One person has been reported killed and many injured in Ekoli, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

There has been tension in the community since last month after some attacks by suspected political thugs which also claimed a life, with properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

A former chairman of the local government and former House of Assembly member, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima and his younger brother, Chima Uduma Chima escaped death during the attack, with the SUV of the politician shattered with bullets.

Eni and the younger brother were banished by some members of the community for seven years after the incident.

The duo were accused of promoting communal war by those who banished them.

The banishment, which caused tension in the community, was heightened on Wednesday following the killing of another person, Udu Nnachi Uzor.

Eyewitness account claimed that a group known as catcham boys, killed Udu in his house at Ndenworo village in the community.

His wife, Onyinye who witnessed the incident narrated in a telephone interview that the suspects, numbering about 20, stormed their house at about midday and asked about her husband.

She claimed that, “They moved straight into the room and shot him dead. He was shot by one of the Catcham members known as ‘Deri’”.

She said her husband’s remains had been deposited at the morgue.

Recounting the incident, a community leader, Chief Etta Egor said the Catcham vigilante group had been wreaking havoc and causing unnecessary tension in Ekoli-Edda.

“We sighted them going into the villages armed with pump action rifles in the company of policemen and soldiers. We were wondering what the problem was this time around.

“Suddenly, we started hearing gunshots and when we rushed to the house of Nnachi Uzor, he had already dropped dead.

“We met the wife and family members crying. We don’t know the crime Ekoli has committed that the government has allowed these people to be attacking and killing our innocent youths like this,” he recounted.

Sources said a moving MAC-Truck belonging to the former council Chairman which was diverted by the thugs was still missing.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations officer, Joshua Ukandu said the command is yet to get the details of the incident from Edda local government Divisional Headquarters DPO.

Critical stakeholders on youth development in the country on Thursday in Abuja called on the Senate to speed up the passage of the bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps.

The stakeholders claimed that the bill was passed by the House of Representatives in February 2024 and had since been transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the stakeholders lamented that the bill has since remained with the Senate awaiting its 3rd reading and final passage.

According to the stakeholders, the bill when passed by the Senate and assented to by President Bola Tinubu, will formally institutionalize Peace Corps operations and unlock the full potential of its contributions to peace building and national security.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, George Akume spoke through Mr Francis Ihema, a Director in the SGF’s office at the occasion.

Among those who also made the appeal are Dr Jonathan Onoja Isaac, Dr Ibrahim Amendur, Dr Okeha Michael, and the Minister of Youth Development, represented by Abdulbasit Abdul.

According to them, the time has come for the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to bring the bill forward and fast-track its passage in the interest of youth development to enable the youth contribute meaningfully to the social and economic development of the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, National Commandant of Peace Corps, Ambassador Dickson Akoh expressed concern over the worsening state of insecurity in the country, which according to him, is largely driven by the consequences of widespread youth unemployment and socio-economic exclusion.

He noted that the establishment of the Peace Corps would go a long way to address the situation.

“Meanwhile, we are deeply concerned by the stark reality that idle and disillusioned youths often become easy recruits for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

“It is therefore critical that the nation adopts a more strategic, inclusive and multi-sectoral approach to security, one that recognizes the role of youth empowerment in preventing violence and building peace.

“This is where the Peace Corps of Nigeria can and indeed must play a more strategic and complementary role. With our nationwide structure and disciplined pool of trained officers and men who are majorly youth, we are uniquely positioned to serve the nation in multiple capacities: as a reservoir of individual response reservists, as a platform for profiling, re-orienting, and preparing young Nigerians for future enlistment into the military and paramilitary agencies; and as an emergency deployment force, ready to support national assignments, civic interventions, and security reinforcement at a short notice.

“Besides, the organization has its presence in all communities in Nigeria, which makes the Corps to be well positioned to embark on surveillance, gather local intelligence and transmit findings on matters that may likely breach peace and security to the conventional security agencies for swift and rapid response.

“It is therefore, on this note that I want to make a passionate appeal to the Nigerian Senate, and indeed the Senate President, His Excellency, Sen. (Dr) Godswill Akpabio to do the needful by facilitating the swift passage of this vital legislation.

“Its enactment would not only be a landmark achievement for the nation but also the most cherished 27th Anniversary gift to the dedicated officers and men of the Peace Corps of Nigeria across the country,” he said.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has hailed the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed his election.

Reacting to the verdict, the governor commended the judiciary for its courage and fidelity to justice.

He also thanked the people of Edo State for their unflinching support, patience and faith in democracy.

Okpebholo described the judgment as not merely a legal triumph but a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given to him and the All Progressives Congress, APC, by the people of the state.

He also described it as a signal of the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness and accelerated development.

The governor also opined that the judgment is not a personal victory but a shared triumph for every Edo citizen, regardless of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

“This victory renew my commitment to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability. To also deliver tangible benefits that uplift lives and restore confidence in public leadership.

“In the true spirit of statesmanship, I once again extend a sincere olive branch to all my opponents and members of the opposition. The elections are over, the real work of governance and healing must begin.

“I urge political leaders across party lines to rise above division and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo State.

“Constructive criticism and diverse perspectives will always be welcomed, but they must be rooted in a sincere desire to see Edo thrive.

“Edo belongs to all of us. The time has come to set aside our differences, close ranks, and march forward and united in purpose anchored in peace, and driven by a shared vision of progress.

“Let this victory ignite a new era of unity, dialogue, and impact-driven governance. Let history remember this moment as the point when Edo chose collaboration over conflict, vision over vendetta, and service over self,” he said.