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How gunmen killed eight persons in Gov Uzodinma’s home attack
- IPOB commander killed as troops raid ESN hqts
A team of 12 men armed with AK 47 and grenades on Saturday killed about eight people, including three security personnel, and set ablaze the country home of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State at Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area of the state.
Several vehicles parked on the premises were also burnt in the latest orgy of violence in the state.
Many people were wounded and subsequently hospitalised.
The state government, which claimed the attack was politically motivated, said “vigilant security operatives attached to the governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised damage.”
The Nation reports that moments before the attack, a special security squad had swooped on the alleged operational headquarters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in nearby Awoomama, killing a man called Ikonso said to be the coordinator of the recent deadly attacks on the headquarters of the State Police Command and the Nigerian Correctional Service facility both in Owerri.
Leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, vowed Saturday night to avenge the death of his aide.
Residents of Omuma said the attack on Uzodinma’s house was launched at about 9am soon after information spread about the overnight attack on Ikonso and his gang.
Some youths allegedly angered by the security raid on Awoomama were said to have marched to Mgidi in Oru West and later to Omuma where the governor’s private residence is located.
The youths were soon joined at the building by the gunmen who came through the Oguta axis of the state.
On their arrival in the town, the gunmen first shot two yet to be identified security men at Oguta Junction dead.
A source said that the hooded gunmen forced their way into Uzodinma’s compound after breaking down the iron gates with the aid of grenade and proceeded to set it and vehicles parked therein ablaze.
Six security men on guard duty at the governor’s residence were said to have been killed by the gunmen, but the police confirmed three dead.
The sound of their gunshots sent some residents scampering for their lives.
Many fled to neighbouring communities including Atta in Njaba and Amiri and Akatta communities in Oru East.
Hundreds of villagers from Ozuh and Etiti villages, Omuma community in Oru East LGA, were also seen fleeing.
A video recording purportedly of the attack surfaced last night, showing hooded men during the raid. Some of the attackers were dressed in black.
One was seen rushing inside with used tyre ostensibly to start the fire.
The authenticity of the video could not be immediately ascertained.
It’s handiwork of political opponents, says government
The State government said through Information and Strategy Commissioner Declan Emelumba that gallant security operatives repelled the attack on the governor’s country home.
But he said the attack was politically motivated.
He said, “At about 9am today, Saturday, April 24, a group of hoodlums numbering about 15, driving in a motorcade of three vehicles accompanied by a tipper loaded with used tyres, stormed the country home of the governor in Omuma, Oru East LGA and attempted to burn down the house.
“However, vigilant security operatives attached to the governor’s house successfully repelled the attack and consequently minimised the damage they had planned to unleash.
“In the crossfire that ensued, a few casualties were recorded. Preliminary investigation suggests that the foiled attack may have been politically sponsored.
“The government has directed the relevant security agencies to expedite investigation on the incident and promptly apprehend the sponsors and their agents and bring them to justice.
Also reacting, the state’s police command PPRO, Orlando Ikeokwu, said in a statement that the hoodlums threw a petrol bomb at the governor’s house.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm the story. The hoodlums attacked the governor’s house by throwing in petrol bomb as a result of which two cars were burnt. But they were successfully repelled and none of the buildings was set ablaze.
“One unarmed personnel of the NSCDC was killed in the process. The hoodlums, while escaping, also killed a Police Sergeant and another NSCDC personnel who were both in their private vehicles at Mgbidi Junction.”
The Army spokesman, 34 Artillery Brigand Obinze, Imo State, Lt. Babatunde Zubairu told The Nation that soldiers never shot at any youth.
“I am not aware that youths were killed or a woman was shot by the soldiers, but I know that the governor’s house was attacked by unknown gunmen. The police personnel and our men at the compound repelled them,” he said.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Army Command drafted soldiers from 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze to take over Oru East and West Council areas of the state to secure the areas against further attacks.
The IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful declined to talk on the development.
He said, “We are not granting interview now, but Uzodimma wants to try us.”
The security team comprising soldiers, policemen and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, also recovered from the alleged gangsters assorted guns, ammunition and charms.
The Nation gathered that the security team had trailed Ikonso and his men to the building following painstaking investigation of the Owerri attacks.
A gun battle ensued between the two sides as soon as the suspects sighted the team, which lasted till early yesterday with the bandits losing out.
By the time the exchange of gunfire subsided, Ikonso and six of his men lay dead.
Ikonso is said to be a native of Awo-Omamma, about 20 minutes drive from Owerri.
Sources said he coordinated all foreign donations to IPOB and usually disbursed same to IPOB sub units.
It was gathered that he had been promised the position of vice president in the ‘Republic of Biafra’ hence his dedication to the IPOB cause.
Confirming the operation via a statement, the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, said the operation was launched following “a detailed intelligence report on the location of the terrorists’ Operational Headquarters and the movement of the overall Commander popularly known as Ikonson Commander.”
He said four security operatives, including an Army officer and three policemen were killed in the operation.
Yerima said: “The IRT (Intelligence Response Team) and DSS teams along with troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have been on the trail of the terror group since the unfortunate attacks on the Imo State Police Command and the Owerri Correctional Centre on 5 April, 2021.
“The said Ikonson commander, who was the mastermind of those attacks in addition to multiple attacks in the South East and South South regions, was neutralised along with six of his top commanders.”
The statement added, “So far, three AK 47 riffles, a Toyota Sienna van belonging to the terrorists and several other items of value including drugs suspected to be psychotropic substances were recovered and are being processed by the intelligence team to assist in further investigations and operations in the area.”
News
UN Chief Calls Africa’s Security Council Exclusion Unfair, Outdated
UN Chief Calls Africa’s Security Council Exclusion Unfair, Outdated
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has described Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the UN Security Council as “indefensible”, calling for urgent reforms to reflect today’s global realities.
Guterres made the remarks while addressing world leaders, stressing that Africa—home to more than 1.4 billion people and a major focus of the Council’s peace and security agenda—remains without a single permanent seat in the UN’s most powerful decision-making body.
According to him, the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects geopolitical realities of the 21st century and undermines the credibility and legitimacy of the United Nations.
“Africa is dramatically under-represented. This is not only unfair, it is indefensible,” Guterres said.
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He noted that while Africa accounts for a significant proportion of issues discussed by the Council—including peacekeeping operations, sanctions, and conflict resolution—it remains excluded from permanent decision-making power, including the veto.
The UN chief reiterated his support for long-standing African demands for at least two permanent seats and additional non-permanent seats on the Council, in line with the African Union’s Common African Position on UN reform.
Guterres also warned that failure to reform the Security Council risks eroding trust in multilateral institutions at a time when global cooperation is most needed to address conflicts, climate change, terrorism, and humanitarian crises.
Calls for reform of the Security Council have intensified in recent years, with African leaders, alongside countries from Latin America and Asia, arguing that the current structure—largely unchanged since 1945—reflects post-World War II power dynamics rather than present-day global realities.
Despite widespread agreement on the need for reform, progress has been slow due to disagreements among UN member states, particularly the five permanent members who hold veto power.
UN Chief Calls Africa’s Security Council Exclusion Unfair, Outdated
News
INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns
INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has acknowledged growing concerns over the timing of the 2027 general elections, which currently coincide with the holy month of Ramadan, and said it may seek legislative intervention if necessary to ensure full electoral participation.
In a statement released on Friday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission is sensitive to public concerns and is consulting with stakeholders on possible adjustments to the election timetable.
The commission explained that the current schedule, developed in strict compliance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Electoral Act, 2022, and INEC’s own Guidelines and Regulations for the Conduct of Elections, 2022, sets Saturday, February 20, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, March 6, 2027, for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections. Party primaries are slated for May 22 to June 20, 2026.
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However, INEC noted that these dates overlap with Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and religious observances for Muslims, which could affect voter turnout and participation, particularly in predominantly Muslim areas. The commission emphasized that any adjustment to the timetable will remain consistent with constitutional and statutory requirements.
“The commission wishes to assure the public that it remains sensitive to all legitimate concerns that may impact electoral participation and the overall conduct of elections. In view of these representations, INEC is currently undertaking consultations and may, where necessary, seek appropriate legislative intervention,” the statement read.
Several political figures have already expressed concerns. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on INEC to reconsider the February 20 date, citing potential disruption of voting during Ramadan. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also urged the commission to review the schedule to avoid disenfranchisement of Muslim voters.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent, credible, and inclusive elections. It promised to keep the public informed of any adjustments to the election timetable arising from consultations with political parties, civil society, and religious stakeholders.
The debate over the 2027 election schedule highlights the challenges of balancing constitutional timelines with religious and cultural sensitivities, underscoring the importance of ensuring accessible and fair elections for all Nigerians.
INEC May Adjust 2027 Election Dates Over Ramadan Concerns
News
2027 General Elections: INEC Announces February 20 for Presidential Poll
2027 General Elections: INEC Announces February 20 for Presidential Poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially fixed February 20, 2027 for Nigeria’s presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will be held on March 6, 2027.
INEC Chairman, Joash Ojo Amupitan, announced the dates on Friday during a media parley at the Commission’s national headquarters in Abuja, describing the move as the formal commencement of the 2027 general elections process.
According to the INEC chairman, the release of the Notice of Election and the comprehensive timetable complies with provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Electoral Act 2022, which require the Commission to publish election notices ahead of the polls.
“It is with a deep sense of constitutional responsibility and commitment to democratic consolidation that the Commission today formally releases the Notice of Election and the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Elections,” he stated, adding that any earlier unofficial announcements of election dates were misleading and did not originate from INEC.
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Amupitan disclosed that the tenure of the President, Vice President, governors, and deputy governors — except in off-cycle states — will expire on May 28, 2027, while the National and State Assemblies will be dissolved on June 8, 2027. He noted that the timeline provides sufficient room for political parties to conduct primaries, submit nomination forms, and organise campaigns in line with electoral regulations. Campaigns, he added, must end 24 hours before election day, as stipulated by law.
The INEC boss warned political parties to strictly comply with the approved schedule, stressing that the Commission would enforce the law where necessary. “Political parties are strongly advised to strictly adhere to the timelines. The Commission will not hesitate to enforce compliance with the law,” he said.
He also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to deploying technology to enhance transparency in the 2027 general elections, updating the national voters’ register, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and expanding voter education nationwide.
Calling for peaceful conduct, Amupitan urged political parties to organise credible primaries, shun violence and inflammatory rhetoric, and uphold internal democracy. He also appealed to candidates, supporters, civil society groups, the media, and citizens to play constructive roles throughout the electoral cycle.
“As we commence this national exercise, I assure Nigerians that the Commission is fully prepared and determined to deliver elections that reflect the sovereign will of the people,” he added.
With the formal release of the INEC 2027 election timetable, stakeholders are now expected to begin full-scale preparations for Nigeria’s next general elections.
2027 General Elections: INEC Announces February 20 for Presidential Poll
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