Everyday Supermarket Ikenegbu Sealed by the State Government for Structural Defects

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2024

The Government of Imo state has sealed off Everyday Supermarket and adjacent businesses situated in the Ikenegbu axis of Owerri, the state capital.

The decision stemmed from concerns raised by Imo-based structural engineer, Kingsley Onwubiko, regarding structural deficiencies observed at the plaza.

Citing the paramount need to prioritize public safety, the government swiftly responded by sealing the plaza pending a comprehensive integrity test and possible reinforcement of the buildings.

Upon our reporter’s visit to the site, it was evident that officials from the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) had sealed off the entire premises and suspended all business activities within the plaza.

An anonymous official from the agency affirmed that the directive to seal the plaza emanated from Governor Hope Uzodinma himself, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to preventing any incidents of building collapse that could result in loss of life or property.

The engineer who initially flagged the structural concerns, Kingsley Onwubiko, commended the government’s swift response, hailing the decision to seal the property pending a thorough integrity assessment.

“Taking proactive measures such as sealing off the property and conducting a comprehensive integrity test is paramount,” remarked Onwubiko.

“Following the assessment, appropriate measures such as restructuring or, if necessary, demolition of the compromised sections should be undertaken to mitigate risks and safeguard lives and property.”he said.

Furthermore, Onwubiko reiterated his team’s commitment to identifying and addressing similar structural anomalies across the state, underscoring the importance of proactive intervention to preempt potential hazards.

Democracy Day: Benue youths hold pro-Tinubu, Alia rally despite unending killings

Published

2 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

While victims of Fulani herdsmen attacks are languishing in hospitals and families of the deceased are mourning, a group of Benue State youths and women on Thursday staged a rally in Makurdi to support the present administration.

The youths under the aegis of pro-Tinubu/Alia support groups, stormed major streets of Makurdi, capital city of Benue State, drumming support for second terms for President Bola Tinubu and the state governor, Hyacinth Alia.

The group eventually converged at the roundabout leading to the Government House, expecting the governor to address them.

The pro-Tinubu, Alia rally came a few hours after armed herders launched the latest attacks in Makurdi, killing scores of persons.

Ekwutosblog earlier reported that the bloodthirsty armed herders attacked the Mtsewnem and Akondutyough villages in the North Bank area of Makurdi on Wednesday night, killing several persons and leaving scores injured.

The Benue State University Teaching Hospital subsequently issued an urgent appeal for blood donations to save the lives of injured victims who are currently battling for their lives.

Meanwhile, the rally has continued to generate criticism from members of the public, who accused the group of not bothering about victims of the attacks.

All 242 Aboard Crashed Air India Plane Feared Dead

Published

2 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The flight, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport, crashed shortly after takeoff. According to the local newspaper, the Indian Express, citing police, the passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national.

All the 242 people on board the ill-fated Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport that crashed earlier on Thursday, are feared dead.

“The police confirmed that all 242 passengers on board the aircraft had died in the crash,” the outlet reported.

The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

Meanwhile, world leaders have been quick to respond to the tragedy, sending their condolences through social media platforms.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, “We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her deepest condolences, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this time of great sorrow.”

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, “I am saddened by the news of the Air India plane crash. It is a great tragedy that has affected many lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have lost their loved ones.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky added, “Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day.”

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his deepest sympathies, saying, “Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. The loss of so many lives is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people of India in this time of sorrow.”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro posted on X, “It was with deep dismay that I learned of the tragic plane crash in India, involving 7 citizens with Portuguese nationality. On behalf of myself and the government, I would like to express my condolences and deep solidarity with the families of the victims.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia’s thoughts are with everyone affected.”

The tragedy has sent shockwaves around the world, with people from different countries and backgrounds coming together to mourn the loss of lives.

Two killed, others injured in Nasarawa thunderstorm tragedy

Published

3 hours ago

June 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A devastating thunderstorm struck Obi town on Monday, killing two residents and leaving two others critically injured.

The victims, Aminu Amegwa Ayitogo and Micah Christopher, lost their lives after being struck by lightning during a heavy downpour.

According to eyewitness accounts, the tragic incident occurred while the victims were taking shelter under a motorcycle workshop shade located opposite the Obi Local Government Secretariat.

According to them, the thunderbolt hit the group unexpectedly, resulting in immediate fatalities and injuries.

Two others, Bulus Ogu Iwala and Abraham Francis Tarkaa, were seriously wounded in the incident and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Lafia, the state capital. According to medical personnel, efforts are ongoing to stabilise their condition.

In response to the incident, local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during severe weather conditions, especially by avoiding open spaces, trees, and metal structures during thunderstorms.