# The Anambra State Police Command has called for calm over the circulation of a disturbing viral video showing two young ladies physically assaulting a girl in Umueri community.
The Command confirms that one of the suspects, Chidimma Ogugua, has been arrested and is currently in Police custody, while efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Preliminary investigations by the police reveal that the victim was subjected to the physical abuse following a disagreement.
A statement by the Anambra State Police Command, Public Relations Officer, SP. Tochukwu Ikenga describes the action of the ladies as cruel, inhuman and a violation of the law.
The Statement further urges anyone with useful information that can aid the ongoing investigation into the incident or the arrest of the fleeing suspect to provide it to the police, assuring that the information will be treated with confidentiality.
# The former Vice President, South East Zone of Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr. Victor Agusiobo has warned journalists against abandoning their watchdog role in favour of acting as public relations agents for government officials and political authorities.
Mr. Agusiobo, a two time Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, maintained that journalism loses public trust whenever practitioners publish flattering or unquestioning reports designed solely to please those in power.
Delivering a lecture on the “essence on journalism in the society” during NUJ Congress held at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka, Agusiobo noted that organised union structures would enable journalists to collectively defend the profession, mobilise coordinated responses against abuses and provide support for colleagues facing professional challenges.
The veteran journalist stated that the profession must remain committed to holding leaders accountable at all times. He highlighted the importance of competence, describing headlines as the “poster child” of journalistic professionalism.
Agusiobo noted that poor headlines reflect inadequacy and weaken the credibility of media organisations. He advised journalists to uphold the core values of the profession by prioritising interpretative reporting, professional competence and ethical responsibility in an era increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
# The Anambra State Police Command Operatives of the IGP’s Violent Crime Response Unit under the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, recovered sophisticated arms, ammunition, and explosive devices in a criminal camp at Owerre-Ezukala in Orumba South LGA.
The squad which was led by Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Orebe Chidubem Mathew, cleared the camp while acting on information from a suspect already in custody: Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, who is allegedly one of the top commanders of the proscribed secessionists group.
SP. Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command in a statement noted that the exhibits recovered include, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with about 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, ten locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one locally made beretta pistol, two pump-action guns, three hand grenades, ten rounds of K2 live ammunition, one gas cylinder and one black Ecolac box.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, CP. Ikioye Orutugu notes that with the creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit, the Command Operatives are now more disposed and motivated to sustaining the offensive operations against all criminal elements threatening the peace and security of the State.
# The Awka South Task Force has apprehended several individuals who allegedly exploited the ongoing Imoka Festival to perpetrate acts of disorder, including unlawfully blocking roads, assaulting passersby, and forcefully extorting money from members of the public.
The suspects have been taken to the Awka South Secretariat, where they are set to face the full weight of the law.
The Local Government hereby issues a strong warning to the general public, particularly those celebrating Imoka Festival, to refrain from any actions capable of disrupting public peace and order.
While indigenous festivals remain an important cultural heritage meant to be celebrated with joy, unity, and inclusiveness, they must not be used as a cover for criminal activities.
# Broadcast Journalist and women’s right advocate, Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, has commended Governor Chukwuma
Soludo on his nomination of the mother of late Fish Magnet, Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya maintained that Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi is a good replacement for Hon Ify Obinabo who served as the commissioner for women affairs and social welfare during Soludo’s first tenure.
In her post, she stated that; “The appointment of Late Fish Magnet’s mum as the Anambra state commissioner for women affairs is quite soothing!
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Mr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu as the pioneer Commissioner for the newly created Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Mr. Ojukwu, a legal practitioner, brings both pedigree and professional experience to the role.
Beyond real estate, he has also made a mark in the entertainment industry, providing legal services to high-profile personalities, including reality TV stars Mercy Eke and Dorathy Bachor.
Prior to the establishment of the ministry, physical planning and urban development in Anambra State were managed by the Anambra State Physical Planning Board under a managing director. However, the creation of a full-fledged ministry signals a strategic shift by the administration of Chukwuma Soludo toward strengthening regulatory oversight and accelerating urban renewal efforts.
# The ancient community of Amawbia in Awka South LGA is set to crown a new traditional ruler as Chief Uche Sunday Okonkwo ascends the throne as Okpaligwe.
The coronation ceremony will hold on May 9, 2026, in Amawbia, drawing traditional leaders, government officials, and indigenes from within and outside Anambra State.
Igwe Uche Sunday Okonkwo’s emergence as Okpaligwe marks a new chapter for the community after months of traditional rites and consultations. The title of Okpaligwe is the recognized traditional stool of Amawbia, a community known for its rich cultural heritage in Awka South.
Residents expect the new Okpaligwe to strengthen unity, uphold customs, and work with government to address community development needs.
According to the President General, Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu (Nze Akalanze), the coronation is expected to reaffirm Amawbia’s cultural identity while fostering peace and progress in the area.
# The sharp escalation in fertiliser prices in Anambra State is intensifying economic concerns, with adverse implications for agricultural productivity, food prices, and local manufacturing, as farmers project a challenging planting season.
Farmers in major agricultural hubs, like Ayamelum, Anaku, and Omor, commonly regarded as the state’s food basket have reported that the cost of fertiliser has rendered them unable to secure adequate supplies for the cultivation of staple crops, including rice, maize, and vegetables.
Consequently, many farmers have resorted to reducing fertiliser application rates or leaving portions of their farmland uncultivated. This development is anticipated to result in diminished harvest yields and a corresponding escalation in food prices across major markets in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.
Mrs. Helen Okeke, a rice farmer said the situation has deteriorated significantly. “I previously purchased up to 20 bags for my farm, but this year I can scarcely afford 10. Without adequate fertiliser, yields will decline and food prices will rise.
If urgent action is not taken, food will become scarce and prices will be beyond the reach of ordinary citizens,” Mrs. Okeke cautioned.
