Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The abduction of scores of school children and teachers in a school in Oyo state has continued to elicit reactions from stakeholders across the country.

Well meaning citizens had condemned the kidnap and enjoined authorities to be alive to their duties.

Just recently , the Nigeria union of teachers (NUT) organised a nationwide protest where it demanded for the release of the teachers as well as the learners.

Adding their voices to the outcry over inhuman treatment meted out on minors, men and women forcefully taken from a school in Oyo state, the Nigeria women of journalists in Abia state has condemned in totality the development.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Umuahia, the chairperson, Norah Okafor said “the statement had become necessary given the prolonged ordeal of these children whose only offence was attending school in pursuit of education and a brighter future for themselves and the nation.”

Standing in solidarity with the victims, she has urged all female workers in the banks, schools, media, etc to support the call for the release of the victims while urging all female journalists in the state to put on a touch of red colour daily until the kidnapped are freed and returned safely.

“Until these children regain their freedom, female journalists across Abia State are encouraged to wear a touch of red as a symbol of our collective pain, grief, and solidarity with the victims and their families.Enough is Enough,” it said.

“It is deeply troubling that while many leaders sleep comfortably, with their own children secure at home and abroad, the children of ordinary Nigerians whose parents faithfully pay taxes are left to suffer the consequences of the insecurity that continues to plague our nation,” the statement read.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENAWOJ

Abia Condemns Kidnap and Prolonged Captivity of Schoolchildren in Oyo StateThe Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) strongly condemns the kidnapping and over one-week captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo State.This statement has become necessary in view of the .We therefore call on all female journalists, bankers, professionals, and women from all walks of life to rise in defence of these innocent girls and boys who have been held captive in a forest through no fault of their ownven more disturbing is the reported beheading of a teacher, yet life appears to have continued as though the sanctity of human life no longer matters in our society.We raise our voices in unison to say “No” to this growing menace and call on the government and security agencies to deploy every available resource toward the immediate rescue and release of these children. Particular attention must be given to the welfare and safety of the girls, who may be exposed to unimaginable physical and psychological trauma while in captivity..Ambassador Norah OkaforChairpersonNigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ)Abia State Chapter

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mrs. Mercy Anosike might have still been living in her shacks had help not met her a few months ago.

Mrs. Anosike’s living condition was reportedly deplorable until a journalist, Emma Nwazue of Afia TV brought it to the attention of the governor during a media chat in Umuahia where the governor ordered an immediate intervention.

Confronted by challenges of widowhood and childlessness after the loss of all her children, Mrs. Anosike continued to trudge on not knowing what the future held for her.

However, fate smiled at her and her situation changed for good with the construction and furnishing of a bungalow by the Abia state government.

Residents of her village, Ukome in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State could not contain their joy as they showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to the widow.

During the commissioning and handover of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mrs. Anosike’s story as one of remarkable strength and resilience.

According to her, Mama Anosike lost her children and was left alone, yet despite the painful challenges she faced, she has continued to remain a beacon of hope within her community.

.Mrs. Otti was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa,.

According to her the story of the woman’s poor and difficult living conditions elicited compassion from the governor who immediately directed that she be moved out of her dilapidated home and provided with a new, comfortable residence.

She disclosed that through her office, support had continued to reach widows and other vulnerable persons across the state, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and care.

“This house is a testament to our commitment and a tangible expression of our efforts to empower women and support vulnerable groups in Abia State,” she said.

In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the wife of the governor for her compassion and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

She also enjoined the community to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while appealing to the government to consider addressing some of the community’s challenges, particularly in the area of road construction.

For Miss Patricia Ngborogwu of Flo FM radio , she expressed relief and fulfilment that her foundation provided succour at some point for Mrs. Anosike and commended Governor Otti for his swift and compassionate response when the matter was mentioned to him.

Patricia stated that the governor’s action was a demonstration that responsive leadership and empathy can bring real transformation to people’s lives.

“The beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, in her response expressed gratitude, saying the gesture feels like a dream. She praised Governor Otti for promoting inclusive governance and remembering the less privileged in the society.

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.