NEWS
Rising Social Vices: Abakaliki Residents Call for Urgent Intervention

Abakaliki residents have raised concerns about the increasing cases of social vices in schools ahead of Children’s Day celebrations. The residents, in separate interviews highlighted issues such as errant school children syndrome, cultism, gangsterism, and truancy as alarming trends prevalent in both primary and secondary schools across the state.
Speaking Ndubuisi Okereke attributed the rise in social vices to the lack of proper guidance and training for teachers, parents, and authorities in schools.
He expressed disappointment in society for not paying attention to the evolving trends, ideas, and demands of young people.Okereke emphasized that parents, teachers, and school authorities must be aware of and address the involvement of pupils and students in dangerous activities such as cultism, which can have grave consequences.
Supporting this view, Chidi Ebenyi issued a clarion call to various stakeholders, including mothers, fathers, teachers, healthcare professionals, government officials, civil society activists, religious leaders, community elders, and the media, urging them to rise to the challenge. Ebenyi emphasized the need for parents to take responsibility for monitoring the moral, academic, emotional, and physical well-being of their children.
Mrs. Nkechi Livingstone, a concerned parent and resident, emphasized the importance of listening to children’s ideas and demands. She advocated for their welfare to be prioritized as a powerful advocacy tool, aiming to improve their lives and society as a whole.
Livingstone also stressed the need for enhancements in children’s welfare, teacher training, educational institutions, and a systemic overhaul to address these social vices effectively.
Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27, serves as a reminder to invest in our future by investing in our children. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Investing in our future means investing in our children.” As the nation marks this special day, the urgent call for intervention in tackling social vices in schools becomes even more critical.
It is a collective responsibility to ensure that our educational institutions provide a safe and conducive environment for the growth, development, and well-being of our children, who are the foundation of our nation’s future.
JUDICIARY
Teenager Gets 10 Strokes Of Cane For Stealing Electric Cables

A Kaduna Magistrates’ Court, on Wednesday ordered that a teenager, be given 10 strokes of the cane for breaking into a house and stealing electrical cables worth N450, 000.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, gave the sentence following a guilty plea by the 18-year-old now convict who resides at Kinkinau Kaduna.
Emmanuel said that the light punishment was because the convict saved the court from a prolonged trial, adding that he hoped that it would serve as a deterrent to others.
He also ordered that the recovered electrical cables be returned to the complainant, Sadiq Yusuf.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the convict committed the offence on May 17 at Ungwan sarki Kaduna.
He said the convict and one Mohammed Sani, now attack large, broke into the complainant’s house and stole the electrical cables worth N450, 000.
Leo said the convict was arrested when a neighbour to the complainant saw him coming out of the house with the stolen items.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN)
CRIME
Woman In Court For Allegedly Stabbing Boyfriend With Knife

A 23-year-old woman, Abigail Victor, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend with a knife.
Victor, a resident of Ungwan Sunday, Kaduna, was facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and causing injury.
The Prosecutor, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on May 17 at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.
Leo said the defendant conspired with two others at large to beat her boyfriend, Dominic James, and also stab him with a knife in his shoulder.
He said the defendant, who had a misunderstanding with the complainant, accused him of cheating on her.
“In the process, she called two of her friends who came to the complainant’s house, beat him up and stabbed him.
“It took the intervention of neighbours who came to the aid of the complainant and rushed him to a hospital.
“The offences contravene Sections 58 and 284 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
“Section 58 attracts a one-year prison term if found guilty, while Section 284 attracts a prison term of not less than five years if found guilty,” he said.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum.
He said the surety must be a blood relation to the defendant and must present a three year tax clearance to the Kaduna State Government.
Emmanuel adjourned the case until June 17 for hearing. (NAN)
Metro
First Lady Urges Nigerians to Embrace Cultural Diversity, Promote Unity

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to embrace their cultural diversity and promote unity and respect within the diverse nation.
The first lady made the call in her message on Wednesday in commemoration of the 2025 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
“The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, highlights the profound strength that lies our differences and the shared humanity that connects us all.
”There is indeed strength and unity in diversity.
“Nigeria for example is blessed with over 250 ethnic groups, each speaking a different language, but it is through our dialogue, our interactions, and our mutual respect that we find true identity and unity.
“On this day, I encourage every Nigerian to celebrate our cultural richness, to listen with empathy, and to lead with understanding.
“Let us embrace this journey together and shape a brighter future for Nigeria and the world,” Mrs Tinubu said.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated every year on May 21, to raise awareness on the role of Culture in sustainable socio-economic growth and development. (NAN)