The Kogi State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the deaths of two individuals in Ajaokuta Local Government Area amid reports of an alleged murder-suicide involving two police officers.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Afusat Saliu, confirmed the development in an interview with Sunday Punch on Saturday.

According to reports, a police corporal identified as Amos, attached to the Ajaokuta Division, allegedly shot his girlfriend, Grace, who was also a corporal, before turning the weapon on himself.

A source disclosed that Amos reported for night duty as a station guard at about 6 p.m. on Friday but allegedly left his duty post a few hours later.

He was said to have proceeded to Grace’s quarters at about 9 p.m., where he allegedly fired three shots at her, hitting her shoulder, lower abdomen and leg, before shooting himself with his AK-47 rifle.

The source attributed the incident to a lingering crisis in the couple’s relationship.

Reports indicated that the two officers had been dating for several years, but their relationship reportedly deteriorated in recent months amid allegations of infidelity and a breakdown of trust.

Their disagreements allegedly escalated into physical altercations and threats, prompting the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) to detain them at one point and advise them to end the relationship.

“The two junior police officers had been dating for some years now, but a few months ago, they started having trust issues and cheating allegations. There had been physical fights and threats to the extent that they were detained at some point by the DCO, who later advised them to end the love relationship for the sake of peace,” the source said.

The source added that the disagreements persisted despite the DCO’s intervention.

Confirming the incident, Saliu said the command was investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and would provide further information when the investigation was concluded.

“We are aware of the incident, and the case is currently under investigation; we will update members of the public after the investigation is concluded,” she said.

However, the police spokesperson declined to immediately confirm whether the deceased were members of the command.

“I cannot confirm that to you right now, but we are investigating the circumstances that led to their death,” she stated.

Saliu also declined to categorically describe the incident as a murder-suicide, stressing that the police had yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“I cannot also tell you if the couple committed suicide or not until the investigation is concluded. We will release an official statement once I get a conclusive report on the matter,” she added.

The police are expected to provide further details after completing their investigation.

…ESMATA hails end of Monday sit-at-home, improved market infrastructure; governor announces cargo terminal, direct China imports plans

Market leaders across Enugu State have pledged their support for Governor Peter Mbah’s second-term ambition, citing improvements in market infrastructure, the restoration of Monday trading activities and policies aimed at strengthening commercial activities.

The traders, under the umbrella of the Enugu State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ESMATA), made their position known during a meeting with the governor on Friday, October 23, attended by chairmen and secretaries representing more than 50 markets across the state.

Leading the delegation, ESMATA President, Chief Chinwuba Igwesi, said traders across the 17 local government areas of the state were satisfied with what he described as the administration’s commitment to improving their business environment and addressing challenges confronting the trading community.

Igwesi particularly commended Mbah for ending the Monday sit-at-home disruption, which he said had previously deprived traders of substantial income by forcing them to close their businesses at the beginning of each week.

He noted that the restoration of normal commercial activities on Mondays had enabled traders to operate throughout the week, recover lost business opportunities and improve their earnings.

The ESMATA president also praised the administration for providing transformers to markets experiencing electricity challenges, rehabilitating internal market roads, installing solar-powered streetlights and constructing toilet facilities.

He added that the government had provided utility vehicles to market leadership and appointed some market leaders to positions in the administration, describing the gestures as recognition of traders’ contributions to the state’s economic development.

Igwesi also expressed appreciation for pilgrimage opportunities approved for some market leaders, noting that the administration had demonstrated its willingness to engage with and support the market community.

According to him, Mbah’s background in business has enabled him to understand the challenges traders face, including access to goods, operating costs, infrastructure deficits and the need for a stable commercial environment.

Traders Defend Unified Tax System

Addressing concerns about taxation, Igwesi dismissed reports of a general tax increase, explaining that the administration had introduced a system for consolidating taxes into a single account.

He said traders were willing to fulfil their tax obligations because they could see development projects and infrastructure being delivered across the state.

The ESMATA president maintained that visible investments in public infrastructure had strengthened traders’ confidence in the government and encouraged greater cooperation between the business community and the state authorities.

He also attributed improved commercial prospects in the building materials sector partly to the administration’s directive that contractors handling projects in Enugu should patronise local suppliers where the required materials were available within the state.

According to him, the policy had helped retain business transactions within Enugu, increased patronage for local merchants and created opportunities for businesses dealing in construction materials.

Igwesi further commended the government’s investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly the international hospital project, which he said had impressed him with its scale and standard.

Describing the development, he said the facility briefly made him feel as though he had travelled to Dubai.

He argued that projects of such magnitude could improve the state’s image, stimulate economic activities and create new opportunities for businesses.

‘No Opposition in Our Markets’

Declaring the traders’ support for Mbah’s second-term bid, Igwesi said the governor’s performance had strengthened his standing among market operators ahead of the next governorship election.

He urged the governor to sustain the pace of development, assuring him that traders would continue to support his administration.

“When the time comes, your work will speak for you,” he said, reiterating the association’s position with the declaration: “No opposition in Enugu State.”

Other market leaders echoed the commitment, arguing that improvements in infrastructure, security and the business environment had reinforced their confidence in the administration.

Mbah Unveils Plans for International Trade

Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the traders for recognising his administration’s efforts and assured them that more development initiatives were in the pipeline.

He said his government remained committed to expanding commercial opportunities, improving infrastructure and positioning Enugu as a major destination for business and investment.

Among the initiatives highlighted was a proposed cargo terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which the governor said would improve the movement of goods and connect local businesses to international markets.

Mbah also disclosed plans for direct cargo operations between Enugu and China, saying the initiative would enable traders to import goods more directly and at more competitive costs.

He explained that improved access to international supply chains would reduce some of the difficulties traders encounter when sourcing goods, while strengthening the competitiveness of businesses operating in the state.

The governor also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Idodo International Market, describing it as part of the administration’s broader strategy to expand commercial infrastructure and create additional opportunities for traders and investors.

He said the government was deliberately investing in infrastructure and connectivity to attract more businesses, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities.

ICC to Boost Commercial Activities

Mbah further explained that the construction of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, was part of his administration’s efforts to restore the state’s historical prominence as a major political, administrative and commercial centre in the South-East.

According to him, hosting national conferences, major gatherings and other high-profile events in Enugu would attract visitors and businesspeople, creating increased patronage for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, traders and other service providers.

He stressed, however, that sustained investment in security was essential to achieving the ambition, noting that businesses and visitors needed a safe environment to operate and move freely.

The governor said his administration was working to strengthen the state’s security architecture, adding that security, infrastructure and economic planning must complement one another to make Enugu more attractive to investors.

Mbah Targets $30bn Economy

Reaffirming his administration’s economic ambition, Mbah said he was working towards growing Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4 billion to $30 billion.

He linked the target to efforts to increase productivity, attract investments, strengthen local enterprises and expand economic opportunities for residents.

The governor maintained that Enugu possessed considerable economic potential and expressed confidence that ongoing and planned projects would help accelerate the state’s development.

He also assured the traders that their interests would remain a priority, pledging not to support policies designed to undermine their businesses.

Drawing on his own business experience, Mbah said he understood the challenges associated with running enterprises, sourcing goods, meeting financial obligations and sustaining livelihoods.

He assured the market leaders that his administration would continue to consider the impact of its policies on traders and other business operators.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Liaison, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Vincent Onyeaboor; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Frank Anioma. The three officials accompanied the governor in receiving the market leaders.

The engagement underscored the importance of sustained dialogue between the state government and the market community, with traders expressing appreciation for completed interventions while the governor outlined further plans aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding access to international trade and strengthening Enugu’s commercial position.

With the ESMATA leadership and representatives of more than 50 markets expressing confidence in the administration, the meeting highlighted the growing significance of the trading sector in the state’s economic and political conversations ahead of the next governorship election.

For the traders, the central message was that market infrastructure, reliable security, access to goods, improved business opportunities and visible development would remain important measures of government performance. For Governor Mbah, the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to building a more connected, secure and commercially vibrant Enugu State.

…rallies personnel on professionalism, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance

The Enugu State Forest Guard Command has reaffirmed its commitment to securing forests and rural communities across the state following the successful completion of a week-long training programme designed to enhance personnel professionalism, operational readiness and inter-agency cooperation.

In a press statement issued in Enugu on Saturday by the Commander of the National Forest Guard, Enugu Command, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, the training, which concluded on October 23, 2026, equipped personnel with enhanced professional competencies, including sophisticated techniques for handling assorted rifles, alongside other operational skills required for responsible security duties and the protection of forest environments.

The programme also focused on joint military guard operations, intelligence analysis, leadership, human rights, crime-scene preservation, emergency coordination and professional report writing.

Olasoji said the initiative was part of its sustained efforts to ensure that Enugu’s forests remain safe for farmers, residents, travellers and rural community dwellers, while protecting wildlife, natural resources and critical infrastructure from criminal activities.

A major highlight was the lecture on joint military guard operations delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Solomon Kure Shekarau of the Nigerian Army, 82 Division Garrison, Enugu which emphasised effective command coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and cooperation among security agencies during forest deployments.

Similarly, senior police officers, including ACP Suraju Kehinde Oyewole and ACP Oliver Odimega, trained participants on intelligence gathering, incident documentation, crime-scene preservation, first-response procedures and the appropriate referral of suspected criminal cases to the police.

The programme further addressed the protection of critical national assets, with Nwatu Emmanuel Amechi of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps highlighting vigilance, incident-scene safety and emergency coordination.

On legal compliance, the Command’s Legal Officer, Barr. Amaka Mandy, reinforced the importance of operating within the provisions of the Enugu State Forest Guard Law, 2020, and respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.

The training also stressed emotional discipline, accountability and respectful engagement with members of the public, underscoring the principle that effective security operations must be supported by professionalism and public trust.

Speaking on the development, Olasoji, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to discharge its responsibilities diligently, lawfully and professionally.

He emphasised that sustainable forest security requires continuous training and collaboration among the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.

He further disclosed that another week of training was planned for November 2026, alongside a proposed 30-day improvement framework to strengthen personnel performance, reporting standards and accountability.

Reiterating the resolve to translate the knowledge acquired into effective field operations, the Commander said he would ensure that forests and surrounding communities across Enugu State remain protected, secure and accessible for legitimate economic and social activities.

He also commended Governor Peter Mbah for his unwavering support, encouragement and commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Forest Guard in the state, noting that the Governor’s support had continued to inspire the Command’s determination to discharge its responsibilities effectively, enhance forest security and protect farmers, travellers, rural communities and other residents from security threats.