How gunmen killed eight persons in Gov Uzodinma’s home attack - Newstrends
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How gunmen killed eight persons in Gov Uzodinma’s home attack

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  • 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.”

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Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping ₦3.3 trillion power sector bailout aimed at clearing long-standing debts and stabilising Nigeria’s struggling electricity industry.

The intervention, implemented under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, is designed to resolve liabilities accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025, following a comprehensive verification process.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that the ₦3.3 trillion electricity debt settlement represents a full and final agreement to restore financial stability across the sector. He explained that the debts, largely driven by unpaid invoices, tariff shortfalls, and subsidy obligations, had significantly weakened liquidity in the power value chain.

Implementation of the power sector debt repayment plan has already commenced, with 15 generation companies signing settlement agreements worth about ₦2.3 trillion. The Federal Government has raised ₦501 billion so far to fund the initiative, out of which ₦223 billion has already been disbursed, while additional payments are ongoing.

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The Nigeria electricity sector bailout is expected to inject much-needed cash into the industry, ensuring that gas suppliers receive payments, power plants can sustain operations, and electricity generation becomes more stable. With improved liquidity, officials say the country could begin to see gradual improvements in power supply, reduced grid disruptions, and better service delivery.

Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the programme is not just about clearing debts but rebuilding trust across the industry. She noted that restoring confidence is critical to attracting investment, maintaining consistent gas supply, and ensuring that power plants operate efficiently.

She further explained that the initiative forms part of broader power sector reforms in Nigeria, including nationwide metering improvements and the introduction of service-based tariffs that align electricity costs with the quality of supply. According to her, the government is also prioritising electricity supply to businesses, industries, and small enterprises, recognising that reliable power is essential for job creation and economic growth.

The Tinubu administration believes the electricity sector stabilisation plan will reduce reliance on generators, lower the cost of doing business, and improve productivity across key sectors of the economy. Analysts say resolving the sector’s liquidity crisis could unlock new investments and strengthen Nigeria’s overall economic performance.

President Tinubu also commended stakeholders for their cooperation in addressing long-standing challenges in the industry and confirmed that the next phase of the reform programme, Series II, will commence within the current quarter. The phase is expected to deepen structural reforms and ensure long-term sustainability of the electricity market.

Tinubu Unveils ₦3.3tn Electricity Bailout to Revive Nigeria’s Power Sector

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MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

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Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

 

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, describing him as a threat to religious harmony in Nigeria.

 

In a press release issued on April 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the group accused the INEC chairman of authoring what it described as a “toxic 80-page legal brief,” allegedly used by the United States of America to indict Nigeria over claims of Christian genocide.

 

MURIC expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed the “graveyard silence” of the Federal Government over calls from Islamic organisations for Amupitan’s removal. According to the group, the government’s inaction reflects a lack of sensitivity to the concerns of the Muslim community.

 

The organisation further alleged that Amupitan’s continued leadership poses a risk to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that a planned voter registration or revalidation exercise could disenfranchise Muslim voters.

 

“MURIC hereby declares a vote of no confidence in the current INEC boss,” the statement read, urging the Federal Government to replace him with what it described as a “tolerant Christian” to restore confidence and balance.

 

The group also accused the INEC chairman of failing to address the allegations against him, noting that his silence has raised concerns among observers. It argued that public officials in other countries often resign over similar controversies, citing examples of past resignations by international political figures.

 

MURIC warned that Nigeria’s progress could be hindered if individuals accused of misconduct remain in sensitive public offices, stressing that Amupitan’s continued stay in office represents what it called a “sit-tight syndrome.”

 

Describing the INEC chairman as an “electoral burden” and a “threat to religious harmony,” the group insisted that his resignation or removal is necessary to safeguard national unity and the integrity of the electoral process.

 

As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the Federal Government had issued an official response to the allegations.

 

MURIC Demands Sack of INEC Chairman Over Alleged Bias, Calls for Replacement

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Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to defeat banditry, terrorism, and insecurity across Nigeria, promising continued investment in the country’s security architecture. He made the declaration while commissioning the Gateway International Airport and several other federal projects in Ogun State on Saturday.

Speaking at a reception following the inauguration, Tinubu said his administration will intensify efforts to protect lives and property across the nation. “We will win over banditry and defeat insecurity. We will continue to invest more to strengthen the security architecture of Nigeria,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national safety.

The president described the Gateway International Airport as the economic nerve center of Nigeria’s corridor, highlighting its role in boosting the aviation sector, trade, and socioeconomic development in Ogun State and the wider region. The airport is integrated with independent gas and energy infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and operational efficiency.

Tinubu also lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for using improved federal allocations to develop infrastructure capable of driving Ogun State to greater economic heights. He praised the state government’s focus on mobility, security, agriculture, and industrial development, noting that projects like the airport and new Gateway Airlines will enhance trade, logistics, and employment opportunities.

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Governor Abiodun, in his remarks, emphasized the transformative impact of the airport and related infrastructure on Ogun State’s economy. He noted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from ₦40 billion to over ₦250 billion annually, while its GDP increased from ₦4 trillion to ₦17 trillion over the past seven years. He added that the airport features a four-kilometre runway, modern control tower, advanced aviation systems, and cargo facilities, making it a centerpiece of the state’s emerging aerotropolis.

The ceremony also saw the launch of Gateway Airlines, operating Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, alongside cargo services designed to expand trade and logistics capacity. Beyond aviation, Ogun State has invested heavily in roads, healthcare, and housing, including over 1,600 km of rehabilitated roads, more than 7,000 affordable homes, and 140 primary healthcare centers, according to Governor Abiodun.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, state governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and traditional leaders. Both praised the collaboration between federal and state governments in delivering critical infrastructure, with Tinubu’s leadership highlighted as key to Nigeria’s development and security progress.

Tinubu emphasized that the federal government’s reforms and infrastructure investments are people-centered, aimed at improving daily life, fostering prosperity, and ensuring national security. He added that these efforts are designed to overcome violence and terrorism while positioning Nigeria for sustained economic growth.

Tinubu Commissions Gateway Airport, Pledges to Crush Banditry in Nigeria

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