NEWS

Violence! One shot dead, many injured, properties worth millions destroyed as lockdown turns bloody in Ebonyi

Published

7 years ago

April 7, 2020

The bloody clash between anti-Coronavirus taskforce and the youths of Nguzu community in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State, have claimed the life of one Chidi Agwa-Arua while others sustained degrees of injuries and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

News Express gathered that trouble erupted when members of Afikpo South LGA anti-coronavirus taskforce visited the community to monitor level of compliance of the people to the directives issued by the State Government.

Our Agency can authoritatively reports that Governor David Umahi had in response to the Coronavirus disease outbreak in Nigeria banned burial, wedding, religious and social gatherings within Ebonyi State and set up state and local government taskforce to monitor and enforce compliance.

But the taskforce members were reported to have been attacked on the orders of the Lawmaker representing Afikpo South West, Hon. Nkemka Okoro Onuma, who hails from the community, when they entered his compound to know why he was holding an event against the State Government directives.

It was further gathered that following the attack on them allegedly by the lawmaker’s boys, the taskforce team, retreated and came back some hours later to revenge, which led to a bloody clash. When contacted, the Council Chairman, Eni- Uduma Chima, accused Hon. Nkemka Okoro Onuma of sponsoring attacks on members of the anti-coronavirus taskforce.

He alleged that the lawmaker had out of fear that the people attacked might come for reprisal, organised people to protect him, which led to a breach of public peace, as they allegedly blocked a major road near his compound attacking and robbing passers-by with weapons and vandalising their vehicles.

He said Nkemka Onuma was to blame for the untimely death of the boy, who died due to his failure to control the people he mobilised to protect him as they went haywire and engaged security men in a gun battle. According to him, the boy was killed by the soldiers during exchange of gun fire.

He said: “I called the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at that point but when they arrived they refused to disperse. They went and reinforced with mobile policemen and soldiers.

“When the security men came back to remove the blockade, they thought it was Ekoli people that were coming to do reprisal and they opened fire and the soldiers returned fire for fire, and killed one person and recovered his gun and others fled with two of them sustaining bullet injuries.

“And one good thing is that the soldiers who killed the boy are not denying it. They have made statements both to the Army and the Police authorities. Nkemka is just trying to trivialise and politicise it.

“The death of that young man was caused by Nkemka for allowing people to mount blockade in front of his father’s compound to protect him and they now used the opportunity to be robbing, attacking and vandalising vehicles going to Ekoli.” But the lawmaker, Hon. Nkemka Onuma, denied holding or aiding any public event against the Governor’s directives.

He also alleged that the boy was killed by the Chairman’s thugs from Ekoli, led by one Mukoro, who invaded Nguzu community and not soldiers as claimed by the Chairman. His words: “I simply had visitors as an honourable member and if that was an offence I stand to be convicted.

There was no canopy or music mounted in my compound. “The Chairman sent taskforce to start parading as early as 8am.They passed so many times and did not enter my compound. One Mukoro came around 4pm, and started asking people in front of my compound why they were loitering to incite them for a fight. But he got what he asked for.

“They beat him up and he took off with his motorcycle, came back with a squad of thugs. When I heard some noise, I said who is shooting knockout in my compound, before my Cousins came and reported to me that it was Eni Uduma’s boys led by Mukoro that were shooting guns. “The boys were in front of my compound and did not cause any blockade.

They said an attack on my person is an affront on Nguzu, because I’m their eye, just as Eni Uduma is the eye of Ekoli people. So, the entire community was simply on alert.

Entertainment

G Sound Studio Presents Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

October 12, 2026

Baba Blow

The Nigerian entertainment scene is set for another exciting celebration of music and emerging talent as G Sound Studio presents the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026, an event designed to discover, showcase, and support the next generation of music stars.

With its focus on discovering talent and providing practical creative opportunities, the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026 invites aspiring musicians to step forward and showcase what they can offer.

For artists seeking a platform to perform, build connections, and pursue greater recognition, the event could be an opportunity to put their talent in the spotlight.

Interested participants and attendees should contact the organizers directly to confirm registration requirements, prize conditions, and other event details ahead of the festival.

Organized under the theme “Where Talent Meets the Spotlight,” the festival aims to provide aspiring musicians with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, connect with the entertainment community, and take a step toward greater visibility in the Nigerian music industry.

One of the major highlights of the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt is its talent competition, which offers opportunities for participants to compete for first, second, and third-place prizes.

According to the event promotional materials, winners can look forward to valuable career-support opportunities, including free studio sessions, free music production, free music promotion, and a free video shoot.

These opportunities could help upcoming artists improve their sound, strengthen their musical identity, and gain exposure as they work toward building sustainable music careers.

The event also encourages aspiring performers to take advantage of the platform to demonstrate their creativity, stage presence, originality, and musical potential.

Registration Details and Participationd 👇

Interested talents are invited to register for the competition. The advertised registration fee is ₦10,000.

Prospective participants are encouraged to contact the organizers through the official social media handles or the WhatsApp contact provided on the event flyer to obtain the registration form and confirm the participation requirements.

Registration and enquiries:

Instagram: @dmartin_opchial
Instagram: @gsoundoftheyearstudio
WhatsApp: +234 902 195 7914
Email: Dmartinprobeat@gmail.com

Beyond the talent hunt, the festival is expected to bring together music lovers, performers, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts for an evening of live performances and networking.

The event flyer lists several performing artists, including Ovuemax, Mohyen, Sanny Gee, Kushflow 15, Diago, Evron Diver, Milli Moree, Pehgy, Sherico, Egbebomo, Younglucki, and Dmartinpro.

The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, while the main show is scheduled for 8:00 PM.

With a combination of emerging performers, a competitive talent showcase, and music industry opportunities, the festival is positioning itself as a platform for aspiring artists looking to take their next step.

Event Details At A Glance 👇

Event: Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026
Presented by: G Sound Studio
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
Red carpet: 6:00 PM
Main show: 8:00 PM
Venue: De City Lounge, 108 Badore Road, opposite Regal Star School, Badore, Ajah, Lagos
Registration fee: ₦10,000, as advertised
Talent hunt prizes: First, second and third-place prizes, with additional creative opportunities advertised for winners

Stay connected to Blow Naija Media for more entertainment news, music updates, artist features, and events from across Nigeria.

Entertainment

Emersonnoni Unveils Bold Promo Shots as He Prepares Next Musical Chapter

Published

4 weeks ago

September 30, 2026

Baba Blow

Rising Nigerian Afro-Pop artist Emmanuel Oghenekevwe, widely known as Emerson and now requesting to be addressed as Emersonnoni, has released a fresh set of promotional photographs ahead of his next musical project.

The visuals mark a confident step forward for the Ughelli South, Delta State native, who has been steadily building momentum since the February 2026 release of his single Ask Of Emerson (featuring Snazzygrin).

That track, produced by Gluck Beatz and written by Oghene Kevwe Emmanuel, showcased his blend of Afro-Pop energy, storytelling, and contemporary Nigerian sound.
With the new promo images, Emersonnoni appears to be setting the tone for a more defined personal brand.

Entertainment

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Published

1 month ago

September 25, 2026

Baba Blow

MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY

Utibe Utuk

All is set to host a gathering of artists,innovators,creative entrepreneurs,young talents,students and industry professionals as the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 takes center stage.

The event, which brings together diverse voices and ideas around art,technology,culture and the future of the creative economy is scheduled for Friday,September 25th from 4pm,toprovide a platform for participants to connect,share ideas,showcase their creativity and explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of art,innovation and technology at Ibom LED Centre.

A major feature of the gathering will be the official launch of The Moeisha Foundation,an initiative focused on empowering young women and fresh school leavers with creative skills and opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.

The foundation is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical skills,discover their creative potential and explore sustainable pathways within the growing digital economy.

Beyond the celebration of creative expression,the MOEISHA Creative Experience is designed to promote networking,collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from different areas of the creative industry.

The event will take place at Ibom LED,Ibom E-Library,Ibb Way,Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,with free entry for participants. Artists,students,young entrepreneurs,industry professionals and lovers of culture are expected to attend the gathering.

Some of the speakers and panelists to grace the event are Mandu Akpekong (Public Speaker), Sukmama Akpanusong (Tech Entrepreneur),Utonne Ekefre (CEO Latonne Signature) and Emmanuel Udosen (CEO Coddatech Nigeria Ltd), with performances by Udo Mariam, Psc Ben, Ferric Wondaz, Carlos Umoh and Evelyn Praiz to spice up the evening.

The convener,Mekmfonabasi Essien,an artist,creative visionary and curator,said in a chat with this reporter penultimate week that the event was conceived as an avenue to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connections within the creative space.

According to her,for a creative community like Uyo,which continues to explore new ways of turning talent and ideas into opportunities,the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 provides an avenue for participants to connect,create and discover new possibilities.

She called on young people in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring cities to take advantage of the gathering,describing it as a networking hub capable of opening doors for greater collaboration and creative partnerships.