NEWS
Itsekiri Nation Shots down Ogidigben Flow Station over INEC’s Delineation of Constituency
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
Tensions escalated in Warri South West as members of the Itsekiri community, led by prominent leaders, shot down the Ogidigben Flow Station to protest what they described as electoral injustice and manipulation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Raymond Pira, the former Deputy Leader of the Warri South West Legislative Arm, who addressed the crowd, condemned the recent delineation of Warri federal constituency by INEC.
Pira called for federal intervention, urging the government to reverse INEC’s decision and address the grievances of the Itsekiri people
According to Pira, INEC had defied a court order by proceeding with an electoral delineation process that was initially halted due to a court injunction.
He accused the commission of disregarding the rule of law, arguing that INEC believed the community lacked the resources to challenge their actions.
“We are here to protest against the injustice, widespread corruption, and unlawful actions of INEC,” Pira said. “The commission has violated a court order and continues to make decisions that undermine the rights of the Itsekiri people.”
He said the heart of the dispute lies in a controversial boundary redefinition carried out by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) some years ago.
Pira explained that the NBC’s actions had unlawfully removed communities like Ogborodo from their rightful coastal areas, placing them further inland.
Despite efforts from local leaders to petition for corrections, Pira lamented that the communities’ grievances had not been fully addressed.
Pira also pointed to what he called a “manipulation” of the electoral delineation process by INEC. He noted that while the Ijaw communities’ wards had expanded from four to ten, the Itsekiri community’s wards had been reduced.
This, Pira argued, was part of an effort to suppress the political power of the Itsekiri people. He further claimed that names like Miller, MacIver, and Dore Numa, historically are part of the Itsekiri territories, but had been wrongly incorporated into wards meant for the Ijaw community.
“In Warri South, for example, our six wards have been reduced to five while others with fewer numbers are gaining more wards,” Pira stated. “This is not just a numerical adjustment; it’s an attempt to silence us and erase our political voice.”
Victor Laju Udenju, the National Vice Chairman of the Ogborodo community, joined Pira in condemning the actions of INEC.
Udenju lamented the drastic reduction in the Itsekiri community’s wards, noting that a community that once had ten wards now only has five.
He said that this decision was part of a larger, systematic effort to eliminate the political influence of the Itsekiri people across the three Warri local government areas.
“As it stands, no Itsekiri community in these three Warri areas can produce a local government chairman or even a representative for the House of Assembly or House of Representatives,” Udenju said. “This is a deliberate attempt to marginalize our people and erase our representation in the political process.”
He added that the protest would continue until the federal government takes action, stating, “We will remain here until our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. We will take further action if necessary.”
The protest at the Ogidigben Flow Station is the latest in a series of demonstrations by local communities in Delta State demanding fair and transparent electoral practices. The Itsekiri community is calling for a reevaluation of the delineation process to ensure that their political rights and representation are respected.
As the protest continues, the Itsekiri people said they remain steadfast in their demand for justice, urging the federal government to intervene before the situation escalates further. The community’s leaders have vowed to remain at the protest site until their concerns are addressed.
NEWS
Nigerian Army Begins 2026 Recruitment Drive
The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for its 91 Regular Recruits Intake for tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women.
In a public announcement via its X handle on Sunday, the Army stated that free online registration will commence on Sunday, March 30, 2026, and close on Saturday, May 17, 2026.
Interested candidates are advised to apply via the official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.
The exercise, which follows the successful 90RRI conducted in 2025, aims to recruit suitable individuals to strengthen the ranks of the Nigerian Army.
Recruits will undergo rigorous training, after which successful candidates will enjoy benefits, including a structured career path, pension scheme, and opportunities for social integration.
On eligibility, the Army noted that applicants must “be Nigerian citizens by birth. For non-tradesmen/women, age is between 18 and 22 years, while age for tradesmen/women is between 17 and 25 years.”
It added that applicants must meet the minimum height requirement of 1.68 metres for males and 1.58 metres for females.
“Possess valid means of identification, including the National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN), to curb fraud and ensure transparency.
“Meet educational qualifications, with emphasis on a Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent.”
The Army stressed that the registration is entirely free and warned the public against fraudsters who may demand payment for forms or assistance.
NEWS
Ododo Condoles Families of Road Accident Victims, Assures Support
From Amedu Joseph, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic road accident that occurred in Okunchi Ward inAdavi Local Government Area of Kogi state, assuring affected families and residents of its support during this difficult time.
Speaking from the standpoint of the State Governor, a delegation led by the State Project Coordinator of the Kogi AGILE Project, Alh.
Ahmed Tijani Oricha, visited the community to assess the situation and convey the state government’s condolences.The incident, which has thrown the community into mourning, involved a head-on collision between a tanker conveying diesel and a BUA Cement truck.
The impact triggered a massive fire outbreak that engulfed the vehicles and spread to nearby structures. All occupants of the tanker were reportedly burnt beyond recognition, while the inferno also destroyed a residential building and a mosque. Although no lives were lost from the affected structures, the scale of destruction has left many residents in distress.
In a related development, a couple riding on a motorcycle was affected by diesel spillage from the accident scene. The husband died on the spot after losing control, while his wife sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.
At the scene of the incident, the delegation was received by community leaders, including the Ward Councillor and representatives of the local government. Residents commended the swift intervention of the State Government, particularly the timely deployment of heavy-duty equipment used to evacuate the wreckage and manage the aftermath of the accident. They also acknowledged ongoing road construction efforts in the area, noting that such improvements helped prevent an even greater tragedy.
Delivering the Governor’s message, the SPC described the incident as a painful loss not only to the affected families but to the entire state. He conveyed the government’s heartfelt condolences and emphasized its solidarity with the people of Okunchi. He assured the community that the government remains committed to improving road infrastructure and enhancing safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
The delegation also visited victims at the hospital, where the realities of the tragedy were further evident. The driver of the cement truck, who was initially in critical condition, later succumbed to his injuries, while the co-driver survived with injuries sustained during attempts to rescue him. The injured wife of the deceased motorcyclist was also seen receiving treatment.
Addressing victims and medical personnel at the hospital, the Adavi LGA APC chairmanship Candidate in the forthcoming council polls appreciated Government’s concern and compassion, offering prayers for the recovery of the injured and strength for grieving families. He commended the medical team for their efforts and encouraged them to continue providing quality care to the victims.
The visit, according to the delegation, reflects the State Government’s commitment to standing with its citizens in moments of crisis. It also served as a reminder of the need for increased caution on the roads, especially involving heavy-duty vehicles, as the government continues to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all residents.
The people of Okunchi, while still grappling with the impact of the tragedy, expressed appreciation for the government’s prompt response and show of empathy, describing it as a source of comfort in a time of profound loss.
Ends.
Foreign News
Sudan Drone Attack on Key Hospital Kill 64 People during Eid
Sudan’s army has denied it carried out a deadly attack on a major hospital on Friday night in a city in the west of the country held by its rivals, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said 64 people – including 13 children, two nurses and a doctor – had died in the strike on el-Daein Teaching Hospital and 89 others had been wounded.
“Enough blood has been spilled,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus posted on X, urging the warring parties to end the conflict, which started nearly three years ago.
The RSF said an army drone had hit the hospital in el-Daein, the capital of East Darfur state, on the day Muslims were marking the festival of Eid.
Sudan was plunged into a civil war in April 2023 when a vicious struggle for power broke out between the military and the RSF, who had once been allies after coming to power in a coup in 2021.
More than 150,000 people have since died in the conflict and about 12 million have fled their homes – nearly a third of the country’s population – in what the United Nations has called the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Dr Tedros, who said el-Daein Teaching Hospital was no longer able to function following Friday night’s attack, condemned the frequent targeting of medical facilities.
“Over the nearly three-year conflict, WHO has confirmed that 2,036 people have been killed in 213 attacks on health care, including Friday night’s strike,” the WHO chief said in his tweet.
“The time has come to de-escalate the conflict in Sudan and ensure the protection of civilians, health workers, and humanitarians,” he said.
“Health care should never be a target. Peace is the best medicine.”
In a statement, the RSF said the strike had completely destroyed the hospital’s top floor, caused extensive damage to the accident and emergency department and destroyed vital medical equipment.
In response, the military said it was surprised by the accusation it was behind the attack, adding that it abided by “international norms and laws”.
The Emergency Lawyers group has called for an independent and transparent investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
The local rights organisation, which has documented atrocities by both the army and the RSF throughout the war, said the hospital in el-Daein was a vital health facility relied upon by thousands of civilians in the city and surrounding villages.
East Darfur borders the Kordofan region, a new front line in the war where there are near-daily drone strikes.
The area is a major corridor linking the western Darfur region, which is controlled by the RSF, to the capital, Khartoum, which was retaken by the army last year.
No end is in sight to bring a stop to the fighting, now considered one of the deadliest conflicts in Africa for civilians – despite US-led peace efforts.
Across the country there were muted celebrations this year for Eid-al-Fitr, when Muslims around the world mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.


