By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
10- OCT- 2025

The Obile community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State has been thrown into deep anxiety and unrest following the brutal killing of five individuals, including a staff member of an oil company.

Among the deceased were identified as Denaute Gbaraka, an oil company worker, and Chinedu Chukwu, a native of Obile. Reports indicate that the victims were murdered in separate incidents over a short period, with the assailants also setting fire to personal properties during their attacks.

Confirming the disturbing development, the President General of Obile Town Union, Mr. Chigozie Kingsley Onuruka, expressed alarm over the escalating insecurity in the area. He attributed the wave of violence to the activities of a suspected cult group, which he alleged had been terrorizing residents since a dispute arose concerning the appointment of a new community president general.

According to Onuruka, the same group was behind the recent abduction of a local resident, identified as Onwa of the Ogbonna family, and was also responsible for the looting of a provision store. He alleged that the cult members have links with certain individuals and officials within the local government.

The community leader urged Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant security agencies to wade into the crisis urgently to forestall further bloodshed and restore peace in Obile.

Efforts by journalists to obtain comments from the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Command’s spokesperson, Mr. Henry Okoye, did not respond to multiple inquiries as of the time of reporting.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Wednesday, expressed readiness to help Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State attract foreign investors to the state.

Obasanjo emphasized the need for leaders to mobilize investors both locally and internationally for Nigeria.

He spoke during the commissioning of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi.

Obasanjo said Nigeria’s tourism sector can be developed to attract foreign investments.

He said: “We can be developed and be made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria. And those who will come will be able to stay in a hotel.

“They will be able to interact and have discussion conferences in this international conference center and make Bauchi the center of attraction, the center of tourism for Nigeria.

“I congratulate you once again. And not only are we commissioning this, we are starting with a conference to talk about investment and what do we need in Nigeria today. We need to mobilize investment from local and from the international.

“Governor, let me say this. I will go anywhere with you to get investments for Bauchi State.”

The former President also commended Mohammed on the level of development in the state.

“In terms of developing Bauchi State, I was happy with what I saw and what I heard. I didn’t know that it would not be too long before you would invite me here.

“And this is particularly unique, an international conference center named after one of the greatest Nigerians in our history, particularly in our history of achieving independence and of leading our country, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Saldana of Sokoto,” he added.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7-OCT- 2025

The Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday embarked on an extensive inspection tour of several ongoing projects across Owerri, the state capital, In a remarkable move that reflects his administration’s dedication to infrastructural excellence and urban transformation

The inspection exercise was part of the Governor’s continuous monitoring of strategic development projects aimed at ensuring timely delivery, adherence to standards, and alignment with the State’s comprehensive urban renewal scheme.

During the tour, Governor Uzodimma visited key project sites including the construction of the Ultra-Modern Bus Terminal at Onitsha Road, the Imo Recreation Park, the headquarters of the Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), and the Imo Drug Warehouse. Each of these projects represents a vital component of the administration’s broader vision to modernize Owerri, strengthen public services, and promote economic vibrancy within the State.

According to the Governor, the on-site inspection was not just an assessment exercise but a strategic review session aimed at identifying gaps and ensuring that contractors maintain both speed and quality in project execution. He emphasized that his observations during the visit would inform prompt and targeted interventions to accelerate delivery timelines and enhance the efficiency of infrastructure development.

Governor Uzodimma reiterated that his government remains focused on sustainable urban development, with projects deliberately designed to improve the living standards of citizens, decongest urban traffic, enhance environmental aesthetics, and boost tourism and commerce in the capital city.

The Governor’s hands-on leadership style continues to reflect his resolve to deliver on the 3R Government Agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery, transforming Imo into a modern, functional, and investor-friendly state.