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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has set up a committee to reintegrate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returning to various communities in the state.
Deputy Director, Ministry of Women Affairs, Adamawa State  Mrs Regina Vincent, told newsmen in an interview last Tuesday in Abuja.
Vincent, said that the committee would ensure that the returnees were properly treated to enable them cope with the challenges of life in the larger society.
She said that government was conscious of its responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of IDPs as they move back to larger society.
“Those that intend to leave the camp and settle with host communities remain our priority, because they have nothing and nowhere to go; there is a plan to shift them to other camps and settle them there.

Bauchi
The Nigerian Army, last Tuesday said it had cleared kidnappers’ camps in Toro and Ningi Local Government Areas of Bauchi State.
It disclosed this in a statement signed by Maj. Joseph Afolasade, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 33 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Bauchi State, and made available to newsmen.
Afolasade said, a detachment of soldiers from the 135 Battalion of the Brigade in Bauchi flushed out the kidnappers from their hideouts on May 14.
He said, the troops were deployed under an operation code-named ‘Operation Harbin Kunama II’ to clear the notorious camps in Lame, Burra, Dangarfa and Dangardo forests in the state.
The spokesman said that the soldiers had earlier averted an attempt by the suspected kidnappers to escape, adding that, one Ado Ahmed, 20, was arrested.

Benue
The Benue State Police Command, recently arraigned one Benedict Kum, 31, before a Makurdi Magistrate’s Court over alleged criminal conspiracy, armed robber and rape.
The Police prosecutor, Veronica Shaagee, told the court that one Helen Iorbee, who resides behind Oxnet Water, Akpehe, Logo II, Makurdi reported the case at ‘E’ Division Police Station, Makurdi, on May 10.
Shaagee alleged that Kum, also of the same address, conspired with one other person, now at large, to rob and rape the complainant.
“They broke into my house, robbed me, took my Itel phone valued at N24,000 and N17,000 cash, before one of them raped me,’’ Iorbee was quoted as telling the police.
The prosecutor further said that the accused, who was arrested during police investigation, voluntarily confessed to the crime.

Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court last Tuesday dissolved the 10-year-old marriage between Mr Ilori Ayotunde and his wife, Yetunde.
Ilori sought dissolution of the marriage on grounds of adultery, “no rest of mind and lack of care for him.’’
The 35-year-old furniture maker told the court on oath that the respondent was fond of having secret affairs with different men while she was living in his house.
The father of two children told the court that the behaviour of the respondent did not give him peace of mind, whenever he thought of her actions.

FCT
Director of Stroke Action Group, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, last Tuesday advised Nigerians on regular check-up of their blood pressure to avoid silent death.
Ogungbo, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, ahead of the World Hypertension Day scheduled for May 17, with the theme “Know your Number”.
“Sadly, many are not aware about this silent killer in our midst. Those who are also often do not take it seriously.
“This is why millions of people are literally walking time bombs because of their high blood pressure.
“If it remains untreated, this can cause a heart attack, stroke or kidney disease,” he said.
Ogungbo, said hypertension had ranked first and described as the medical illness most frequently diagnosed in elderly person.

Kaduna
The Kaduna State Emergency Nutrition Action Plan (KADENAP), has commenced train-the-trainer programme to eradicate malnutrition in the state, an official has said.
Hajiya Ummi El-Rufa’i, wife to Governor Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, disclosed this at the flag-off of the training programme for some selected health personnel in Zaria.
Report  that the training is entitled: “Training on Community Management of Acute Malnutrition: Training of Trainers (TOT)”.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by Alhaji Shehu Usman-Muhammad, a member of KADENAP, said the workshop was aimed at improving the quality of health workers’ service in the management of malnutrition.
“It is specifically organised to train-the-trainers for them to train others in their various local governments and zones.
“It provides an opportunity to bring participants together from all over the state and best 20 will be selected to become trainers in the management of malnutrition in primary and secondary facilities,” she said.

Katsina
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk, has commended the Federal Government for sustaining provision of relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Farouk made the commendation in Daura last Tuesday when he received the National Commissioner of refugee commission, Hajiya Sadiya Farouk in his palace.
He said the present administration deserved commendation because of its commitments and determination to alleviate the hardships of IDPs.
He also lauded the efforts of Katsina State Government in supporting and implementing Federal Government programmes, stressing that Governor Bello Masari
was committed to replicating the ideas and philosophy of President Muhammadu Buhari in the state.
The emir added that he would go round to interact with IDPs in his domain with a view to giving them a sense of belonging.

Kogi
Two policemen were killed by gunmen last Tuesday morning on Magongo-Okene road in Kogi State.
The gunmen also made away with the AK47 rifles of the policemen who were on duty during the attack.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, confirmed the killing.
Inalegwu, who described the killing as sad, said the fleeing gunmen would be tracked down and prosecuted.
The Administrator of Ogori-Mangogo Local Government Council in whose domain the incident took place, Mr Moses Akande, condemned the killing and described it as unfortunate .
He hoped that the police would arrest the killers and bring them to justice.

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has opened the bid for the award of N8.6 billion contracts for construction of new school buildings.
Speaking during the opening of the bid on Tuesday in Lafia, Nasarawa SUBEB Chairman, Mohammed Dan-Azumi, said the process was in line with the law to ensure due process in the award of contracts.
Dan-Azumi, who was represented by Mr Freeman Kasa, a member of the board, promised to provide a level playing field for all the bidders to participate and ensure that due process was strictly adhered to.
“Even though this is my first interface with all the contractors since I assume office, I will ensure that due process is strictly adhered to and make sure there is no favouritism,” the chairman said.

Ondo
Two women, Basirat Abdullahi, 30, and Yemi Ebisola, 25, were last Tuesday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, for alleged beating a couple because of N10,000 foodstuffs debt.
The prosecutor, Insp. Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendants on April 25, around 6:00 p.m. at No. 4, Bamidele St., Igbodigo, Okitipupa, unlawfully assaulted their debtors by beating them mercilessly.
Orogbemi said that the suspects, who came to collect the debt owed by the couple, Samuel Fafeyiwa and Bola Fafeyiwa, pushed Bola down from a staircase and she sustained various degrees of injuries.

Oyo
Some members of the Olubadan-in-Council have dissociated themselves from the decision of the  Olubadan of Ibadanland,  Oba Saliu Adetunji , to appoint Alhaja Iswat Ameringun as the new  Iyaloja of Ibadan.
Report that, Chief Labake Lawal was removed as the Iyaloja and replaced by Ameringun.
Also reports that,  Lawal had dragged  the Olubadan and the council to court to seek nullification of her replacement.
But a statement issued on Monday and signed by two high chiefs, Lekan Balogun and Owolabi Olakulehin, dissociated themselves  from the appointment of a new Iyaloja.

Zamfara
The Federal University, Gusau in Zamfara State, has rusticated 15 students and expelled two others over examination misconduct, The Tide sources reports.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Magaji Garbage, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen while inspecting ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination [UTME] in Gusau, lastTuesday.
He said that University Governing Board took the measure to serve as deterrent to other students who might indulge in examination malpractice.

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Rumuaholu Community Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Accuses Obio/Akpor Chairman of Interference in Land Dispute

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The Ekeanyanwu family of Rumuaholu Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has strongly refuted allegations of land grabbing levelled against it, describing recent media reports as false, misleading, and deliberately fabricated.
The family made its position known during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the residence of Dr. Colonel Ogwumerum Eke in Rumuaholu. The briefing was attended by community leaders, stakeholders, and family representatives.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Eke dismissed claims attributed to the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Gift Worlu, which allegedly labelled the family as land grabbers. He described the allegations as baseless, frivolous, and lacking any factual foundation.
According to Dr. Eke, the Ekeanyanwu family remains the legitimate owner of the parcel of land known as Ohia Agbada, comprising approximately 6,000 plots situated along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road corridor. He further maintained that Victory Estate, located within the disputed area, belongs exclusively to the Ekeanyanwu family and not to the Rumuosi Community as claimed by the council chairman.
Dr. Eke stated that ownership of the land had been affirmed by the courts, citing Case No. CCC/22/2015 at the Choba Customary Court. He explained that while the suit was instituted against another family in Rumuaholu, the Rumuosi Community sought to be joined in the matter but their application was rejected by the court.
He further disclosed that the family currently holds 15 subsisting court judgments in its favour relating to the disputed land, including judgments from the Customary Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal.
The family spokesman alleged that the Obio/Akpor council chairman, in collaboration with the local Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, was attempting to undermine the court decisions and dispossess the family of its land through what he described as “backdoor means.”
Dr. Eke accused the chairman of assuming the role of an appellate authority over matters that had already been conclusively determined by competent courts.
Expressing concern over recent developments, he alleged that individuals acting under the influence of the council chairman had destroyed properties worth millions of naira within Victory Estate. He described the action as a direct affront to existing court judgments and the rule of law.
Displaying copies of court judgments during the briefing, Dr. Eke questioned the rationale behind branding judgment creditors as land grabbers, insisting that those challenging the court rulings were the real offenders.
He called on members of the public to disregard what he termed misleading radio announcements purportedly made by the council chairman and urged government institutions and security agencies to uphold the sanctity of court judgments.
Also speaking at the briefing, Elder Prince Ndaokani, Principal Oji Owhor of Rumuaholu Community, supported the Ekeanyanwu family’s claims. He maintained that the disputed land originally belonged to Dr. Eke’s late father, who, according to Ikwerre native customary law, acquired ownership through the clearing and development of the land.
However, the allegations were dismissed by the Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Anti-Land Grabbing Committee, Chief Alex Wali, who responded on behalf of the local government council.
Chief Wali declined to engage directly with the claims made by Dr. Eke, stating: “That man cannot be gifted with our valued response to his tirades. People like that should not be in public but should be rotting in jail for heinous crimes against humanity.”
He maintained that nothing would prevent the council chairman from carrying out his constitutional responsibilities as the chief executive and chief security officer of the local government area.
According to him, the protection of lives and property remains a fundamental responsibility of government at all levels, and the council would continue to discharge its duties in that regard.
The dispute is the latest chapter in a long-running land ownership controversy in the area, with both sides maintaining opposing claims over the disputed property.
By Akujobi Amadi
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Asarama Kingdom Condemns Gruesome Murder of A Commercial Vehicle Driver

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The Asarama General Assembly in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State has condemned the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some identified criminal elements in the community.
It would be recalled that on Thursday the 28th of May  2026, the kingdom was thrown into mourning, following the gruesome murder of a commercial vehicle driver by some criminal elements
The Assembly which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also called for the establishment of a Mobile police and police anti cultism departments  at the Asarama Police Division.
The Okangh Ama /Paramount Ruler of Asarama kingdom HRM king Appolus J Nteijaewaye who read the text for the briefing onbehalf of The Asarama General Assembly at the briefing said the community condemned in totality the gruesome incident.
He said the kingdom also extends its condolences to the bereaved family of the murdered driver, stressing that as a kingdom it would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such an incident never occur within it’s territorial space again.
The General Assembly also commended the prompt intervention of the Nigerian police Force which led to the arrest of some members of the criminal gang, adding that even though the crime was committed at Asarama, some of those allegedly involved were not indigenes of Asarama kingdom.
“As a kingdom we use the sober moment of this unfortunate incident to further commend the prompt reaction of the leadership and men of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers state that led to their effective results aimed at eliminating criminality and deterring the evil ones in our society “
The Community also described the incident as a pointer to the level of vulnerability of not only Asarama kingdom but the entire society, against the background that the sanctity of life ought to be sacred and protected by individuals, groups, communities and governmental institutions”
Meanwhile ,The Asarama General Assembly has called for the establishment of a Mobile Police  as well as police anti cultism departments at the Asarama Police Division
It said this has become necessary inview of the strategic location of the kingdom as a gateway to the rest of Andoni communities and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Area.
“Owing to the peculiarity of our geographical location especially the amphibious nature of Asarama kingdom, intricately linked with its neighbouring inter ethnic Ogoni and Opobo -Nkoro Local Government Areas in general and intra Andoni communities in particular, the relevant authorities should urgently approved special mobile police force,Anti cultism and Marin units to be attached to the Asarama Divisional headquarters”
The kingdom also decried the continuous neglect of the Asarama police Division, since it’s establishment adding that the division up till date,does not have a single firearm as well as enough personnel
It said this situation has exposed the community to activities of criminal elements.
“The sordid state of the only security outfit that ought to police our territory and beyond now seems to complicate the delicate insecurity that we are already exposed to, first as a nation and second as a people inhabiting an intricate amphibious gateway kingdom
“Consequently we hereby cry to the appropriate authorities to urgently equip the Asarama Divisional Police headquarters with adequate men arms and ammunition “the Community said.
John Bibor
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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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