By, Godwin Okeh Abakaliki 

The Archdiocesan Bishop of Methodist Church, Archdiocese of Ebonyi, His Grace Most Rev. Chikwendu Ogan Igwe has condemned in totality the spate of insecurity and killings of innocent citizens, especially in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State.

Igwe, however, called on governments at all levels and wealthy personalities in Nigeria to rise and use their privileged positions to impact on the poor and less privileged in the society.

The Archdiocesan Bishop, Igwe made this known in a communiqué signed by him and the Archdiocesan Lay President, Onwe Sunday Onwe and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, shortly after the end of the 31st annual synod of the diocese of Abakaliki, held at the cathedral of the holy Trinity, Ebonyi State.

The synod, however commended the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for citing the coastal Roads that passed through Ebonyi State, adding that the roads will encourage economic development and ease of transport and communication in the area.

He equally applauded the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for  his intervention in communal clashes in some areas of the state, especially in Effium/Ezza Effium, Amasiri/Edda, Amangwu/Isinkwo and encouraged him not to relent in restoration of total peace in the entire State.

The eleven points communique reads in part: “The Synod encouraged the governor, Francis Nwifuru not to relent in the restoration of total peace in the entire State and also praise  his administration for human capital development he exhibits through the people charter of needs which Methodist Church has also benefited from, before and especially during the inauguration of the Archdiocese of Ebonyi.

“The Synod affirmed that Methodist Church Nigeria has risen to their responsibilities of not only praying for the state and Nigeria, the

 Citizens and especially leaders at all levels but also to contribute their quota in addressing issues of concern where necessary.

“The assembly called for attitudinal change of sacrificial giving and faithful tithing, aggressive evangelism, health services, welfare of workers and other spiritual infrastructural development of the Diocese to achieve a better result.

“The synod called on the leaders to cultivate good relationships with God as in the case of Mary and Martha in order to attract God’s intervention in the present unstable economic downturn of the Nation.

“The Synod condemned the spate of insecurity pervading the entire Nation especially the recent killings in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State and advised that leadership at all levels should arise to tackle these threats to lives and properties.

“In the face of the uncertainty in our present society, insecurity, hunger, poverty and hardships, the Synod enjoined the general public to allow the resurrection power of Christ to drive their faith to Christ’s redemptive work. 

“The Synod called on the general public and youths in particular to shun all   forms of social vices, such as cultism, ritual killings, drug abuse, sexual immorality and illicit masquerading especially among the Christendom” the communiqué noted.

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The Kano State Police Command on Friday, said it arrested 78 suspects and recovered a substantial quantity of weapons, illicit drugs and stolen properties across the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Dr Ibrahim Bakori made the disclosure at a news conference at Bompai Kano Police Headquarters.

Bakori stated that the development was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime in the state.

According to the CP, notable among the arrests was the re-arrest of one Sulaiman Danwawu, a 32-year-old notorious drug dealer from Tudun Yola Quarters.

He explained that Danwawu had previously been charged to court in 2022 for alleged possession of 500 cartons of suspected Tramadol tablets and now found with other illicit substances on his re-arrest.

The CP also announced that his men apprehended a suspected armed robber with two Beretta pistols and ten rounds of live ammunition.

“Between April 23 and May 9, 2025, we arrested five-armed robbery suspects, seven suspected drug dealers.

”We also arrested one suspected cattle rustler, four suspected fraudsters, 13 suspected thieves and 48 suspected thugs (Yan Daba),” he said.

Bakori listed items recovered from the suspects to include two Beretta pistols with 10 live rounds of ammunitions, various quantities of hard drugs such as Pregabalin, Diazepam, Tramadol, Codeine, Pentazocine and Cannabis.

Also recovered were eight vehicles, three tricycles and two motorcycles.

The Police chief added that they recovered 12 cutlasses, 15 knives, counterfeit currency totaling 198 US dollar notes and ₦311,000. five sheep, two rams, 12 mobile phones, an alternator generator and several other household items.

Bakori emphasised that these achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of the command’s strategies in curbing drug abuse and related crimes, which drive thuggery, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

He also noted a significant reduction in phone snatching, thuggery and car theft in the area.

The commissioner assured residents of the command’s resolve to maintain peace and order just as he urged the public to support the police with credible information.

He appreciated the support of the media and other law-abiding citizens of the state, saying, “we count on your cooperation to keep Kano safe”.(NAN)

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has called on its customers to pay their energy bill or risk disconnection from the network.

Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications, EEDC, who made the call in a statement on Friday, said postpaid customers were expected to pay their bills before the 15th day of the subsequent month

Ezeh urged them to take advantage of the ongoing discount scheme known as Accelerated Settlement of Arrears Project (ASAP), and clear their bill arrears.

He said EEDC would soon embark on disconnection of indebted customers warning that reconnection attracts a penalty.

According to him, the current electricity bill, which is for energy consumed in the previous month, is expected to be paid by the 15th day of the succeeding month.

“Payments can be made at EEDC Cash Offices or any collection agent location. Customers must not wait for Marketers to visit before they pay their bills.

“Promptly pay your bills and save yourself the inconveniences of being disconnected or surcharged,” he said

Ezeh said the company was committed to delivering optimum services to customers, but added that timely and regular payment of bills was crucial for the company to sustain its operations. (NAN)