Metro

‘Unknown Gunmen’ grow bolder in Eastern Nigeria, sever head of legislator in Anambra

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2022

In Eastern Nigeria, gruesome activities of “unknown gunmen” have hit new height as police has discovered the severed head of a state legislator, Okechukwu Okoye, who went missing last week in the southeastern state of Anambra,

Eastern Nigeria has been home Igbo ethnic group, the proscribed separatist group; Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group under the detained Nnamdi Kanu. The group has been linked with the criminal activities and killings in the region.

The Anambra state police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that the slain legislator and his aide went missing on May 15. His head was found on Saturday night in a park in the Nnewi south local government area.

“The lawmaker was killed. His head was found along Nnobi road. There is no suspect in custody yet,” Ikenga said.

Hon. Okechukwu Okoye until his death represented Aguata II Constituency in the House of Assembly. The governor of the state, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is from the constituency.

Governor Soludo has consequently placed a N10 million bounty on the killers of the Okoye and assured that the state will soon be hell for these criminals.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari last year had vow to go hard on the penetrators of deadly act in an interview and reiterated the position in a tweet that was considered offensive and caused outcry.

The tweet, which was later deleted by the micro blogging website, reads below:

“Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War.

“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand,’’

It is almost a year since President Buhari made the remark, days are counting and the criminal acts of innocent killings have continued in the region. The unrest needs to be nipped in the bud as matter of emergency “in the language that would bring peace” in Eastern Nigeria.

Related Topics:#Nnamdi Kanu Featured Unknown Gunmen

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

5 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.