Parents of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps have revealed that the abductors demanded N1bn for their release.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan to their respective orientation camps on Thursday when gunmen attacked the two buses conveying them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State.

The abductors reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, bringing the total ransom demand to N1bn.

Parents Receive 24-Hour Ultimatum

The affected parents disclosed the ransom demand on Saturday when they visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan.

They were accompanied by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, and the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande said the kidnappers had been contacting them through the mobile phones of the abducted prospective corps members.

“They have been calling us since yesterday (Friday) with a demand for N50m ransom each. They are threatening that anything untoward will happen to our children if we fail to heed to their request.

“There is no way we can raise such an amount at this period. Baba, kindly assist us. Don’t let them kill our children,” the parents said.

The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had earlier confirmed the ransom demand.

Ladoja, Police Promise Rescue Efforts

Ladoja assured the families that efforts were being made to rescue the victims unharmed.

“I want to assure that your children would be rescued unharmed. We will relate whatever information we gather to you. The Police are working round the clock to secure their rescue. Don’t worry yourself, police are up to the task, and nothing would happen to your children,” he said.

Abimbola said he had contacted the Imo State Commissioner of Police regarding the incident.

“I had already contacted Imo State CP. We have been talking since the day of incident, and he assured me that the victims would be rescued unhurt,” he said.

The police commissioner did not disclose whether any ransom had been paid or provide details of the ongoing rescue operation.

Police Locate Suspected Kidnappers’ Camp

The development came as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the abducted prospective corps members.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said security operatives had located the suspected camp where the remaining victims were being held using drones.

However, he said the operation had been delayed because intelligence indicated that the camp had been planted with improvised explosive devices.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has also deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, to Imo State to coordinate the search-and-rescue operation.

The post NYSC Kidnap: Abductors Give Parents 24 Hours To Raise N1bn Ransom appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Imo State Government has commenced the recovery of illegally acquired government lands across the state, warning that all unauthorized structures erected on such properties will be demolished while those involved in the illegal allocation and sale of the lands will face prosecution.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.

According to the statement, the recovery exercise follows earlier public notices issued by the government directing individuals who unlawfully acquired government lands to vacate the affected properties.

The government identified the affected locations as Redemption Estates 1, 2, 3 and 4 belonging to the Imo Housing Corporation, Area P (New Owerri), Area T, Area K (Alaoma Layout), Paradise Layout (Ottamiri North), Ottamiri South, Naze Industrial Layout, Ogbaku Estate Layout, and other government layouts across the state.

Nwaneri said enforcement would commence immediately, stressing that fences, partitions and other unauthorized structures found on the affected lands would be demolished without further notice.

He also warned that individuals involved in forging land documents or engaging in illegal allocation and sale of government lands would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at protecting public assets, restoring order in land administration and safeguarding the interests of law-abiding citizens.

The government said the action forms part of its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of residents while ensuring transparency in land administration.

It advised prospective land buyers, developers and residents to verify the authenticity of land titles with the appropriate government agencies before concluding any land transaction to avoid legal complications arising from the ongoing recovery exercise.

The post Imo Moves to Recover Illegal Lands, Warns of Demolition, Prosecution appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has declared that Nigeria remains a safe and promising destination for investment and tourism, dismissing widespread negative security narratives about the country.

Johnson made the remarks during a visit to Imo State, where he commended the state government for its ongoing infrastructure and economic reforms. He noted that his firsthand experience contradicts the alarming reports often circulated about insecurity in Nigeria.

According to him, many international investors rely on exaggerated or outdated information, which undermines genuine opportunities within the country. He stressed that states like Imo are demonstrating stability, economic potential, and improved governance.

Johnson encouraged global business leaders to reassess their perceptions of Nigeria, describing the nation as “vibrant, open for investment, and far safer than portrayed in foreign media.”

His comments come at a time when the federal and state governments are intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s security landscape.

The post ‘Nigeria Is Safe’: Boris Johnson Praises Imo, Dismisses Negative Security Narratives appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide strike following an alleged attack on its members by police at the Egbu 132/33 kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

According to the union, police officers reportedly beat staff, held them at gunpoint, and forced them to operate circuit breakers. Workers’ phones, laptops, vehicles, and CCTV equipment were also said to have been damaged.

In response, NUEE has ordered its members in Imo State to suspend work until assurances are given for their safety.

The union has demanded the release of abducted workers, compensation for damaged property, medical care for the injured, and official guarantees of protection for electricity staff.

NUEE warned that failure to meet these demands could result in a nationwide electricity shutdown.

The Imo State Police Command, however, denied any abduction took place, describing the incident as a dispute between two electricity companies, EEDC and Orashi. Investigations are ongoing.

If the union proceeds with its strike, households and businesses across Nigeria could face significant power disruptions.

The post Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike After Imo Clash appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Residents of Imo State are set to begin enjoying 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply from November, as the state government rolls out a test phase of its new power initiative in Owerri and surrounding areas.

Governor Hope Uzodimma made the announcement over the weekend during a stakeholders and expanded executive council meeting held at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre (EIICC), Owerri.

According to the governor, the pilot program will be powered by the Urashi Power Plant, a state-backed project made possible through recent legislation enabling its establishment. He added that the rollout would gradually extend to other parts of the state, including Orlu, Okigwe, and Mbaise, in the coming months.

Governor Uzodimma also unveiled a number of fiscal relief and social welfare initiatives, key among them being a new tax exemption for individuals earning less than ₦150,000 monthly. He noted that oil companies operating in the state would be charged with executing the policy.

In a bid to ease transportation for vulnerable groups, the governor announced free transport services for retirees and students along major routes, including Owerri–Okigwe, Orlu, Aba, Onitsha, and Port Harcourt. The scheme will leverage a newly acquired fleet of CNG-powered metro buses.

On infrastructure development, Uzodimma disclosed that 50 percent of the contract sums for ongoing projects have already been disbursed to contractors. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to public good over political gains, noting that he is not actively pursuing federal reimbursements for state-funded road projects. “I believe that future administrations will benefit from these investments,” he said.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, the governor assured residents of renewed efforts to restore peace and stability across the state. He also underscored the importance of youth inclusion in governance, stating: “We need a new generation of politicians to run the affairs of Imo State.”

The developments mark a significant push by the Uzodimma administration to improve living standards, expand critical infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive political and economic future in Imo.

The post New Power Plant to Deliver 24/7 Electricity in Owerri Starting November appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A 39-year-old man, Ifeanyi Odinka, has been arrested in Imo State for allegedly stabbing his father to death during a dispute over land sale proceeds.

Police say the incident occurred in Amaifeke, Orlu Local Government Area, on 12 August 2025. The victim, 75-year-old Dennis Odinka, reportedly died on the spot after the attack.

According to the Imo State Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, operatives from the Orlu Division acted swiftly to apprehend the suspect. “On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime,” Okoye said. He confirmed the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri for further investigation and prosecution.

The post Son Allegedly Kills Father in Dispute Over Land Sale Proceeds appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The affected area, a major link between the World Bank Estate and the densely populated Umuguma community, has long suffered from poor road conditions and inadequate drainage. However, this year’s rainy season has reportedly brought the worst flooding in nearly a decade, with residents blaming repeated neglect and unfulfilled promises from successive administrations.

“This has been happening every rainy season since I moved here in 2014,” said Pastor Chigozie Ejikeme, a long-time resident. “Floodwater from the Imo Housing Estate overwhelms our homes and businesses. My church and office were submerged again this May. We keep getting sand dumped on the road, only for the contractors to disappear once the rains get heavier.”

He described the state’s handling of the road as “cosmetic and seasonal,” saying the intervention often amounts to nothing more than “window dressing.”

Another resident, Mr. Justin Ozuzu, echoed similar frustrations, stating that the community has endured “inexplicable hardship for years.” He said families have been forced to evacuate their homes while others remain trapped without viable alternatives.

“This is a densely populated area. Vehicles have been damaged, children can’t go to school, businesses are closed, and the road is practically impassable. Equipment is sometimes brought in just to create the illusion of work, only for it to be abandoned within days,” Ozuzu said.

According to him, some residents have spent hundreds of thousands of naira repairing flood-damaged vehicles, a heavy burden in an already struggling economy.

The community is urging the state government to take decisive steps to rehabilitate the road beyond what they describe as “symbolic gestures.” Residents say the recurring floods and stalled construction have not only displaced people but also posed health and safety risks, especially to vulnerable children and the elderly.

Efforts to get a response from the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Declan Emelumba, were unsuccessful as calls and messages sent by journalists went unanswered as of press time.

The residents are demanding a comprehensive and lasting solution, stressing that the road’s condition is no longer just a local inconvenience but a humanitarian concern requiring immediate action.

The post Flooded Imo Community Cries Out as Road Collapse Displaces Residents, Halts Businesses appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Imo State Government has launched a statewide campaign to reclaim public land from unauthorized occupiers, beginning the demolition of illegally erected structures on government-reserved spaces.

Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, Special Adviser to the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance, disclosed that investigations unearthed a troubling trend: individuals occupying public verges with forged or outdated allocation documents, particularly in areas like Aladinma Garden Estate.

According to Nwaneri, several of these occupants claim rights to land using documents that have no legal foundation. He clarified that the concerned lands including verges and buffer zones are strictly reserved for public infrastructure like drainage and road expansion,and are not to be converted for personal or commercial purposes by any agency, including the Imo State Housing Corporation.

He further emphasized that these illegal encroachments obstruct natural water channels, increase the risk of flooding, and undermine the lifespan of newly rehabilitated roads.

“The government will no longer tolerate these distortions of urban planning,” Nwaneri said. “Any structure built on public verges will be removed without warning.”

He cautioned the public against dealing with unauthorized agents claiming to sell or allocate government land, urging residents to report any suspicious activity around reserved areas to the appropriate authorities.

All occupants have been instructed to vacate immediately or face eviction and possible legal consequences.

“Government reserves are not business spaces,” he reiterated. “They are vital to the city’s drainage, safety, and development. Anyone obstructing these spaces is obstructing progress.”

The government pledged to uphold urban order and protect public infrastructure from abuse, warning that it will not hesitate to act swiftly and decisively in defense of the state’s long-term interests.

The post Government Demolishes Illegal Structures, Warns Against Fake Land Allocations appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The resolution was reached following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), during plenary on Thursday.

Rep. Ugochinyere highlighted the dire condition of over 32 communities, including Umueshi, Amanator, Urualla, Isiekenesi, Isiokpo, Obodoukwu, Arondizuogu, and Akokwa, which are currently plagued by severe gully erosion and collapsing road infrastructure.

He warned that the erosion has already claimed homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure, posing serious risks to residents’ lives, livelihoods, and access to education and healthcare.

“The Urualla gully erosion sites 1, 2, and 3 are on the verge of sinking the heart of Urualla and other surrounding communities,” Ugochinyere said.

The lawmaker recalled the heritage and national significance of the Ideato region, home to historical Nigerian figures such as Mbaonu Ojike and K.O. Mbadiwe, stressing the urgent need to preserve the area from ecological collapse.

In its resolutions, the House called on the Federal Ministries of Works and Environment, the Ecological Fund Office, FERMA, the NDDC, and the South-East Development Commission to immediately commence remediation and reconstruction of key sites, including the Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi road and Urualla erosion sites.

Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were urged to provide relief materials to displaced victims of the erosion crisis.

The House also mandated its joint Committees on Works, Environment, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, NDDC, and SEDC to oversee compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The post Reps Declare Ideato a Disaster Zone, Demand Urgent Action on Erosion Crisis appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The governor made this known on Tuesday during the presentation of the “Imo Address” at the State House of Assembly complex in Owerri. He said the current administration had built more roads than all previous governments in the state combined since 1999.

“From the dualised Owerri–Orlu and Owerri–Okigwe expressways to the MCC–Toronto–Uratta corridor, our administration has demonstrated that responsive governance is possible,” Uzodimma said, noting that the roads are not just functional but are vital economic lifelines connecting communities, enhancing trade, and boosting productivity.

He stated that in the last 18 months alone, the state had delivered 37 new roads alongside major projects such as the Imo State International Conference Centre, the Assumpta Flyover, and the Government House Annex in Orlu.

Among the newly completed or ongoing roads listed were:

Toronto–Orji Road

Naze–Ogbosisi Road

Orlu–Nkume–Umuowa Road

Mgbidi–Omuma–Okporo Road

Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road

Naze–Ihiagwa–Obinze Road with a bridge

Omuma–Nkume Road (with 2km already asphalted)

Airport Runway (earthworks completed, stone base at 50%)

He revealed that some of these projects—including the Owerri–Mbaise–Obowo–Umuahia Road, the Assumpta Flyover, and the Orlu Government House Annex—are scheduled for commissioning by President Bola Tinubu in August.

Governor Uzodimma noted that upon assuming office, his administration inherited extensive infrastructure decay and institutional dysfunction. “Most roads were impassable, governance was paralysed, and the civil service—the engine of government—had lost both form and function,” he said.

He added that even the Government House had been reduced to an unfit environment, where official duties were conducted in makeshift locations. “But we have reversed the decline,” he asserted.

The governor also acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which diverted resources from infrastructure to health response efforts. Despite these setbacks, he said his administration continued to make progress.

On security, Uzodimma stated that Imo has recorded significant improvements due to sustained cooperation with federal authorities and security agencies. He emphasized that Owerri had successfully hosted multiple national and international events in the past year without any security incidents.

“Imo is reclaiming its place as the hospitality hub of the South East,” the governor said, while also calling on political actors to shun violence. “No ambition is worth the blood of your people. Let us build, not destroy, the land we all call home.”

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparent governance, inclusive development, and long-term peace across the state.

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