A tragic incident occurred on Monday, December 30, 2024, in Ihiala, Anambra State, when gunmen attacked a group of security personnel and civilians, resulting in the deaths of seven people.

The attack, which took place around 11:30 a.m. in Ihiala Local Government Area, led to the deaths of two policemen, members of a local vigilante group, and several civilians.

According to a statement from the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochikwu Ikenga, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has initiated a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the deadly assault.

The police confirmed that two unarmed passers-by were among the victims.

Additionally, one victim was rescued and is currently receiving medical treatment.

SP Ikenga further revealed that the gunmen began shooting indiscriminately near a venue where preparations were underway for a funeral scheduled for January 2, 2025.

As the attackers attempted to flee, they shot at two security operatives stationed at a nearby observation post close to the Local Government Headquarters on the Express Road.

In response to the attack, the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Area, Engr. Anayochukwu Charles Orjiako, condemned the killings, calling them an attack on the region’s security structure.

He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.

“The Chairman condemns this horrific act, which has targeted our security forces who are working hard to ensure the safety of our community. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our officers,” said the local government boss.

He also urged the perpetrators to surrender to the authorities, warning them that their actions would have serious consequences.

The Ihiala local government has pledged to cooperate closely with security agencies to ensure the attackers are apprehended and brought to justice.

The Chairman also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.

“We will not let this act of violence deter us. Our commitment to ensuring the safety of our people remains strong, and we will continue to work relentlessly to bring the criminals to justice. We stand with the families of the fallen security personnel and will offer all necessary support during this difficult time,” Orjiako concluded.

Legal practitioner, Mr. Oluwatobiloba Fatoki, has called on landlords and agents to implement fair rent hikes while ensuring tenants receive essential amenities and regular property maintenance. Fl

Fatoki made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday.

The former spokesperson for the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan chapter, urged landlords and agents to strictly adhere to existing tenancy laws to protect both parties involved.

He highlighted the lack of awareness among tenants as a major barrier to the effective enforcement of tenancy laws.

Fatoki cited bribery, corruption, and limited resources as key challenges to enforcing tenancy regulations in the state.

He further called for the creation of a functional rent tribunal and better regulation to tackle the rising rent costs nationwide.

He also advocated for policies that encourage property developers to construct affordable housing and greater public awareness regarding tenants’ rights.

Fatoki emphasized the importance of revising outdated laws to better reflect current realities.

For addressing the rent challenges, Fatoki stressed the need for a partnership between the public and private sectors to improve housing availability.

He also recommended policies aimed at reducing inflation, stabilizing the economy, and enhancing urban planning.

“Landlords and agents must comply with the law, ensure rent hikes are reasonable, and offer necessary amenities and maintenance,” Fatoki advised.

He also urged tenants to understand their rights, report violations, and seek legal remedies when necessary.

Fatoki added that tenant associations could play a key role in advocating for fair housing practices.

He concluded by referencing the Oyo State Tenancy Law (2016), which governs advance payments and ensures better regulation of the rental sector.

Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death at 17 for allegedly stealing a fowl, has been freed after spending 14 years in prison.

His release was made possible following clemency granted by Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, after the case drew widespread attention.

The news was shared by actress Abiola Adebayo on Instagram in a video posted on Monday, where she was seen celebrating Segun’s release with him and his family outside the Kiri Kiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.

“This is Segun Olowookere. We’re just leaving Kiri Kiri; he’s finally out. Thank you so much for the love and support,” Adebayo said in the video.

Adebayo spoke highly of Segun, describing him as “a good guy” and revealed that his departure from the correctional centre was met with emotional reactions from fellow inmates, many of whom were saddened by his release.

“The testimonies from the correctional centre have been amazing. In fact, some were crying that he was leaving,” she added.

The actress also thanked Governor Adeleke for his intervention, helping secure Segun’s release.

She expressed hopes that Segun would use his newfound freedom to become a better person and contribute positively to society.

Segun himself expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, everybody. I really appreciate it.”

His parents also celebrated the joyous occasion, marking a new chapter in their lives after years of hardship.

In a previous interview, Segun’s mother, Folashade, shared the emotional toll the case had taken on their family, noting that the incident had robbed them of the chance to enjoy a festive season together for over a decade..

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly responded to recent comments by Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who suggested that releasing the group’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, may not resolve the security challenges in the Southeast.

In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group criticized Governor Soludo’s remarks, calling them unhelpful and disconnected from reality.

The governor had recently stated in an interview on Arise TV that some criminals involved in insecurity in the Southeast claim to be acting on behalf of Kanu.

IPOB argued that releasing Kanu would expose these individuals and eliminate any justification for their criminal activities.

The statement read, “If criminals are hiding behind the name of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB to commit crimes, then it is simple logic that his release would end such activities, as no one would be able to continue their criminal acts in his name.”

IPOB expressed disappointment in Soludo, especially since he had previously supported Kanu’s release.

The group also reminded the governor of Kanu’s role in combating insecurity in the region, particularly his efforts in curbing the activities of armed herdsmen.

IPOB credited Kanu and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) for putting an end to what they called the “massacre and humiliation” of Igbo people during the herdsmen’s violent attacks.

In a bold assertion, IPOB vowed that if Kanu were released and insecurity did not subside within two weeks, the group would cease to exist.

The statement further urged Southeast governors to be transparent about any reluctance to advocate for Kanu’s freedom, calling on them to fulfill their public commitments to support his release.

Kanu, who was re-arrested by Nigerian authorities in 2021, remains in detention. IPOB has maintained that his release is crucial for lasting peace and stability in the Southeast region.