Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

At the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, April 16 2026, Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu spearheaded the adoption of a landmark resolution on post-conflict recovery. The adoption which has placed global parliaments at the centre of building just and lasting peace, came while Kalu served as co-rapporteur alongside Mr. A. Al-Zu’bi of Jordan and Ms. F. Belhirch of the Netherlands. DrumAfricanews reports that Kalu, who also sits on the 12-member IPU Steering Committee overseeing the World Trade Organization, presented the draft resolution on “The Role of Parliaments in…

The Federal Government has announced that 744 former terrorists and victims of violent extremism are to be reintegrated into society. This the FG said came following their graduation from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor. The Federal Government urged the graduates to embrace the opportunity and avoid returning to violence, warning that they now bear the responsibility of contributing positively to their communities. DrumAfricanews reports that the breakdown of the former terrorists are as follow: Two are from Abia State, 10 from Adamawa State, one from Akwa Ibom State, two from Anambra State, 12…

…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…