By Editor, Umuahia

The family of Nze Samuel Nmaralam Igbokwe of Wowo Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State, has formally commenced the burial preparations for their late matriarch, Dame Peace Onyekwulechi Igbokwe (née Ogu), fondly known as Peace Kwulechi, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 60.

The burial rites begin Friday, December 5, 2025 with a service of songs at her Lagos residence at 34 Road, A’Close, House 13, Gowon Estate.

According to the programme released by the family, the funeral activities will continue with a Service of Songs/Tribute Night on Friday, 9th January 2026 at the Igbokwe country home in Umueke-Umuyota, Umuawa Alaocha.

The rites will progress on Saturday, 10th January 2026 with the departure of the body from the mortuary, followed by lying-in-state at her residence and thereafter procession to Wesley Cathedral, for funeral service.

Interment follows after the service at the family compound, and a reception at Umuawa Central School.

A Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, 11th January 2026 at Methodist Church, Umuawa Alaocha.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu) appreciated friends, relatives, and well-wishers for their support as the family begins the solemn journey of laying their matriarch to rest.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia.

Homosexuality is an old practice which was initially considered a taboo in the past before some countries like the United States of America and parts of Europe legalised it.

Within 2025, various issues bothering on same sex relationships were reported across Nigeria.

In Abia State, people speculated about individuals sexuality at various times because of their dress sense or their body structure.

Sometimes, these speculations turned out to be true, yet also false alarm at other times.

As the year winds down, CSUNews examines how in 2025, personal choices worked at cross purposes with the nation’s law and communities’ traditions with regards to homosexuality.

We asked a cross section of residents of Abia State of their impressions about lesbianism, gay and same sex marriage.

Nearly every one interviewed exhibited knowledge of the law that prohibits same sex union and recommends penalty for offenders.

They’re equally aware that it is a “taboo” in many cultures across the country.

Mr. Kelechi Thompson, a native of Ezea in Ebonyi State but resident in Aba narrates how his community punished a same sex couple found in their “love nest” which happened to be an uncompleted building.

“It is an abomination. How can two men be together ? This is unheard of,“ he lamented.

According to Mr. Thompson, those who first saw them leave the uncompleted building holding hands as lovers would while kissing on the road, stripped both naked and dragged them to the village head.

The village head according to him ordered that they both be flogged while still naked.

“It did not end there, because after the beating, they were handed over to the police, you know the law is against it.

“However, after they were granted bail on their first appearance in court, one of them jumped bail and is still at large while his partner is still being tried in court,” he said.

Like Mr. Thompson, Mr. Onwuka Ijebuonwu believes people should live by their customs as he gives an insight into what his community in Afara would do to such persons if caught in the act.These are typical mind-sets of many citizens concerning LGBTQ which have caused those with such sexual orientation to hide perpetually while living in the country or flee the country as the last resort.

The human rights advocates and activists appear handicapped with the law and so cannot protect those who have become or perceived victims of the law and culture .

Mrs. Lizzy Ugwum during an interview shared how someone she knew but never understood her sexual orientation was allegedly forced to run away after she was caught with her partner by her husband.

The people mete out corporal punishments in most cases before handing the perceived culprits over to the law enforcers.

The law prescribed a 14 year jail term for anyone found guilty of the offence, but fears are that those involved in the act may suffer being lynched even before the matter goes to court.

Some enlightened citizens of Nigeria may argue that the people have their lives to live, but the reality is that the Nigerian law with its culture and religions may never take lightly issues of homosexuality, hence the safety of gay people and lesbians is not guaranteed in the country.

.It does not also look like the nation is interested in reviewing the anti gay law any time soon.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As the recent abduction of some 25 school girls in Kebbi state continues to elicit reactions from citizens and groups, Protect the Precious Foundation has also condemned in strong terms the abduction of the schoolgirls from their school – Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State.

The attack was said to have been carried out by armed gunmen in the early hours of November 17, 2025, also claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Hassan Yakubu Makuku.

In a statement made available to the media the Founder of Protect the Precious Foundation, Ambassador Norah Okafor, described the incident as “horrifying, morally repugnant, and a clear sign of worsening insecurity targeting the nation’s most vulnerable our children.”

She stated that the foundation stands in unwavering solidarity with the families of the abducted girls, the school community, and all Nigerians who believe that no child should ever live in fear for simply going to school.

According to her, “This is not just a security breakdown; it is a brutal violation of the girls’ fundamental right to education. Schools must be safe spaces for learning, not hunting grounds for criminals.”

Ambassador Okafor further decried the killing of the vice principal, describing it as a tragic symbol of the dangers educators face.

“Mr. Makuku died trying to protect his students. His death is a painful reminder that teachers in this country are often on the frontline, paying the ultimate price in the fight for children’s safety.”

She lamented the recurring pattern of impunity surrounding kidnappings across the nation, noting that these incidents highlight deep gaps in protection, intelligence gathering, and accountability.
“Impunity continues to thrive because the systems meant to protect our children are either weak or ignored. This must end.”

The renowned Abia-born journalist and girl-child advocate also emphasized the urgent need for swift rescue operations and justice for the victims. She urged authorities to intensify efforts until all abducted children are safely reunited with their families.

“Those behind this heinous crime must be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted without delay. Nigeria cannot continue to recycle the same tragedies.”

She further highlighted the need for strengthening preventive mechanisms, describing them as critical to stopping future attacks.
“Enhanced school security, community vigilance, early-warning systems, and stronger legal frameworks are essential. Prevention must now be a national priority.”

Ambassador Okafor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to deploy every necessary resource to secure the immediate release of the schoolgirls.
“Mr. President must act decisively. The nation is watching, and these children cannot be abandoned to fate.”

She reaffirmed that Protect the Precious Foundation will continue to advocate for the safety, rights, and dignity of every Nigerian child especially the girl child.