News
Enugu Gov’t raises hope on restoration of Water to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road, others
…As Abakpa residents commend Mbah for restoring water supply
The Enugu State Government has raised fresh optimism over the restoration of potable water supply to Emene, Idaw River, Agbani Road axis, and other parts of Enugu metropolis, as ongoing rehabilitation of water infrastructure intensifies.
This assurance was given by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, during an inspection visit to Abakpa, following the successful restoration of water supply to the area.
Prof. Onyia, who led the government delivery team alongside engineers of the Enugu State Water Corporation, said the exercise was part of checks to confirm the effectiveness of newly laid high pressure ductile pipes as well as distribution lines and their integration with existing water networks.
Prof. Onyia explained that the water pipelines supplying Abakpa were among the public utility infrastructure affected by the expansion and dualisation of the Abakpa – Opi Nsukka Road.
He noted that the old asbestos pipes were excavated and replaced with more durable and safer ductile iron pipes, capable of withstanding the pressure from increased water production and transmission.
He reaffirmed that the administration of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, remains committed to its promise of restoring sustainable and equitable water supply across all parts of the metropolis.
According to him, the inspection in Abakpa confirmed that water has successfully returned to the axis, with visible flow recorded in multiple locations and residential buildings.
“We started our inspection, our final inspection after the pipes have been laid; the distribution lines and those connecting residential areas. What we have noticed today is that the test of water coming back into Abakpa was successful,” he said.
He, however, explained that some sections recorded high water pressure, resulting in leakages, which have already been documented for immediate technical correction by the Water Corporation team.
“We can see areas where the pressure is so high that pipes are leaking. The Water Corporation is taking notes, and those will be repaired,” he added.
The SSG further said the team conducted physical verification inside residential flats to ensure actual household access to water, noting that in several cases, residents were surprised and excited to see water flowing again from their taps after a prolonged period of scarcity.
“We went into residences to confirm water availability. In some cases, residents didn’t even know water had returned until they opened their taps, and there was jubilation,” he said.
Prof. Onyia stated that similar validation exercises would soon extend to Emene and other parts of the metropolis, adding that stakeholders would be invited to witness live testing of the system as restoration progresses.
He explained that the government’s ongoing water sector reforms include the replacement of old asbestos pipelines with modern ductile iron pipes, expansion of distribution networks, and the systematic restoration of supply to both densely populated and previously underserved communities.
Areas currently in focus, he said, include Emene, Trans-Ekulu, Idaw River, Meniru, and Agbani Road axis, alongside continued stabilisation of supply in Abakpa and surrounding communities.
“What we are trying to do is ensure that densely populated areas are fully restored. We have completed the flushing of lines in some areas, and very soon we will extend operations towards Meniru down to Agbani Road,” he stated.
He further reported progress in parts of Uwani, including Robinson Street, Kenyatta Street, and sections of Zik Avenue, where tap-and-drop connections have already been completed to enable direct household supply.
Prof. Onyia emphasized that the administration operates a strict validation mechanism requiring physical inspection of all reported outputs before official confirmation, in line with the governor’s performance driven governance model.
“This government has not rested. The water task-force set up by His Excellency engages contractors and the Water Corporation to verify claims with evidence. Our job is to validate what is on the ground,” he said.
He added that intermittent shutdowns observed in some areas were part of planned technical interventions to fix bursts and restore optimal pressure across the system.
“When we have major bursts, we shut down lines, fix them, and restore service. That is what you are seeing,” he explained.
Prof. Onyia assured that once ongoing transmission and distribution upgrades are completed, most parts of Enugu metropolis, from Independence Layout through Abakpa to Gariki and Idaw River, will enjoy sustained and reliable water supply.
He reiterated that the restoration of water remains a priority of the Mbah administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda, anchored on delivering measurable and people-focused outcomes.
Meanwhile, residents of Abakpa have continued to express appreciation to the administration of Governor Mbah for restoring water supply to the area after a long period of scarcity.
Many described the development as a major relief, noting that access to potable water has not only eased daily living but also significantly improved hygiene and overall household wellbeing.
Mrs. Gladys Ugwu, a resident of Atani Street, hailed the governor as a leader who keeps his promises, stating that the restoration of water has renewed public confidence in government.
“We have suffered for a long time without water, buying from vendors at high cost. Today, water is running again in our homes. Governor Mbah has shown that he is a promise keeper, and we will continue to support him because we have confidence in his capacity to do a lot more for us,” she said.
The Enugu State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman and neutralised a suspected kidnapper during an intelligence-led operation in Okpuje, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place on Friday, July 31, 2026, was launched after police received a distress call at about 10:10 a.m. reporting that armed kidnappers had emerged from a nearby forest and abducted a woman along Anuka Road, Okpuje.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives of the Okpuje Police Division immediately mobilised alongside Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch to trail the kidnappers.
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The security team tracked the suspects into the Anuka forest near the Enugu-Kogi State boundary, where they engaged the gang in a gun battle.Time & Calendars
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while other members of the gang escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
The police said the abducted woman was rescued unhurt, while her two children and motorcycle, which the kidnappers abandoned at the scene, were also recovered.
“The victim and her children have since been reunited with their family, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” the statement said.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the police operatives, Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch members for their swift response and effective collaboration.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain security conscious and continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information.
CP Giwa said the command remains committed to protecting lives and property through proactive policing and strengthened collaboration with local security stakeholders.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped senior military officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr Ikechukwu Onwuanra, after a 10-day joint search-and-rescue operation in Enugu State.
This is contained in a military operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
The military said the victims were rescued in the early hours of Friday, following sustained pressure on their abductors.
The military said troops of Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, comprising personnel of the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion, carried out the operation.
It said the troops, led by the Commander, 82 Division Garrison, conducted intensive searches across Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests and communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to the report, troops received intelligence from the Divisional Police Officer of Inyi Division at about 2:00 a.m. on Friday on the whereabouts of the victims.
It said the troops immediately launched a fighting patrol to the location where the victims were found abandoned at the edge of a forest in Inyi.
The military said both victims had sustained gunshot wounds and were rescued before being evacuated to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for treatment and medical evaluation.
It added that preliminary interrogation revealed the victims had been blindfolded, transported to an unknown location and later abandoned within a forest along the Enugu-Anambra border.
“The victims attributed their rescue to the sustained pressure mounted by the joint troops, which denied the kidnappers freedom of movement and compelled them to abandon their captives,” it said.
The military said further details on the operation would be made available later.
(NAN)
Armed men have reportedly abducted a Catholic seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, after invading the residence of a Catholic bishop in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 29, when the gunmen stormed the Bishop’s residence located in the Asa III area of Otukpo, sparking concern within the Catholic community.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Itodo.
According to the statement, the kidnappers made away with the seminarian, Mr. Kelvin Ochai, while details surrounding the attack and the circumstances of his abduction remain unclear.
The Diocese disclosed that the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called on members of the Church and the general public to pray for the seminarian’s safe return.
Describing the abduction as a painful development, the bishop appealed to all Christ’s faithful in the Diocese of Otukpo, as well as people of goodwill, to unite in prayer for the victim and others being held captive across the country.
“The Bishop, who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development, calls on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and all people of goodwill to earnestly pray for the seminarian’s quick and safe release,” the statement read.
The Diocese further entrusted the abducted seminarian and all other kidnapping victims in Nigeria to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“We commit our brother and all those in the kidnappers’ den throughout the country to the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary for their speedy and safe release from the hands of their abductors,” the statement added.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not released an official statement on the attack, and it remains unclear whether contact has been established with the kidnappers or if any arrests have been made.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State and the increasing number of attacks targeting religious institutions and clerics, prompting renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
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