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Forced To Flee: Nigerian Pharmacist Still In Exile Years After South-East Violence
What began as a thriving small-scale medical practice along the commercial Onitsha–Owerri corridor has since transformed into a prolonged story of displacement, uncertainty, and exile.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
For Pharmacist Omorokunwa Edosa Best, the violence and political volatility that gripped parts of Nigeria’s South-East in the years surrounding the 2023 general elections marked a turning point that forced him out of both his profession and his home.
Associates recount that the first major disruption came when armed men stormed his pharmacy during business hours. The attackers, described locally as touts allegedly operating under separatist pretenses, reportedly carried out a robbery that unsettled traders and professionals along the busy corridor. Though the premises survived the incident, confidence in local security did not.
Not long afterward, tragedy struck the pharmacy’s broader business network. Henry Ejiogu Ogbuji, a commercial associate linked to its supply chain, was reportedly shot dead by suspected kidnappers along the same route. Within the business community, the killing deepened fears that ordinary economic activity had become increasingly dangerous.
At the time, authorities frequently connected rising unrest in the region to the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), both subjects of intense security scrutiny. While official narratives attributed multiple violent incidents to armed actors associated with these groups, responsibility for specific attacks has remained contested in some instances.
Against this backdrop of suspicion and instability, individuals allegedly claiming affiliation with ESN were said to have communicated threats to the pharmacist. According to sources familiar with the matter, the messages included financial demands and references to prior killings in the area — developments that heightened fears for his safety.
Compounding the situation was his political visibility. Known locally as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, he reportedly led a grassroots support group during the Tinubu–Shettima presidential campaign. In a region already strained by political polarization and security operations, such affiliations may have increased exposure to risk.
As military crackdowns and post-election tensions intensified, associates say remaining in place became untenable. Faced with uncertainty and potential targeting, he reportedly chose to leave — prioritizing survival over business continuity.
Years later, he remains unable to safely resume his professional life in Nigeria. Family contacts suggest that fears of renewed threats persist, making a public return feel uncertain.
Observers note that while national discourse has evolved, the personal consequences of the South-East crisis endure quietly for some individuals. Beyond headlines and official briefings are small business owners, professionals, and politically visible citizens whose lives were disrupted in ways that remain unresolved.
For Pharmacist Edosa Best, the passage of time has created distance from the immediate turmoil — but not yet a clear path back to the life he once knew.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State has produced a new crop of state executives after holding its congress at the FIFA Stadium Goru in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Delegates from all 21 local government areas participated in the exercise, which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ended without any reported incidents or disturbances.
Alhaji Abubakar Kana-Zuru emerged as the State Chairman, elected alongside 29 other members into the State Executive Committee.
Governor Nasir Idris, who was present at the venue, commended the peaceful conduct of the congresses from ward to state level. He called on party faithful to rally behind the newly elected leaders and sustain unity as the party prepares for future elections.
Representatives from the APC national secretariat and members of the local congress committees praised the process, describing it as transparent and well-organised.
Also in attendance was former Kebbi State Governor and current Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who said the hitch-free exercise demonstrated strong collaboration among party stakeholders.
Party members and delegates reportedly gathered at the stadium from early hours to take part in the congress across the state.
A senior aide to the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has stated that Iran has no plans to engage in negotiations with the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Mohammad Mokhber disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview on State TV, emphasizing that Tehran does not trust Washington and sees no grounds for dialogue.
According to Mokhber, Iran is prepared to continue the ongoing conflict in the Middle East for as long as necessary.
“We will not enter into any negotiations with the US. The Americans cannot be trusted. We can sustain the war for as long as we choose,” he said.
He added that previous interactions with the United States have left Iran doubtful about any diplomatic efforts.
His remarks come amid heightened tensions following reports that Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran has announced plans for a three-day state funeral in honour of the late leader. The official Islamic Republic News Agency reported that members of the public will be allowed to pay their respects at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran.
“Starting at 10:00 pm (1830 GMT), the faithful will be able to pay their final respects to the body of the martyred guide of the nation at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque,” the agency quoted a statement from the Islamic Development Coordination Council as saying.
Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death, is expected to be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad in northeastern Iran.
Indomitable Lionesses head coach Mike Ndoumou has acknowledged that his team lost control of the game after Cameroon suffered a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Tuesday’s international friendly in Yaoundé.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, Cameroon made a bright start at the Military Stadium, scoring first and hoping to build on their 1–0 victory over Nigeria in last weekend’s earlier encounter. However, the momentum soon shifted.
Christiane opened the scoring to give the Lionesses an early advantage and excite the home fans. Nigeria quickly regrouped, with Chiwendu Ihezuo equalising before Omorinsola Babajide and Michelle Alozie sealed the comeback with well-taken goals.
Reflecting on the match, Ndoumou admitted his side struggled after their promising start.
“We allowed Nigeria to dominate and push us back into our half. The goals came in quick succession,” he said after the game.
Nigeria, under head coach Justine Madugu, displayed improved intensity and sharper movement in the second half, applying sustained pressure that forced defensive lapses from the hosts.
Babajide played a key role in the turnaround, scoring once and providing an assist in an impressive performance that underscored her growing importance to the team.
“Great reaction from the team today,” the AS Roma Women forward wrote on .
The Super Falcons will now shift their attention to preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
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