
    Ogbaru (Anambra), June 15, 2024 (NAN) Unidentified gunmen on Saturday morning reportedly attacked Ogbaru Local Government Secretariat and torched four patrol vehicles belonging to a local vigilance group.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the hoodlums arrived at the council headquarters in large number in motorcycles and one vehicle and began to shoot sporadically.

    It was further learnt that an attempt by the vigilantes to repel the gunmen got a boost, following the quick response by a team of crack police operatives.

    Confirming the incident in a statement to NAN in Onitsha, the Spokesman for the Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the gunmen fled the scene when they were overpowered.

    According to Ikenga, the hoodlums “faced strong resistance from the vigilante operatives until the police response team arrived.

    “Due to the superior firepower of the security operatives, the gunmen fled the scene,” he added.

    He regretted that the assailants succeeded in setting four operational vehicles belonging to the vigilantes ablaze before escaping.

    The statement quoted the Police Commissioner, Mr Nnaghe Itam, to have condemned the attack and destruction of the patrol vehicles.

    Itam reportedly commended the efforts of the operatives in repelling the hoodlums and described the incident as an “act of cowardice”.

    Ikenga further stated that a joint security force, comprising the Army, Navy, and other security agencies, had been deployed in the area to fish out those behind the attack.

    He stated that no lives were lost and gave assurance that the security agencies were poised to strengthen security in the area for the safety of lives and property of the residents. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • COREN begins probe into 5-storey building collapse in Onitsha

    Panel
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has set up a 10-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a five-storey building in Onitsha, Anambra.

    The state Chairman of the council, Mr Victor Metu, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Friday.

    Metu said that the panel’s mandate was to unravel the truth about the cause of the incident.

    He said that the panel was expected to interface with the building committee, the man who laid the foundation but later relieved of his job and Chukwuemeka Ugwuoke, who was later invited to continue with the job.

    “I have a picture of the collapsed building, the second and third floor had a crack.

    “It showed that it was not done by an engineer because of inconsistencies and corruption.

    “I want to know why that was done, as it contributed to the failure of that project.

    “We are inviting them and we are going to scrutinise each of them.

    “At the end of the day, we are going to come out with a White Paper on the cause of the collapse to be presented to Gov. Charles Soludo,” the COREN chairman said.

    He said that the panel is headed by Mr Sylvester Ezeaguyi, with other prominent professionals as members.

    He gave assurance that the panel sitting would be made public. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/OIF/USO
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Obi urges citizens to defend democracy

    n

     

    Democracy

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 12, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on political leaders and ordinary citizens  to protect democracy jealously and uphold its tenets .

    Obi urged  leaders to obey the governing laws of the state and be accountable to the people.

    The former Anambra governor  made the   call in a series of tweets on his X handle on Wednesday to commemorate 2024 Democracy Day .

    According to him,  democracy is  beyond elections, but  also includes fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution.

    He said the realisation of a society where true democracy  thrives is possible.

    “As our dear nation marks Democracy Day today, commemorating 25 years of striving to be a democratic country, the fundamental question for all of us remains; are we truly democratic?

    “As we build Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible,” he said.

    The former presidential candidate lamented that 25 years after, Nigeria was yet to be truly democratic.

    “Let us use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to a truly democratic nation.

    “We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993, by collectively voting for democracy in Nigeria. We must stand in defence of Nigeria’s democracy today,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/CHOM/BHB

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

     

  • Vandalised 2nd Niger Bridge fixed–Official

    Bridge
    By Monday Ajogun
    Onitsha (Anambra), June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it has fixed the vandalised railings and expansion joints at the 2nd Niger Bridge.

    Mr Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser on Media to Federal Minister of Works Dave Umahi, announced this in Onitsha on Monday, explaining that the vandalised sections of the bridge were fixed on Sunday.

    He said that the ministry had been working with the police and other security agencies to tighten security and stop vandalisation on the bridge to save the structure from further damage.

    He explained further that decisive measures were being adopted by the ministry to curb further incidents of vandalism and theft of facilities on the bridge and other public infrastructure nationwide.

    Orji said that the minister enjoined all road users, residents and authorities to be vigilant and report any suspected vandals to the nearest police station or call — 08030986263, 08033389700, 08067736638 and 08037056860.

    “The Federal Ministry of Works shall promptly and handsomely reward any person or group who nabs or gives useful information on the identity of perpetrators or vandals,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the second time the bridge was being vandalised since it was inaugurated by the former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 23, 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AJOM/KOLE/EAL
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    Edited by Remi Koleoso/Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Fire destroys soap factory in Anambra 

    Fire guts soap factory in Anambra

     

    Factory

     

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 8, 2024 (NAN) Fire has destroyed a soap factory and plastic dumping ground at Amanato Street, Ugwuagba Obosi in Idemili Northampton Local Government Area of Anambra.

    Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, Chief Fire Officer, Anambra Fire Service, confirmed this development to newsmen in Onitsha.

     

    According to Chiketa; the Anambra Fire Service received a distress call at 01:40 a. m., about a fire outbreak in a mini soap factory and plastic waste ground at Amanato Street.

     

    “The state firefighters and a fire truck were deployed immediately to the scene of the incident.

    “They fought and contained the fire, and prevented it from hitting a four- storey building,” he said.

    He said that the cause of the fire was still unknown and no life was lost.

    He said that the firemen departed the scene of the fire at 03:40 a. m.

    He advised people to take precautions to prevent fire incidents.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AJOM/NCI/

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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Ephraims Sheyin

  • Fire guts commercial building in Anambra

    Fire guts commercial building in Anambra

    Fire

     

    By Monday Ajogun

     

    Uga (Anambra), June 7, 2024 (NAN) A commercial building at Atani Road by Uga junction in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra was gutted by fire on Friday.

     

    Mr Chukwudi Chiketa, the Fire Chief, Anambra Fire Service, made this known to newsmen in Onitsha.

     

    Chiketa said: “We received a distress call at about 5.17 a. m. today and I immediately deployed our gallant firefighters to the scene of the fire incident.

     

    “The incident occurred at the top floor of a story building inside GMO company, situated at Atani road by Uga junction, Okpoko.

     

    “Though, the top floor of the one-storey building was affected, but there were many savings including other structures and property inside the company’s premises.”

     

    He said that the firemen were able to control the fire from escalating beyond the top floor of the building, noting that the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained.

     

    He encouraged residents on timely contact to fire service in any related situation as to help reduce the extent of damage before the arrival of firefighters. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/FAA

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

     

  • Obidient Movement not domiciled in any political party -Obi

    Obi

    By Monday Ajogun

    Awka, (Anambra) June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has said that the Obidient Movement is not domiciled in one political party.

    Obi said this in a statement by his spokesperson, Dr Yunusa Tanko, on Thursday in Awka.

    He said that membership of the movement cut across political party, tribe, religion or geopolitical region.

    “I like to categorically state that the Obidient movement is not a directorate in any particular political party.

    “Any individual or individuals claiming to be leaders of this non-existent directorate are simply not members of the broader Obidient Movement.

    “There may be a youth mobilization directorate in political parties but the Obidient movement is far beyond a particular political party.

    “The Obidient Movement is a diverse and inclusive collective that transcends traditional political, religious, and ethnic affiliations.

    “It is not domiciled within any particular party or headquartered in any particular part of the country, its membership spans across Africa and the globe, comprising individuals from various backgrounds,” he said.

    Obi further said that the movement was propelled by a shared vision guided by the principles of adaptive and transformative change, progress, discipline, and democratic values.

    He said that loyalists of the movement were seeking to foster positive change through a commitment to integrity, honesty and accountability by rejecting deceitful behaviours.

    “I want this to serve as a clarification that the Obidient Movement operates independently, and that its membership is not limited to any particular party. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/CHOM/AZU

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Azubuike Okeh

     

     

     

     

  • Alleged 2nd Niger bridge vandalism: Police begin investigation

     

    Vandalism

    By Monday Ajogun

    Onitsha (Anambra), June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Anambra says it has commenced investigation into the alleged vandalism of the second Niger bridge that is linking Asaba and Onitsha in Delta and Anambra respectively.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Onitsha.

    Ikenga said that he was yet to confirm the incident; I have not confirmed the incident, but we have escalated it to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to get the necessary information.

    When asked about the 24 hours patrol launched on Aug. 4, 2023 by a Joint Task force of Anambra and Delta state Police Command as part of efforts to make the bridge safe for road users, he said that the operation was still ongoing.

    He, however, said that he was yet to confirm if the video was a recent development or not.

    NAN reports that a yet-to-be-identified man was seen in a viral video narrating how some rail fittings connecting the second Niger bridge was allegedly removed by some suspected scavengers.

    When contacted on the development, Mr Uche Orji, the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, simply said that security action had been taken and he was not ready to disclosed further information.

    Also speaking, Anambra Commissioner for Information, Mr Paul Nwosu, said that the incident of the alleged vandalism on the 2nd Niger Bridge had been brought to the attention of the Highway Department of the Federal Ministry of Works.

    According to him, this is not to say that the state government is not concerned about the theft of those iron.

    “Police is aware of the theft; before now, there has been an indication of nefarious human being looking to make away with those things.

    “There has been a patrol of policemen along the bridge, you know these people; you won’t know where they are hiding to know if patrol has passed before they attack.

    “One thing about criminals is that they are also members of our society.

    “They know where you have security presence and where you don’t; immediately they noticed a kind of movement, they come out to do what they want to do.

    “It’s not as if the security agencies are not on the alert, but just when it appears that they have moved to oversight in a different place, these thieves will strike.

    “You know people who gathered condemn iron, but this one is not a condemn iron, this one is not a disposed iron.

    “These are irons that are actively in use, to make sure that people enjoyed the brand new road that federal government put for us to enjoy, but security agencies particularly the police have been on patrol in that area,” he said.

    The commissioner said that it had long been discovered that some thieves had been carrying out their nefarious activities on that bridge.

    He said that a unit of mobile police would stationed on the bridge to forestall future occurrence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Accident claims 3, injures 5 in Anambra

     

    Accident

    By Monday Ajogun (08034514384)

    Oba (Anambra), June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that three persons died in a multiple accident on Sunday in Oba in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, along Owerri-Oraifite-Onitsha road.

    Confirming the incident to journalists in Onitsha, the FRSC Sector Commander in Anambra, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, said that the multiple accident involved eight vehicles.

    Irelewuyi said that it involved a commercial motorcycle with no registration number, three yellow tricycles with no registration number, two toyota Hiace commercial buses with no registration number.

    He said that other vehicles involved in the accident were a white Mack trailer with no registration number, a navy blue Toyota Camry with no registration number.

    The commander attributed the probable cause of the fatal crash to a loss of control as a result of break failure.

    According to him, an eyewitness said that tax collectors were stopping tricycles collecting taxes when the driver of the Mack truck failed break, lost control, and rammed into the other vehicles.

    “15 people were involved in the crash, five persons injured, comprising three male and two female adults.

    “Three persons were killed, comprising two male, one female child and seven people were rescued unhurt.

    “Passersby took casualties to the hospital before the arrival of FRSC rescue team from RS5.36 Oraifite Unit Command Anambra,” he said.

    The sector commander noted that the scene was tensed as hoodlums and angry mob came with machete protesting towards the revenue collectors for orchestrating the crash.

    Irelewuyi sympathised with the families of the dead victims and wished the injured victims quick recovery.

    He warned motorists to desist from disobeying traffic rules and regulations by servicing their vehicles to minimum safety standard before plying the road. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AJOM/EBI/MNA

    Edited by Benson Iziama/Maureen Atuonwu