# Three persons have been confirmed dead while four others sustained serious injuries in a lone road traffic crash that occurred along the Nnobi–Agulu–Awka Road in Anambra State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, said the accident happened at about 10:30 a.m. on Friday near St. Jude Catholic Church, Adazi-Ani.
According to the FRSC Public Education Officer, SRC Margaret Onabe, the crash involved a Mercedes-Benz 608 commercial truck with registration number XB270NNL.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck developed a mechanical fault while in motion, caught fire, and the driver lost control. The vehicle reportedly crashed into a roadside barricade, somersaulted, and trapped some occupants as it was engulfed in flames.
Seven male occupants were involved in the crash. Three died at the scene, while four others sustained serious injuries.
Onabe said FRSC rescue personnel received the distress call at 10:35 a.m. and arrived at the scene by 10:45 a.m., where they immediately began rescue operations, controlled traffic, diverted vehicles to the opposite lane, and arranged for the burnt truck to be removed from the road.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Bridget Asekhauno, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. She reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to prompt emergency response and effective road safety enforcement across the state.
The FRSC urged motorists, especially commercial vehicle operators, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys, avoid transporting flammable or hazardous materials in unsafe conditions, and carry out regular maintenance to prevent mechanical failures that could result in tragic accidents.
# The Anambra State Government has warned that it will take firm action against estate developers who block government-built drainage channels in an attempt to create access to their properties.
The Commissioner for Works, Arch. Okey Ezeobi, issued the warning during an inspection of the Ndiukwuenu–Okpeze section of the Amansea–Ndiukwuenu–Awa–Ufuma Road. The visit was prompted by a viral video alleging that government officials failed to monitor road construction, resulting in poorly completed projects.
According to Ezeobi, the inspection showed that the road was not poorly constructed as alleged. Instead, he said sections of the drainage system had been deliberately blocked with sand by some estate developers, causing water to overflow into culverts and damage parts of the road.
He emphasized that communities have a responsibility to protect government infrastructure and urged Presidents-General to promptly report any acts of vandalism or obstruction to the appropriate authorities.
The Commissioner stressed that any estate developer found blocking drainage channels would face government sanctions, including possible closure of their operations and being compelled to repair or pay for any damage caused. He also urged developers to conduct their businesses responsibly without compromising public infrastructure.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unveiled a grand statue in honour of the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, at Nwasike Roundabout in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Governor Soludo reflected on Achebe’s enduring contributions to literature and the cultural identity of the Igbo people. He described the monument as more than a physical structure, saying it represents Anambra State’s commitment to preserving the legacy of a man whose voice elevated the consciousness of the Black race and brought African literature to global prominence.
The governor noted that although the celebrated author passed away in 2013, his ideals, intellect, and literary achievements continue to inspire generations and shape the cultural and intellectual heritage of Anambra State.
He urged young people in Anambra and across Nigeria to emulate Professor Achebe’s life of integrity, academic excellence, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to truth.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, literary scholars, government officials, and members of the public, highlighting the lasting influence of the author of Things Fall Apart, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest literary works.
The statue, strategically located in Ogidi—Achebe’s hometown—stands as a permanent tribute to the literary legend whose works transformed African storytelling and earned him global recognition as a symbol of intellectual excellence.
Speaking on behalf of the Achebe family, Professor Ike Achebe, son of the late literary icon, expressed gratitude to the Anambra State Government for the honour bestowed on his father, describing the statue as a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy continues to inspire the world.
# The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has expressed profound gratitude as young Chiziterem was discharged from the hospital after making a full recovery.
Dr. Soludo described the ten years old boy’s recovery as a testament to the power of kindness, compassion, and collective support, noting that the overwhelming response from members of the public restored hope to the family during a difficult period.
The First lady appreciated everyone who contributed to Chiziterem’s recovery through prayers, hospital visits, gifts, words of encouragement, and other acts of generosity, saying their love and empathy made a remarkable difference.
Fulfilling a promise she made when the child’s story gained public attention, Dr. Soludo announced that she had fully settled all of Chiziterem’s medical bills.
She also disclosed plans to support the boy’s mother with resources to establish a sustainable means of livelihood to enable her provide a better future for her children.
The Governor’s wife expressed hope that Chiziterem’s recovery would continue to inspire compassion and remind people that every act of kindness has the power to transform lives. She prayed for God’s blessings upon everyone who stood by the family throughout the child’s treatment and recovery.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has honoured the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye, with a grand state banquet in Awka, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the growth, stability, and unity of the party, as well as his 70th birthday.
The colourful event, held at the Light House, Awka, brought together top government officials, APGA leaders, traditional rulers, and other distinguished guests in recognition of Chief Oye’s years of dedicated service and leadership.
Speaking at the banquet, Governor Soludo described Chief Oye as a committed party leader whose tenure strengthened APGA and safeguarded its founding ideals. He commended the former National Chairman for steering the party through challenging periods with wisdom, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to unity, noting that the banquet was a sincere expression of gratitude for his selfless service to the party and Anambra State.
Responding, Chief Victor Oye thanked Governor Soludo for the honour, describing it as both humbling and memorable. He said his years as APGA National Chairman were driven by a commitment to preserving the party’s vision and ensuring it remained a strong platform for good governance and the advancement of the people’s interests.
# The Secretary to Anambra State Government (SSG), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake
has applauded the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) initiative, describing it as a timely and proactive approach to tackling cultism and other social vices through advocacy in the State.
Mrs. Nnake, made this known when she received members of the Anambra State chapter of POCACOV, led by officials of the Anambra State Police Command, at the Light House, Awka.
Speaking during the visit, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described POCACOV as a non-kinetic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at preventing crime by educating young people and the public on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
He explained that the visit was to formally introduce the POCACOV office to the Anambra State Government, seek collaboration and sponsorship for its advocacy programmes, and explore areas of partnership in addressing cultism and related crimes in the state.
Ikenga disclosed that POCACOV has a national body headquartered in Abuja and led by CSP Onome, PhD, who works directly with the Inspector-General of Police. He noted that the Anambra chapter is coordinated by the traditional ruler of Nawfia Community, His Majesty Igwe Amb. Dr. Daniel Obelle, alongside a seven-member state committee.
According to the PPRO, the organisation plans to embark on intensive sensitisation campaigns in both public and private schools across Anambra State, particularly during the long vacation in August. He added that the campaign would also target women during the forthcoming August Meetings in communities across the state.
# The Directorate of Students Initiative and Empowerment of the Student Union Government (SUG), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has organized its 2026 empowerment programme, Catalyst 2026, aimed at equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed despite life’s challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Kingsley Ubaoji, commended the organizers for their commitment to empowering students. He encouraged young people to remain resilient and focused despite prevailing economic challenges, while stressing the need for greater support for youth development.
The SUG Director of Students Initiative and Empowerment, Comrade Chidinma Kelvin, said the programme was designed to build students’ resilience, improve their financial literacy, boost self confidence and promote personal well being. She noted that some students also benefited from empowerment support during the event.
The SUG Director of Students Initiative and Empowerment, Comrade Chidinma Kelvin, said the programme was designed to build students’ resilience, improve their financial literacy, boost self confidence and promote personal well being. She noted that some students also benefited from empowerment support during the event.
# High Court of Anambra State, Ogidi Judicial Division, has convicted and sentenced Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy, rape, and murder.
In a judgment delivered by Hon. Justice U. I. Ndigwe of High Court 3, Ogidi, the court condemned the gruesome acts of the convicts which led to the death of their victim.
The case of the prosecution led by F.C. Abadom-Igweike, Principal State Counsel, Anambra State Ministry of Justice, was that the deceased, Jennifer Anene, aged 17 and mentally impaired, was reported missing on 25th November 2020 by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.
After reviewing all evidence and submissions, Hon. Justice Ndigwe held that the prosecution had proved the offenses of rape, conspiracy, and murder beyond reasonable doubt.
# The Anambra State Government has warned estate developers against blocking drainage channels to create access to their properties, describing the practice as a major threat to road infrastructure across the state.
The Commissioner for Works, Architect Okey Ezeobi, gave the warning during an inspection of the Ndiukwuenu Okpeze section of the Amansea, Ndiukwuenu, Awa, Ufuma Road following a viral video alleging that government officials were not properly supervising road projects.
However, the inspection revealed that the road was properly constructed. Instead, government officials discovered that some estate developers had blocked sections of the drainage with sand, causing floodwater to overflow onto the road and damage parts of the infrastructure.
Expressing disappointment over the development, Ezeobi urged communities to take ownership of government projects and called on Presidents General to promptly report anyone tampering with public infrastructure.
# The Anambra State Police Command has rescued an unidentified middle-aged man who was found unconscious in Awka, as part of its ongoing Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and efforts to enhance public safety.
The man was discovered by police operatives attached to B Division during a midday patrol along Oby Okoli Avenue near the UNIZIK Temporary Site in Awka. He was lying unconscious by the roadside with no visible signs of violence or physical injuries.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the officers promptly evacuated the victim to the Police Hospital in Awka, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Ikenga disclosed that a search conducted on the victim yielded no means of identification or mobile phone that could assist in tracing his identity or contacting his relatives.
He added that preliminary findings suggest the man may have been under the influence of hard drugs, although investigations are ongoing to establish his identity and notify his family.
The Command described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and drug addiction, particularly among young people. It reaffirmed its commitment to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), which focuses on preventive policing through public enlightenment, advocacy, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to combat drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices across the state.
