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“We were misled,” Abor-Isiala, Eha-Amufu Women apologise over March protest

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In a remarkable display of humility and reconciliation, the women of Abor-Isiala Autonomous Community, Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government, have publicly apologised to their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Philemon Obeagu, community leaders, and the Council Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government, Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu, over their March 2025 protest.

It is recalled that the women, during their protest, which almost disrupted activities in the area, had staged a protest at the Isi-Uzo Council Headquarters, Ikem, and also destroyed property belonging to their traditional ruler.

They had also stormed the businesses and residences of some community leaders, locking up shops and houses.

However, in a show of humility and remorse, the tearful women, at the weekend, tendered unreserved apologies for their unruly behaviour, saying they were misinformed and misled, noting that the Council Chairman and Governor Peter Mbah had actually done a lot to alleviate the challenges of their community.

At a reconciliation event, which took place at Umujiovu, Abor-Isiala, the Abor-Isiala women, visibly moved to tears, went on their knees and pleaded with Hon. Barr. Obiora Obeagu and HRH Igwe Philimon Obeagu for forgiveness.

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“Our Igwe and our son, Obiora, we are sorry. Our Council Chairman has done a lot in addressing our security challenges, constructing bridges and roads, and addressing community matters. We also acknowledge the efforts of our governor and the many projects he is doing or has proposed for our community.

“The truth is that we were agitated by the things we were told. And given what we had suffered in the past, we could not control our emotions because we felt frustrated. But as fathers and son, we want to sincerely seek your forgiveness,” spokesperson and leader of the women, Mrs. Sarah Agu, said.

Speaking at the event, the priest-in-charge of Methodist Church, Abor Eha-Ohuala Circuit, Very Reverend Okpuru Gideon, reminded the women of their responsibility to respect authorities and pray for leaders, stressing that their protest went beyond acceptable limits.

He urged them to embrace peace, seek genuine forgiveness, and work in harmony with government authorities for the progress of the communities.

Also speaking, the Parish Priest, St. Thomas Catholic Church, Abor, Eha-Amufu, Rev. Fr. Hilary Mama, emphasised the virtues of peace, true remorse, and forgiveness.

In his response, Barr. Obeagu expressed deep emotions at the women’s humility and acknowledged their courage in retracing their steps. He thanked God for the reconciliation and reassured the community that his administration remained committed to serving the people.

He said the March protest was a clear example of the dangers of propaganda, which he described as an evil that blows no one any good.

The Council Chairman recalled that despite his earlier appeal at the Council Headquarters in Ikem, some individuals instigated the protest to disrupt the progress of Eha-Amufu. He condemned such acts as works of those against peace and development.

He highlighted several programmes by both the Mbah Administration and Isi-Uzo Local Government Council aimed at tackling insecurity and fostering development in Mgbuji, Abor-Isiala, and surrounding areas.

The completed and ongoing projects in Eha-Ohuala listed include the 21.7 km Agape-Agu Mgbuji-Ogbete Road, a Smart Green School, two healthcare facilities, the Ebe Umuogiri Bridge construction, and a farm estate project. He also stated that Governor Peter Mbah has commenced the process of supporting farmers to take over their farmhouses in their farm settlements with sustainable security.

He also assured the people that any programmes temporarily slowed by the protest would speedily proceed as planned.

In his remarks, HRH Igwe Philimon Obeagu expressed gratitude to the body of priests and clergy in Abor-Isiala for spearheading the peace effort and urged the community to work closely with the government.

He commended Hon. Obeagu for his forgiving heart and commitment to bringing lasting solutions to the challenges facing his people.

The atmosphere at the reconciliation gathering was filled with joy, relief, and renewed hope for unity and progress in Abor-Isiala, Eha-Ohuala, Eha-Amufu, and the entire Isi-Uzo.

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BREAKING: Tension as Video Shows Islamic Group Members Allegedly Calling for AK-47 to Kill Christians in Enugu, Jos

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The JIBWIS members on parade (Screenshot)
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Tension has heightened following the emergence of a viral video purportedly showing members of an Islamic volunteer group chanting lyrics calling for an AK-47 rifle to attack Christians in Enugu and Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The footage, which has sparked outrage and concern on social media, reportedly features members of the Agaji volunteer wing of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), popularly known as Izala.

The video, shared by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, gained traction on social media, particularly X, on Sunday.

It shows a group of young men dressed in brown uniforms and blue berets, with one of them leading a chant containing violent references to obtaining an AK-47 rifle to attack people described as “infidels” in the two cities.

In one section of the chant, the singer calls for a rifle to enable an individual to travel to Enugu and attack Christians while they are worshipping in church.

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“He should be given AK-47. He would then go to Enugu, the land of the infidels. On Sunday, when they are worshipping and clapping, he would then open fire, so that he can kill the infidels,” the lyrics state.

The chant subsequently references Jos, with another call for an AK-47 to attack people described as infidels.

“He asked to be given an AK-47 again, so that he can go to Jos and kill more infidels. That is the training,” the singer says.

The video has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians, with many calling on security agencies to investigate the footage, identify those involved and take appropriate action to prevent any potential threat to public safety.

The references to Enugu and Jos, alongside the explicit calls for armed attacks during Christian worship, have raised concerns about the safety of residents and worshippers in the affected cities.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the governments of Enugu and Plateau states, as well as the relevant security agencies, had yet to issue official statements on the video.

It remains unclear when and where the footage was recorded and whether the individuals featured in it have been identified by security authorities.

Watch video here

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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala loses mother

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Late Prof Kamene Okonjo, Queen Mother, Matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal family, Ogwashi Uku commu
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Prof. Kamene Okonjo, matriarch of Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family, mother of Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo ll, traditional ruler of Ogwashi Uku community in Delta has passed on.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the matriarch, and mother of the Director- General, World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, died on Friday at the age of 96.

The late Kamene Okonjo was the beloved wife of late Obi (Prof.) Chukwuka Okonjo, the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku community, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, Palace Secretary of the community on behalf of the royal family on Sunday.

According to the statement, the late Okonjo was an extraordinary woman, whose remarkable life was defined by intellectual brilliance, humility, compassion, dignity and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of humanity.

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“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Prof. Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment.

“She was a woman of exceptional intellect, yet possessed a rare gentleness of spirit, humility and grace that endeared her to everyone privileged to know her.

“Her achievements transcended the boundaries of Ogwashi-Uku and Nigeria, earning her admiration and respect within academic and intellectual circles internationally.”

The statement added that the late Okonjo represented the very finest qualities of scholarship, womanhood, motherhood and service to society.

“Beyond her considerable professional accomplishments, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a cherished pillar of the royal family.

“Her wisdom, kindness, quiet strength and exemplary character will remain an enduring inspiration to generations yet unborn.

“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived.

“At 96 years, Okonjo left behind an extraordinary legacy of scholarship, service, family values and advocacy for the dignity and advancement of women.

“We take comfort in our Christian faith and the assurance that she is resting peacefully with the Lord, haven completed her earthly journey with grace and distinction,” it said.

The statement said the entire Umu Obi Obahai family extended its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, her beloved children; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Dr Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Onyema Okonjo and Chichi Okonjo.

The family also extended their condolences to their spouses, sons and daughters in law, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire extended Okonjo royal family.

It also enjoined the people of Ogwashi-Uku to join the family in celebrating the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of their remarkable daughter, mother, scholar and matriarch, whose contributions to humanity would never be forgotten. (NAN)

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NCDC Reports Two Suspected Ebola Cases as Contacts Rise to 53

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported two suspected Ebola cases as the number of people being monitored following the country’s confirmed infection rises to 53.

The development has heightened the urgency of efforts to contain the virus and prevent further transmission.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during a press briefing in Abuja, where he provided an update on the country’s surveillance and response measures.

“We have established two additional suspected cases and 53 primary contact links. They are primary contacts. We have an isolation centre and a quarantine centre,” Idris said.

However, details surrounding the two suspected cases remained unclear, as other accounts of the briefing indicated that authorities had investigated two cases, including the confirmed infection in Abuja and a suspected case in Rivers State that subsequently tested negative.

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The reported suspected cases should therefore not be interpreted as additional confirmed infections without laboratory confirmation.

Providing details of the contact-tracing exercise, Idris said the 53 contacts comprised 44 people linked to the healthcare facility where the confirmed patient received treatment and nine others identified through further investigations.

The additional contacts included three members of the patient’s household, three healthcare workers who attended to her at an earlier medical facility and three personnel involved in collecting samples.

According to the NCDC, the identified contacts had been classified according to their exposure risks and placed under monitoring. None had tested positive for Ebola or developed symptoms as of the briefing.

Idris explained that public health teams would monitor the exposed individuals for 21 days after their last possible exposure, in line with established protocols for detecting and responding promptly to potential infections.

He also disclosed that approximately 12 public and private laboratories were available to conduct Ebola testing in Nigeria as authorities continued to strengthen the country’s diagnostic capacity.

The NCDC director-general urged healthcare facilities nationwide to reinforce screening, patient assessment and infection prevention measures.

He stressed the need to provide healthcare workers with adequate personal protective equipment and ensure the prompt reporting of suspected infections.

Idris further appealed to individuals contacted by public health officials to cooperate with investigators and provide accurate information about their movements, possible exposure and symptoms.

Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in the current regional outbreak on October 20, 2026, after a woman with a recent travel history to Uganda tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain of the virus in Abuja.

According to the World Health Organisation, the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private health facility on October 11 before laboratory tests confirmed the infection.

The initial contact-tracing exercise identified 44 people, but the figure subsequently increased to 53 as investigations expanded.

The Federal Government has maintained heightened surveillance while strengthening laboratory testing, isolation arrangements and infection prevention protocols.

Health authorities have urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, cooperate with public health officials and avoid spreading unverified information as investigations and monitoring continue.

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