IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has raised concerns over the increasing vandalism of railway infrastructure, particularly the theft of iron materials from rail tracks.

Speaking on the recent arrest of a suspected vandal known as "Lucky," caught cutting a rail bridge along the Kaduna-Kafanchan corridor, Opeifa revealed that the suspect had been under surveillance following intelligence reports linking him to multiple acts of vandalism. He added that police are tracking his accomplices.

Opeifa warned against the illegal smelting and sale of railway materials, emphasizing that rail components are not scrap and can only be disposed of by the NRC management under its legal framework.

He cited multiple recent incidents, including the arrest of a police officer caught with track materials in Minna, and others apprehended for rail theft in Bauchi, Port Harcourt, and Ebonyi State. Several vehicles used in these operations have been seized by authorities.

The NRC boss directed the Police Railway Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to expedite the prosecution of arrested vandals, stressing that railway sabotage endangers public safety and could cause derailments.

Opeifa also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand freight services and reactivate abandoned railway routes, including the Kano-Nguru, Zaria-Kaura Namoda, and Idogo lines, to enhance cargo movement across the country. He assured that soon, cargo trains would operate seamlessly beyond Ibadan, reaching Ilorin, Minna, and Kano from Lagos. 

Veteran singer Konga has accused Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy of using his lines and rhythm in his songs without credit.

In a video shared on his TikTok page, Konga claimed that Burna Boy name-dropped him in Sungba Remix and incorporated elements of his style in the song Update.

As compensation, Konga is demanding a feature from Burna Boy and Tiwa Savage on the remix of his track Kabakaba.

“It’s clear you like my vibe and have been using elements of my flow, which I appreciate,” Konga stated. “But in return, I want you and Tiwa Savage on Kabakaba Remix. I call you out in peace.” 

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed two soldiers, a police officer, and two farmers in Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Eyewitnesses said the soldiers were ambushed while responding to a distress call from residents on the outskirts of the town. One soldier sustained a gunshot wound, while another remains missing.

In response, security forces deployed 12 trucks of personnel to the area. However, residents have called for increased security, citing frequent attacks and the advanced weaponry used by the assailants.

A local, Lawrence Akarigba, revealed that the attackers had also struck Tse Tsumbu and Yaav ward a day earlier, killing two people. He lamented that Jato-Aka had become unsafe, forcing many to flee.

The injured soldier has been taken to NKST Hospital for treatment, while efforts continue to locate the missing personnel.

Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to confirm the incident. However, OPWS spokesman, Sgt. James, verified the killings, stating that security operatives were returning to Makurdi and would provide further details. 

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to deliberate on self-determination following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, criticized the move, calling it a setback for the Ijaw people. He argued that the crisis stemmed from political tensions between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stressing that the federal government should have acted against all parties involved rather than focusing on Fubara.

Retired Delta State judge, Miakpor Emiaso, and former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) president, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, also condemned the decision, alleging political bias and questioning Wike’s continued influence in the crisis.

As discontent grows, Ijaw leaders are set to review their political future and options for self-determination. 

...Promises to intensify effort on Community Development

For continual goodness, peace and progress in Nempi Autonomous Community, in Oru West Local Government Area, Imo State, the Special Adviser to the Governor, on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Willie T.C Okolieogwo, has assured that he would intensify effort towards the development and advancement of the agrarian Community.

He gave the assurance while warmly receiving the Executives of Nempi Development Union (NDU), comprising members from the 3 Autonomous Communities of Nempi clan, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Owerri on Thursday, March, 20, 2025.

Okolieogwo, a patriotic indigene, who has been seamlessly contributing significantly to the unity, development, peace and progress of Nempi, an agrarian community, maintained that with the grace and strength of God he would often have the capacity to navigate the activities of Nempi towards development.

The SA remarked that he is an "ancient and modern" leader who has tapped from the knowledge of the rich and positive ideas of the current and past leaders of the community.

He hinted that he brought the first Telecommunication Mast into Nempi through Airtel (formerly Econet), a feat he added, is today giving rise to the socialization and successes in business activities at the area till date.

"I have a communal love for Nempi. It is indeed natural for me to do good to the community and humanity, although not for gratifications, as goodness nurtures my spiritual growth. Whatever falls within my capacity to do for the elevation of my community I shall do it without looking behind".

"There are so many positive things I have done for the community and I will continue to do so irrespective of provocations or hate. These challenges give me the physical and spiritual energies to do good to strengthen goodness, oneness, cooperation and prosperity in Nempi", Okolieogwo stressed.

Thanking NDU for the visit, Okolieogwo, who was the former President General of NDU, former Councillor, Nempi/Eleh Ward, and the immediate Past Council Chairman of Oru West LGA, urged the people of the area to be on one page and synergize to be able to enhance peace, cordiality and development in the community.

He also called on youths to imbibe good leadership spirit to sustain the goodness of the area as initiated by the leadership before them.

Hon. Okolieogwo however implored his people to join him in thanking God Almighty and Governor Hope Uzodinma, whose magnanimity saw him becoming the former Chairman of Oru West LGA and former ALGON Chairman, Imo State, and now, the SA, to His Excellency on Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs.

Earlier, President General of Nempi Development Union (NDU), Evang. Ike Favour Ononiwu, said the essence of the visit was to celebrate with him on his new appointment as SA to Governor Uzodinma, on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, an appointment they described as a milestone.

"As former Chairman of Oru West Council, you richly demonstrated exceptional leadership, leaving behind a legacy of transformative development. Under your watch, Nempi witnessed unprecedented progress.

" You initiated and completed numerous projects that touched every aspect of our lives— from the construction of roads that connect our communities, to the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities that improved the well-being of our people, to the establishment of empowerment programs that empowered our youths. Your tenure was indeed a golden era for our community", they reflected. 

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000 starting March 2025.

Speaking in Abuja, Nafiu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to corps members' welfare, assuring them of timely payments. He praised the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity and urged members to remain dedicated and disciplined.

“With effect from March, you will receive Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. The nation and the scheme appreciate your service,” he stated.

Corps members expressed gratitude for the increment, commending the NYSC management for its efforts.