A fresh wave of public anger has gripped the nation following alarming statistics revealing the scale of killings and kidnappings in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2025. According to data compiled by BBC Hausa, no fewer than 3,610 Nigerians lost their lives between January and March this year due to ongoing attacks by bandits and Boko Haram insurgents.
The stark figures have reignited criticism of the security architecture under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Citizens, civil society groups, and political observers are increasingly vocal about what they describe as government inaction and failed security strategies.
In a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Tinubu and the nation’s service chiefs, concerned Nigerians condemned what they termed a “massacre under supervision.” The letter accuses the federal government of turning a blind eye to the daily bloodshed while continuing to expend vast sums on ineffective security operations.
“These numbers are not statistics of cattle or chickens — they are human beings, innocent Nigerians,” the statement emphasized. “It is unacceptable that the country continues to bleed this way while those in power remain shielded from the pain and suffering of the people.”
Security analysts note that while the government continues to announce new tactical operations and procurements, the reality on the ground tells a different story. In many rural communities, attacks by armed groups remain frequent, unchallenged, and deadly.
With pressure mounting, there is a growing chorus calling for accountability at the highest levels. Many Nigerians are demanding urgent reforms, the overhaul of the security leadership, and the immediate deployment of effective measures to stem the tide of violence.
As of press time, the Presidency and Defence Headquarters had not issued any official response to the figures released or the widespread condemnation that followed.
The silence from the top, however, has only further fueled public frustration. Citizens across regions, religious lines, and political affiliations are uniting to demand that the federal government prioritizes the protection of lives over political maneuvering and rhetoric.
Prominent Yoruba cultural advocate and commentator, Deyemi Deyemi Saka, has strongly criticized what he describes as the “politicization of the protection of our heritage,” following the alleged withdrawal or denial of adequate security arrangements for traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
In an impassioned statement set to be published in his forthcoming article, Saka questioned the rationale behind the decision to withhold official security support for Yoruba royal fathers, calling it a grave act of disrespect and cultural insensitivity.
“I do not see any justification for the decision to withhold security arrangements for these royal fathers,” Saka said. “They are the custodians of our heritage which was long dead and which they’re committed to its resurrection.”
He further condemned the perceived double standards in the treatment of traditional rulers across regions, comparing the situation in Yorubaland to the recent reverence reportedly accorded to former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, despite lingering controversies over his status.
“How do you explain it? How do you disrespect our Obas in Yoruba land, and the same police authority is exhibiting huge respect and reverence to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, whose role or royalty is in dispute?” he queried.
Saka, a self-identified Yoruba traditionalist, emphasized that traditional rulers are not just ceremonial figures but vital symbols of cultural continuity and unity. “As a Yoruba man and a firm believer in Yoruba tradition, culture, and heritage, I condemn this disrespect to our traditional institution, royal fathers, and values,” he added.
The remarks have sparked debate on social media and among cultural groups, with some calling for an urgent review of policies regarding the security of monarchs across Nigeria to ensure uniformity and respect for traditional institutions regardless of region.
Efforts to reach the Nigeria Police Force for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
The full article, titled “Politicization of the Protection of Our Heritage”, is expected to be published later this week.
The grieving family of Late Mr. Simon Aniamalu Ndubuisi of Isamolo Awha Imezi, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has announced the burial arrangements for four of their children who tragically lost their lives in the fatal fuel tanker explosion that occurred at the Ugwu Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, on January 25, 2025.
The victims — Mr. Nnamdi Ndubuisi, Mrs. Chioma Ndife (née Ndubuisi), Mrs. Nkechi Ndubuisi, and Mr. Izuchukwu Ndubuisi — were all siblings from the same family, and reportedly perished in the inferno after being caught in the blaze triggered by the tanker’s crash. They were burnt beyond recognition, alongside several others who were trapped in their vehicles during the incident.
According to the funeral poster released by the family and signed by Mr. Emeka Ndubuisi, the burial rites will begin on Easter Sunday, 20th April 2025, with a wake keep at the family compound of Late Mr. Simon Aniamalu Ndubuisi in Isamolo Awha Imezi, Ezeagu L.G.A., Enugu State.
This will be followed by a burial mass and interment on Monday, 21st April 2025 (Easter Monday) at the same location, after which condolence visits and funeral rites will continue.
The family, in deep sorrow but total submission to the will of God, described the incident as an untimely and unbearable loss, noting that the tragic event wiped out four vibrant members of their lineage in one stroke.
It will be recalled that the horrific accident at Ugwu Onyeama involved a petrol-laden tanker that reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into multiple vehicles before bursting into flames. The incident that involved about 31 persons, claimed over 20 lives, including children and adults, and left many others injured, with vehicles and properties destroyed beyond recognition.
Eleven members of the same family from the Abofia-Agbaja community in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were also among the victims of a tanker fire that occurred at Ugwu Onyeama along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, on Saturday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Police Command, and other emergency responders had a tough time evacuating the charred remains and restoring normalcy to the ever-busy highway.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement shortly after the disaster, expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the Enugu State Government. He described the incident as a national tragedy and called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, especially among heavy-duty and petroleum truck operators.
Similarly, Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who visited the scene of the explosion, declared free medical treatment for survivors and assured that government would put preventive measures in place to forestall a recurrence.
Following the recent release (on social media) of the burial poster of the 4 siblings and members of the Ndubuisi Family who died in the tragedy, condolences have continued to pour in for the family, as netizens share their feelings and prayers with the bereaved.
Thunder Strike have killed not less than three traders in in Imo State
This occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, during the annual “Obudi Cassava Day” celebration in Agwa, oil rich community located in Oguta LGA of Imo State.
“As the vibrant trading of cassava and barter activities took place under the iconic Uzi tree, a sudden downpour began.
Amid the rainfall, a powerful thunderstrike struck, leaving seven individuals affected.” Source revealed to Impartial Observers on video clip
Our reliably gathered that three persons were confirmed dead at the scene, while four others sustained severe injuries and were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
This is said to have thrown the villagers into mourning, dampening the spirit of the cultural celebration and calling for spiritual and safety reflections.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike, has been appointed the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a chieftain of the party in the state, Pascal Candle, who disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday, the appointment was contained in an official letter dated 28th March 2025, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Senator Akume, in the letter, described the new appointment as a call to national service, and further revealed that the appointment takes effect from 26th March 2025.
Reacting to the development, Chief Ejidike expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the recognition and honour. He described the appointment as a commendable addition to the list of federal appointments to Anambra APC members, which he said underscores the President’s commitment to rewarding loyalty and encouraging hard work within the party.
He also reassured President Tinubu of the continued support and loyalty of the people of Anambra State and the entire APC structure in the state, while further assuring to help foster the actualization of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and vision of enhancing national food security, empowering farmers, and driving agro-economic transformation across the country.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that the National Root Crops Research Institute, which Chief Ejidike will now chair, is one of Nigeria’s leading agricultural institutions, dedicated to research and development in root and tuber crops.
Former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress APC Sir Paul Chukwuma on Thursday emerged as the candidate of the Young Progressive Party YPP .
Recall that Chukwuma had withdrawn from the APC primary election alleging irregularities in the process of the conduct of the election.
He later joined the Young Progressive Party YPP where he won the primary election though he was the only aspirant for the said election.
Announcing the result of the primary election which was done through Option A4 the Chairman of the Election Committee and National Secretary of the party Bar Vidieno Bamayi said ;
“The election was conducted inline with the constitution of the party and the Electoral Act and as you can see it was peaceful”
“We had only one aspirant who is Sir Paul Chukwuma and we still have to vote inline with the constitution and guidelines of the party ”
“Paul Chukwuma scored a total of 366 yes votes while eight delegates voted no against the aspirant and by the powers vested on me as the Returning Officer for this primary election I here by declare Sir Paul Chukwuma winner of the election and duely returned on this day April 10th 2025 as the candidate of the Young Progressive Party YPP* he said.
Speaking before handing over the flag of the party to Chukwuma the National Chairman of the YPP Comerade Emmanuel Bishop Amakiri described Sir Paul Chukwuma as one that would widen the coast of the party adding that he would add value to the political fortunes of the party .
At his acceptance speech Sir Paul Chukwuma noted that ;
“YPP is a party that is made up of members that have discipline and more people would soon join our party ”
“Our target is the Government House Awka and with your support and the grace of God we shall all get there”
“I am in YPP to take and connect Anambra state to the center and the center is where we shall be part of the government in power and we that our dear state would be uplifted” he noted.
A lady identified as Delight Ndukwe has called off her church wedding with her husband, Isaac Victor.
The lady who hails from Obowo local Government Area of Imo state, called off the wedding through a message she sent to her husband via her phone.
A social activist, Chinonso Uba, in a broadcast on Wednesday disclosed that the lady cited lack of understanding between her and her husband as the reason for her to call off the wedding.
Uba, disclosed that the couple had last December married traditionally and were said to walk down the aisle on April 22 in Owerri before she called it off.
Uba, argued that the groom who is said to be depressed had spent millions of Naira in preparation for the church wedding ceremony.
He also informed that the groom sponsored the bride in her law school program only to be dumped unceremoniously through a text message three weeks to the date.
Uba, said that the bride had told the groom that she was a virgin and wanted to keep it till marriage, a principal he said the groom agreed to.
The social activist disclosed that the groom said that the bride’s mother and brother were the architects of the collapse of the marriage.
The development had caused public debate as nitizans had continued to argue in favour and against the bride.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Sheild Security Outfit Ozo Jeff Nweke on Thursday emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Alliance AA in the coming November 8th election in the area .
Nweke who won the primary election defeated Amarachukwu Ekwunife and Michael Elemuo in the party’s primary.
The primary election, held at the Jesse Hotel in Awka using the Option A4 voting method, saw Ozo Jeff Nweke securing 72 votes to beat his closest rival, Mrs. Amarachukwu Ekwunife, who received 8 votes. Mr. Michael Elemuo garnered 6 votes.
Mr. James Vernimbe, Chairman of the AA Governorship Primary Election, revealed that the party had 105 delegates on the list. Of these, 72 delegates were accredited to vote, and all 72 cast their ballots with no void votes.
Announcing the results, Mr. Vernimbe declared Ozo Jeff Nweke the winner, stating that he had secured the highest number of valid votes.
“Ozo Jeff Nweke is hereby declared the winner of the primary and is duly elected as the Action Alliance’s candidate for the Anambra State 2025 governorship election,” he said.
Vernimbe further explained that the Option A4 voting method was chosen for its transparency and credibility.
In his acceptance speech, Ozo Nweke thanked the delegates for choosing him as their candidate for the 2025 Anambra governorship election.
He acknowledged the challenges ahead, but expressed his readiness and determination to fight for the liberation of Ndi Anambra.
Nweke said that, if elected, his administration would prioritize the welfare of the common masses, a core value of the AA party.
“Under an AA administration, the masses will be our first priority. We will do everything possible to ensure the well-being of the people of Anambra State. This is my promise,” he stated.
He further lamented the stagnation in Anambra’s development and vowed to bring positive change.
“Things have been stagnant in Anambra, and I am here to move the state forward to greater heights. We will implement policies that will inspire the people of Anambra to believe in us. I am humbled and overwhelmed by the trust you have placed in me, and I will not disappoint the state.”he added.
Stressing the importance of unity in the upcoming election. Nweke said”We are going to win this election, but I won’t do it alone. We all must work together to achieve victory.”
Gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in Anambra state Chief George Moghalu has dismissed the plot to conduct a fresh primary election contending that it is the hight of rescality.
Moghalu who won the primary election of the labour party last weekend after one the aspirants Mr John Nwosu withdrew from the contest has already been handed over the certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.
Moghalu has also been given the nomination clearance papers by the electoral body while other statutory paper works are ongoing.
Speaking with reporters in Awka the candidate of the Labour Party Chief George Moghalu described it as the hight of rescality adding that some rented crowed was paid to be some enemies of the party cause confusion in the party.
“This is the hight of rescality and it is being done by some enemies of the party and sponsored by some people who do not have the capacity to lead the party to the election”
“I have received my Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission and I have all the statutory documents as candidate of the Labour Party” he said.
Report had it that a certain faction of the Labour Party have concluded arrangements to conduct fresh primary election in Awka this Thursday a development that is fast creating challenges in the party .
At the venue of the said primary election officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC were not seen as at 12, 11 pm .
When contacted the Public Relations Officer of INEC Mrs Ugoma Lechukwu described the proposed fresh primary election as untrue contending that the Commission is not aware of any fresh Labor Party primary election.
“We are not aware of any fresh primary election by the Labour Party and the Labour Party has conducted and concluded it’s primary election and produced George Moghalu as it’s candidate and we have issued him with the Certificate of Return and other statutory materials as candidate of the party ” she said.
An Anambra-born philanthropist and MD/CEO of Walata Consults and Services Ltd., Hon. Stanley Nwabueze Okafor, has continued to etch his name in gold through his consistent acts of philanthropy and unmatched passion for youth development, as he was recently honoured with the naming of a newly-established sports house after him at the prestigious of Utuh High School, Utuh, in Nnewi South Local Government Area of the State.
The new house, named WALATA HOUSE in recognition of his selfless services to humanity, was officially unveiled on Wednesday at the school premises, amid applause, commendations, and expressions of goodwill from staff, students, and community stakeholders.
In reciprocation and appreciation of this honour, Hon. Okafor also generously donated complete sportswear to fully kit members of the newly-unveiled house, alongside a cash donation he also made to the school to support the smooth running and preparation of the house ahead of the school’s upcoming inter-house sports competition.
The event, which drew attention to the importance of youth engagement through sports and community involvement, further beamed forth light of Hon. Okafor’s commitment to educational growth, talent development, and capacity building, especially among young people in his country home and beyond.
Speaking with this reporter on what may have prompted the school to bestow such a befitting recognition on him, the Walata Boss humbly attributed the honour to his consistent philanthropic gestures and community-driven initiatives, which have made palpable impacts across the constituency. According to him, the naming of the house in his honour is not just a personal milestone, but a call to greater service and an inspiration to remain steadfast in touching lives and building a better society.
He dedicated the recognition to the resilient youths of Utuh community, whose drive and aspirations, he said, constantly motivate him to do more. He also restated his belief that genuine development must be people-oriented and purpose-driven, noting that empowering the younger generation remains one of the most sustainable ways to secure a brighter future for any society.
Listing some of his recent philanthropic strides, Hon. Okafor recalled how, in January 2024, he sponsored the JAMB registration of 20 deserving students from Utuh and the entire Nnewi South Constituency I, to ease the financial burdens on their families and promote education. He further highlighted his February 2024 initiative, where he paid the First School Leaving Certificate Examination and Common Entrance Examination registration fees for 62 children drawn from 31 government-owned primary schools within the constituency, stressing that no child should be denied basic education because of poverty.
In the same vein, he referenced his landmark empowerment of over 500 women and young persons in agriculture—an intervention he described as a strategic move to reduce unemployment and improve food security in the area. The Walata CEO also pointed out his role in facilitating medical support programs and healthy living sensitization campaigns for villagers, aimed at promoting community wellness and preventive healthcare.
Other laudable initiatives he mentioned included his sponsorship of the 2024 Utuh Youth Festival, the singlehanded renovation of the palace of the traditional ruler of Utuh, as well as the distribution of school bags and exercise books to pupils in 32 primary schools across Nnewi South Constituency I, all of which have attracted widespread admiration and commendation.
Hon. Okafor emphasized that he does not engage in philanthropy for showmanship or political gain, but out of a genuine passion to give back to society and inspire others to do same, adding that there is no greater joy than seeing lives transformed through one’s efforts.
Speaking at the event, the Principal of Utuh High School, Mrs. Uchenna Obiajulu, described Hon. Okafor as a rare gem and an exemplary role model for the younger generation. She commended his thoughtful gestures and timely support to the school, noting that his name would remain etched in the annals of the school’s history as one who not only accepted the honour bestowed on him but also gave back graciously to the school community.
According to the school principal, “This is not just about naming a house after someone; it is about recognizing true leadership, consistent support, and someone who has walked the talk. Hon. Okafor has always been there for us, not just today, but over time, and we are deeply grateful.”
In their separate reactions, the House Master of WALATA HOUSE, Mr. Nsoani Livinus, and the House Mistress, Mrs. Eze Victoria, jointly extolled the philanthropist’s generosity and expressed immense gratitude for his thoughtful donations. They pledged to ensure that members of the house embody the values of hard work, excellence, and discipline which Hon. Okafor represents, and vowed to lead the house to a victorious debut in the forthcoming inter-house sports competition.
The official unveiling of the WALATA HOUSE banner, as well as the presentation of the full sportswear and financial donation by Hon. Okafor formed the high points of the event, amidst wild applause, solidarity song and jubilant cheers from both the staff and the students of the school.
