Okorocha responds to death rumors, blames jealousy over ovation received at Iwuanyanwu’s burial

Published

11 months ago

November 7, 2024

Senator Rochas Okorocha

By Chinonso Alozie

Former Governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, addressed recent rumors claiming he had passed away, attributing them to envy over the positive reception he received at the burial ceremony of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha expressed dismay at the “breaking news” circulated by unnamed sources on November 6, 2024, alleging he had died in a London hospital due to a fabricated illness referred to as “acute gorilla.”

The statement emphasized that Okorocha, who had been present in Owerri for the burial, was in good health and has not been sick since leaving office in 2019.

“To all men and women of conscience,” the statement declared, “the correct breaking news is that Rochas Okorocha is neither sick nor dead. He has been hale and hearty throughout his stay in Owerri and has continued with his schedule, attending services in Abuja in honor of prominent Igbos, including Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.”

The statement also criticized the originators of the rumor, characterizing them as “dead in spirit” and accusing them of harboring resentment over the ovation Okorocha received at Iwuanyanwu’s burial. Okorocha expressed compassion for them, urging collective prayers for their spiritual healing, and rejecting any ill wishes toward them.

“Those who came up with this news,” the statement continued, “are angry about the ovation Okorocha received. We do not curse those whom God has blessed. Instead, we wish these individuals genuine repentance and a return to a normal life. We pray for them,” it concluded.

Goods worth millions of naira destroyed as fire razes factory in Oyo

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A major fire outbreak on Saturday gutted a four-bedroom apartment converted into a tailoring workshop in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The incident occurred in the early hours at Benjamin, Alabama Junction in the Eleyele axis of Ido Local Government Area, leaving equipment and valuables worth millions of naira destroyed.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said operatives of the agency were swiftly deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call.

“The fire emergency was reported at exactly 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, 20th September, 2025. Once the address was verified, our team, led by ACFS Bamidele Samsudeen, promptly mobilised to the scene,” Akinwande explained.

He urged residents to always give accurate information and report fire emergencies without delay, stressing that quick response is critical to minimizing losses during such incidents.

Troops kill two terrorists, foil kidnapping attempt in Kaduna

Published

4 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Two terrorists have been killed by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YANMA, during an ambush in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama shared the information on X on Sunday, saying the troops acted on credible intelligence about the movement of the attackers.

According to the Makama, the soldiers from Sub-Sector 5 set up an ambush along the Wake–Kabode–Abrum axis after learning that terrorists were heading from Gabachua high ground towards Insami and Kabode for a planned kidnapping.

“The ambush, which took place around 7:00 a.m., led to the killing of two terrorists,” Makama wrote.

Troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, two extra magazines, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle, which was destroyed at the scene.

‘Kill 10, 20 will rise’ – Bandit leader dares security forces in Katsina

Published

7 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Ummaru, has warned that government military operations targeting bandits could exacerbate insecurity, asserting that any attempt to kill 10 bandits would lead to 20 more emerging in retaliation, while killing 30 could trigger further unrest in cities and villages.

Ummaru made the remarks on Saturday during a peace dialogue between bandit groups and community leaders in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He urged security operatives to exercise restraint, emphasizing that the dialogue process would only succeed if all parties approached it in good faith.
The meeting, convened to foster peace and reconciliation, comes amid renewed efforts by stakeholders to curb banditry across Katsina and neighbouring states.

Community elders attending the dialogue also called on both bandit groups and security agencies to commit to genuine peace to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.