Author: Drum Africa Correspondent
The Catholic community in Anambra State was yesterday thrown into mourning following the confirmation of the killing of a priest, Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, by kidnappers. He was shot dead on Boxing Day on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in one of the security breaches recorded across the country during the Christmas holidays. News of the killing of Reverend Father Okonkwo was announced by the Chancellor of Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Tobias Ezeogu. “We announce with great sorrow the brutal murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a devoted priest and pharmacist, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ihiala, Anambra State, on…
Actress Olivia Hussey, who shot to international prominence as a teenager for her role in the acclaimed 1968 film version of Romeo and Juliet, has died aged 73. The Argentinian-born actress, who grew up in London, died on Friday surrounded by her loved ones, a statement posted on her Instagram said. Hussey won the best new actress Golden Globe for her part as Juliet, but decades later she sued Paramount Pictures for sexual abuse as she was aged just 15 when she filmed the movie’s nude scene. Her other most notable screen role was as Mary, mother of Jesus, in…
Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti has signed into law Seven Hundred and Fifty Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (750, 282, 200, 000) only for the 2025 fiscal year. Assenting to the 2025 appropriation bill passed by the Abia State House of Assembly, governor Otti commended the law makers for giving the bill an accelerated hearing and passage, saying that the budget would give his goverment the impetus to continue to deliver on his promises to Abians. “This budget that has been passed is a budget that will give us the impetus to continue to…
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed why he worked for the removal of the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus. Wike disclosed this on Thursday as a special guest of honour at an end of year thanksgiving organised by the PDP stakeholders in Ahoada East and Ahoada West at Ukpata community in Ekpeye Kingdom of the state. The Minister disclosed that he kicked Secondus out of office as the PDP National Chairman because he hatched a plot to make his cousin and former deputy governor, Tele Ikuru, Rivers governor…
The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of two people and 15 others injured in a lone accident involving a Toyota Hiace bus at Saapade on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State. The spokesperson for FRSC in Ogun, Mrs Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident on Thursday in Abeokuta. Okpe noted that the accident occurred at 4:34 p.m. on Thursday. She explained that the incident was caused by tyre burst, which resulted in the loss of control, saying that the bus somersaulted and crashed. Okpe said that 18 people were in the bus marked LSR 585 YH, including nine men,…
Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 11 people in an attack on some communities in Nyiev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident happened on December 25 when the people were celebrating Christmas with their families. A resident in the community confirmed the attack in a telephone conversation on Thursday. The resident, who preferred to be anonymous, told Channels Television that they received a distress message that “Nyiev-ya is under attack.” “The terrorist herders came this afternoon (December 25), and invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase, killing and burning houses,” the resident said “Daniel Jam’s son was killed by…
Tragedy has once again struck the family of Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, following the death of his eldest son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi, in a fatal car accident. The incident occurred barely 24 hours after the governor lost his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi. According to eyewitness accounts, Abdulwahab was returning from Kafin Hausa to Dutse with his friends when the vehicle he was driving lost control, causing it to somersault. While his friends sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Dutse General Hospital, Abdulwahab was pronounced dead at the scene. A close family source, who spoke…
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has urged President Bola Tinubu to backtrack on the tax policy reforms as it could lead to anarchy. He made the call during the Christmas Day celebration organised in Bauchi on Thursday. According to him, the policy does not in any way favour the North, adding that the governors would not be able to pay salaries. He said, “To the tax reforms- it is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay you salaries. “They must listen, otherwise, they are calling for anarchy and…
The Economic of West African States (ECOWAS) has described terrorism allegations against Nigeria and other member states by Niger Republic as “unfounded”, saying it is solidly behind its members. Niger Republic had accused Nigeria and other ECOWAS members of colluding with France to destabilise the country. However, ECOWAS in a statement on Thursday described the allegations as “unfounded”. “The Commission of the Economic and West African Staes (ECOWAS) expresses deep concern over allegations being made against Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states. “The Commission stands firmly by Nigeria and ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism. “For…
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated enforcement action against five airlines (two international and three domestic operators) for various violations of Part 19 of the NCAA regulations. The violations include the non-payment of refunds within the stipulated time frame, non-responsiveness to the NCAA’s directives, missing luggage, manhandled luggage, short-landed baggage, delayed and cancelled flights, amongst others. A spokesman for NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this to journalists at the corporate headquarters of the Authority in Abuja on Tuesday. He said that although airlines are not always responsible for flight disruptions, NCAA regulations stipulate actions that airlines must take during…