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Anger over killing of 19 herders in Anambra

Published

5 years ago

April 29, 2021

Many Nigerians have expressed anger over the brutal killing of a family of 19 herders in Anambra State on Sunday, April 24.

They are particularly irked not only by the gory pictures of the killing shared on social media but the failure of relevant authorities to speak on the incident.

They said those that have the power and resources to stop the orgy of violence against Fulani herders in the South had refused to talk.

The Fulani herders were reportedly killed by suspected members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Commentators were particularly horrified with the way the victims were gruesomely murdered.

The video showed that the victims were trailed to their settlement in Ukpomashi village, Awkuzu of Oyi Local Government Area where they lived with their cattle and shot at close range.

The father of the house, Ibrahim Medium, nine women, six children and three men were killed during the attack.

While some of the dead bodies were thereafter beheaded, the hands and legs of others were severed and their stomach ripped open.

The animals of the herders including cows and sheep were also killed; their house and other belongings vandalised.

While some commentators described the attack as the height of man’s inhumanity to man, others berated both the federal and Anambra State Government for not calling out the perpetrators and arresting them.

Two notable northern groups have also expressed anger that five days after the needless killing at the Fulani settlement, both the print and broadcast media looked the other way as if nothing happened.

They said the “I don’t care attitude” of relevant stakeholders to the ugly events in the South portend danger to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

On social media, especially on the microblogging site, Twitter, Nigerians have been critical of the killings of the 19 herders.

Reacting to the videos of the slain family members that have been trending on social media since Monday, a Twitter user, Bash Farhan, wrote: “The video of the remains of 19 Fulani women and children massacred in Anambra State is the worst thing that anyone can see today.”

A user, F.S. Yusuf, wrote: “No killing is permissible irrespective of tribe or religion. I utterly condemn the killing of that peaceful Fulani family in Igbariam. It is high time we take action against such acts very seriously. The polity is already heated.”

Another user, Rayyan, said: “Now you see the hypocrisy in this country. 19 Fulanis have been slain in cold blood and no media is reporting it. It is quite disheartening as no one is talking about it. Meanwhile, conspiracy theorists are accusing the same Fulani of the killing.”

Muhsin Ibrahim described the killing as “Very illogical.” He said, “IPOB terrorists murdered 19 members of the same Fulani family, including babies. What a country! What a people! What have we done to these folks?”

Abubakar Muhammed blamed both the federal and Anambra State Governments of not protecting the family as well as others that have been killed in the state.

“Entire Fulani family of 19 have been wiped out by IPOB militia in Anambra State. A very sad development as the authority at both state and federal levels couldn’t protect them,” he said.

For Baba Ali: “The killing of 19 Fulani family members in Anambra is an act of terror; Nigerians should unite against any form of terror.”

Targeting northerners a dangerous game – NEF

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has warned that targeting and killing northerners in the south-eastern part of the country by IPOB members can trigger a bigger mayhem for the future of Nigeria. The NEF on Wednesday sounded a warning against what it described as a “dangerous development” following the gruesome murder of 19 members of a Fulani family, mostly women and children in Anambra village.

“Those who are singling out Fulani people and killing them, singling out policemen, the military and customs, targeting the softer underbelly of the nation should better realise that they are playing with fire” said the NEF’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed.

Speaking to Daily Trust on phone, he said: “Those who target northerners in the southern part of the country are playing a dangerous game. It is not a game anybody can confidently say he can control but it is getting to a point where even we cannot find enough reason to justify why people should continue to exercise restraint.”

He said while it was tempting to ask Fulani and Hausa people who are being attacked and harassed almost on daily basis to leave the southern part of the country and return home, Baba Ahmed said: “We would not do that for many reasons. One is that we believe they have a right to stay there and they have a right to security and to live in peace and we believe that the Nigerian state has a duty to protect them.

“And if we ask them to leave, we will be playing into the hands of the people who believe that they can engage in ethnic cleansing; pick which ethnic group, which religion they do not want to see and they will weaken the foundations of the Nigerian state and so we are reluctant to do that,” he said.

He reminded governors in the South East that IPOB had already taken a huge chunk of their territory and political terrain, saying with their recent agitation to be trusted with the leadership of the country in 2023, they needed to prove that they could secure their region.

North will no longer tolerate provocation from IPOB – CNG

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has warned that the North will no longer remain tolerant in the face of persistent provocation from IPOB members.

CNG stated this in the wake of the gruesome killing and decapitation of 19 members of a Fulani family in Anambra State on Sunday.

The CNG yesterday described the South East as the most aggressive section of the country whose members are comfortably accommodated and protected in the North.

It said “Enough is enough as those responsible for the butchery in Anambra shall be called to account in the fullness of time.”

CNG spokesman Abdul-Azeez Suleiman said: “The nature of the killings, which involved decapitation of limbs and the complicit silence of the entire leadership of the Igbo at home and in the Diaspora confirms that the entire people of the South East are in support of IPOB’s violent secessionist agitation for Biafra.

“We are also worried that a section of the media, which has traditionally been hostile and biased whenever matters that affect the North or people that come from the North are reported or commented on are desperately attempting to conceal the extent of the killings and the true identity of those who instigated them.

“This cover-up is to the extent that the massacre, when reported, is attributed to ‘unknown gunmen’ and not IPOB terror militia,” he said.

Suleiman described as unfortunate, a situation when only those who commit crimes around the northern region or criminals who are northerners are identifiable by their religious and ethnic labels. “Otherwise these IPOB killers should be addressed appropriately because this act of cannibalism is worse than any ever committed by Boko Haram or the marauding bandits.”

Daily Trust recalled that on the day of the attack, the Anambra Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesman, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, but said only nine people were killed.

-Daily Trust

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Osun Account Freeze: EFCC Insists It Has 72-Hour Power Without Court Order

Published

37 minutes ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun Account Freeze: EFCC Insists It Has 72-Hour Power Without Court Order

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly defended its decision to restrict an Osun State Government account, asserting that it possesses the legal authority to impose a temporary freeze for up to 72 hours without obtaining a court order. EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, stated that the action was backed by law and taken after suspicious transactions were detected on the account over the past week. Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Uwujaren said the commission acted to preserve the account pending further investigation. “As we indicated in the statement released by the Commission, we took that step to preserve the account of the Osun State Government. We observed in the past one week that activities on that account looked suspicious, and based on the mandate of the Commission, we took the step of placing a restriction on that account to preserve it,” Uwujaren said. He clarified that the commission did not freeze all of Osun State’s accounts, stressing that the restriction applied to only one account. “That restriction order does not mean that all the accounts of Osun State have been frozen. No. It is just a targeted restriction on one account of the Osun State Government,” he explained. Uwujaren said investigators noticed multiple transfers from the account to several corporate entities within one week, prompting the intervention. “The essence, like I said, is just to preserve that account because we observed suspicious activities on that account in terms of the transfer of funds to a number of entities within one week. So we had to take that decision to place a restriction on that account, not minding the fact that there is an election process in place,” he said. He argued that failing to act could have attracted criticism if public funds were later diverted. “We have the responsibility under the law to do so because if we don’t take that step and, for instance, funds are looted from the account of the Osun State Government, I’m sure the Nigerian public will also ask, ‘Where was the EFCC when those funds were being moved?'” Uwujaren stated.

Uwujaren maintained that the restriction would not disrupt governance, noting that the state still had access to other accounts. “It does not stop the Osun State Government from running the government of the state because they have access to other funds in the other accounts that they have. In any case, the payment of salaries and other expenditures by the state government happens just once in a month. What we have done is not a blanket freezing of the account,” he said. He added that the restriction would be lifted once the commission was satisfied that activities on the account were no longer suspicious.

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On the legality of the action, Uwujaren said the commission derived its powers from the EFCC Act and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. “A number of people have asked whether the Commission has the power to do so under the law. I can assure you that we have the power to place a temporary restriction on an account. Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7, Subsection 6 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2022 give us that authority to take that step,” he said. He explained that the commission could impose a temporary restriction for up to 72 hours before approaching the court if necessary. “The restriction order can last within 72 hours before we can come with a court order if we need to provide a court order,” Uwujaren stated.

Uwujaren revealed that the EFCC is currently investigating about 18 other states over suspected financial infractions, though he declined to name them to avoid jeopardising ongoing probes. The EFCC spokesman said the action against Osun was not an isolated case, noting that the commission had previously restricted an Edo State Government account over suspected movement of funds into suspicious accounts.

The EFCC had earlier disclosed that it had been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent handling of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The commission said some state officials, including the Accountant General, had already been questioned as part of the investigation. The EFCC head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, explained that the Commission was compelled to place a Post-No-Debit order on the account after detecting what it described as “precipitate and unwarranted” movement of funds to different suspicious accounts from August 2, 2026. “The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved,” Oyewale stated. The EFCC insisted its action was not politically motivated despite the timing ahead of the Osun governorship election, stressing that it could not overlook financial infractions on account of the poll. “While the Commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state. It will be uncharitable for the Commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions,” the EFCC stated.

The controversy has triggered a fierce legal debate, with legal experts pointing to the 72-hour limit for temporary investigative restrictions established by the Court of Appeal in the case of EFCC v. Attorney-General of Benue State. The appellate court held that the anti-graft agency could place a stop order on an account suspected to be connected with financial crime for 72 hours without a court order. Beyond that period, however, the commission must obtain a court order if it intends to maintain the restriction. The appellate court made clear that once the 72-hour period expires without the necessary judicial authorisation, the restriction lapses and the financial institution is required to restore normal access to the account.

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Uwujaren’s comments came after Governor Ademola Adeleke challenged the legality of the account restriction and directed the state’s Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), to contest the action at the Federal High Court in Osogbo. Adeleke described the action as unlawful and a threat to democracy, arguing that it was taken without any court order. The governor alleged that the freezing of the account was the latest in what he described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation against his administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election. He claimed that several Accord Party members had been killed, while about 60 members were arrested and transferred to Abuja where they remain in detention without formal charges. He also accused former Governor Gboyega Oyetola of orchestrating the alleged harassment through federal agencies because, according to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate “cannot win” the forthcoming governorship election. “All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians in general why he froze the Osun State Government account and provide evidence to support whatever reason he presents. This and other actions being taken against Osun State are turning our democracy into a huge joke,” Adeleke said.

The Nigerian Bar Association has also faulted the EFCC over the freezing of Osun State Government’s bank account, saying the anti-graft agency lacks the constitutional power to impose a blanket restriction on a state’s finances without due legal process. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) warned that any directive restricting withdrawals from accounts belonging to a state government would effectively cripple governance and amount to an abuse of power. “No government agency or any person has the right or the power to restrict withdrawals from the account of any state because, first of all, the order has the effect of grounding the activities of a government,” Osigwe said. “If the EFCC knows that any particular account is being used for the purpose of fraud, it may be able to obtain a court order, but it cannot make a blanket order freezing the accounts of any state. Such an order would be unconstitutional and also violate the powers of the EFCC and may actually amount to an abuse of power,” he added. Osigwe urged First Bank not to comply with the EFCC’s directive unless it is backed by a valid court order.

Osun Account Freeze: EFCC Insists It Has 72-Hour Power Without Court Order

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Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

Published

1 hour ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

The Federal Government has activated enhanced seismic monitoring following a light earth tremor that shook parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, directing the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) to provide hourly updates on seismic developments around Abuja. The directive came after the NGSA confirmed that several buildings across Abuja experienced vibrations on August 4, 2026, with the agency’s Seismic Monitoring Station in Utako recording the event at exactly 11:23:27 a.m.

According to the NGSA, the earth movement originated from a depth of one kilometre beneath the earth’s surface and spread across a distance of four kilometres within five seconds. The agency classified the incident as a “light event of I to II magnitude” on the Mercalli Intensity Scale, explaining that such tremors pose no threat to lives or property. “This is a characteristic feature of a surface earth tremor that poses no threat to lives and properties except for the discomfort of the shake and fear of possible destruction,” the agency stated.

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Alake, who is currently in Washington, D.C., United States, engaging American investors on joint venture opportunities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, responded through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise. He directed the NGSA to submit hourly reports on any fresh seismic developments for his regular review and, where necessary, onward communication to other relevant government agencies. The minister assured residents that proactive measures had been deployed to safeguard lives and property across affected locations, noting that government agencies are closely monitoring the situation. “Residents should go about their lawful activities without anxiety. Necessary measures have been deployed to ensure public safety,” Alake said.

Nigeria experiences occasional low-intensity earth tremors despite lying outside the world’s major earthquake zones. Isolated tremors have been recorded in parts of the country over the years, including in Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, Oyo and Bayelsa states. The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency operates a network of seismic monitoring stations across the country to detect and analyse such events, providing early scientific assessments to guide emergency response and reassure the public. Experts have consistently noted that most tremors recorded in Nigeria have been of low magnitude and have not resulted in significant damage to lives or property, but they underscore the importance of continuous seismic monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Abuja Earth Tremor: Minister Orders Hourly Monitoring, Assures Residents of Safety

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Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

Published

5 hours ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and late Husband Adeniyi Adeosun

Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun Loses Husband, Niyi Adeosun

The Adeosun family has announced the passing of Mr. Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. He died on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos at the age of 62.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the family confirmed the news “with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God.” The announcement was signed by Reverend C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

According to the family, the late Anthony Adeosun was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and unwavering faith. His character and values earned him admiration from all who knew him, as he remained devoted to serving God while making lasting contributions to his family and community. “Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him. He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community,” the family’s statement read.

The deceased is survived by his wife, former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun; his cherished children; and his siblings, including Mr. Adewale (Wale) Adeosun, founder of Kuramo Capital Management, a leading African private equity firm with over $500 million under management. He is also survived by numerous other relatives, friends and associates.

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While mourning his death, the family said it was comforted by its Christian faith and the assurance of eternal rest for believers. They cited Revelation 14:13, which says: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord… that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The family has appealed to the public to respect its privacy as it mourns the loss, noting that details of the funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced in due course. The family also expressed appreciation to friends, associates and well-wishers who had reached out with prayers, condolences and support since the news of his passing. “We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

Mrs. Kemi Adeosun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2018 under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari. During her tenure, she spearheaded a number of fiscal reforms, including the Whistle-blower policy, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), and the Efficiency Unit, which helped recover billions of naira and improve transparency in public finance. She has since devoted herself to philanthropy, focusing on uplifting vulnerable children and supporting the less privileged.