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THE STATES

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Benue

The Benue State Government last Monday said that
retired civil Servants in the state were being owed gratuities amounting to N7.4 billion.
The Head of Service, Mr Terna Ahua,  disclosed   in Makurdi, that the debts dated back to 1995 and represented unpaid gratuities, owed either to retired civil servants or their next of kin.
Ahua said that it was unfortunate that during the military era, many public servants were relieved of their jobs, even when there were no resources to settle their benefits.

FCT

Commercial drivers at Abuja’s Jabi Motor Park have
lamented the dearth of passengers for them in recent times, blaming this on “illegal parks’’ and dwindling spending power of many Nigerians.
Some of them told our source last Sunday that “the poor state of the country’s economy’’ could be particularly responsible for the situation.
They said there was a paucity of cash in circulation in the last one month, pointing out that many Nigerians have as a result refrained from spending as before.

Jigawa

The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) last Sunday announced Alhaji Abubakar Murtala of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the State House of Assembly by-election in Ringim Constituency of Jigawa, held last  Saturday.
The INEC Chief Returning Officer, Alhaji Umar Sani, said that the PDP candidate polled 22,431 to defeat his close rival of All Progressive Congress (APC) who scored 11,533 votes.
The re-run poll followed the death of the former Deputy Speaker of the state assembly, Alhaji Inuwa Udi in a road accident in August.
Sani said that a total of eight political parties participated in the by-election.

Kaduna

Christians resident in Kafanchan in Kaduna State
could not attend the usual Sunday church service as a result of the curfew imposed on the city after the civil strife in the city, last Friday.
They had to stay in their respective homes in compliance with the restriction on movements within the city.
The situation in the city, which is the Jama’a Local Government Area’s headquarters, was against the usual practice, as there was always a large turnout of Christians on Sundays for services.
Some  residents said the presence and strict measures adopted by security agents made it impossible for them to go to their respective churches.

Kano

Some victims of flood disaster in Tarauni Local Gov
ernment Area of Kano State last Sunday appealed to Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso to take necessary measures to ameliorate their sufferings.
Making  the appeal in an interview, one of victims, Malam Musa Lawan, said the call was necessary as no fewer than 575 persons were displaced in the area during the flooding of August 9 stating that nobody had come to their aid or given them any assistance since the flood disaster.

Lagos

Some lawyers last Sunday said the endorsement of a
national conference by Senate President, David Mark, was a realisation that the challenges facing the country needed to be discussed.
In interviews in Lagos, the lawyers said that it was important a national conference was convened in order for the country to remain a single, peaceful entity.
According to Mr Onyekachi Ubani, chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Nigeria stands to gain by organising a talk where the questions of the ethnic nationalities staying together will be honestly and unemotionally discussed.
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Nasarawa

The Police in Nasarawa State last Monday confirmed
the arrest of no fewer than 40 suspects in connection with the recent ethnic clashes in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Umar Shehu, told newsmen in Lafia that the police also recovered weapons and charms from the suspects.
He said that the police had also discovered a shallow grave at Tudun Adabu in the Obi Local Government Area of the state, where Alhaji Alhassan Gidado, Managing Director of the Police Community Bank, Tunde Banwo and their driver, Aliyu Adamu, were buried after they were killed.
The commissioner said that the suspects directly linked to the killing of the bank chief were among those arrested by the police, while their remains had been unearthed for proper burial.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ota, Ogun
State, last Sunday, said it was set to embark on programmes that would reduce road accidents in the ember months.
The Ota Unit Commander of the corps, Mr Omafu Sunday, said in Ota that the programmes would help to sensitise motorists on speed limits.
According to him, the rate of road mishaps in Sango-Ota and its environ in the ember months is alarming and something must be done fast to check it.
“Our first outing will focus on public enlightenment rallies at all the auto parks in Ota. Subsequently, we will then move to other areas,’’ he said.

Ondo

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
said last Monday that its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would be computer-based from 2015.
The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, said this in Akure at an advocacy campaign on the advantages of the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Ojerinde, who said that there were enough facilities for the CBT in Ondo state, also made it clear that candidates who chose to write the next UTME in the state would have no option than the CBT.

Oyo

Nigeria may not be classified as a developed nation
by 2020 if the country fails to tackle child labour.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a three-day workshop on elimination of child labour in Nigeria organised by the International Labour Organisation International Programme on Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) for media professionals.
The National Bureau of Statistics had in 2000 estimated that more than 15 million Nigerian children are involved in child labour consisting of 7,812,756 males and 7,214,856 females.
The ILO, however, said “Nigeria may not be classified as a developed nation by 2020 if predisposing factors are not addressed by stakeholders.”

Sokoto

Chairman of the Poverty Reduction Committee in
Sokoto State, Dr Jabbi Kilgori, says the Yabo Local Government in the state is planning to give jobs to 1,000 unemployed youths.
The committee chairman said last Sunday in Sokoto  State that the gesture was sequel to a recent directive by Governor  Aliyu Wamakko noting that the employment scheme was under the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) in the state.
Kilgori, who is also the state’s Commissioner for Environment said the youths would be paid monthly allowances of N10,000 each and disclosed that “The youths will be engaged in some projects aimed at improving the environment and keeping environmental problems at bay.”

Zamfara

Governor  Abdulazez Yari of Zamfara State las Mon
day in Gusau said gunmen had killed 160 people and abducted 10 married women in different villages of the state in the last three months. Yari who made the disclosure when he addressed members of the state House Assembly on security situation in the state  said the situation had caused disaffection between residents of the affected villages and the state government.
The governor said the hoodlums, who continued to terrorise villages in parts of the state, stole no fewer than 6,000 cows and 4,000 sheep within the period.
Yari said the state government was handicapped, and urged the Federal Government to deploy more security personnel to the state to protect lives and property of the people.
The Speaker, Alhaji Sanusi Rikijin, assured the governor of the assembly’s support,“We will consult with other state houses of assembly and the National Assembly to ensure justice, equity and fair play in the country,’’ Rikijin said.

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Bikers, Others Grace Burial Of Rivers Philanthropist

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Bikers were among prominent dignitaries who recently attended the burial ceremony of late Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor (née Lawson) in Omagwa Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The burial service, held at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church field, attracted a large turnout of religious leaders, business executives, political figures, celebrities, bikers’ groups, traditional rulers and community members from different parts of Nigeria. Also present were the Bishop of the Anglican Province of the Niger Delta, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah, and popular businessman and socialite, Obi Cubana, among other notable personalities.
The remains of Mrs Grant Offor, a respected professional, philanthropist and devout Christian, were laid to rest amid an elaborate and well-coordinated funeral ceremony that reflected her wide-reaching influence and the high regard in which she was held by family, associates and the larger community.
The ceremony drew public attention due to its unique logistics, as two helicopters were deployed. An air ambulance helicopter conveyed the casket to the church field, while another helicopter transported members of the deceased’s family from Abonnema to Omagwa Community.
Dignitaries and mourners gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects.
In an emotional tribute, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor, described his late wife as everything to him, stating that her passing had created a deep void in his life and in the lives of their children. He disclosed that he committed his time, resources and efforts in a bid to save her life, adding that if money or human effort alone could prevent death, she would still be alive.
Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor was born on May 4, 1978, at the Ibiso Maternity Clinic, Port Harcourt, and passed away on November 15, 2025, after a prolonged illness that lasted nearly three years. She was born a twin and grew up in a family noted for service and leadership. Her father, the late Engr. Benoni Lawson, served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), while her mother, Mrs. Irene Lawson, is a nurse.
She attended Port Harcourt Primary School and International Secondary School (ISS) before proceeding to the University of Science and Technology (UST), Port Harcourt, and later the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where she studied Accountancy and graduated with honours. She was widely known during her academic years for her discipline, focus and reserved lifestyle.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, Mrs. Grant Offor began her professional career in the banking sector, including service with the defunct All States Trust Bank, and later worked in other professional capacities. She earned a reputation for integrity, diligence and ethical conduct.
She was married to Engr. Grant Offor for over 20 years, a union blessed with three children. As a wife and mother, she was described as deeply devoted to her family, instilling values of faith, patience, kindness and discipline. Her home was known among close associates as one built on prayer, love and godly counsel.
A committed Christian, Mrs. Grant Offor was known for her strong faith and love for gospel music, particularly songs of healing and deliverance. Even while receiving specialist medical care in the United Kingdom, she reportedly remained steadfast in her belief, trusting in God until her final moments.

Adding to the show of solidarity, the President of the Rivers State Chapter of the Pantas Female Bikers Group, Mr. White Timano, disclosed that High Chief Engr. Grant Offor is a major sponsor of Uyo Micah’s Carnival, one of the group’s major events. He said bikers and supporters travelled from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta States to commiserate with the family and show support during the period of mourning.

Mr. Timano described death as inevitable and encouraged the family to remain strong, stressing that only God grants the grace required to endure such painful loss.

The church field was tastefully decorated, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere. The burial ceremony featured hymns, live music, scriptural exhortations, eulogies and tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor. Messages from notable personalities highlighted her contributions to family life, philanthropy, professional service and community development.

On behalf of the family, High Chief Engr. Grant Offor expressed appreciation to all who stood by them throughout the period of mourning, thanking guests for their prayers, presence and support.

The burial ceremony stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mrs. Nimi Obata Grant Offor, whose life of service, faith and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on many across Rivers State, the Niger Delta and beyond.

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Security Guard Missing After Fence Demolition In PH

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Asecurity guard has been reported missing following the demolition of a fence at a property located at No. 19D, Golf Course Layout, Old Government Residential Area (GRA), Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident reportedly occurred late Sunday night at the disputed property said to be owned by Ozone Global.
Eyewitnesses revealed that a group of men, some of whom were dressed in what appeared to be naval uniforms, arrived at the premises on motorcycles and allegedly pulled down the fence surrounding the property.
During the incident, a security guard on duty, identified simply as Abubakar, was allegedly taken away by the group to an unknown destination.
A relative of the missing guard, Musa, said efforts to get immediate help, including alerting a nearby police point, proved abortive as the incident had already occurred before any intervention could be made.
“I escaped because I noticed them early, but my brother was taken away. Up till now, we don’t know where he is or how he is doing. We are appealing to the authorities to help locate him,” Musa said.
Meanwhile, one of the intermediaries involved in the land transaction, Mr. Chimezie Bright, alleged that the incident may be connected to an ongoing land dispute over the property.
Bright claimed that the land was purchased by Ozone Global from one late Mr Felix Orie and that documents from the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Housing indicate that the land was allocated to Mr Orie.
He further alleged that another claimant to the land, Mr. Mac Oruche, had allegedly challenged the ownership and opposed development on the property, despite the matter being the subject of a court case.
According to Bright, tensions over the property had previously resulted in disagreements during attempts to fence the land.
“We carried out due diligence before the purchase, including verification at the Ministry of Lands. However, the dispute has persisted,” he said.
Bright expressed concern over the alleged involvement of uniformed personnel in a civil land dispute and called for a thorough investigation into the incident, particularly the whereabouts of the missing security guard.
As at the time of filing this report, Abubakar’s location had remained unknown.
Efforts to reach Mr. Mac Oruche for his reaction were unsuccessful, while the police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

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OIU Protests Arrest Of Witnesses In Okon Aku Crisis Probe

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The apex socio-cultural and development association of the ancient Ohafia Kingdom, the Ohafia Improvement Union Incorporated (OIU) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, expressing grave concern over the arrests of several individuals from the Okon Aku community who were cooperating with a state-constituted Panel of Inquiry investigating the recent communal crisis in the community located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.
The union also called for the immediate release of those arrested.
In a letter dated February 6, 2026, and received at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, the union described the arrests as troubling and procedurally irregular, noting that the affected individuals had either testified or were preparing to testify before the government-sanctioned panel.
Those reportedly arrested include Udo Ukoha of Ndi Envoke; Okereke John, Udonsi Obin, Eteo Ayo, Idika I. Kalu, and John Ukwakwe of Ndi Owom; and Ukpabi Uche Idika of Ndi Ebin.
While emphasizing that it does not seek to prejudge the legal culpability of any individual, the OIU stressed that the timing, context, and manner of the arrests could undermine the credibility, independence, and integrity of the Panel of Inquiry.
“The arrest of individuals cooperating with an official inquiry poses a serious threat to the fact-finding process, creates fear among potential witnesses, and may discourage public participation,” the union stated, warning that such actions could obstruct efforts to uncover the root causes of the crisis.
The union further noted that panels of inquiry rely heavily on voluntary and truthful cooperation, and any action that instills fear in contributors risks eroding public confidence in the justice system, violating principles of fairness, transparency, and natural justice.
Consequently, the OIU urged the Office of the IGP to immediately review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, suspend any further actions perceived as targeting witnesses, and issue clear directives to guarantee the safety and freedom of all individuals participating in the inquiry.
The President General of Ohafia Improvement Union, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, signed the petition, which was also copied to the Executive Governor of Abia State and the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Umuahia.
The union reiterated that the Ohafia community desires lasting peace and reconciliation, which can only be achieved through a transparent, fair, and uncoerced investigation into the Okon Aku crisis.
The Okon Aku communal crisis erupted in early January 2026, prompting the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State to immediately establish the Panel of Inquiry to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the conflict, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
It is against this backdrop that the Ohafia Improvement Union has raised an alarm over the arrests, calling for the immediate release of those detained and emphasizing the need to protect witnesses rather than intimidate them.

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