Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

Abia Command has arrested Obioma Nmeribe (male, 22 years), Emmanuel Lekwechi (male, 25 years) Ikemefulla ThankGod Amadi (male, 25 years), for activities suspected to be cultism. According to the police, the arrest took place at Ubakala axis, and was effected by its operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Olokoro, who raced to the scene. Maureen Chinaka, Abia police PPRO said that the Police, in collaboration with sister security agencies (Operation Crush) apprehended Bright Nnabugu (male, 31 years) of Umuobasi, Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State for case alleged to be vandalism. While the police recovered one (1) Beretta pistol…

Renowned educationist and former President of the Nigerian Association of Economists (NAE), Prof. Innocent Eleazu, has advised the federal government to stop its planned scrapping of the 6-3-3-4 system of education policy currently in place in the country and replace it with a continuous 12-year stretch of basic (primary and secondary) education programme. Speaking on educational issues, Eleazu told New Telegraph that there was nothing wrong with the basic 6 years of primary, 3 years in junior secondary and another 3 years in the senior secondary level. He noted that while planners of the system made good policy proposals and…

Ahead of the new dateline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for eligible voters to register and obtain their permanent voters cards (PVCs), the Abia State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has embarked on renewed and last-minute spirited efforts to sensitise and encourage traders yet to be captured to avail themselves of this last opportunity. It will be recalled that the INEC continuous voters registration which began on August 18, 2025, across the country, and which was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, has been extended to July 24, 2026. The INEC National Commissioner for the Information…

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has called for financial autonomy and investment in modern security infrastructure for state police services when created, stressing the need for any legal framework for state police to take into account the need for national standards, national support, local capability and local decision-making. Mbah made his position known during the town hall themed, “Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security,” organised by Arise News in Abuja on Thursday. The governor emphasised that prioritising security through adequate funding for state police services and investment in technology would enable those responsible for security…

The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that Senator Patrick Ndubueze remains its candidate for the Okigwe Zone (Imo North) Senatorial election. The party said that it has to speak out because it has observed a renewed trend of misinformation campaigns especially as it affects the long concluded Okigwe Senatorial District Nomination process. A statement signed by Onwuasoanya FCC Jones, state Publicity Secretary, the State Working Committee of the Party affirms that the nomination process for all legislative constituencies has been concluded, peacefully, and the names of all the standard bearers elected by Party members…

Impressed by the superlative performance of Imo students in the just concluded International STEM olympiad in Rome, Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a grand reception for them. Whereas Onyedikachi Egejurum, an eleven year old got a gold and emerged the best in Mathematics in the world in the primary category, Don Anele Munachisom won gold in Science in the world in the secondary category. They were among the three Nigerians who won gold in the STEM olympiad in Rome, Italy. Education advocate and Educare CEO, Alex Onyia sponsored the students in the competition after they emerged top performers at the…

In a move to restore the glory of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Ikechukwu Nosike Dozie has began moves towards restoring the living conditions of students at the prestigious institution. The erudite professor recently took over from Professor Nnenna Oti embarked on an unscheduled familiarisation tour of the university’s residential facilities, to see where improvements are needed. There was an atmosphere of excitement and jubilation across the students’ hostels of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) as heade the move. The visit, which attracted enthusiastic cheers from students, formed part of the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to obtaining…

Arc. Uche Ukeje, Director General Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) yesterday announced that No. 71 Clifford Road, Aba is unsafe for human habitation. According to him, the Building Control Unit, Engineering Department, and Town Planning Department of the GADA have responded swiftly to a report of a visible crack in a four-storey building located at No. 71 Clifford Road, Aba, and have done preliminary inspection. Ukeje said that their preliminary inspection revealed extensive cracks around the building’s foundation, indicating that the foundation has been seriously compromised. He said that the defect poses a significant structural risk and could lead to…

The Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna has assured residents of erosion-affected communities across the state that the state government is working diligently to address their plight and provide prompt relief. Ogbonna, gave the assurance during an on-the-spot assessment visit to two severely impacted communities: Amaewu Amamba in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, and Atta Emede Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA. Accompanied by the Abia State NEWMAP Project Coordinator, Nkiruka Chidia Maduekwe, the commissioner inspected major erosion sites in the areas. He stressed that the situation demands immediate government attention. “The administration of Governor Alex Otti is determined to…

By Ikechukwu Mbah (A concerned Bende Man) For many years, the Igbos, especially those from the Southeast, have been crying of marginalisation, especially since the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over power in 2015. To be fair to the APC, they actually did not set out to marginalise Ndigbo but rather worked with those who supported when the Southeast threw its eggs into one basket to rescue former President Goodluck Jonathan. From the inception of the administration of former president Mohammadu Buhari, it was crystal clear to the Southeast that they are no longer seen and valued in the Nigerian…