Odera’s autopsy has just confirmed that the entertainer succumbed to poisoning, overturning earlier speculation that his death stemmed from high blood pressure.

Toxicology reports reveal lethal levels of a toxic substance in his system, pointing to poisoning as the definitive cause of death.

Odera had recently experienced a sudden health scare involving a rapid heartbeat, prompting a brief hospital visit, but the fatal outcome came unexpectedly.

Authorities are now launching a full investigation to pinpoint the source of the poison.

No fewer than 12 persons, including a child, lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred on Friday night along the Ejule–Enugu highway in Kogi State, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed.

The Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Tenimu Etuku, disclosed this in Lokoja on Saturday, describing the crash as tragic and avoidable. He said the accident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. at Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area.

According to Etuku, the crash involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit, which was travelling from Abuja to the eastern part of the country, when it rammed into a parked faulty articulated vehicle along the highway.

He attributed the accident to excessive speeding, noting that FRSC rescue teams promptly arrived at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in a morgue.

Etuku expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to exercise caution, obey traffic regulations, and avoid reckless driving, especially during the yuletide period, to prevent further loss of lives.

The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to communicate an undeniable and poignant truth to the Southeast Governors. As we approach this festive season, we face an unrelenting economic downturn that has resulted in unprecedented hikes in transportation fares. This unfortunate circumstance has rendered numerous intending Igbos in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and other regions in Northern Nigeria unable to return home to the Southeast to reunite with their families.

Even those Igbos capable of affording the exorbitant travel fees are filled with trepidation, driven by the pervasive concerns surrounding unresolved security issues throughout the nation, particularly in the Southeast. It is, therefore, the responsibility – indeed, the moral obligation – of the Southeast Governors to respond with urgency and empathy to these pressing challenges confronting our people.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores the Southeast Governors to take immediate action by facilitating the return of our people stranded in various parts of the country. We call for the provision of at least 250 free buses (50 buses from each Southeast state) to transport our citizens back to their homes this festive season. Such an initiative would serve as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity, reinforcing the bond of our Igbo heritage and culture during this joyous yet challenging period.

Furthermore, we extend our commendation to the Federal Government for its commendable efforts in mitigating insecurity in specific communities within Igboland. The collaborative actions of the Nigerian military and allied security agencies have significantly restored normalcy, allowing many Igbos to reclaim their territory after a prolonged absence due to security threats. It is with this newfound safety that we can once again gather with our loved ones to celebrate the Yuletide season.

However, we stress that security must remain a paramount focus. Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges the Southeast Governors, in their roles as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, to enhance security measures, particularly around border communities in Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo States. This is a crucial step toward safeguarding lives and preventing any potential terrorist incursions, especially from fleeing Northern bandits.

Let it be known that any Governor failing to take appropriate measures—be it the provision of free transportation or the fortification of security—will face the ire of the Ndigbo people. In contrast, those who heed this call for action shall be recognized and celebrated for their dedication to the welfare of Ndigbo.

Finally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo enthusiastically acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s establishment of a military training depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – a significant development that represents a departure from practices historically restricted to the Northern regions since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. This military installment is pivotal in reshaping the mindset of Igbo youths, encouraging their participation in military recruitment initiatives, and ultimately contributing to enhanced security in the Southeast.

We stand firm in our commitment to advocating for the interests of the Igbo people and advancing their welfare. As the festive season approaches, let us endeavor to work together for the greater good of our region .

E-Signed
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Chief Chinenyeze Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide