News
Wike assures compensation for residents affected by road project
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says residents affected by the construction of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III will be compensated.
Wike made the promise after inspecting some ongoing projects at Life Camp, Katampe, and International Conference Centre in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister had on Oct. 25, inaugurated the construction of the 4-kilometre six lane dual carriageway from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, somewhere in Ido-Gwari.
The Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III road project is the continuation of Arterial Road N5, also named Obafemi Awolowo Way.
The road, when completed, will connect the districts of Kado, Karmo, Gwarimpa I, Dape, Ido-Gwari, as well as Saburi and Dei Dei.
After inspecting the ongoing project being executed by Julius Berger, the minister noted that some cash crops and a number of houses along the road corridor would be affected.
He assured that in the two days, the communities of those who own some crops and those who would lose their houses or part of their structures would be compensated.
“What we went to do at Life Camp has to do, majorly, with some crops and some small number of houses that we need to pay compensation for, but if it requires relocating them, we’ll do; if it requires just compensation we’ll do, depending on what is feasible.
“What is important to us is that we are working together with the various communities to solve the problem,” he said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work so far, adding that the people residing along the road corridor were happy that the road was being constructed.
On the construction of access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, the Minister disclosed that the scope of the contract had been extended.
He said that the scope of work had been extended to link with N20, named after Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka.
This, he said, would make the road to be more meaningful instead of terminating at Judges Quarters.
“The contractor has agreed that it will still complete the project with the additional job within the same time frame of May 2025.
“So, we are happy with that commitment,” he said.
Wike, who equally inspected the ongoing renovation of the International Conference Centre by Julius Berger, expressed satisfaction with the quality of the job.
“With what I have seen Julius Berger doing, I am quite satisfied and by the grace of God, by April next year, they will hand over this project, and it will be available for Nigerians to use.
“What is important is that we are going to have what is called an International Conference Centre that can meet the standard of any other international conference centre in the world,” he added.
He assured that most of the project would be completed and inaugurated in May 2025 to celebrate the second year of President Bola Tinubu in office.
He said that the FCT Administration would do all that it could to give Nigeria a befitting capital city that could compete with any capital city in the world.
The minister added that beyond the city centre, satellite towns were also undergoing transformation to improve the quality of life of the residents.
He also said that attention was also being accorded to schools, with more than 32 schools undergoing renovation and rehabilitation. (NAN)
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victim until his murder was the Priest in-charge of St Mary Catholic Church Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area.
the Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet in a statement obtained by ELANZA NEWS, said Reverend Father Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on 4th March, 2025 at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning of March 5, 2025.
He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined.
” This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope.
” He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
” Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose
of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity.
” We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.” The statement added.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reach for confirmation as of the time of filing this report.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a police station in Malari, Borno State, in the early hours of Wednesday, but were repelled by security forces.
Local security sources told The ELANZA that the insurgents launched the attack at about 1:00 am but were overpowered by a combined team of police officers and soldiers.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the assailants attempted to infiltrate the police station but were forced to retreat after a fierce gun battle.
“Yes, there was an attack on Malari Police Station, but no casualty was recorded. The officers on duty, in collaboration with the military, repelled the insurgents and prevented them from entering the town,” Daso said.
He noted that the terrorists targeted a police Armoured Personnel Carrier during the attack, damaging its tyres but failing to destroy the vehicle.
“So far, no bodies have been recovered, but we are certain there were casualties on the side of the insurgents,” he added.
Daso assured residents of the police force’s readiness to prevent future attacks, stating that Malari had previously been without civil authority but had seen improved security since the deployment of a police crack team.
Meanwhile, some residents expressed concern that the insurgents might regroup and target civilians.
“We are scared they may return. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces and urge them to strengthen security measures,” a local source told The PUNCH on condition of anonymity.
The attack comes weeks after Boko Haram militants raided Nganzai Police Division in Borno killing two police officers.
The Commissioner of Police, Yusufu Lawal, commended the officers for their resilience and extended condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.