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Ohanaeze Declares War On Erring Herdsmen In South East Zone
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has declared war against any erring pastoralists caught up trespassing from one Community to another by cattle Conveyance by foot in the south east geopolitical zone.
The group made this known in a press statement signed by its President general, Maziokechukwuisiguzoro and forwarded to newsmen yesterday.
Ohanaeze, however, called on the leadership of the indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, to tender an unreserved apology to the governors of the south east geopolitical zone for unwarranted attacks.
The statement reads in part: “We observed that the resolutions of the expanded meeting of South East Governors and Security Agents and Stakeholders in Enugu over the weekend, are timely response to deal decisively on the issues of insecurity brewing from suspected activities of Herdsmen and checkmating other forms of criminalities being perpetuated under the guise of Cattle movement from one Community to another Community resulting to destruction of farm crops, raping igbo mothers and daughters, kidnapping through murderous Herdsmen nefarious activities.
“Igbo Youths will now deal decisively any erring pastoralists caught up trespassing from one Community to another by cattle Conveyance by foot, and Urge Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to educate their members of the consequences and implications of being caught, Urge the Youths to handover to security agents any pastoralists caught.
“South East Governors had been absolved and vindicated of any involvement in the last operation Python Dance(s) by the security agents, this put to an end the suspicion brewing in some quarters alleged by IPOB, which had threatened the peaceful atmosphere of the South East, now that South East Governors are cleared by Security Agents, IPOB should openly or secretly apologize to the South East Governors and change tactics in their modus operandi for peaceful co existences.
“We equally Urge the newly inaugurated South East Security Committee led Maj. Gen Abel Obi Umahi, to engage the existing neighborhood watch across 95 LGAs of South East and return the dreaded bakassi vigilante groups to compliment the effort of security agents who may compromise when dealing with issues bothering on Herdsmen/farmers clash because of tribal sentiments.
“We Urge the South East Governors to interface with President Muhammadu Buhari during their proposed Visit to him and Security chiefs on issues of his unfulfilled 2015 electoral promise of revamping the Enugu coal mine, which had been moribund for the past 46 Year nows, the implementation of the approval of rehabilitation of some Federal Roads in the South East by the last Federal Executive Council, especially Expansion/dualization of Aba-ikotekpene-CalabarRoad, Abaomege/ Ugep road, Umuahia-ikot Expene Road, Owerri/Umuahia Express Road, Ideato/Okigwe Road, and speedy completion of Enugu pH Express Road(especially Aba-Ph axis), Completion of Onitsha/Enugu Express Road,2nd Niger Bridge, and issues uncleared on insecurity in the region.
“We will not entertain any flimsy excuse from Ministry of Aviation on the re-opening of Akanuibiam Enugu Airport by December which is under renovation, We Urge the Hon Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Abubakar to upgrade the facilities in the Airport to meet up with the standard of an international Airport with night landing facilities, as it will be a legacy Project of President Muhammadu Buhari under his ministry to see that night activities resume in Enugu Airport during the re-opening of Enugu Airport by first week of December, so that international flights that uses night landing facilities can convey Igbos retuning for Christmas vacation to connect to Enugu from any part of the World. We thank the South Governors and Security Agents and FAAN for the palliative and security measures to easy out inconvenience and makes route safe from Mbakwe Airport Owerri,” they stated.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.