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Enugu debunks reports of fatal inferno at Ugwu Onyeama, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

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The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has denied reports of a road crash resulting in an inferno that allegedly claimed over 50 lives at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, describing such reports as totally false and misleading.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Odumegwu Chinwendu, on Thursday, the Ministry also maintained that images being passed off as Ugwu Onyeama do not depict any part of that axis by any stretch of the imagination.

“Our attention has been drawn to false and misleading reports currently circulating on some online platforms alleging that a fatal inferno occurred at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, claiming over 50 lives.

“We wish to categorically state that this report is entirely incorrect and does not reflect the current reality on the Ugwu Onyeama corridor.

“Traffic is flowing freely on both sides of the expressway, with normal vehicular movement observed along the axis.

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“It is important to note that the image circulating alongside the false report does not depict the Ugwu Onyeama section of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway. The image shows silhouettes and clusters of residential buildings along the roadway, a feature that does not exist on the actual Ugwu Onyeama axis, where there are no such residential structures directly adjoining the corridor,” the spokesperson stated.

The statement added that while the Ugwu Onyeama area was notorious for road carnages that had unfortunately claimed many lives, the infrastructural intervention of the President Bola Tinubu administration has considerably improved road safety and vehicular movement in the area.

“Ugwu Onyeama has historically been one of the most dangerous sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and, for decades, was sadly associated with numerous fatal accidents that claimed many lives due to the deteriorated condition of the road. For years, commuters, transport operators, and residents expressed deep concerns over the safety risks posed by the corridor.

“However, the completion of significant sections of the Enugu–Onitsha carriageway, using durable concrete technology, as well as the ongoing works on the opposite lane, has already brought major relief to commuters and has significantly improved safety, driving conditions, and traffic flow on the axis.

“In addition, coordinated traffic control and safety patrol operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Enugu State Ministry of Transport have remained consistently active on the axis.

“These joint interventions have contributed greatly to the significant reduction in accidents recorded on the corridor over the past several months.

“With the progressive opening and use of the reconstructed carriageways, especially the opposite lane, it is expected that dangerous practices such as one-way driving and wrongful overtaking, which previously contributed to accidents on the route, will decrease significantly,” the statement added.

The Ministry, therefore, appealed to the public and road users to “disregard the false reports currently in circulation and to continue to cooperate with traffic and safety authorities by adhering to speed regulations and using the designated lanes responsibly.”

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2027: Mbah Leads the Charge as Enugu APC Unveils Campaign Council

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Enugu Governor, Dr Peter Mbah
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…Sen. Nnamani, Nwobodo, Dr. Nnamani, Chime, Ugwuanyi, Prof. Nnaji, Arthur Eze, Frank Nweke, Madueke, others get advisory roles

…Udeh, Nwoye, Utazi, Egumgbe, Ben Collins Ndu, Onyia, others head 51 Directorates

…Council to be inaugurated on Tuesday

The Enugu State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Monday, unveiled the party’s Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Campaign Council, comprising 51 Directorates, is chaired by the Governor of the state, Dr. Peter Mbah, while the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Deputy National Chairman, APC (South); Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; and the Chairman of the party in the state, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, are Vice Chairmen.

The list signed by Chukwunweike and the Secretary of Enugu APC, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie, also has Chief Charlie Mbah as the Director-General of the Campaign Organisation and Dr. Eric Oluedo as the Secretary-General.

Deacon Okey Ogbodo, Dr. Dan Shere, and Hon. S.K.E. Udeh-Okoye are Deputy Campaign DGs for Enugu East Senatorial District, Enugu North Senatorial District, and Enugu West Senatorial District, respectively.

Barr. Steve Oruruo is the Campaign Spokesperson and Director of the Public Communication Committee, with Dr. Austin Okolie as co-spokesperson and Dr. Malachy Agbo as Secretary.

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Mazi Uche Anichukwu and Dan Nwomeh, both drawn from the Governor’s media team, head the Directorate of New Media and Strategic Communication and the Directorate of Mainstream Media, respectively. Dr. Collins Ogbu is the Secretary of the former, while Dr. Reuben Onyishi is the Secretary of the latter.

Barr. Victor Udeh leads the Administration Directorate, while Dr. Ben Nwoye and Arc. Uche Nwatu are the Director and Co-Director of the Fundraising Committee, respectively.

Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla (Rtd.), chairs the Security Directorate, while former Inspector General of Police, Ogbono Onovo (Rtd.), is the Secretary.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology is in charge of the Directorate of Government Appointees Coordination (Federal and State), with Prof. Chidiebere Onyia as Secretary, while former Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, heads Inter-Party Affairs.

Senator Osita Ngwu, Senator Ikeje Asogwa, and Senator Kelvin Chukwu are Coordinators of the Campaign Council in Enugu West, Enugu North, and Enugu East, respectively.

Meanwhile, in their co-signed statement, Chukwunweike and Nnadozie said the size of the Campaign Council was a reflection of “the conviction that every community, ward, local government area, professional group, support organisation, youth body, women’s group, elder, party faithful and person of goodwill must be seen, heard and meaningfully engaged.”

“Appointment into the campaign structure is therefore not merely an honour; it is a call to duty, accountability and measurable contribution,” they stated.

The Council will be inaugurated at the International Conference Centre, Enugu on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

All members of the Campaign Council are to be seated before 3pm.

CLICK LINK BELOW TO SEE FULL LIST:

APC ENUGU CAMPAIGN COUNCIL COMPOSITION-1

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Terrorists Abduct Sunday Igboho’s Iru Ekun Security Group Members in Kwara

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Tension has gripped parts of Kwara State following the reported abduction of members of the Iru Ekun Security Group, a security outfit spearheaded by Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The assailants reportedly abducted the security operatives and forced them to renounce their activities of protecting communities in the state.

According to reports, the abducted members pleaded for their release and were compelled to renounce their community protection activities.

The Iru Ekun Security Group was established to protect Yoruba communities in Kwara State against terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

The reported abduction has sparked fear among residents who rely on the group for protection against insecurity in their communities.

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As of the time of filing this report, Igboho had yet to issue a statement on the reported abduction of the security group members.

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Ifeanyi Ubah’s Elder Sister, Fidelia Chigbogu, Dies Suddenly at 61

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Late Mrs Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu
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Fidelia Ezinwanne Chigbogu, the immediate elder sister of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, has died at the age of 61.

Mrs Chigbogu, fondly called “Darling” by her husband, reportedly slumped and died on Sunday morning in Lagos while preparing to attend church.

Her husband, Chudi Chidinma Chigbogu, a native of Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, described her death as a devastating shock, saying she had shown no signs of illness before the incident.

“It was like a shock to me because, even as I am talking to you now, I never believed it,” he said.

Narrating the circumstances surrounding her death, Mr Chigbogu said the family had experienced an electrical incident the previous Thursday when their electricity meter exploded and burnt their changeover room.

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He said they had contacted officials of the electricity distribution company, who promised to visit on Monday to replace and relocate the meter.

“We were busy waiting for them. My wife said she would give testimony in church on Sunday, and we were preparing for that,” he said.

According to him, his wife woke up on Sunday morning without any apparent health complaints and was preparing to leave for church when the incident occurred.

“That Sunday morning, she woke up. There was nothing like a headache, nothing like fever, nothing. She finished bathing and was preparing to go to church. She usually leaves home between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. because of the roles she plays in the church,” he said.

Mr Chigbogu explained that he was washing his car because of dust when he became concerned that his wife had not come downstairs.

“I went to wash the car because of dust. Around 8 a.m., I called my son and said, ‘Why has mummy not come down? Go and check.’

“Only for the boy to go and start screaming that he called his mummy and she did not answer. He lifted her hand, and her hand dropped,” he recounted.

He said he immediately rushed upstairs and found his wife lying unresponsive on the bed.

“I called her names, no way. I alerted neighbours, and we carried her to six hospitals. Anywhere we went, they would take me aside and say I didn’t bring her on time, that she had passed on.

“I said no, it was not possible, until we got to Navy Hospital, where they refused to admit her,” he said.

Mr Chigbogu said prayers continued at their home for several hours as the family struggled to come to terms with the tragedy.

He recalled that around 4 p.m., someone told him she had seen his wife in a vision, moving swiftly without looking back, which she interpreted as a sign that the deceased had made it to heaven.

“That was when I changed my mind and allowed an ambulance to come. She left here after 6 p.m. and got to the village around 7 a.m. the next day,” he said.

Describing his late wife, Mr Chigbogu said she was a natural leader, peacemaker and philanthropist who played a significant role in her family, church and community.

“Aside from calling her Darling, I called her many names because she was a leader. No matter the case in the family, she would settle it.

“She is the founder of a women’s group, played a very big role in the church and was known for her charitable work. Before her passing, she was working on her orphanage.

“Even though she is no more, I will not let her down. I will make sure that project comes to pass,” he said.

On her family background, Mr Chigbogu said her parents had seven children—three boys and four girls—and that his late wife was the second daughter.

He added that she was also one of the trustees of the Ubah family.

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