metro

Expectant mother of nine in police net for murder over bunch of plantain

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2024

Esther Godday

Expectant mother of nine in police net for murder over bunch of plantain

LAGOS – A 32-year-old mother and wife, Esther Godday, who developed a coldness of heart from her inability to care for her nine biological children has landed in the police net after her attempt to steal a bunch of plantain led to the murder of another woman.

Esther got married to her husband, Mr. Godday, in 2010, and together, they have nine children, while expecting the tenth as she was eight months pregnant at the time she was taken into custody by the Police.

It was gathered that Mr. Godday had been unemployed for several years and hardly spent time at home, preferring to leave the house in the morning and return late at night. This heaved the responsibility of sustaining the home to Esther, who shared with the Police that none of her children were in school.

On Wednesday, January 28, 2024, Esther Godday had, in her customary way, left her kids at home and went into town in their little village of Agada in Abua to forage for anything that could serve as food.

Agada residents are primarily farmers, and the village has plantations littered around it, run by family groups.

Esther was said to have discreetly entered one of the plantations, a plantain plantation, and quickly harvested a whole bunch and made to make away with it. As she attempted to sneak past one of the exit points of the plantation, she was sighted by the family member on duty at the plantation, Mrs. Imeran Idema. Imeran, machete in hand, immediately accosted her and asked her to surrender the bunch.

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“Drop that plantain” Imeran was said to have shouted as she approached Esther, who also had a sharp machete with which she had illegally harvested the bunch of plantains. She thought about the consequences on her hungry children if she handed the bunch to Imeran and refused to acquiesce to her demands. She instead bolted towards another exit. Imeran ran after her, and as she gained on the fleeing woman, she threatened to use the machete on her. The threats made Esther stop running and face her.

An altercation ensued, which led to Imeran landing a blow on Esther’s right foot, giving her a gash. Esther dropped the bunch and launched attacks with her own machete. She hit out with the machete, giving two significant cuts on Imeran’s head and shoulder. As Imeran collapsed in pain, Esther quickly left the scene, abandoning the bunch of plantains and fled. Members of Imeran’s family who heard her screams came to her aid, took her for medical treatment, and reported the case to the Police.

The Police arrested Esther and, after questioning her, released her to receive medical attention for the cut on her foot. She was rearrested two days later, and when she got to the Police station, she got the information that Imeran had died. Esther, who has been charged to court, expressed her remorse and regret to the Police while she was in custody and said she prayed daily, wishing the deed could be undone.

In reaction to the case of Esther, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stated that people need to think carefully before making life choices. He also charged heads of households to procreate within their means and to lead responsible lives.

CP Disu also highlighted the dangers of responding to our emotions. He warned that a crime will always be met with justice regardless of the prevailing circumstances.

Expectant mother of nine in police net for murder over bunch of plantain

metro

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Irene Ugbo, Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

Gunmen have attacked Mbiaong Ukwa Community in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State, unleashing unspeakable terror and violence on its inhabitants.

At least five elderly persons were killed and houses destroyed when the armed men who reportedly donned military fatigues attacked the enclave

The armed invaders were said to have come from the distant Isu community in Ihechiowa Local Government Area of Abia State.

According to locals privy to the incident, the intruders kidnapped a number of young men who resisted them.

A community leader of Ukwa Ibom-Efik Eburutu, Chief Okon Odiong Ekpenyong Esu confirmed the attack to newsmen.

He said yesterday’s invasion was not the first time, disclosing that the invaders often come to mine the limestone in their community and to grab their land.

In a statement he signed a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Sunday, Esu many people, especially children and the aged, have been killed by the assailants

“Several of our people have been killed. So many are from Mbiabong. Mostly, the aged and children who could not run have been killed, while others have been kidnapped.

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“The continuous aggression, wanton destruction of properties and killing of Mbiabong Ukwa people by the Isu Community in Abia State with the help of men in Military Uniform over the years, is one that has gone on without checks and help also seems not to be coming from anywhere to the helpless Mbiabong Ukwa people.

“They are strongly supported by the wealthy Isu leaders and other persons from Abia State in order to take over the rich limestone embedded in Mbiabong land by God.

“We don’t have a known common boundary with the Isu Community like the invaders, Isu would want people to believe. The constant killing and invasion of the Mbiabong Ukwa community to destroy properties is disguised in communal land conflict. It is a deliberate territorial land grabbing orchestrated by certain rich and wealthy people in Abia State and targeted at the limestone and other mineral resources in Mbiabong Ukwa land.

“The Saturday 11th of May, 2024 destruction of Mbiabong Ukwa by Isu Community which also saw the killing of Mr Ediong Ediong Essien and his wife, Madam Ekpitu Ediong Essien, another young boy Asuquo Ndem and many others kidnapped was made very possible because Mbiabong Ukwa in particular and the entire Ukwa Eburutu Community, in general, do not have motorable roads that people can use faster mobility to run, and no electricity for the people to charge their phones and call for help.”

According to the statement, “The masterminds of the invasion of our community are interested in the rich mineral resources of Ukwa Eburutu land. The attacks and killings have become unbearable.

“We call for help from both the Federal and Cross River State governments to avoid our total elimination by our neighbouring Igbo communities.”

According to him, the Isu people would come to Mbiabong Ukwa with arms to fish in their ponds and farm in their lands at intervals without their consent

Gunmen attack Cross River community, five killed, women raped

metro

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Bishop Mamza

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

During a special Mass in Yola, Bishop Mamza, also the immediate Adamawa State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), lamented the growing trend of churches being established solely for commercial gain. He highlighted the pervasive desire among individuals to become general overseers and acquire private jets, attributing it to the rampant establishment of profit-driven churches.

In a candid revelation, Bishop Mamza recounted a personal encounter where a general overseer solicited him to purchase their church due to financial struggles, emphasizing the prevalent focus on material wealth rather than spiritual nourishment.

The Bishop’s remarks were made during a Mass held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Bekaji, Yola, to commemorate this year’s World Communications Sunday of the Catholic Church. Addressing the theme of the day, ‘Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart Towards a Fully Human Communication,’ Bishop Mamza emphasized the irreplaceable value of human empathy and passion in communication, asserting that artificial intelligence cannot replicate the depth of human connection.

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While acknowledging the opportunities presented by communication platforms, Bishop Mamza cautioned against the dehumanizing effects of technology, urging for a balanced approach that prioritizes genuine human interaction. He emphasized the importance of maintaining empathy and compassion in communication, essential elements that artificial intelligence cannot replicate.

In conclusion, Bishop Mamza called for a renewed focus on strengthening human communication, rooted in empathy and compassion, amidst the rapid advancement of technology. He urged individuals to prioritize authentic connections and relationships, emphasizing the intrinsic value of human touch and empathy in fostering meaningful interactions.

Catholic Bishop condemns commercialization of Churches

metro

Man given pig kidney transplant dies

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2024

Trends Admin

Rick Slayman

Man given pig kidney transplant dies

The recipient of the world’s first pig kidney transplant, Rick Slayman, has sadly passed away nearly two months after undergoing the groundbreaking procedure.

Massachusetts General Hospital made history in March by performing the transplant, implanting a genetically modified pig kidney into Slayman, a 62-year-old individual grappling with end-stage kidney disease.

While hailed as a significant achievement in xenotransplantation—a field exploring organ transplantation between different species—Slayman’s death was confirmed to be unrelated to the transplant, according to the hospital.

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In a statement released by his family, they expressed profound sadness at Rick’s sudden passing but found solace in his inspirational legacy.

Acknowledging the tireless efforts of the medical team, the family praised their dedication, which granted them seven precious weeks with Rick. They reflected on the cherished memories created during this time, forever in their hearts.

The pig kidney used in the transplant underwent genetic modifications to enhance compatibility with humans, including removing harmful pig genes and incorporating specific human genes. Additionally, porcine endogenous retroviruses were deactivated to eliminate potential human infection risks.

While mourning Slayman’s loss, Massachusetts General Hospital reiterated that his passing was not attributed to the transplant. They honoured Rick as a symbol of hope for countless transplant patients worldwide, expressing gratitude for his unwavering trust and contributions to advancing the field of xenotransplantation.