The dead body of a middle-aged man who is yet to be identified was yesterday found along Eze river, Ozubulu axis of Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Anambra state. Unconfirmed reports said the man was murdered by some unknown persons, after which the lifeless body was dumped in front of Pentecost University, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Council Area of Anambra State. Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Edwin Okadigbo said the state commandant of the NSCDC, David Bille has ordered an investigation into the incident. “On the 14th of April, 2020…
Author: Elochukwu Benjamin
In response to public outcry over the shutdown of markets, the Anambra State Government has reopened all food markets across the state with immediate effect. Following the record of the first case of coronavirus, the state had on Tuesday commenced a total Lockdown of the statement, resulting in the closure of food markets in the state The latest directive on reopening of the food markets which came on Wednesday, mandated Community leaderships to ensure that only those who sale food items and essential food items are allowed to open their shops in the market. The directive read, “The Presidents General,…
In furtherance of its directives to keep citizens of the state safe from the threat of coronavirus, Anambra State Government has designated new markets for food items in the 181 communities in the state. A statement issued Tuesday by the state government shows that most of the markets were located in Community schools, village squares and health facilities. The markets in every community are to operate between 8 am and 3 pm daily. An enforcement notice to residents of the state, from the Anambra State Police Command signed by the spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, explained that the initiative was to enhance…
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Edo State are to stage a massive protest to demand the full records of the distribution of stimulus package provided by Edo State Government for citizens of Igueben Local Government Area. It was gathered that the Chairman of Igueben Local Government Council had forcefully disembarked a member of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), who was assigned to monitor the distribution of the stimulus packages provided by the state government in ensuring that it gets to those they were meant for. The outcry of the civil society led to the return of the hitherto diverted truck…
Anambra State Government says it is following up on the 29 persons identified to have made contact with the individual who tested positive to coronavirus in the state over the weekend. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala disclosed this while updating newsmen in Awka on the latest development on the state’s COVID-19 index case. According to him, the contacts include the staff of the hospital facilities where the case was hospitalized, family and friends and business associates. “Usually, our strategy in this kind of issue is to treat the patient in a standard manner and go after the…
As enforcement on the lockdown directive by Anambra State Government takes full effect today, parts of the state-monitored reflected high compliance to the order. Visit to parts of the state capital which was rather very difficult due to heavy presence of security personnel, reflected deserted roads as operatives of the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) mounted roadblocks at strategic spots. Major retail outlets and big restaurants in the state capital city of Awka were also shut down except food and drug markets. There appeared, however, to be no lockdown for commercial transporters as they plied their…
24 hours after the confirmation of the first coronavirus case in Anambra State, St Joseph’s Hospital, Adazi-Nnukwu, the facility where the State’s COVID-19 index case was first hospitalized for days, has revealed they are yet to receive results of test samples that confirmed the patient positive. The Administrator of the Hospital, Reverend Father Jerome Okafor disclosed in a statement Saturday, that the patient whose identity they did not reveal, was admitted for heart problem at the Joe Nwiloh Centre, an arm of the hospital responsible for the treatment of patients with heart diseases. Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano had earlier…
Anambra State has recorded its first case of the dreaded coronavirus disease in the state. The news had come yesterday, in an update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), generating fears and anxiety among citizens of the state. The Anambra incident brought the latest statistics on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria to 305. The index case was however confirmed Saturday morning by the State Governor, Willie Obiano in a statewide broadcast. The governor in the broadcast, said the index case who came in from Lagos, has been placed in one of the protective care centres in the state.…
Abia State Government has announced slight relaxation of the extended 7-day lockdown it initially ordered in the state, to enable Christians to celebrate Easter. A statement signed by the Secretary to Abia State Government and Chairman of the State COVID-19 Committee, Barrister Chris Ezem approved that there will be free movement of people within the State only between the hours of 6am and 2pm on Sunday, April 12 (Easter Sunday), 2020. It read; “In view of the impending Easter Celebrations, the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has magnanimously approved a relaxation of the extended 7 Day lockdown in the…
In response to the spate of sex-related marital problems nowadays, couples have been advised to maintain very healthy sexual relationships so as not to destroy their marriages. The Wife of the Archbishop of Niger Province, Mrs Martha Ibezim gave the advice today in a chat with newsmen in Awka. Statistics reveal that lack of sexual intimacy and communication accounts for the bulk of separation rates in Nigeria which witnessed a 14% increase in 2018. According to Mrs Ibezim, couples not paying attention to their diminishing sexual relationship is a major source of concern for marriages in society today. “Women and…
As Christians the world over mark Good Friday today, they have been charged to demonstrate the true essence of our discipleship by reflecting and acting upon the two key messages of forgiveness and sacrifice. Former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo gave the admonition in a Good Friday message. According to the message, the Lenten season has been a 40 – day period of prayer, penance, fasting, repentance and almsgiving and Good Friday is the sorrowful and highest demonstration of Agape Love on the Cross of Calvary by Jesus Christ. “Today’s crucifixion and death of our…
An illegal attachment to an existing building at No 47 Modebe Street, Onitsha in Anambra state on Monday collapsed on a 9-year old, smashing his skull instantly. Investigations reveal that the building belonging to one Charles Chuke of Obikpolo, Onitsha, has been existence since the 70s. It was gathered that the developer had recently begun an attachment to the old building without the necessary approvals, which collapsed and resulted in the death of one of the tenants. When the site was visited, it was observed that the building had already been sealed off and marked for demolition by the Anambra…
A human rights group, Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has condemned the killing of a petrol attendant by a Police Officer in Ururuka Road, Obiomangwa Local Government Area in Abia state, earlier this week. The victim, Chibuisi Okameme was allegedly shot by one Inspector Asu Stanley attached to Ohuru Isimiri division on Sunday 5th April 2020 at about 2pm. The police were said to be in pursuit of a motorist who is a customer of the popular fuel station located on new Umuahia road Aba for allegedly violating the movement restriction order when the officer turned his…
As the shutdown order on markets across the state subsists, Anambra State Government has commenced the fumigation of major markets in the state. The exercise which is in line with the detection, prevention and protection plan of the State COVID-19 Action Committee, started Tuesday with the Onitsha Main Market, will continue until all the major markets are covered. Last week in a statewide broadcast on the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Governor, Willie Obiano had announced that 63 markets will be fumigated as part of measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus in the state. Flagging off the exercise…
The Central Bank of Nigeria has warned Nigerians of a global trend where cybercriminals take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud people. A press release issued on Monday by the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Isaac Okorafor said the trend is not peculiar to Nigeria alone as there has been a rise in COVID-19-related cyber- criminal activities all over the world. “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to warn the general public that cyber-criminals are taking advantage of the current “COVID-19” pandemic to defraud citizens, steal sensitive information, or gain unauthorized access to computers or mobile devices using various…
A 27-year-old man arrested by police operatives in Anambra for allegedly raping a 16-year old girl has denied committing the crime, saying he left the minor after she refused to allow him have sex with her. The suspect, Emeka Ogbukaifedi of Okpuno-Umuogali village, Oba in Idemili South Council area of Anambra was arrested for allegedly defiling the minor who is of the same village. A statement made available Monday, to newsmen by Anambra state police command, said the suspect allegedly took the victim on his bike under the false pretence that her father asked him to bring her to the…
A coalition of Civil Societies in Nigeria has called for immediate decongestion of Police cells and correctional centres across the country as the threat of coronavirus intensifies. The coalition comprising over 50 civil-society groups made the call in a press release issued to newsmen in Awka, in the wake of a recent riot by prisoners in Kaduna correctional centre. Preliminary investigation had revealed that the protest was sparked by concerns over conditions in the prison and fears by the inmates about possible exposure to COVID-19 infection. Unconfirmed reports had alleged brutal repression of the riots, torture, injuries and deaths The…
A suspected three-man robbery gang operating along Isiagu road has been nabbed, Police said. The three-man gang were arrested following a tipoff from the public. Isiagu ring road has been a blackspot notorious for incessant blockage and robbery by armed gangs. The Public Relations Officer of Anambra Police Command, Haruna Mohammed said the trio at about 7:45 pm Friday, allegedly waylaid and robbed one Uyana Ikechukwu of a cash sum of Forty-five thousand naira (#45,000) and other valuables at gunpoint. “On the 3rd of April at about 11:15 pm, following complaints of incessant blockage of Isiagu road Awka, Puff-Adder operatives…
Following the sit-at-home order by the Anambra State government aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has directed all parishes within his domain to provide for their poor parishioners as well as other indigent people around them. According to him, it was about time the Church initiated measures that would ameliorate the plights of their struggling parishioners. Bishop Ezeokafor who gave the directive while delivering a homily to mark this year’s Palm Sunday Mass held at Holy Family Spiritual Year, Okpuno in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra…
The Civil Society/ Media Group in Anambra has raised concerns over the increasing incidences of human rights violation and outrageous hike in prices of food items since the government announced its lockdown plan in the state. The concerns were contained in a statement issued after the group met to evaluate the efforts made so far by Anambra and Federal governments towards containing the dreaded coronavirus pandemic ravaging most parts of the world. The group commended the efforts of both the Federal and Anambra State Government through public awareness campaign on the virus and how to avoid contracting it, as well…
A four-man syndicate impersonating Anambra State Government’s task force on COVID-19 has been arrested, Police says. Parading the suspects at the State Police Headquarters in Awka, the Spokesperson, Anambra State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed said items recovered from the suspects include Surgical masks and hand sanitizers produced locally under unhygienic conditions. “On the 31st of March, 2020 at about 3 pm, following intelligence report, police operatives attached to Central Police Station Onitsha arrested the following syndicate, Anthony Chidubem Oyatubo aged 30 years of Nimo, Njikoka LGA, Nwachukwu Chidi aged 31 years of Awka, Chris C.Okeke aged 30years of Awka and…
As part of plans to cushion the adverse economic effects of its restrictions due to the coronavirus challenge, Anambra State Government today rolled out an economic stimulus package for residents of the state. The package which is contained in a special broadcast on COVID-19 by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano Thursday, reinforced the government’s initial directives suspending schools, nightclubs and bars, weddings, funerals, ofala ceremonies and other social events that bring people together in one place. Announcing the stimulus package, the governor said the first aspect of the initiative which mainly targets to protect the most vulnerable members of…
A 20-year old boy has been arrested for beheading his four-year-old nephew, one Chiemerie Ezekiel at Ugamuma Village, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The suspect, Uchechi Eze of Ezza LGA of Ebonyi State had on the 16th of March, used an axe to commit the dastardly act and escaped to an unknown destination. The Spokesperson of the Police in Anambra State, Haruna Mohammed said police operatives attached to Obosi Division had visited the Scene and taken the victim to Unity hospital Obosi where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor and his corpse deposited…
Anambra State Government today received a cheque for five million naira (#5,000,000) from MP-Infrastructure Limited, as a donation towards its efforts at battling the coronavirus challenge in the state. The cheque was presented by Dr. Clem Nwogbo, Group Chairman, M-P Infrastructure Ltd, Promoters Of Awka Millennium City Project, at a brief ceremony at the SSG’s Conference Hall, Government House, Awka. The cheque was received on behalf of the State COVID-19 Task Force, by the Secretary to Anambra State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu. Presenting the cheque, Dr Nwogbo represented by Mr Tony Nwume, said they were impressed by the efforts being…
Anambra State Government today announced an Aid account to galvanize support from individuals and corporate organizations towards effectively battling the coronavirus challenge in the state. The account is tagged “ANAMBRA STATE COVID-19 AID FIDELITY ACCOUNT NUMBER 5030112159.” The announcement was made by the State Taskforce on COVID-19 at a briefing today at the State Government House in Awka. Anambra COVID-19 taskforce was set up by Governor Willie Obiano with the mandate to prevent the spread of the virus in the state, to ensure that health facilities are prepared to handle emergencies in the event of an outbreak and to enforce…
Two persons have died and 4 others injured in a fatal road traffic crash today in Awka, Anambra State capital. The accident occurred at about 10.57 am today at Kwata junction, along Awka-Onitsha expressway. According to the Anambra Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Paschal Anigbo, the accident which involved a tanker with registration number ENU 921 ZK, a Truck with registration number XQ 679 EPE and a Toyota Hiace bus without a visible registration number, claimed the lives of two female adults. The FRSC said the crash which was caused by over-speeding and loss of…
The Nigeria Civil Society Community has condemned Monday’s attack on the premises of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abuja, by Police Operatives. Police officers were reported to have fired live ammunition into the premises of the Commission on Monday, which damaged vehicles of the Commission’s staff and threatened the lives of the staff of the Commission and their visitors. The shots were allegedly fired while ostensibly attempting to disperse members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) who were on their routine assembly around the offices of the Commission, to protest the continued illegal detention of their sect leader…
Given the restrictions announced by Anambra State Government concerning the coronavirus challenge, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state has deployed 250 personnel to ensure full compliance. Both the Federal and the State Governments had banned all public gatherings exceeding 30 persons till further notice as a measure to fight and curtail the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 disease. At the State headquarters of the NSCDC in Awka, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant David Bille ordered the deployment of 250 NSCDC Personnel across the state to ensure the strict enforcement of the social restriction orders…
The Disability Community in Anambra State has raised the alarm that the coronavirus pandemic may hit them very hard unless necessary steps are taken to support and assist the vulnerable group stay safe. The call came from members of the community as the threat of COVID-19 intensifies across the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended refrain from physical contact and social distancing, as measures to prevent contracting the highly contagious disease. But according to the Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Disability Matters, Barr Chuks Ezewuzie ‘do not touch’ is not for the blind and the visually…
Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi says his administration has released the sum of Three Hundred and Thirty Million Naira for strengthening the Corona Virus Disease Preparedness and Response in the state. In a broadcast in Enugu, Governor Ugwuanyi said consistent with its commitment to ensuring the provision of healthcare and preservation of the sanctity of human life, his government had in the past week’s taken proactive safety measures to contain the Corona Virus Disease pandemic. According to him, Out of the sum, One hundred and fifty million naira is dedicated to purchasing of additional Ambulances and Incident vehicles, Personal Protective…
