News
Arsonists set NOUN facility, Ibezim’s residence ablaze in Imo
Suspected arsonists, on Monday night, torched the residence of a former lawmaker, Sen. Frank Ibezim, at Ezeoke-Nsu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.
The suspects, who are still at large, also burnt down some facilities at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Center, also situated in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dastardly attacks were coming on the heels of a viral video report that the Federal Government planned to renovate the NOUN facility as a training ground for repentant Boko Haram insurgents.
The video followed a recent inspection visit by the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Mohammed, to the national training facility for the vulnerable, located inside the NOUN study center.
Mohammed, who was accompanied on the visit by Ibezim, reportedly said in a TVC News interview that the inspection was in view of a training programme for vulnerable persons, which would commence at the centre before the end of the year.
A member of the community told NAN on the condition of anonymity that the incident occurred at about 9p.m. on Monday.
The source suspected that the attacks might have been prompted by the false video report that repentant insurgents would be relocated and trained at the NOUN facility.
“A lot of our people raised their voices against this Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) training project in that place, especially where there are no existence of IDPs in the state.
“The planners of that project were insensitive to the agitation in the area,” the source said.
A community leader, who also pleaded anonymity, lamented over the destruction of the NOUN buildings by the suspected arsonists.
He regretted that the NOUN facility also housed Ezeoke Girls’ Secondary School, with boarding facility.
“With the razing down of the buildings there, the community has lost the only boarding school and a NOUN facility in our area,” he further said.
Confirming the attacks, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, described them as barbaric and condemnable.
The Spokesman of the Imo Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, quoted the commissioner in a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday.
Okoye said that the police boss had deployed the command’s Tactical Unit to identify and apprehend those responsible for the act.
The statement partly read: “Additionally, the Commissioner has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.
“The command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Furthermore, Danjuma urges the public to refrain from spreading fake news or making inciting statements that could destabilise the current peace in the state.
“He warns that anyone found guilty of spreading false information will face strict consequences.” (NAN)
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.
The Concerned Christian Youth Forum has strongly denounced the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s Plateau and Benue states, describing the attacks by bandits as an “affront to natural justice” and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the group’s convener, James Paul Adama, the forum called for an immediate end to the “relentless onslaught” against innocent civilians.
“This human carnage must stop,” Adama said, urging the government to take swift action to halt the attacks and support affected communities in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The group demanded that the perpetrators of these “atrocious acts” be brought to justice, stressing that all Nigerians deserve safety and security.
“The time for action is now,” the statement added.
While commending the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, the forum called for intensified measures to curb the violence.
“We ask that they redouble their efforts to nip this menace in the bud,” Adama said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel.
“Your courage and commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of our citizens are an inspiration to us all.”
The statement also highlighted the constitutional duty of the government and security forces to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerians, describing the violence as a threat not only to the affected communities but to the nation’s survival.
THEME: IGNITE THE FIRE
The atmosphere was electric as thousands of worshippers within and outside Kogi State gathered at Afims hotel, Oro, Obehira road for the highly anticipated event.The programme which was to start by 7p.m in the evening of Friday March 28,2025 started to have worshippers trooping at the venue around 4p.m.
The programme which was organised by professor Yusuf John Suberu featured a line of powerful men of God and gospel singers which included Bishop Steve Balogun(JP); Apostle Jide Ogunsakin; Rt.Rev.Dr.E.I Onsachi, Bishop, Anglican communion, diocese of Okene;Prophet(Dr.)Ajinomoh Anda Isaac;Rev. Isaac Ogunmola; Pastor Isaiah Alabi, General overseer of the Gospel Assembly Intercontinental; Pastor Solomon Enya, Kogi central coordinator of Peace House;Evangelist Job Apana,Kogi central CAN coordinator; Evangelist Eunice Omonayi;Pastor P-Daniel; Pastor Emerald Johnson; Minister Samuel Temitope; Evangelist Ify Obi and many others.
Another great personality who was in attendance was Dr.James Anaza Duro Joseph,provost of Kogi state college of nursing science, Obangede who represented the secretary-general of Kogi State,Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.As a special prayer request made by the secretary-general,he(Dr.James) specifically called on professor Yusuf John Suberu to pray for the peace and progress of the state and as well the government officials.
The speakers preached messages emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s mercy in these turbulent times.Prayers for deliverance ,healing and salvation were also rendered.The night was marked by numerous deliverance ,healings and miracles.There was never a period of dull moment as different sessions of prayers,deeper worships and praises were had.
The final preaching of the Kogi night of mercy and worship was delivered by the convener of the programme,Professor Yusuf John Suberu.He preached on the topic “*Principles of igniting the fire”*. To further aid the congregational understanding,he proceeded to highlight four principles required to ignite the fire :
(1). Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
(2). Render faithful service to God
(3). Become a radical giver
(4). Pray without ceasing.
Professor Yusuf also led the people in a powerful session of prayers.In this session of prayers, God’s power and release was made manifest, with people receiving deliverance, healings and fresh anointing.
Kogi night of mercy and worship was a divine encounter,a moment of spiritual connection and transformation.As the worshippers departed,they carried with them a renewed sense of hope and faith, knowing God’s mercy is always
available to those who seek it.
The programme also features distribution of food items to 1000 participants and a scholarship award of two hundred thousand naira (#200,000.00) to miss Ann Ochenika.Professor Yusuf assured that he will execute more scholarship awards through the Kogi central CAN and PFM.He,therefore, charged youths to be in their best behaviour so as to aid qualification for such.
The programme has been described by many to be of one of its kind in Ebira-land.It was proclaimed that never a time was a programme like this held in the land.It had in attendance over one thousand five hundred people(excluding the underaged).The hall with the gallery was totally full and had an overflow.
*To God alone be praised*
Media Team,
Kogi night of mercy and worship.