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THE STATES

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L-R: Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Emir of  Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo and Deputy Speaker Plateau  State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Gagdi, during the Eid el-Fitri traditional sallah homage to the governor in Jos last Monday. Photo: NAN

L-R: Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Emir of Wase, Alhaji Mohammed Sambo and Deputy Speaker Plateau State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Gagdi, during the Eid el-Fitri traditional sallah homage to the governor in Jos last Monday. Photo: NAN

Adamawa
An Adamawa State-based non-governmental
organisation, Fombina Grassroots Development Association, has  facilitated the release of 20 inmates in Jimeta and Yola Prisons.
The Project Manager of the association, Alhaji Abubakar Njidda, made this known when he presented gift items to the inmates in Yola.
Njidda said the inmates, who regained their freedom, were those sentenced to prisons on civil cases, adding that the association could only pay the fines of 20 convicts.
He said that the association would continue to follow due process to seek the release of those who were convicted on civil cases and could not pay their fines.

Benue

A former Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav,
has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, to intervene to end the spate of killings in Benue state.
Tsav told newsmen in Makurdi that their intervention was imperative to prevent the state from plunging into anarchy.
A chieftain of the PDP in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Mr Atoza Ihindan,  was recently gunned down by unknown assassins in broad day light near Jato Aka in the LGA.
Tsav, who bemoaned the incessant killings, noted that they occurred mostly within the Katsina-Ala axis of the state.

Ekiti

The Ekiti State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil
Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Sunday paraded two suspects for allegedly carrying out illegal abortion.
The suspects, according to the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr Raji Adedoyin, specialised in carrying out abortions illegally around Tiwaloluwa Resort Area, FHA Estate, Afao Road, Ado -Ekiti.
The commandant, while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the corps, reiterated the commitment of the corps to free the state of quack doctors.
According to him, no religion supports abortion and if it is inevitable that pregnant individuals should visit government or certified hospitals.

FCT

The President of Pan-African Cultural Congress
(PACC), Mr Ferdinand Anikwe,   has said that Africa’s development must be based on its diverse cultures to succeed.
Anikwe made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja  saying the approach was necessary for Africa to succeed.
“Africa remains in deep political, economic and cultural crises beneath which lie her aspiration, struggle, hope and commitment.
“One of the major challenges of Africa has been the inability to generate, package and implement viable and effective programmes for growth and development,’’ Anikwe said.
He said that any plan for development that failed to recognise or take into cognisance Africa’s very rich cultural potential was bound to fail.

Kaduna

Queen Amina College, Kaduna, has appealed to the
Kaduna State Government to provide the college with teachers in core science subjects and a nurse for the school sick bay.
The Principal of the College, Hajiya Balkisu Ubangari made the appeal in an interview with newsmen  in Kaduna.
Ubangari said that the school was in shortage of teachers, particularly in core science subjects, namely mathematics, physics, geography, basic technology and agriculture.
Others, she said were physical and health education, religious knowledge, culture and creative art.
According to her, the subjects are very crucial in preparing students for tertiary institutions.

Lagos

Project for Human Development (PHD), a civil society
Organisation, has urged President Mohammadu Buhari not to listen to the US government on issues of Gay rights, so as to protect the laws and values of Nigeria.
The call as made at a rally in Lagos with the theme of the rally was, “Gay Marriage: Obama, Please Leave Nigeria Alone”.
Buhari is already in America where he is holding talks with President Barack Obama and other senior officials of the United States government.
Director-General of PHD, Mr Jerry Okwuosa said that the rally was to hint Buhari on the fears by Nigerians that Obama might ask him to decriminalise “the Same Sex Prohibition Law of Nigeria”.

Nasarawa
The founder of Tremas Academy in Mararaba, Nasarawa
State, Mrs Dora Iroro, has called on the three tiers of government to focus more on improving primary education in order to make the country an intellectual hub.
Iroro spoke at the school’s premises while briefing newsmen on the institution’s forthcoming graduation and prize giving day billed.
She said the call became imperative as primary education remains the building block for future societal endeavours.
Iroro advised the government to urgently provide an enabling environment for primary education and their operators to thrive.
She also said there was need to make registration of private primary schools less costly while incentives in form of tax holidays should be provided for owners.
Iroro further urged the government to ensure regular monitoring of the schools to ensure such quality service was not compromised.

Osun

A group, Women for Positive Impact Initiative, has
called for greater participation of women in the political space to contribute their quota to nation building.
The group made the call in Osogbo through its Executive Director, Mrs Tokunbo Ajayi, who described the level of women participation in politics as worrisome and discouraging
She urged women to show more interest in the decision-making process of the country and contribute their quota to nation building.
According to her, women play a very significant role in making a nation great through compassionate leadership.
“It is high time we changed our political equation and start to encourage more women to go into politics.
“Women are very sensitive and passionate than men when it comes to leadership; it is a way of making a nation great.

Oyo

Ansar-ud-deen Society of Nigeria (ADS) has appealed
to the Boko Haram insurgents to sheathe their sword and allow peace to reign in the country.
The society made the call in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muibi Adebanjo, in Ibadan recently.
It congratulated the Muslims for the successful completion of Ramadan and urged the Islamic faithful worldwide to embrace the righteous ways displayed during Ramadan.
It noted that the nation cannot develop nor grow in a situation of insecurity, and charged the insurgents to sheathe their sword and make its agitation known to the government through dialogue.
The Islamic organization commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his approach to duty, and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with him.

Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has
called for the establishment of rent control boards in the country as one of the methods of curbing insecurity.
Abubakar spoke in Sokoto last Sunday when he paid Sallah homage to Governor Aminu Tambuwal of the state.
According to the sultan, the proposed boards should be charged with the responsibility of keeping a national database on all landlords and tenants.
Abubakar also urged Nigerians to take the issue of security as a collective duty and not that of the government alone.
The sultan called on the state government to introduce a state-wide schools shuttle bus service to alleviate the suffering of students.

Zamfara

The National Union of Road Transport Workers
(NURTW), said its members had maintained their transportation fares throughout the Sallah period.
The Director of Publicity of the union, Mr Kefas Dogonyaro made this known in Gusau in an interview with newsmen.
He said that members of the union did not increase the transportation fare because they were considering the current economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
“Even though we knew many petrol stations sold the commodity over the approved Federal Government price of N87 per litre, we have maintained our fares so as not to add to the sufferings faced by our people.”
He said that all passengers that boarded vehicles at the motor-parks had enjoyed the regular fares without any increase.
Dogonyaro said that the union would continue to encourage passengers to board vehicles at designated motor-parks where details of passengers were usually obtained to guard against any unforeseen circumstance.

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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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