By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- DEC- 2025

The quiet community of Lilu in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State was thrown into mourning on Sunday after armed assailants launched a devastating midnight attack on St. Andrews Anglican Church, leaving two people dead—including the wife of the resident priest—and destroying several buildings within the church premises.

The attackers reportedly stormed the church compound in the early hours of the morning, firing sporadically and setting fire to multiple structures. The assault came just as some early worshippers were preparing for the day’s service. Witnesses said the gunmen moved with brutal precision, torching vehicles, the priest’s residence, and other facilities as frightened residents fled for safety.

By Monday morning, when journalists arrived to assess the destruction, what was once a vibrant centre of worship had been reduced to ruins. Charred vehicles, shattered roofs, burnt personal items, and lingering smoke told the story of a night filled with terror. The church compound, normally bustling with worshippers, stood eerily quiet—its silence a stark reminder of the violence that occurred.

One eyewitness, still visibly shaken, recounted the chaos:
“They came in shooting everywhere. Everything was burning—cars, buildings, even the priest’s house. The priest’s wife and one other person were killed. Many were injured. It was like something from a nightmare.”

Residents expressed deep concern over the severity of the attack and lamented the lack of nationwide attention to what they described as a direct assault on their community and faith.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident. Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, had strongly condemned the violence, calling it “utterly wicked and intolerable.” He noted that the CP has ordered intensified intelligence operations, strengthened joint security deployment, and enhanced surveillance across the area to prevent further occurrences.

Ikenga extended condolences on behalf of the Command to the bereaved families and the entire Lilu community. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations as security agencies move to track down the perpetrators.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- DEC -2025

The Imo State Police Command has officially confirmed the release of the Chief Executive Officer of TMT Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Onukwubiri, following a bail granted by a Magistrate Court in Owerri. The police clarified that the release came after due legal processes were followed, and the matter remains active before the court.

A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, explained that Dr. Onukwubiri was arraigned on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, after investigations into allegations bordering on visa fraud and obtaining money under false pretence. The Monitoring Unit of the Command had concluded its preliminary investigation before charging the case to court.

According to the police spokesperson, the court granted bail to the defendant on December 4, 2025, after which he was released to a reliable surety under conditions set by the court. The case has been scheduled to resume on January 21, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

The police further advised all complainants and affected clients to channel their claims through the appropriate legal avenues, noting that the matter is now fully under judicial consideration. They emphasised that individuals seeking clarification or pursuing refunds should either follow up through the court process or contact the company via recognised legal channels.

Reaffirming its stance, the Imo State Police Command assured residents of its unwavering commitment to justice, due process, and protection of the public from fraudulent activities. The Command also pledged to provide further information as developments unfold.

In a short statement made after regaining freedom, Dr. Onukwubiri expressed his willingness to resolve all outstanding issues with aggrieved clients. He noted that TMT Travels and Tours Limited remains committed to improving communication with its customers and prioritising their interests as the company works toward restoring trust and ensuring better service delivery.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
8- DEC- 2025

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a major operational success across several states, including Imo, Adamawa, Delta, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Kano, Niger, Edo, Abuja.

The agency confirmed that more than 7.6 million tramadol pills and 76,273.4kg of cannabis variants, including Colorado, Loud, and Skunk, were seized in coordinated raids nationwide—an achievement that further strengthens the fight against drug trafficking.

In Imo State, NDLEA operatives made a major breakthrough when they intercepted a consignment of 1.2 million tablets of Tramadol 225mg on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The suspect, 35-year-old Kelechi Nwakocha, was apprehended by officers on patrol at Orogwe, along the strategic Onitsha/Owerri Road. The illicit drugs, reportedly loaded in Aba, Abia State, were en route to Onitsha in Anambra before the timely interception prevented their circulation. This operation highlights the increasing vigilance of NDLEA operatives within Imo, especially along high-traffic transit corridors that drug trafficking syndicates often exploit.

A related raid in Delta State led to the discovery of a large drug warehouse at Oko Market in Asaba. Operatives recovered 3,874,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg and 100mg, alongside significant quantities of codeine syrup. The warehouse bust represents one of the largest single opioid seizures of the year and is believed to be linked to an inter-state trafficking network with operations stretching across the South-East and South-South regions.

In Adamawa, NDLEA officers intercepted 1,577,112 capsules of Tramadol and Exol-5 concealed inside jumbo bags disguised with rubber sandals. The officers made two arrests—Kabiru Buba (25) and Hamza Abubakar (32). Similarly, a separate operation along the Zaria/Kano axis led to the arrest of Mudansir Rabiu (27) with 197,000 pills of Exol-5.

Ekiti State witnessed massive destruction of cannabis farms and storage facilities, with operatives clearing over 68,954kg of skunk across forest locations in Omuo-Ekiti and Asin-Ekiti. Additional special raids in Ondo State recovered 5,442kg of compressed cannabis blocks, leading to the arrest of five suspects.

NDLEA operatives also intercepted 22kg of Colorado at Abaji Expressway, Abuja, where a follow-up arrest was made at Jabi Park. They recovered 24kg of skunk and 573,500 pills of Exol-5 along the Kwali/Gwagwalada Road.

In Lagos, officers seized 113kg of Canadian Loud at Ladipo Market, Mushin; 351kg of skunk at Onipanu; and 104.1kg of skunk at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.
A major seizure of 500kg of cannabis was made along Mokwa/Jebba Road in Niger State, while 447.5kg of skunk was recovered from Agho Forest in Edo State. Further raids in Edo uncovered 315.8kg of skunk in a warehouse at Isiefve community, leading to the arrest of a suspect connected to the illegal storage facility.

Amid the sweeping operations, NDLEA formations nationwide continued robust WADA (War Against Drug Abuse) sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, communities, and worship centers, reinforcing the importance of prevention alongside enforcement.

The Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers of the Imo Command and their counterparts in Delta, Adamawa, Ondo, Lagos, Niger, FCT, Edo, Kano and others. He praised their diligence and balanced strategy of reducing drug supply while promoting drug demand reduction.