News
‘We’re under siege’, Ibeno residents lament insecurity in Akwa Ibom
By Francesca Hamgeior
Residents of Ibeno Local Government Area have called out for help against the destruction of life and property meted on them by the people of Eket and Esit Eket Local Government Areas under the aegis of Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal Communities of Akwa Ibom.
The call was a sequel to the invasion and attack on the Ibeno people in the early hours of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, by members of the Coalition.
Verified information has it that before a team of Policemen and other security agencies could intervene and stop an arson attempt on the Mobil filling station along QIT Road, Ibeno, owned by one Samuel Ekpenyong, the invaders killed three persons, maimed many others and burnt down over 24 houses including Four Square Church in Iwuachang, a community in Ibeno.
A resident of Iwuoachang, Mr. Ekpo Emmanuel, has alleged that “the invasion and attack is sponsored.
Mr. Emmanuel also said “We have done our investigations and every groundwork and we have concrete evidence. We appeal to our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, not to toe the path of his predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who created the whole problem through his remapping agenda.”
Another resident, Mr. Otukere Okon, said “The incident was carefully planned for and executed. Why will you, in the name of protest, block the only access routes to the community, invade and attack the people, claiming that you are protesting the non-implementation of government policies?
“Wouldn’t the House of Assembly or the Judiciary Headquarters or Government House have been a better ground for protest, if the intention was genuine and sincere?
“There is more to it and we, the people and residents of Ibeno local government area, are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to come to our aid.
“It is a planned delineation of the Obolo people from Akwa Ibom State. We know those playing the drum of war. They must be stopped now before it escalates,” he explained.
This was further confirmed by a leaked circular signed by Dr Udonsak on February 26, 2024, “Good Morning All. The destruction of blocks at Esit Urua and the assault on the Transition Chairman of Eket LGA when he went to assess the damage by Ibeno youths as well as other acts of victimization of Ekid people by ungrateful settlers were reported to the Coalition of Coastal Aboriginal LGA Assembly.
The Assembly resolved to impose a total blockade of Ibeno and Eastern Obolo settlers at Esit Urua, Edo, Onna, Mkpat Enin and Ikot Abasi to press for our rights. In compliance, the Union effected a total blockade at Edo and Esit Urua by 2. am this morning, towards a 2000-man indefinite peaceful protest. We have to reiterate that this is a peaceful protest, and nobody should test our resolve to press for our rights. I call on every son and daughter of Ekid to support this exercise in any manner possible.”
Speaking shortly after a security meeting with state director of the Department of State Service and other sister agencies, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ibeno, Hon. Emma Ibok, confirmed the incident and said he was taking inventory of casualties and the level destruction.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.
Idris, a former industrialist and two-term governor of Kogi State, reportedly died in the United Kingdom on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In a condolence message, Enikanolaiye commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the Kogi State Government and people of the state, as well as his associates across the country.
The minister described the death as “unexpected” and urged Nigerians to draw consolation from the exemplary life Idris lived and the legacies he left behind as a man of peace committed to the good of all.
Enikanolaiye said Idris made significant contributions to business, public service and philanthropy, leaving behind projects that defined his tenure as governor.
He said: “The former industrialist has left very bold footmarks on the sand of time in business, public service, and philanthropy. The greater Lokoja water scheme, the international market, several roads and bridges, State Secretariat phase two, and construction of housing estates across the state, in addition to prompt payment of salaries are some of the legacies that defined his public service.
“He was a very tolerant leader and a voice of unity who saw humanity in all irrespective of creed, class, and tribe.
“For me at a personal and community level, it was the late Governor that put, for the very first time, asphalt on the only road that links my communities from Iyamoye through Igbagun to Isanlu in Yagba South East District which made access and movements easier for the people.
“I have been one of the direct beneficiaries of this transformative project. The road is now overdue for rehabilitation.
“This is one death too many. It is particularly sad that his death occurred at a time when his guidance and wealth of experience were highly required in this special general election season. Nigeria will miss him.
“No one can question the Almighty God, the owner of life. I wish the former governor, Al janah fridaus, and the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
The minister prayed for strength for the family to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 66th birthday, describing her as the “Mother of the Nation”.
Kalu commended the First Lady for her service to the country, particularly her interventions aimed at empowering women, supporting families and vulnerable citizens, and investing in young Nigerians.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Deputy Speaker said Senator Tinubu’s leadership had reflected compassion and brought what he described as a profoundly human face to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He also praised her commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria, describing the initiative as symbolic of her vision for the future.
Kalu said: “Your Excellency, your life of service continues to demonstrate that leadership finds its highest expression in compassion. Through your interventions across the states of our federation, particularly your commitment to the empowerment of women, support for families and vulnerable citizens, and investment in the hopes and aspirations of young Nigerians, you have brought a profoundly human face to the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“Your remarkable commitment to raising funds for the renovation and completion of the National Library of Nigeria is especially symbolic of your vision for the future. A nation that invests in its libraries invests in the minds of its children”.
The Deputy Speaker further described Senator Tinubu as a source of inspiration to emerging leaders, praising her humility, quiet strength and graciousness in office.
“At 66, we celebrate not only the gift of your life, but the countless lives that have been enriched by your generosity of spirit and commitment to service,” Kalu said.
He prayed for continued strength, sound health and wisdom for the First Lady.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her 66th birthday, describing her as a “great mobiliser and unifier”.
In a congratulatory message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday, Abbas described the First Lady as a dependable spouse, partner and ally to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Speaker commended her “indefatigable spirit” and high level of patriotism, saying she remained an inspiration to Nigerian women.
He also acknowledged her experience in public administration and women mobilisation, describing her as an experienced political, religious and woman leader.
Abbas praised her resilience in supporting not only the President but also the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting her influence at the grassroots and her efforts to complement the actualisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Speaker wished the First Lady many more years in sound body and mind, while praying for the success of her husband in the forthcoming presidential election.
Enikanolaiye Mourns ex-Kogi Governor Ibrahim Idris
Kalu hails Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Praises Support for Women, Vulnerable Nigerians
Abbas Hails Oluremi Tinubu @66, Praises Her as ‘Great Mobilise, Unifier’
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