News
Otobi-Akpa killings: Federal varsity Otukpo decries attacks on host community
The Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO), has decried the recent brutal killings in Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Otobi Akpa, which hosts the university’s permanent site, recently came under relentless assault by suspected herdsmen.
In a demonstration of solidarity, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUHSO, Professor Stephen Abah, led a high-powered university delegation to the palace of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty John Elaigwu, and to the grieving community’s village square, where he met with the District Head, Chief Pastor Wilson Ahola.
Abah described the massacre as “a heinous act of barbarity and man’s inhumanity to man.”
He expressed profound sorrow over the incident, which coincides with FUHSO’s planned relocation to its permanent site in Akwete-Akpa a moment of institutional progress now overshadowed by grief and loss.
“What could possibly justify the slaughter of innocent, peace-loving people in their own homes?” he asked solemnly.
“This community, which plays host not only to our University but also to the Federal Government College and the Otobi Dam, deserves protection, not persecution. The horror visited upon Otobi Akpa is beyond comprehension.”
The vice-chancellor called on security agencies to act swiftly in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators.
He also appealed to the Nigerian Police Force to establish a permanent police station within the Otobi Akpa axis, to secure this critical federal zone and help prevent future attacks.
During the visit to the Och’Idoma’s palace, Abah conveyed FUHSO’s deepest condolences to the paramount ruler of the Idoma Kingdom.
In response, the visibly emotional monarch revealed that one of the victims was his personal pastor. He called on all Idoma sons and daughters, both at home and abroad, to speak with one voice in demanding justice.
“This is not just about Otobi Akpa,” the monarch said.
“This is about the soul of our people, our heritage and our future. We must speak with one voice and demand justice for our slain.”
The monarch emphasized Otobi Akpa’s strategic significance not only as Otukpo’s primary water source but also as the proud host of Nigeria’s first Federal University of Health Sciences noting the urgent need for a lasting security framework in the region.
The FUHSO delegation included senior members of University management: Acting Registrar Mr. Michael Ogiji; University Librarian Dr. Kathryn Philip; Provost of the College of Medicine Professor Rose Okwunu Abah; Director of Academic Planning and Control Professor Edache Sylvanus Okpe; Director of the Institute of Global Health and Health Security Professor Onyemocho Audu; Chief Security Officer Mr. Michael Anebi; and Head of Protocol Mr. Francis Onmoke.
The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.
The statement read
“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.
The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.
This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.
Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”
News
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.
DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.
According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.
Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.
The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.
Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.
The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.
Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.
The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.
Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)
“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads
Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers
Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds
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