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Tension in Alor community as youths threaten to unleash mayhem December 30
There is tension in Alor community of Anambra State as some young people claiming to be members of Alor Youth Initiative (AYI) have threatened to unleash mayhem if any meeting, prayer session or end of year activity is allowed to hold at St. Mary’s Catholic church in the town on December 30.
In a a letter addressed to the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Alor, Rev. Father Christopher Izuu Ifem, the youths also threatened the clergy, saying he would be held responsible for possible loss of lives and properties if he allows any such social event to take place in the church on December 30, 2024 as well as same date of every year.
In the letter addressed to the priest, with Reference No: AYI/ADMIN/00036, dated 27th December 2024, a copy of which Nationwide Reports obtained, Alor Youth Initiative (AYI), said the letter became necessary and must be adhered to by the priest and other stakeholders failure of which hell would be unleashed on the community.
The letter, which was by signed by Chief Conrad Okezie Akubueze and Mr. Emecheta Ubabunike, President General and Secretary General of AYI respectively, was copied to His Royal Majesty, Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Okonkwo, Ezedioranma 111 of Alor Kingdom and Chief Emma Ojukwu Agbigwe, President General of Alor Peoples’ Convention.
It warned Rev. Father Christopher Izuu Ifem, to use his position and take necessary steps and stop what it described as ‘meddlesomness by those fanning embers of disunity in the community.’
The letter was titled- “No event, Gathering or any Function is allowed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Field on Every 30th December.”
It reads- “We write to notify you based on the above information. That no event or gathering whatsoever, are allowed to be held at the church field.
“The said date, 30th December, was reserved for the Alor Annual General Meeting (Ogbako Alor). No other function, including opening of shops are allowed in Alor community borders during the meeting on that day. (See page 6, section 6 (111) of Alor Peoples’ Convention Constitution.
“The Alor Youth Initiative Advice that everybody should desist from holding any event on the church field the day of the meeting and during the meeting and to stop disunity and dichotomy in the community.
“Again, we frown on desecration of the church field in the name of prayers and illegal and unconstitutional end of the year meeting at the parish field. We are sure that you have seen the video clip of the ‘prayer session’ of December 30, 2023, where they were praying for the death of Engr. Dr. Emeka Muoma Ezeh (FNSE, OFR), a foremost philanthropist from Alor, for no just cause. That singular act is enough not to give out the church premises for such nefarious and wicked prayer sessions. The ‘prayer session’ also runs contrary to the motto of our Archbishop, Most Reverend Valerian Maduka Okeke- “That they may have life and have it in abundance (John 10-10).
“Moreover, Alor town has their ancestral Obi Ezeagbudugbu Palace, where we hold an annual end of the year meeting (Ogbako-Alor).
“Sequel to the above, the youths have resolved never to allow any further illegal, mischievous, parallel and unconstitutional end of the year meeting at St. Mary’s Catholic Church field again.
“We are sure that you will not like to see the church premises as a battlefield with its attendant wanton destruction of lives and property. Violators will be held responsible for any consequences.
“We hope on you, as the representative of Christ on earth and the Shepherd of Christ’s flock, to wield the big stick and stop the meddlesomness with those fanning embers of disunity.
“May God guide and direct your discernment in this matter.
“Yours in Christ.”
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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