News
Tension as soldiers lay siege to Aba, markets shut
By Francesca Hangeior.
Tension is increasing in Aba, Abia state, as soldiers have taken over the city following the killing of five of their colleagues at a military checkpoint located at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill.
Gunmen suspected to be enforcers of the sit at home order directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had attacked the checkpoint and killed five soldiers and burnt two patrol vans as well as their checkpoint.
The tension over the killing has increased with two military helicopters still hovering over the Ogbor Hill area and environs.
It was gathered that residents have resorted to scampering for safety whenever they sight the several patrol teams of soldiers who move on top speed.
Reports have it that soldiers had stormed Cemetery, Ngwa road, Nsulu markets and other business centres and ordered traders to leave the areas.
Many schools in the city didn’t open for studies as parents did not allow their children to leave for school while some schools closed before midday.
However, the Aba main motor park was still a beehive of activities as at Mondayevening.
Meanwhile, soldiers checkpoints at Asa road and Emelogu junction in Ogbor Hill.
Residents of Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ehere, New Umuahia and Ururuka roads in Ogbor Hill and Obohia and Ohanku in Ndiegoro area, as well as adjoining areas have remained indoors for fear of reprisal from soldiers.
Fierce looking soldiers have also barricaded the Aba – Umuahia section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway.
Passengers now alight at Arungwa, Umuekea, Isiala Ngwa and Ntigha junctions and trek a kilometer while raising their hands. To avoid the situation, some motorists navigate through local routes to avoid the numerous military checkpoints on the expressway.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Army Public Relations Officer,14 Brigade, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale, was unsuccessful, as he didn’t respond to a message sent to his mobile number.
Tragedy strikes the entertainment world as American actor and singer, Richard Chamberlain, passes away, leaving an Irreparable void.
According to reports, the renowned actor passed away prior to his 91st birthday, following complications from a stroke.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and industry colleagues alike, as they mourn the loss of a beloved talent and celebrate his enduring legacy.
Moreover, tributes have flooded social media, with many remembering Chamberlain’s iconic roles in ‘Dr. Kildare,’ ‘Shōgun,’ and ‘The Thorn Birds.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his lasting impact on audiences worldwide are being widely acknowledged.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced a new 0.5% levy on imported goods from Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-nations.
The development comes as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc, they said in a statement.
According to an official statement by the trio, the levy was agreed on Friday and will take effect immediately.
It will affect all goods imported from outside the three countries but will not include humanitarian aid, the statement said.
It will “finance the activities” of the bloc, it said, without giving details.
The move ends free trade across West Africa, whose states have for decades fallen under the umbrella of the ECOWAS, and highlights the rift between the three states that border the Sahara Desert and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.
The three countries, each ruled by military juntas that came to power through recent coups in 2023, had established the Alliance of Sahel States as a security agreement following their exit from ECOWAS bloc.
Over time, this alliance evolved into an aspiring economic union with plans to promote deeper military and financial integration, including introducing biometric passports.
Last year, the three nations left ECOWAS, citing claims that the bloc had not sufficiently supported them in fighting Islamist insurgencies and addressing insecurity in their countries.
In retaliation, ECOWAS had imposed economic, political and financial sanctions on the three in a bid to force them to return to constitutional order, to little effect.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have announced a new 0.5% levy on imported goods from Nigeria and other Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member-nations.
The development comes as they seek to fund a new three-state union after leaving the larger regional economic bloc, they said in a statement.
According to an official statement by the trio, the levy was agreed on Friday and will take effect immediately.
It will affect all goods imported from outside the three countries but will not include humanitarian aid, the statement said.
It will “finance the activities” of the bloc, it said, without giving details.
The move ends free trade across West Africa, whose states have for decades fallen under the umbrella of the ECOWAS, and highlights the rift between the three states that border the Sahara Desert and influential democracies like Nigeria and Ghana to the south.
The three countries, each ruled by military juntas that came to power through recent coups in 2023, had established the Alliance of Sahel States as a security agreement following their exit from ECOWAS bloc.
Over time, this alliance evolved into an aspiring economic union with plans to promote deeper military and financial integration, including introducing biometric passports.
Last year, the three nations left ECOWAS, citing claims that the bloc had not sufficiently supported them in fighting Islamist insurgencies and addressing insecurity in their countries.
In retaliation, ECOWAS had imposed economic, political and financial sanctions on the three in a bid to force them to return to constitutional order, to little effect.
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