Udei community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into panic on Sunday following an attempted attack by suspected herdsmen, which reportedly left three police officers feared dead.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen ambushed the officers during the attack and allegedly made away with their rifles.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command and other relevant authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the attack.

More to come…

Ebonyi State Government has set up a 15-member committee to work towards the reactivation of Niger Cement (NIGERCEM), Nkalagu.

Governor Francis Nwifuru announced this during a church service at the Government House Chapel, Abakiliki.

The committee members are Mrs Catherine Ogbu, Professor Adline Idike, Idu Igariwey, Professor Ben Odoh, Sunday Eze and Senator Chris Nwankwo.

Others are Senator Ken Eze, Senator Antony Ani, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Engr. Elias Mbam, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji , Barrister Roy Umahi, SAN, Senator Obinna Ogba, Senator Sylvanus Ngiji Ngele and Chief Ben Okah.

He said, “The committee should liaise with the core investor and shareholders to workout modalities for the immediate commencement of operations in the company which has been moribund for several decades. The committee has two weeks to provide solutions to the problem.

“Reactivation of the NIGERCEM Nkalagu was part of my campaign promises when I visited Nkalagu. I assured that the factory will be revived within my first tenure in office.”

Governor Nwifuru reiterated his plan to transform Abakaliki metropolitan city, restoring its lost glory in line with its master plan.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists.

Nwifuru said a town hall meeting has been convened to engage stakeholders on the best approach to actualize the project.

The governor directed the Ministry of Capital City to be more stringent in ensuring that developers comply with the master plan.

He hinted that lands will be allocated to individuals with the zeal and capacity to establish factories at Ezzangbo Industrial City, urging indigenes of Ebonyi to come home and invest to boost the revenue of the state.

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Uzodimma appoints Imo State immediate past CAN Chairman, Eches, Special Adviser

Governor Hope Uzodimma has named the immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State Chapter, Rev. Dr. Divine Eches Divine as his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs.

His appointment took effect June 25, 2025.

Rev Eches was elected Chairman of CAN, Imo State in 2020, a position he relinquished this month following a successful hand over to a successor.

In the five years that Rev Eches held away as CAN boss in Imo State, he acquitted himself creditably, discharging his roles in ways that also brought accolades to him from his Superiors working in God’s vineyard, both within and outside.

Before Rev Eches became Chairman of CAN Imo State, he had held other key positions in the organisation such as Secretary; Director of Education, Youth and Women Development; Deputy Publicity Secretary; among others.

A strong member of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) ministry, Rev Eches holds a Doctorate Degree in Theology, and was at different times, Chaplain of Enyimba Football Club, Aba and Super Eagles of Nigeria

He hails from Isiala Mbano in Imo State.

In congratulating Rev Eches in his new role, Governor Uzodimma expects that he will bring his wealth of experience, not just to serve Imo State well, but to deploy same in ensuring that the society is a better place for all.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor
June 27, 2025.