Author: Ikenna Obianeri

Ikenna Obianeri is a journalist and contributor for The Punch, Nigeria. The Punch is a daily newspaper in Nigeria founded in 1970. It covers local news from Nigeria, breaking news from West Africa, as well as international stories from around the world.

Tragedy struck at the Ekeoyibo market in Amawbia, Anambra State, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed, claiming the lives of two individuals. The incident occurred on Thursday, trapping traders and buyers in the rubble. Following rescue efforts, two victims were confirmed dead, while others were rescued and receiving treatment at a local hospital. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, as investigations continue. This disaster adds to a series of building collapses in Anambra in recent months, raising concerns about construction standards and safety measures. Despite efforts by the government and agencies to investigate past incidents, little progress has…

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Heavy rainfall in Anambra State led to flooding in various parts of the state, particularly affecting the Neni community in the Anaocha Local Government Area. The lack of proper drainage in the area exacerbated the situation, causing gridlock and discomfort for commuters. Furthermore, Onitsha-Owerri Road experienced severe gridlock due to the downpour, worsened by naval ratings extorting motorists at checkpoints. The situation resulted in disruptions to vehicular movement and punishments for non-compliance. Meanwhile, at Awka-Enugu Expressway, blocked drainages were identified as the major cause of flooding. Residents expressed frustration over the challenges faced on critical roads in the South-East region,…

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Unegbu Chika, a 51-year-old man from Anambra State, was arrested for defiling his 14-year-old domestic help. The suspect, a transporter, confessed to the crime and blamed it on being “tempted by the devil”. He admitted to starting the abuse in 2019 after the death of his wife. The victim, who had been living with him since she was eight, finally spoke up, leading to his arrest. The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare commended the prompt action taken by the community and emphasized zero tolerance for such crimes in the state. The suspect has been handed over to the…

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A shocking case of child abuse and neglect has come to light in the Osumenyi community of Anambra State, Nigeria. A couple, Mr Uche and Mrs Peace Mbonu, was arrested for allegedly abusing their five underaged boys by starving them and refusing to provide for their basic needs. The security operatives of Nnewi South LGA took action before handing the couple over to the police through the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The couple claimed their actions were due to the children’s habit of eating raw rice, which infuriated them. The oldest boy, Chigbo Mbonu, revealed the…

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Anambra State Government Arrests Retired Teacher for Child Molestation and Same-Sex Activities A retired teacher, Mr Ike Okoye, from Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, has been apprehended by the Anambra State Government for allegedly molesting and engaging in same-sex activities with young boys. The arrest was made in collaboration with operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra after a report was made to the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare. The suspect, who denied the allegations at first, was caught during a weekend having sexual relationships with multiple boys. His victims revealed that he usually lured them under the guise…

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The Anambra State House of Assembly recently confirmed the appointment of transition committee chairmen and councillors for the 21 local government areas of the state. Governor Chukwuma Soludo made the request in line with Section 208 of the Local Government Law, 1999. The newly-appointed chairmen include individuals like Ifeanyi Chiweze, Fidelis Nnazo, and Romanus Ibekwe, while eight others were re-appointed. They will serve for an initial three-month period. Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze congratulated the chairmen and emphasized the importance of meeting the high expectations of the people. He urged them to work closely with community stakeholders and follow the vision of…

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Gunmen have kidnapped Reverend Father Christian Ike, a priest of the Catholic Church based in Anambra State. The incident occurred on Sunday at Amagu junction, Ndiokpaleke in Ajali community. Father Ike was returning from a morning Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church with two other individuals when their vehicle was double-crossed by armed assailants. This abduction marks the second incident in two months involving a Catholic priest in Anambra State. Reverend Father Basil Gbuzuo was previously kidnapped near Onitsha and later released after a ransom was paid. The Anambra State police have deployed their resources to rescue Father Ike, working…

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Two individuals have been apprehended by the Anambra State Police Command for armed robbery and rape, with the recovery of locally made guns, cartridges, and a motorcycle. The arrest was made by police operatives from Abagana Division in Njikoka Local Government Area, as confirmed by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga. The suspects, identified as Chukwuma Diji and Michael Edochie, are alleged to have committed multiple heinous acts, including rape and armed robbery. They were found with two double-barrel guns, one single-barrel gun, and live cartridges. The suspects confessed to their crimes, leading to the immediate transfer of the…

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A fire outbreak ravaged a one-storey building located at Atani Road by Uga Junction, Okpoko in Anambra State, destroying properties in its wake. The cause of the inferno is still unknown, but reports indicate that it started early on Friday. Witnesses at the scene observed that the fire originated from the top floor before the state fire service intervened, preventing the flames from spreading to neighboring structures. Chief Chukwudi Chiketa of the state Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that firefighters arrived promptly and successfully contained the fire. Chiketa emphasized the importance of timely communication with the Fire Service in…

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The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company is set to disconnect electricity supply to customers with outstanding bills in the South-East region starting June 10. The decision comes as a result of the huge unpaid bills and accrued arrears affecting the company’s revenue. Customers in states like Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi are urged to settle their dues to avoid disconnection. The list of indebted customers includes state governments, universities, industries, and various government agencies. EEDC emphasized the importance of clearing arrears to ensure continued service provision and quality. Customers are advised to settle their bills by the deadline to prevent…

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