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THIS IS WHAT GOV. UGWUANYI SAID AFTER THE UZO-UWANI MASSACRE IN 2016.

Published

5 years ago

April 29, 2021

By Jeff Ejiofor

In the words of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, a former President of Nigeria, people can go out of their way in a most vicious manner just to achieve political power. The malicious actious of some Enugu politicians especially their despicable campaign of calumny against Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a perfect reflection of the above views. Simply because of succession struggle and quest to become politically relevant prior and post 2023, some desparate politicians of Enugu State extraction have thrown caution and decency to the winds. They have wittingly engaged in dirty wars of attrition against the state chief executive. This became more despicably pronounced after the 2019 elections that urshered in the current office holders.

Quite unfortunately, the latest in the serries of these malicious actions was the recent online publication about a purported call to Mr President by Governor Ugwuanyi in the wake of April 25th, 2016 massacre of some indigenes of Nimbo Community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state. Suddenly, a publication of fabricated story of Governor Ugwuanyi narrating his ordeal in the hands of the presidency after a purported call emerged barely four years after the incident. What got me and any other informed mind thinking was the possible undercurrent agenda of the perpetrators of this dastardly act which is capable of misleading the gullible segment of the society in a country where people don’t apply critical reasoning when digesting news articles. Uptill this moment, I am yet to come to terms with the motive behind this strange allegation on an innocent good man who should ordinarily be receving maximum support from the people at a perilous time like this when leadership is most demanding in the history of Nigeria.

Well, having gone through some malicious narratives on social media where the Governor’s rebuttal was posted, I am compelled to put the records straight from a conventional media publication about what actually transpired for people to judge.

Below was a story by Vanguard of 30th April, 2016. We will also recall that the incident took place on April, 25th, 2016. I did not remove or add anything as the records are there on the internet for anybody to access.

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ENUGU ATTACK— I alerted security operatives before Fulani herdsmen attack, says Ugwuanyi
I alerted security operatives before Fulani herdsmen attack, says Ugwuanyi

By Francis Igata

Following the slaughter of 46 Ukpabi, Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State natives last Monday, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Friday, accused security agencies in the state of complicity despite assurances they gave him that planned attack will be forestalled.

Ugwuanyi made the accusation while speaking in an emotional laden tone during a news briefing at Government House attended by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,Deputy Governor,Cecila Ezeilo,all serving senators and House of Representatives members in the state.

The governor’s speech read in part:”On Sunday, April 24, by 7 pm, the night before this carnage took place, I got security information from Uzo-Uwani Local Government Transition Chairman, Hon. Cornell Onwubuya that such an incident was likely to take place in the state.

I immediately summoned a meeting of the State Security Council which commenced by 10 pm.

The meeting was attended by the following: Garrison Commander, Brigadier General Olufemi Akinjobi who normally represents the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army; the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nwodibo Ekechukwu; the State Director of Department State Security Services (DSS), Mr. M. Abdul Malik; the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Lar Stephen; Representatives of the Nigerian Air force, Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigerian Prison Services, who attended as observers.

“From the side of government were, myself, the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, the Chairman, State Traditional Rulers Council and the Honourable Attorney General of the State.

“In the meeting, we received assurances from the Commissioner of Police that the Area Commander of SARS was on ground in Nimbo. That the Anti-Terrorism Unit was at Nimbo. That he was in contact with the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and reported suspected herdsmen grouping at Odolu in Kogi State preparatory for an attack on Nimbo and Abbi communities. That Police mobile force and conventional police were already drafted to Nimbo and Abbi communities. That he was in touch with the Area Commander, Idah, ACP Ikegwuonwu and had linked him with the Area Commander, Nsukka, ACP Monday Kuryas. Both men according to the CP reported that there were no traces of suspected herdsmen in Nsukka or Idah.

“That he ordered the Area Commander, Nsukka to redeploy to Nimbo. That the Garrison Commander on his part assured the meeting that Military was already deployed to6 Nimbo. Let me state that the State Government provided logistics for these deployments. After receiving these assurances of deployments to Nimbo, I felt quite confident that we had done everything possible to forestall an attack on Nimbo.”

“I have deliberately narrated what transpired at the Security Council meeting fully conscious of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution pertaining to my oath of office. I am doing this in due discharge of my duties as Governor.

“Sadly, in the early hours of Monday reports of this carnage reached me. More disturbing was the report that the attack of innocent and defenceless citizens were carried out at about 6.30 am. Further reports available to me indicate that apart from the killing and maiming of innocent and defenceless citizens of Nimbo, a Church was also burnt. Following this development, I engaged the security agencies in order to ensure that the Nimbo area was secured from further attacks that might escalate the situation.

“I am at once, constituting a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of all the violent occurrences in the State associated with suspected Fulani Herdsmen and recommend appropriate measures that will be put in place to prevent future occurrence.

“What happened between 6.30am and 7.30 am on Monday 25th April, 2016 despite assurances from the Security Agencies? Only the Security Agencies can answer this question”.

From the above publication by a reputable conventional media organization, Vanguard Newspaper, people with rational mindset have seen the true situation of things. As declared by Gov. Ugwuanyi, at no time did he call anybody in the presidency, let alone Mr President. This is the true account of what happened as captured by the media. Ugwuanyi on receiving security reports prior to the attack, convened a security council meeting as the Governor where he got assurances from security agencies that the situation was under control. As a result of lapses on the part of the security agencies which were largely headed by southerners then, the Governor naturally expressed displeasure as clearly shown in the above publication and nothing more. Unfortunately, what the peddlers of this evil and malicious rumour intend to achieve is beyond any rational reasoning. This is pure wickedness from children of perdition already condemned to the abyss.

Finally, I want to encourage my Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to continue doing good without wavering, the grace of the Almighty God is abundant to him and in the fulness of time, he will be vindicated and providence will surely smile at him.

Enugu remains in the hands of God!

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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