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Nnamdi Kanu: MASSOB leader dissociates self from IPOB, Dokubo’s face-off

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The head of Biafra Independence Movement and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has disassociated himself from the conflict between the Indigenous people of Biafra and Alhaji Mujahid Asari Dokubo, the former head of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force, on Friday.

According to a statement made on his behalf by Mazi Chris Mocha, his Director of Information and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Uwazuruike is only concerned with how IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, can be freed from the Department of State Services prison, not what Asari Dokubo said on social media.

Uwazuruike said those accusing him of conniving with Dokubo should go and verify from Dokubo if both of them had spoken as friends for the past three years.

He recalled how he visited Dokubo in 2002 in Port-Harcourt when the former militant leader told him that the issue of Biafra was not one to be achieved through non-violence, stressing that violence was the only language that the Federal Government understood.

He said, “I do not even have Asari Dokubo’s phone number, let alone talking with him on the phone. It has gotten to about three years now since we last talked, either on the phone or in a friendly conversation.

“If you had a problem with Asari Dokubo, you should better clarify that with him and not drag Ralph Uwazuruike into the matter.

“I am a non-violent crusader, known all over the world and everyone should fight his own battles, carry the cross and not call me to do that for you.

“So Asari had never worked with me on the path of non-violence struggles, and when he was championing the cause for Niger Delta people, he took up arms and ammunition against the Federal Government, which everyone could testify to.”

Uwazuruike described Dokubo as a man who matches his words with action and urged those who are insulting him on social media platforms to go and face him squarely.

He added that Dokubo’s comments asking the Federal Government not to release Nnamdi Kanu were his personal opinion, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He noted that his opinion cannot override those of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and South-East Governors Forum, among others, that have been demanding his release.

Uwazuruike said he is only preoccupied with the process that will lead to the release of the leader of IPOB from DSS custody, not talking about irrelevant matters about who said what and who said the other.

He urged the Federal Government to release Kanu because it is against the rule of law that one should be held incommunicado for this long in a DSS facility, even after several courts of competent jurisdiction had ordered his immediate release.

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LASEMA releases update regarding fire outbreak at Computer Village Ikeja

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Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 0155hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

INCIDENT DESCRIPTION:
Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 0215hours, it was observed that a fire outbreak occurred in a one-storey commercial building that accommodates dealers in computers and accessories in Computer Village, Ikeja.

Responders observed active flames and dense smoke, indicating intense combustion within the structure.
The one-storey commercial building is primarily used for the storage and sale of computers and accessories.
The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of fire.

CAUSE OF FIRE:
Cause of the fire is yet-to-be ascertained and is currently under investigation.

CASUALTIES/INJURIES

  • No fatalities were recorded.
  • One Lagos State Firefighter sustained minor injuries during the operation and was administered first aid treatment on site by LASAMBUS.

DAMAGE REPORT:

  • The entire top floor of the one-storey commercial building was completely razed by the fire.
  • All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the conflagration.
  • Physical examination of the one-storey commercial building reveals partial compromise and requires immediate structural assessment.

ACTION TAKEN:

  • Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area.
  • LRT activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.
  • Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT, and other responders, to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it.
  • LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.

CURRENT STATUS:

  • Firefighting operations have successfully suppressed and contained the fire within the affected building.
  • The fire was prevented from escalating to neighbouring structures.
  • Continuous damping-down operations are ongoing to eliminate residual heat and prevent re-ignition.
  • Rescue and Recovery Operation has been concluded.

RECOMMENDATIONS/NEXT STEPS

  • Conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire
  • Carry out a structural assessment of the building to evaluate safety
  • Review fire safety measures and storage protocols for commercial accessory buildings in the entire area.
  • Ensure continued monitoring of the incident scene to prevent re-ignition of the fire.

RESPONDERS:

  • LASEMA Response Team – Command and Control Centre.
  • LASG Fire & Rescue Service.
  • LASAMBUS
  • Nigeria Police Force – NPF.
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Major Fire Engulfs Section of Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos

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A devastating fire broke out at the bustling Computer Village market in Ikeja on Monday, January 19, 2026, raging through parts of the popular electronics and IT hub and continuing into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The blaze, which reportedly started in the afternoon or evening of January 19, affected multiple shops and commercial buildings in the densely packed market known as West Africa’s largest hub for computers, smartphones, accessories, and related gadgets.

Thick smoke billowed over the area as flames consumed valuable stock, including electronics and other merchandise worth potentially millions of naira.

Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene, working through the night to bring the inferno under control. By Tuesday morning, January 20, the fire had been largely contained or extinguished, though pockets of smoldering remained in some structures.

No immediate reports of casualties have emerged from the incident, but traders and shop owners are said to have suffered heavy losses, with destroyed goods, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted business operations.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with preliminary indications pointing to possible electrical faults—a common risk in the area’s overcrowded and often makeshift wiring setups—though officials have not yet confirmed this.

Computer Village, located in the heart of Ikeja, is a vital economic center employing thousands and serving customers from across Nigeria and beyond. Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about fire safety, building regulations, and emergency response in such high-density commercial zones.

Authorities, including the Lagos State Police Command and fire service, are expected to provide further updates as assessments of the damage continue and support measures for affected traders are discussed.

Traders have begun tallying losses, and calls for better prevention measures are already circulating among market associations.

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Governor Soludo Congratulates Chief Emeka Anyaoku on 93rd Birthday

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Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has extended warm congratulations to renowned diplomat and elder statesman Chief Emeka Anyaoku on the occasion of his 93rd birthday.

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on January 18, 2026, Governor Soludo described Chief Anyaoku as a towering figure in global diplomacy, a national treasure, and a source of immense pride for Anambra State and Nigeria.

The Governor hailed Chief Anyaoku’s distinguished service as the third Commonwealth Secretary-General, praising it as a model of international leadership, conflict resolution, and unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

He noted that Chief Anyaoku has consistently represented the best of Nigerian values—wisdom, integrity, and dedication to the common good—on the world stage, while at home he continues to inspire through intellectual depth, principled leadership, and patriotic service.

Governor Soludo described the elder statesman’s counsel as an invaluable resource in the pursuit of a progressive Anambra State and a united Nigeria.

The Governor wished Chief Emeka Anyaoku continued good health, lasting fulfilment, and peace in the years ahead, celebrating not only his longevity but the enduring legacy he has built for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

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