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The once-thriving Ndiagu Amofia in Umuhu autonomous community, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu local government area of Enugu State, now lies desolate and abandoned. Armed Fulani herdsmen have taken over the land, displacing hundreds of residents who fled in terror after a brutal attack on Friday, February 28, 2025. SaharaReporters learnt that the marauding herdsmen set two houses ablaze, looted several others, and brutally killed the only child of a widow and a final year university student. The child's uncle was also shot, leaving the community in a state of shock and grief. The attack has rendered the residents homeless, and their hopes of returning to their ancestral homes hang in the balance. The village, once a thriving agricultural community, now lies idle, its farm settlements abandoned and with dry leaves covered everywhere. When SaharaReporters visited Ndiagu Amofia Umuhu on Monday on a factfinding tour, no single resident was seen in the vast settlement as everyone had fled. SaharaReporters was told that the settlement until the attack was last remaining community settlement otherwise known as 'Ndiagu' in Eha-Amufu. From Amofia Unu to the settlement which took SaharaReporters crew 45 minutes in a ride on commercial motorcycle otherwise known as 'Okada' could only be accessed through trekking, motorcycles or bicycles. The settlement has no access road as it can only be accessed through footpaths with dangerous terrain full of makeshift culverts. On the road SaharaReporters crew saw residents, mainly women who were carrying their belongings and farm produce fleeing the settlement to wherever they could find shelter. On approaching the settlement, SaharaReporters saw a primary school and a Church beside it. However, on a closer look it was observed that the school and church had since been abandoned, showing the severity of the situation. Getting inside the settlement, the entire area was greeted with desolation and abandonment. The area could best be described as a dead zone with silent like graveyard. One can hear sounds of pine if it falls down. You can only hear noise of birds and animals in the bush. Homes have been abandoned with compounds littered with dry leaves. On approaching the areas where houses were burned, sounds of gunshots could be heard loud and clear. The next was noise of cows. From the sounds it could only mean one thing, the hersmen are living close. Discussion throughout the tour in the settlement was done in hush voices. Our guide, who was one of the victims of the attack and the chairman of the Ndiagu Amofia village led the way. At a point, he became afraid of going further and advised the crew go back for everyone's safety. He took SaharaReporters crew to houses that were burned. He was constantly moving, hide and peeping to know whether there's danger before continuing. "We are in a state of panic," said Mr. Godwin Chukwudi Odoh, chairman of the Ndiagu Amofia village. "They burned two houses, killed a final-year university student and only child of a widow. I was targeted, but I escaped by hiding in the bush. My house was burned, and my wife and newborn baby were forced to flee." The attack has left the community in a state of fear, with residents too afraid to return to their homes. "As we speak, I have nothing left," Odoh lamented. "To eat, I depend on the generosity and kindness of the people. I'm currently squatting with a relation. It's disheartening that since the attack, no government agency has brought food or assistance to us." Asked why the Fulani attacked them, Odoh said "I don't know. We don't have problem with Fulanis and this is the first we are witnessing this attack". On why the sudden attack and sacking the village settlement, he said "I don't know." "Since the attack, some government officials are coming but have never heard anything from them thereafter. I don't know whether they came to know whether it is true or not. But you have seen houses they burned. My own house was burned. They actually came for me but I saw them from afar with AK 47 rifles, I followed backyard and ran inside the bush and hid." "When they came, my wife who gave birth barely three months ago was asked about me and she told them that I wasn't around. Two of them went inside the house, ransacked and took away every valuable thing including money and motorcycle. "After looting, they told my wife to leave the house, and threatened that if they return and find her she would be dead. Few minutes later they returned and razed the house with every of our belongings including clothes, yam barn. This very clothes I am wearing was giving to me by sympathisers. As we speak I have nothing left. To eat, I depend on generosity and kindness of the people. I'm currently squatting with a relation. "It is even disheartening that since the attack no government agency has brought food to us. We have lost everything not because of our making. What government officials were busy doing was how to whitewash the attack," Odoh lamented. "As you witnessed how we were sneaking to get the houses they burned; you heard their voices, you heard the noise of cows and you also heard gunshots. This is to tell you that Fulani herdsmen are very many in Ndiagu Amofia. Now our people have been sacked; before anyone can go to the settlement now to get anything for his or her family, it is very difficult. "We need government's intervention to get them out of the place so that our people can return to their farms and homes. We depend on the farm for our survival. "I am appealing to both government and good spirited individuals to come to our aide." Odoh gave other names of victims as: "Igwurube Idenyi; his house was razed down like mine. No pine was rescued. Those whom their houses were looted and vandalised are - Okibe Eze, Ododo Nwa-Ogboku, Cyprian Ani and Igwurube Ede." Another victim, James Igwurube, shared his harrowing experience, saying, "I went to the farm that day, and when I returned, I found that our houses had been burned. My father died from the shock of hearing about the incident. I appeal to the government for assistance." The villagers are calling on the government to intervene and protect them from further attacks. "We need government intervention to get them out of the place so that our people can return to their farms and homes," Odoh said. "We depend on the farm for our survival." The attack on Ndiagu Amofia village is a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity plaguing Nigeria's rural communities. Nigerian history books As the villagers struggle to come to terms with their loss, they are left wondering if anyone will be held accountable for the attack. https://saharareporters.com/2025/03/20/armed-herdsmen-overrun-ndiagu-community-enugu-burn-houses-sack-thousands-residents 3 2  |
Seven vessels carrying imported Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, are expected to berth at seaports along the nation’s borders between Monday, March 17, and Sunday, March 23, Saturday PUNCH reports. According to a document obtained from the Nigerian Port Authority on Thursday, these vessels carrying 115,000 metric tonnes representing 154.22 million litres of PMS will bring in products through three seaports to improve fuel supply nationwide. The latest development follows an exclusive report by The PUNCH, which disclosed that the landing cost of imported PMS dropped to N797 per litre. It also comes amidst the suspension of the sales of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following a stalled renegotiation of the naira-for-crude deal with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Domestic crude oil refiners argued that the halt in crude supply in naira was the latest ploy to frustrate the Dangote refinery and bring back the full importation of refined petroleum products. The National Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refinery-owners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, disclosed that suspending the deal defeats the efforts of all stakeholders to achieve energy security in-country. He said some persons were aggrieved by the continuous reduction in petrol prices by the Dangote refinery and only used monopolistic talks to bring back importation as an alternative. True to this fact, the continuous importation of refined products has persisted despite improving local capacity. Recall that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently stated that the country’s three operational refineries contribute less than 50 per cent of the nation’s daily petrol consumption, with the shortfall being filled with imported products. An analysis of the document from NPA showed that the commodities landed at the Tincan port in Lagos, the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos and the Calabar port in Cross River State. The document also revealed that the Dangote refinery imported 654,766 metric tonnes of crude oil within the same period. The first shipment carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of PMS allocated to the West African Port Services berthed at the Dangote terminal on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 4:03 pm. On the same day, two vessels conveying 20,000 metric tonnes respectively berthed at the Tincan and Calabar seaports. This was followed by the arrival of a 20,000 metric-tonne Watson vessel on Thursday, March 20, at 3:18 pm. It berthed at the Ecomarine terminal and was handled by a Kach maritime agent. Similarly, a Binta Saleh ship was scheduled to berth at the Tincan port in Lagos carrying 5,000 metric tonnes of imported petrol on Friday, March 21 at midnight. On Saturday, March 22, at 11:06 am, another vessel carrying 15,000 metric tonnes of fuel will berth at the Calabar port. It was assigned to Peak Shipping as its agent. At the same port, a vessel carrying 15,000 metric tonnes of fuel will arrive at the Eco marine terminal on Sunday at 5:10 pm. This means the seven vessels should bring in 115,000 metric tonnes. Going by the conversion rate of 1,341 litres to one metric tonne, it, therefore, implies that the marketers are bringing in about 154.22 million litres of petrol. Meanwhile, depot owners have continued to effect an increase in the loading cost of petrol and other refined petroleum products at their depots. An analysis of data obtained by our correspondent revealing petrol price movements at loading depots on Thursday showed that Rainoil Depot increased its price from N835 to N860 per litre, and MEN depot effected an increase to N860 per litre despite not making sales the previous day. Pinnacle Depot made a similar price change from N835 to N860 per litre, while Aiteo and Nipco changed their prices to N856 and N860 per litre, respectively, from N835. Source: https://punchng.com/Naira-for-crude-crisis-Petrol-imports-rise-to-154m-litres-weekly 1 1  |
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced the release of withheld local government allocations, assuring that necessary steps will be taken to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries, ThisDay Nigeria reports. Speaking during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administrators in Port Harcourt, Ibas described the gathering as a pivotal moment in the collective effort to restore stability and progress in the state. The Sole Administrator lamented the economic hardship in the Niger Delta, noting that despite the region’s wealth of natural resources, its people continue to suffer. “This is unacceptable,” he stated, emphasizing the need for transformation and accountability. The administrator expressed concern over the delay in salary payments across local government areas, acknowledging the struggles of affected workers. “I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure that salaries are paid without delay. However, he warned that financial accountability would be strictly enforced. Ibas, a retired vice admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff, directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service. He said his administration will not tolerate financial recklessness, vowing to scrutinize the handling of public funds and take action against any mismanagement. Ibas said good governance is not just a slogan, but a commitment to changing the negative narrative within the next six months. He further stressed the importance of collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to enhance security at the grassroots level. “You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he urged local government administrators. Responding, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Clifford Paul, acknowledged the developmental strides made in the state despite political conflicts. He commended the Federal Government for appointing the Sole Administrator, attributing the decision to his competence and leadership ability. He pledged to support peace and stability while urging the administrator to prioritise workers’ welfare. He explained that local government workers are currently owed two months’ salaries, but are hopeful now that the withheld allocations have been released. He encouraged stakeholders to seize this opportunity to rebuild trust and foster unity in the state. https://thisdaynigeria.news/2025/03/21/breaking-fg-releases-withheld-allocations-to-rivers-sole-administrator/ 2 2  |
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Allow me to introduce the first Aso Oke beachwear ever in history. I designed this myself. The material is entirely made from Aso Oke woven locally in my country, Nigeria, in a rural community in Iseyin, Oyo State. This fabric is lightweight and perfect for the beach. It enables you to look chic without exposing too much of your body to the sun, and you do this without sweating because the breathable material allows free air to flow through your body. Aso Oke, also known as Aso Ofi, is how my Lukumi people of Nigeria have dressed for centuries and traditionally meant for royals and the higher classes. However, I desire to remove that class distinction by funding the weaving of inexpensive Aso Oke fabrics. I am not interested in making money from this venture. This is a labour of love for the Lukumi culture. I urge people worldwide to consider this organic, environmentally friendly, and ethnic alternative to beach fashion. Beyond beaches, you can wear this design and fabric as a casual outfit in the spring and summer to look as handsome and classy as a Lukumi Yoruba, the most fun-loving people on Earth. You can order any Aso Oke fabric online and offline, hand it to your couturier, ask them to replicate my design, and instantly transform yourself into a handsome Yoruba Demon. Thank you all. Sincerely yours, Reno Omokri https://x.com/renoomokri/status/1903085972583027136 2 2  |
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpw07o3AoSE?si=4LfmKhoaJnaWjlXi Stanley Nkwocha @stanleynkwocha_ VP Shettima Welcomes Visa Inc's Pledge To Site Data Centre In Nigeria Visa Inc. @Visa, an American multinational payment card services corporation, has updated Vice President Kashim Shettima on plans to site data centre infrastructure in Nigeria. This is in addition to its investments of over $1 billion in the country, including a substantial technological partnership with MoniePoint to foster digital payment solutions, a $200 million investment in Interswitch, and a partnership with @thriveagric to empower smallholder farmers and enhance food security in Nigeria. Visa's Regional President for Central, & Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), Mr. Andrew Torre, disclosed this when he led a delegation of the company on a courtesy visit to Vice President Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Mr Torre said while Visa Inc. "has been making investments and will continue to make these investments in Nigeria", the plan to site the data centre infrastructure is aimed at bringing new technologies into the Nigerian market that would bolster the nation's growing digital economy. According to him, partners like Hugo, and Samsung require some of Visa's technologies to launch mobile payment services for a more competitive and cost-effective market. Responding, Vice President Shettima @officialSKSM assured the US-based corporation team that the patronage and partnership between Visa and the Nigerian government will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. VP Shettima also applauded Visa for investing in ThriveAgriculture, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT is quite passionate about repositioning the agriculture sector, which is one of the primes in the administration's 8-point agenda. He said, "Nigeria is where the action is. Of the ten fintechs in Africa, about eight are in Nigeria, with Moniepoint as the newest addition. Agriculture is key to the 8-point agenda of the present administration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is really keen on repositioning the agriculture industry here, and we have to invest in technology, we have to invest in modernisation. "If we must improve on agriculture, we must embrace modernity, improve agricultural prices, seeds, fertilization, and intermediate technology. ThriveAgriculture is a company that has a focus on food security, providing up-to-date data to our farmers. And be rest assured that the patronage, the partnership between the government of Nigeria and Visa will only grow by leaps and bounds." The Nigerian Vice President urged Visa Inc. to also invest in the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative @otni_ng of the federal government to help facilitate access to finance for the creative sector to boost the nation's digital and creative economy. Also on the Visa delegation were the Senior Vice President, Head of Western and Central Africa, Mr. Andrew Uaboi, and Vice President, Head of West Africa @VisaNigeria, Mr. Chidozie Arinze. Stanley Nkwocha Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President) 21st March, 2025 https://x.com/stanleynkwocha_/status/1903050897871212847?t=65XSenGGA7J5lD74NiWaBA&s=19 2 2  |