NEWS
Cultists, Kidnappers Invade 13 Communities in Akwa Ibom
From Christopher Tom, Uyo
Palpable fears have gripped communities in Mkpat Enin Local Area of Akwa Ibom State following the activities of cultists and kidnappers in the area as 13 communities, including Ikot Abasi Akpan, Ekpuk, Nya Odiong, Ndon Utim, Ndon Eyo, Ikot Essen, Ikot Obio Nso and Ikot Ekpaw were under constant siege.
Other communities seriously hit are Ikot Abia Enin, Minya Ntak, Ibianga and Ekparakwa. According to one of the community members, these places have become “no-go areas” as their business activities are occasionally disrupted. A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that motorists and passersby were dispossessed of their money and phones at roadblocks mounted around Ekpuk, Nya Odiong and Ndon Utim by the hoodlums.“Because of this, people have become so afraid to open their businesses. Like what happened at Ekpuk Junction Market recently, the rampaging cultists attacked business operators in the community and demanded money or shut down the business, while others who survived this terror have their economic woes to also tell.“Students of Akwa Ibom State College of Education at Afaha Nsit are the worst hit. Those coming from Ekparakwa, Ukanafun, etc could no longer use the Ekparakwa-Etinan route for fear of boarding motorcycles ridden by them.”He further alleges that the criminality continues to persist because the local police from Mkpat Enin have compromised with politicians to free them after their arrest.The investigation also revealed that no fewer than 10 persons have lost their lives, while others escaped death by the whiskers in the past two years.They include the pioneer GM of Atlantic FM and veteran broadcast journalist, the late Malachy Ufot from Ikot Abia Enin, who was kidnapped and tortured to death by his abductors after payment of a million Naira ransom.A youth leather from Ikot Abassi Akpan was killed and dumped in a community well last year, while a medical superintendent attached to the Cottage Hospital, Ikot Ekpaw, a former PDP chieftain from Ikot Obio Nso, Chief Cletus Okodi, Catholic Priest at St. Pius X Parish, Ikot Abassi Akpan and fearless cleric, Apostle John Okoriko, suffered kidnapping.In late December 2023, Monsignor (Prof.) Udoidem was alleged to have luckily escaped a kidnapping attempt on Etinan-Ekparakwa Road after visiting his hometown. A couple of weeks ago, the vice principal of Community Secondary School, Nya-Odiong, Mr Eshiet Moses Eshiet, was attacked and dispossessed of his belongings while going to school.Two wanted cultists were said to have been killed by the police at Ikot Abasi Akpan recently, following the kidnapping and killing of a businessman at Ekparakwa a month ago.The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, when contacted about the development, promised to take the matter up with the Commissioner of Police at Ikot Akpan Abia.
By David Torough, Abuja
The remains of elder statesman and President General of the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, have been slated for burial on November 1.
Chairman of the burial committee, Senator Ben Obi, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Alongside with the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb Okey Emuchay and burial sub-committee chairmen, Senator Osita Izunaso, Gen.
Azubuike Ihejirika (retd) and others, Obi unveiled a series of activities culminating into the actual burial ceremony.“Our message today is to convey the dates for the burial of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
“Lagos day of tributes, Wednesday 16th October 2024 at Eko Hotels and Convention Centre.
“Abuja Day of Tributes Friday 18th October, 2024 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
“Enugu Day of tributes, Saturday 26th October with a brief stop at Ohanaeze headquarters, 7 Parkland GRA Enugu while the main event will be held at the Okpara Square.
“Owerri Service of Songs Tuesday 29th October 2024. Commendation Service on 1st November in Owerri and Imo day of burial on Friday, 1st November 2024,” he said.
He added that further details will be communicated in due course.
On whether the Federal Government would participate in the burial, Senator Obi said the committee will visit President Bola Tinubu to intimate him about the transition of the statesman and details of his burial.
“We will be visiting President Tinubu to formally announce to him details of this transition and I am sure the President knows all that Chief Iwuanyanwu had done and he will do the needful,” he said.
Asked whether the late newspaper publisher had regrets about his inability to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and ensure the realization of a restructure federation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said Chief Iwuanyanwu died a fulfilled man because he never shies away from doing his best in the circumstance.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu and I visited Kanu in jail and I think that was his last official assignment before his demise.
“Prior to that, he had never missed any opportunity to call for the release of Kanu.
“On restructuring, he never minced his words on equity, fairness and justice and he knew that he couldn’t do it alone.
“So he operated with the South-South PANDEF, Middle Belt Forum and Afenifere. He asked for parity in the number of states in each geopolitical zone.
“We in Ohanaeze will continue to pursue these issues that were very dear to his heart and we want to give the assurances that we will not fail,” Obi said.
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
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