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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.
A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.
They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.
The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.
Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.
He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.
According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.
Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.
Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.
According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.
Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.
He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.
He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.
The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.
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