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THE STATES

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Bauchi

Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye, Chairman and
Spiritual Head, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide, has called on Nigerians to seek God’s intervention to curb insurgency in the country.
Abidoye’s call is contained in a New Year massage made available to newsmen in Bauchi.
He emphasised that Nigerians should embrace love as well as seek God’s intervention towards surmounting the current security challenges and other socio-economic problems confronting the country.
Abidoye observed that Nigeria was suffering from lack of love and harmony among her people.
He opined that the dearth of love among Nigerians had given birth to distrust, intolerance, hatred and unwarranted violence among the citizens of this country.

Benue

No fewer than 1,000 delegates are expected at the
annual Conference of National Directorate of Religious Education for Catholic Dioceses of Nigeria scheduled to hold in Makurdi between January 12,  16.
The conference will be hosted by the Abuja Ecclesiastical Province which comprises the dioceses of Makurdi, Otukpo, Idah, Lokoja ,Lafia, Gboko, Katsin-Ala and the Arch Diocese of Abuja.
The Provincial Chairman of the conference, Rev Godwin Agberagba, disclosed this to newsmen in Makurdi.
Agberagba said the conference, which would review the religious education Curriculum in schools owned by the church, would take place at the Pope John Paul Pastoral Centre, Makurdi.
He said the review would set the stage for effecting changes in catholic school programmes in the country.

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State says the
Federal Government is owing the state government more than N17 billion.
Lamido disclosed this while addressing supporters at the PDP governorship campaign rally in Hadejia.
He said that the amount was accrued in respect of various federal government projects executed by the state government.
Lamido explained that the delay in the reimbursement of the money was hindering “completion of viable projects initiated by his administration.
“The Federal Government is owing Jigawa government over N17 billion.
“I demand payment of the money to facilitate completion of the ongoing projects or else it will linger to the next dispensation,” he said.

Kano

The death has occurred of the renowned Second
Republic politician in Kano State, Alhaji Ammani Inuwa.
Inuwa died in the early hours of Monday at his residence in Fagge Quarters at the age of 78, after a protracted illness.
The announcement of his death was made by his eldest son, Alhaji Animu Ammani, in Kano on Monday.
He said his father just returned from a medical trip abroad and that he had taken a similar trip to Saudi Arabia in recent times.
Late Inuwa started his political journey during the days of the Northern Elements Progressives Union (NEPU) and later the Peoples’ Redemption Party (PRP).
The late political icon became popular at the peak of the present political dispensation which made one of the most popular names in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
During the tenure of Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after realising that he and his supporters were no longer relevant in the APC.

Kebbi

The National Union of Local Government Employees
(NULGE) in Kebbi State has urged the state government to hasten the payment of outstanding leave grants to local members.
The state Chairman of the union, Alhaji Bello Barade, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Barade said that the government is owing members two years outstanding leave grants.
“We were not paid the 2013 and 2014 leave grants and even in 2012 we were paid half of the amount,’’ he said.
According to him, the state government workers had been paid their leave grants while local government employees had not been paid.
The chairman said that the members would not relent on their agitation until they were settled.

Kwara

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
in Kwara State, Dr Yunus Lawal, has warned politicians to eschew bitterness for the success of the 2015 general elections.
Lawal, who is also the Chairman, Governing Council of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, made the remark during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
The chieftain, who is a veterinary doctor, noted that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, acrimony or hatred.
He, therefore, urged politicians to give peace a chance before, during and after the polls.
Lawal also advised politicians and their followers to shun destructive tendencies and other acts capable of truncating democracy in the country.

Nasarawa

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in
Nasarawa State said  that it would embark on house-to-house and neighbour-to-neighbour campaign for success in this year’s general elections.
Mr Umbugadu Sunday, the party’s Coordinator, Neighbour-to-Neighbour Campaign organisation, said this in Akun while addressing supporters of the party in Akun development area of the state.
He said that the strategy would enable the party to win all seats in the upcoming election in the state.
He called on the people of the state to vote only leaders of unquestionable character in the country.

Plateau

A peace forum convened by the National Orientation
Agency (NOA) in Jos has urged warring Fulani and Maughavul youths in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace peace.
Our correspondent reports that law and order broke down in the council following the discovery of a headless body believed to be that of a Maughavul indigene.
This had pitched Maughavul youths against their Fulani neighbours who they accused of being behind the incident.
But at a stakeholders meeting convened by NOA, leaders of both ethnic groups in attendance sued for peace.
The NOA Director, Mr Bulus Dabit, who read the resolution of the forum, said that the leaders had decided to embrace dialogue in resolving the issue.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government security outfit, “Sokoto
Marshals Corps’’, said it had prosecuted more than 100 motorcyclists for violating traffic rules in Sokoto city and its environs in the last two months.
The Commandant of the outfit, ACP Sa’idu Madawaki, disclosed this at a news conference in Sokoto when he reviewed the outfit’s activities since it took off in November 2014.
He said the accused motorcyclists were prosecuted and convicted to various jail terms, adding that most of them were arrested for violating traffic lights, routes violation and related offences.
He noted that “some of them were also arrested for assaulting our personnel operating along the various roundabouts and inter- sections in the city.’’

Taraba

The Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi
Kifasi, has urged people of Taraba State to vote for credible and tested candidates that would introduce change and ensure development in the state.
He made the call in Jalingo at a breakfast organised in his honour by Global Achievers Group for Jonathan 2015.
The head of service told his audience that what Taraba and indeed Nigeria urgently needed were credible and tested candidates,saying people should not mind the ethnic or religious backgrounds of candidates but what they could offer.
He said what Taraba and Nigeria urgently required was development in terms of basic amenities and infrastructure.

L-R:  Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, wife of former Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Jakande and Chairman, Premier Lotto Ltd, Chief Keshington Adebutu,  at the 2,600 days in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola,  recently

L-R: Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, wife of former Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Jakande and Chairman, Premier Lotto Ltd, Chief Keshington Adebutu, at the 2,600 days in office of Governor Babatunde Fashola, recently

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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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