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Enugu records 25 rape cases in 3 months — Official

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No fewer than 25 rape cases were recorded in Enugu State from January to March 2021, the Centre Manager, Tamar Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Tamar SARC), Mrs Evelyn Onah, said.

Onah disclosed this on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.
She said that 31 cases of attempted sexual assault and five Gender Based Violence (GBV) were also recorded within the same period.

She said that some of the cases involved minors as well as adults within the ages of five, 24 and 22.
The centre manager disclosed that an 88-year old woman was recently raped by a 22-year old boy at Nsukka.

“The boy was later apprehended and is currently in police custody,” she said.

She said that a yet to be identified man in April raped a 47-year-old woman who was returning from a church programme.

“Just last week, we received a report that  a 22-year-old girl was gang-raped while another 14-year-old girl was also raped on her way to the stream.

“The suspects were all arrested and will be charged to court,” she said.
Onah attributed the surge in incidences of rape in the state to rise in social vices and economic hardship in the country.

According to her, the incidences of rape has increased because many residents are idle while some are doing it as part of their lifestyle.

She, therefore, urged the youth to engage themselves on more productive and  positive activities that would take off their mind from crime.

“Stop intimidating the weak with your power but use such powers to protect them so that the society can gain something from you,” she said.

Onah said that the greatest challenge to the onslaught against incidences of rape was the fact that most families, sometimes, abandon such cases in the court because of shame and to protect their name.

“Some will even collect as low as N10,000 to settle out of court because of poverty in the land,” she said.

Onah urged survivors of rape to always speak out than to remain in silence.

NAN reports that Tamar SARC was set up by Enugu State Government to support GBV survivors with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Pathfinder International.

The centre offers free medical, counselling and other support services  to the victims and survivors of GBV in the state and beyond. (NAN)

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N’Delta group Aims To Gather 10 Million Votes In Support Of Tinubu’s Re-election

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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A grassroots sociopolitical organisation based in the Niger Delta, Door-2-Door, has expressed its commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. The group aims to mobilise and secure 10 million votes for the President.

Door-2-Door was founded by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who is also the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and an influential figure in the Ijaw nation.

In a statement released in Warri, Delta State, on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator, Sunday Adekanbi, the organisation characterised its commitment to Tinubu’s re-election as unwavering.

“As emphasised by our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Door-2-Door is unequivocally committed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election. Our goal of mobilising and securing 10 million votes for Mr. President is non-negotiable,” the statement read in part.

The organisation also praised President Tinubu and the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for electing Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as the national chairman of the party.

Offering heartfelt congratulations to Professor Yilwatda on his well-deserved election, the group described him as “a square peg in a square hole,” noting that his dedication to public service and commitment to democratic values would guide the party to greater success.

The statement continued, “Professor Yilwatda is, without a doubt, the right fit for the challenging position of APC National Chairman. His proven dedication to public service, deep political insight, and commitment to democratic ideals make him exceptionally qualified to lead the party toward new heights.

“Throughout his decades of distinguished service, Professor Yilwatda has shown remarkable talent and extensive experience in governance, policy formulation, and political strategy. These qualities are essential as the APC prepares to address challenges and solidify its leadership ahead of the upcoming elections.

“We have full confidence that under his leadership, the APC will be strengthened both institutionally and ideologically. We look forward to witnessing how his vision and expertise will enhance the party’s strengths, boost grassroots support, and inspire Nigerians to unite behind the APC’s agenda nationwide.

“Indeed, Professor Nentawe possesses the intellectual rigor and leadership charisma that this crucial moment demands. As Nigeria approaches the next election, Door-2-Door, under the leadership of High Chief Tompolo, pledges its unwavering support to Professor Yilwatda and the APC. We believe that with his guidance, the party will achieve a resounding victory, bringing hope and progress to all Nigerians.”

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FG Secures Financing For Aba-Maiduguri Rail Line, Enhances Eastern Corridor Connectivity

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Rail lines
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The Federal Government has successfully secured full financing for the completion of the Aba–Maiduguri rail corridor, which is a crucial part of the 1,443-kilometer Port Harcourt Eastern Narrow Gauge Railway Project.

Minister of Transport, Senator Saidu Alkali, made the announcement on Wednesday during a government-citizen engagement forum at Arewa House in Kaduna. He stated that the project will traverse Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Benue States, significantly boosting regional trade, passenger mobility, and economic integration across Nigeria’s eastern corridor.

“The financing for this strategic route is now secured, and we are dedicated to completing the full stretch from Aba to Maiduguri,” the minister affirmed.

Alkali also mentioned the ongoing rehabilitation of the old Lagos–Kano Narrow Gauge Railway, highlighting that freight services have resumed between Apapa Port and the Kano Inland Dry Port. This is part of the government’s efforts to decongest seaports, promote inland port operations, and support industrial logistics.

Additionally, the announcement reflects a broader initiative by the Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria’s aging rail infrastructure and strengthen inter-regional connectivity through modern transport systems.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed the minister’s statements.

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Benue Governor, Alia Dissolved State Executive Council

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Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor , Rev Fr, Hyacinth Alia
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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the state executive council, retaining only the position of Chief of Staff, which will now be held by Barr. Moses Atagher, the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

Atagher, an experienced administrator and former acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, was appointed as the new Chief of Staff, effective immediately, at the close of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025.

Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, announced that the dissolution affects only the commissioners.

Governor Alia expressed his appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their two years of service, encouraging those who may not be reappointed to remain loyal to the party and continue supporting the administration.

Speaking on behalf of the dissolved commissioners, Barr. Bemsen Mnyim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, describing the experience as a valuable learning process.

The former commissioners have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries.

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