Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

…as ASMATA demands accountability in revenue collection The Abia State Markets The Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has lauded the sponsors of the proposed Abia State Markets Safety and Protection Bill, which seeks to establish a clear legal instrument for the purpose of ensuring safety across markets in the state. ASMATA has equally called for a clear legal and legislative framework that will include the body’s taskforce in safety control, regulations, revenue collections, and enforcement exercise at the various markets in the state. Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, ASMATA President, presented a memorandum to the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Trade…

The Onyedinma Foundation has commended the Abia State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and its partner, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme for the Inauguration of Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy Drafting Committee. The foundation described the move as timely and courageous, it is commendable decision to inaugurate a dedicated committee for the drafting of the Abia State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. DrumAfricanews reports that the Onyedinma Foundation had earlier advocated for a mandatory child safeguarding policy in primary and secondary schools in Abia State. As highlighted in its formal letter dated February 20, 2026,…

The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, on Wednesday, flagged off the construction of 14.5 kilometres of high-capacity transmission pipelines from Nsude to the Terminal Reservoir at Miliken Hill to significantly strengthen water supply to Enugu city. The two leaders, equally reinforced the commitment of the governments of France and Enugu State to stronger partnerships in the areas of education, aviation, agriculture, agro-industrialisation, and culture, among others. The water pipeline project is in line with Governor Mbah’s determined efforts to get water to the last mile across the state capital.…

The Nigerian Army troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has successfully cleared several bandit camps, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps in Bauchi State, further disrupting the activities of criminal elements in the area. As gathered, during the operation, troops neutralized a number of bandits, while several others fled under sustained military pressure. In addition, bandits’ family members comprising 6 women and 13 children were taken into custody. DrumAfricanews reports that the Nigerian Army has continued to record significant successes in its ongoing clearance operations against bandit elements, as…

The Nigerian Army through its official handle yesterday, 14 April 2026, announced that it launched a precision strike and clearance operation in Ajali Forest, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The army said that The offensive by its men under Operation EASTERN SANITY forced IPOB/ESN elements into a chaotic retreat, abandoning critical assets, including an anti-tank Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It added that the failed attempt to deploy the device underscores ESN’s desperation and declining operational competence, as the IED was safely secured by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Security team, averting potential harm to troops and civilians. It also…

…we settle soldiers, police with 50,000 from Akwa-Ibom to Aba – trailer drivers The wee hours of the 6th of April 2026 leading to the 7th of April 2026 will remain a tragic day in the lives of trailer drivers who convey timber from Akwa Ibom State to Aba, Abia State, following the tragic murder of their colleague by a yet-to-be-identified Nigerian soldier. DrumAfricanews learnt that the incident which took place right inside the timber market saw a soldier shoot and shatter the leg of a driver, Mr Kelechi Ejiofor, who later died three days later at the ICU of…

Following simultaneous tripartite calls from stakeholders from Abia South, Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Districts to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, to run for the post of governor in Abia in 2027, Kalu has said he will respond soon. DrumAfricanews reports that stakeholders from the aforementioned three senatorial districts had earlier endorsed Kalu for the office of governor of the state, expressing confidence in him to rescue Abia State and pursue inclusive governance and even development of the state. A press statement from Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, explained that…

The Youth Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) South East Zone has called on the youths of the zone to treat 2027 with absolute seriousness, stressing that the era of sitting on the fence and praying for change is over.  South East YOWICAN, led by its chairman, Chaplain Prince Kalu, rising from its executive council meeting held at the St Peters Presbyterian Church, Umungasi Parish, Aba, Abia State, said that the era of fathers without work is equally over.  YOWICAN said that after evaluating the 2015 and 2023 general elections and performance indices of most elected and appointed representatives from…

…says 6th state for S’East has nothing to do with ethnic expansion The member representing Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere has said that inasmuch as the right for the sixth state for the South East was given to core South Eastern geography, the zone can only support Anioma State creation if it willing to unite and address its core demands. Ugochinyere who was reacting to the recent euphoria online and statements of assurance that Anioma State will be created with a capital in Asaba, took a serious taken opposing positions on…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has said that the allegation from one of its governorship aspirants, Mascot Uzor-Kalu, is baseless and not unusual. Uzor-Kalu had alleged that the State Executive, LGA chairmen, and selected stakeholders were mobilised under the guise of a meeting for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign but were allegedly brought together to foist a preferred candidate on the party. The party firmly denied any plan to impose a governorship candidate through a stakeholders’ meeting that took place yesterday, April 12, 2026, in Umuahia, with the Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Chief Uche Aguoru, describing the…