From Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Government on Monday announced the subsidization of flight fares to ease stress faced by air travellers in the country, in particular the SouthEast region.The state government equally said that the Chuba Okadigbo International airport digital booking platform is currently 80 percent complete and set to go live by October to allow global Access to its services.

The Commissioner also noted that the airport is set to leverage the airport’s cargo facilities for international export of agricultural produce and solid minerals. The Commissioner for Aviation and Technology Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu disclosed this while interacting with journalists at the airport, also revealed that United Nigeria Airlines will commence scheduled commercial flights from June 13, offering routes from Onueke to Abuja and Lagos.She added that operations will initially run twice a week—Abuja flights on Mondays and Lagos flights on Fridays.She noted that the agricultural produce and solid minerals to export includes yams, rice, cassava, salt, and limestone. “We are in talks with partners from Dubai and Canada to establish cargo flight arrangements. Ebonyi is ready for global trade,” she said.Obichukwu, noted that the airport, which was initially inaugurated in 2023, experienced a temporary suspension of operations after regulatory agencies flagged issues with the runway. The runway has since been upgraded from concrete to asphalt following recommendations from aviation regulators.“Our governor, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Francis Ogbonnaya Nwifuru, has made air travel affordable by subsidizing ticket prices to a flat rate of ₦100,000 for both Lagos and Abuja routes—less than half the typical fare,”“It’s a strategic move to celebrate the achievements of this two-year-old administration that has accomplished more than many would expect in two decades.”“Today, those who once criticized our runway are now the ones applauding it. We’ve earned their confidence,” she added.Obichukwu , however lauded the aviation agencies—including NCAA, FAAN, and NAMA—for their guidance and confirmed that all operations remain under regulatory compliance. She revealed that the airport’s digital booking platform is currently 80% complete and expected to go live by October,In a passionate appeal to the public, Dr. Obichukwu encouraged citizens to take advantage of the subsidized fares and avoid last-minute travel plans. “This is a rare opportunity. The Friday Abuja flight is already nearly full. It’s strictly first come, first served.”She concluded by highlighting the strategic importance of the airport in addressing the historical economic marginalization of Ebonyi State. “This airport is not just for transport. It’s a gateway to transformation. Ebonyi is no longer a question mark on the development map—we are a bold exclamation.”The commissioner reassured the media of continued transparency and engagement, describing journalists as “image makers,” while affirming their role in constructive criticism and public accountability.“We are on, and no man can stop us again,” she declared.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Acting on credible intelligence, a combined team of police operatives from the Independence Layout Division and Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Command, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch, on June 8, 2025, at about 8 p.m.

, rescued and arrested one Anyanwu Izuchukwu Gabriel (male), aged 26, from an irate mob. A locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from him, while his cohorts reportedly fled the scene. In a statement by the Police public relations officer Enugu State command headquarters Daniel Ndukwe said that the suspect, who sustained severe bodily injuries inflicted by the mob, is currently receiving medical treatment. He confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, while discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the swift and collaborative efforts of the police operatives and community members that led to the arrest and recovery. He, however, strongly cautioned against mob actions and jungle justice, emphasising that such acts undermine proper investigation and the delivery of justice in criminal cases.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

A retired Army Major, Joe Ajayi, who was kidnapped at his residence in Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi State a few weeks ago, has died in the kidnappers’ den despite a ransom of N10 million paid for his rescue.Major Ajayi was kidnapped on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from his residence around 11:30pm by gunmen who shot sporadically.

Our Correspondent gathered that the initial demands of N50 million ransom by the abductors lingered for long when the family could not pay; this resulted in his health deteriorating, as he had no means to get his medication. It was gathered that the kidnappers informed the family that their plea for his medication to be forwarded to him will come at an extra cost, a concession that couldn’t be met by the family.However, as soon as the abductors discovered that Ajayi couldn’t survive, they reduced the ransom to N10 million naira.A source in the community said that the Ajayi family, believing he was still alive, quickly agreed to pay the ten million naira for his rescue.“As the ransom was paid, the kidnappers directed the family to where they would find him, only for them to meet his (Ajayi’s) lifeless body.”The retired army officer’s remains have been deposited at Kabba Specialist Hospital mortuary.Kidnapping has surged in the state for a while now, with the abduction of a first-class monarch, Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the Oba Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area, who was in the same way abducted from his home in early May. He’s yet to be released either.However, the governor of the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, speaking at the Eid ground last Sallah in Okene, appealed to residents to remain calm, as efforts to rid the criminal elements out of the state are already yielding positive interest.