Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that most of the kidnappings and killings in Anambra and other South-East states are carried out by Igbo criminals, not “Fulani herdsmen as widely believed”.

Soludo made this statement during a town hall meeting with Anambra indigenes in the Diaspora, held at the Metro Points Hotel in New Carrollton, Maryland, United States. He said, “99.99 per cent of kidnappers and other criminals arrested in the state since I assumed office three years ago have been Igbos.”

The governor, who has been meeting with Anambra citizens in the US since Sunday to present a detailed report of his three-year tenure, including achievements and challenges, described the belief that Fulani herdsmen are responsible as a “dangerous and misleading narrative,” stating that “it is not Fulani herdsmen, but homegrown criminal elements terrorising the South-East.”

He explained that many who claim to be “liberators” hiding in forests are actually Igbo youths involved in violent crimes for “personal enrichment.”

He said, “Let’s stop deceiving ourselves. Ask yourselves: how do these so-called liberators survive in the forests for months without local support? Who feeds them?

“In my three years and three months in office, nearly every kidnapper and armed criminal we have apprehended is Igbo. Igbos are kidnapping and killing fellow Igbos— not Fulani herdsmen. Anambra belongs to all of us. Our progress is a shared responsibility.”

He called on the Diaspora community to embrace the “think home” initiative by investing in their homeland and contributing their skills and resources.

The governor, joined by his Chief of Staff, Ernest Ezeajughi, presented an open account of his administration’s accomplishments and difficulties, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and security.

Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Washington, D.C., Ambassador Samson Itegboje, also attended the event and emphasised the importance of diaspora involvement in national development.

During an interactive session, Soludo addressed questions on governance and security, drawing applause from attendees. One participant commented, “He’s the most transparent and development-focused governor we’ve had. At least he’s telling the truth — even if it’s uncomfortable.”

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that the struggle for the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket between former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, could result in the collapse of the coalition.

He made this statement during the unveiling of his annual prophecy book titled “Warnings To The Nations (2025/2026 edition)” on July 5, 2025.

Ayodele, who had earlier predicted that ADC would become the coalition’s platform, stated that although the movement is “divine,” it may collapse due to politicians with “selfish interests.”

He said, “The ADC coalition is divine, has the capacity to pull up something great in 2027 but politicians with selfish interests can collapse it.

“I am seeing Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi having a public fallout due to the presidential ticket of the ADC before 2027.”

He also mentioned that both Obi and Amaechi could leave the coalition because of the presidential ticket.

Ayodele stated, “If Peter Obi doesn’t get the presidential ticket, he will pull out of the coalition.

“Like I said, the coalition is divine but humans can jeopardise the movement.

“They need to be careful.”

The Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, has rejected the claims made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the alleged deaths of two students during the violence that disrupted the student union election last Saturday.

Obi had posted on his X handle (formerly Twitter) alleging that the unrest during the election resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to several others.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the polytechnic described Obi’s claims as false, misleading, and baseless.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that some students sustained injuries after violence broke out during the student union government elections.

In a viral video circulated on Sunday, students were seen scaling the school fence as gunfire echoed in the background.

The video also showed smoke at the scene, suggesting tear gas was used, while some youths wielded knives to scare others away.

Responding to Obi’s claims, the institution’s Director of Public Relations, Angela Egele, said security operatives were adequately present during the election.

“The attention of the management of Auchi Polytechnic has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr. Peter Obi, wherein he alleged that the recently held Student Union Government (SUG) elections at the institution resulted in the death of two students and injuries to several others due to gunfire,” she said.

Quoting Obi’s post, the statement noted, “I watched the heartbreaking video that showed students in Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State running for their lives as they WERE BEING SHOT AT during their student election yesterday, which left 2 students dead and several injured…”

Egele denied the allegations, stating, “The Management categorically states that these claims are false, misleading, and completely unfounded.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no student was shot, injured, or killed during the electoral process, which was subsequently declared inconclusive due to observed irregularities.”

She explained that the election was monitored by multiple security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, State Security Service, Mobile Police, and local vigilante groups.

The institution urged the public to disregard Obi’s statement.

“Subsequently, we urge the general public, stakeholders, and members of the press to disregard this misinformation.

“Auchi Polytechnic remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.”