₦airaland Forum

Beatrice Ekweremadu Returns to Nigeria Following UK Prison Release; Senator Husband Remains Jailed in London
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/beatrice-ekweremadu-returns-to-nigeria-following-uk-prison-release-senator-husband-remains-jailed-in-london/
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ABUJA — Beatrice Ekweremadu, the wife of former Nigerian Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, has officially returned to Nigeria after being released from a United Kingdom prison. Her arrival in the country on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, follows the completion of the custodial portion of her sentence for her role in a high-profile organ-harvesting conspiracy.

Mrs. Ekweremadu was received by family members and close associates at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, marking her first time on Nigerian soil since the legal saga began in mid-2022. While her return has sparked celebrations in her hometown of Mpu, in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, it comes amidst the continued incarceration of her husband in London.

America Doesn’t Buy Luxury SUVs for First Ladies’: Peter Obi Decries Wasteful Spending in Renewed Call for a ‘New Nigeria’
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/america-doesnt-buy-luxury-suvs-for-first-ladies-peter-obi-decries-wasteful-spending-in-renewed-call-for-a-new-nigeria/
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ABUJA — Former presidential candidate and opposition leader Peter Obi has issued a stinging rebuke of the Nigerian government’s fiscal priorities, contrasting the nation’s “extravagant” expenditure on political elites with the disciplined governance of developed economies.

In a bold public address on Friday, January 23, 2026, the former Anambra State Governor questioned the continued allocation of billions of naira for luxury vehicles intended for federal legislators and the Office of the First Lady. Obi characterized these expenditures as a betrayal of a citizenry currently grappling with unprecedented economic hardship and hyperinflation.

Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu Under Fire for Rubber‑Stamp Role Amid Economic Hardship
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/deputy-speaker-ben-kalu-under-fire-for-rubber-stamp-role-amid-economic-hardship/
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ABUJA, Nigeria – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, *Ben Kalu*, has come under intense criticism for failing to translate his public sympathy for Nigeria’s suffering masses into meaningful legislative action. While Kalu repeatedly declares that his “focus is governance, not 2027 ambition” and claims to champion the hungry citizens hit by President Tinubu’s harsh economic policies, observers say his record shows a pattern of *rubber‑stamp leadership* that sidelines genuine oversight.

In recent months, Kalu has highlighted a series of infrastructure achievements—over 20 completed road projects and a ₦10 billion rehabilitation of the Umuahia‑Bende‑Ohafia‑Arochukwu corridor—as evidence of his commitment to development. Yet, critics argue that these projects, while visible, do little to address the soaring inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity that have left millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.

Presidency Affirms Fubara as Rivers APC Leader; Warns Wike Against Destabilizing State Interests
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/presidency-affirms-fubara-as-rivers-apc-leader-warns-wike-against-destabilizing-state-interests/
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“Mr. Wike has been adequately compensated with one of the most powerful ministries in the country,” Bwala stated, referencing the FCT portfolio. He added that the President’s gratitude does not grant any individual a license to undermine a sitting governor at the expense of Nigeria’s broader interests. “Once you cross the line of national stability, you will know,” the Special Adviser added, signaling that federal protection for the Minister’s local political battles is nearing its end.

Leadership Reaffirmation
The Presidency emphasized that under the APC’s constitutional framework, the sitting governor is the de facto leader of the party in his state. This declaration effectively neutralizes the claims of the pro-Wike APC faction in Rivers, which had previously sought to bypass the Governor in party decision-making.

Gov Uzodinma Sets Up Team for 2027 Senatorial Bid, Eyes Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as Main Obstacle
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/gov-uzodinma-sets-up-team-for-2027-senatorial-bid-eyes-ikenga-imo-ugochinyere-as-main-obstacle/
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Owerri, Imo State – Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has reportedly begun assembling a campaign team for a potential senatorial run in 2027, with political insiders identifying Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as the primary challenge to his ambition.

According to sources within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uzodinma has been quietly reaching out to key stakeholders across Imo State to build a formidable structure ahead of the next election cycle. The governor, who has publicly pledged to hand over power to Owerri zone after his tenure, is said to be positioning himself to contest for the Imo West (Orlu) senatorial seat, leveraging his influence and grassroots network to gain an edge.

2027 Realignment: Kwankwaso Eyes ADC Move as Peter Obi Reportedly Secures APP as ‘Plan B’ Contingency
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/2027-realignment-kwankwaso-eyes-adc-move-as-peter-obi-reportedly-secures-app-as-plan-b-contingency/
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The Nigerian political landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as high-profile opposition leaders begin aggressive realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Reports reaching our newsroom on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, indicate that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is on the verge of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC), even as Peter Obi reportedly finalizes a secret “backup” alliance with the Action Peoples Party (APP).

The Battle for the ADC Ticket
The African Democratic Congress has emerged as a central hub for opposition figures following hints from former President Olusegun Obasanjo regarding his preferred choice for the party’s 2027 ticket. This development has reportedly caused a decline in the momentum of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions, as influential power brokers shift their focus.

Political Shockwave as Atiku’s Son Defects to APC to Lead Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Drive
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/political-shockwave-as-atikus-son-defects-to-apc-to-lead-tinubus-2027-re-election-drive/
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ABUJA —In a major symbolic blow to Nigeria’s opposition, Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection, finalized on Thursday, January 15, 2026, was marked by a high-profile reception at the National Assembly, where the younger Abubakar was welcomed by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Mustafa Salihu.

2027 Shake-up: Kukah, Musa, and Dogara Tipped for VP Slot as Tinubu Faces Pressure for Muslim-Christian Ticket
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/2027-shake-up-kukah-musa-and-dogara-tipped-for-vp-slot-as-tinubu-faces-pressure-for-muslim-christian-ticket/
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With the 2027 general election cycle rapidly approaching, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly facing intense diplomatic and domestic pressure to abandon his “Same-Faith” ticket in favor of a Muslim-Christian pairing for his re-election bid.
According to a report by Daily Sun on Thursday, January 15, 2026, high-level geopolitical interests, specifically from the United States, are advocating for religious balancing on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to address concerns over national inclusion and the alleged persecution of Christians.
The VP Shortlist: Kukah, Musa, and Dogara
In light of these pressures, three prominent Northern Christians have emerged as potential replacements for the incumbent Vice President, Kashim Shettima:

“I Will Never Join APC”: Gov Bala Mohammed Blasts Tinubu Over ‘Institutional Terrorism’ and 2027 Power Play
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/i-will-never-join-apc-gov-bala-mohammed-blasts-tinubu-over-institutional-terrorism-and-2027-power-play/
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Allegations of Political VictimizationThe Governor’s remarks followed the recent arraignment of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges involving an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing scheme. Governor Mohammed characterized the charges as a “fabricated attempt” to criminalize his administration.


“I woke up to see accusations of terrorism, with my name being mentioned despite the constitutional immunity I hold,” the Governor stated. “I have kept quiet for too long, but I am not a coward. I will not allow anyone to criminalize me simply because I refuse to join the APC—and I will never join the APC.”

Rivers State APC Rejects Impeachment Move Against Governor Fubara
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/rivers-state-apc-rejects-impeachment-move-against-governor-fubara/
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In a statement signed by Darlington Nwauju, the APC spokesperson, the party emphasized that while the legislature has a constitutional role in checks and balances, the impeachment process is unacceptable. The party argues that the budget approved by the National Assembly in May 2025, with a total allocation of ₦1.485 trillion, is valid until August 2026, and Governor Fubara may not need to present a supplementary budget

Wike’s Wreckage: FCT On Autopilot As Minister’s Power Play Backfires
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/nigeria-democratic-front-urges-wike-to-focus-on-fct-not-politics/
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*Controversies Surrounding Wike’s Tenure*

Land Allocation Scandal: Wike allocated 2.082 hectares of prime land in Abuja to his son’s company, valued at $3.6 billion, sparking allegations of corruption and self-dealing.
Education Crisis: Primary schools in the FCT have been on strike for months, with hundreds of children out of school, due to Wike’s alleged neglect of education.
Property Seizures: Wike has been accused of seizing properties and allocating them to his political cronies.

Nigeria Democratic Front Urges Wike to Focus on FCT, Not Politics
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/nigeria-democratic-front-urges-wike-to-focus-on-fct-not-politics/
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*Controversies Surrounding Wike’s Tenure*

Land Allocation Scandal: Wike allocated 2.082 hectares of prime land in Abuja to his son’s company, valued at $3.6 billion, sparking allegations of corruption and self-dealing.
Education Crisis: Primary schools in the FCT have been on strike for months, with hundreds of children out of school, due to Wike’s alleged neglect of education.
Property Seizures: Wike has been accused of seizing properties and allocating them to his political cronies.

Panic In Anambra As APGA Set To Drop 15 Council Chairmen
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/panic-in-anambra-as-apga-set-to-drop-15-council-chairmen/
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It was earlier gathered that the 21 Council Mayors were promised automatic party tickets should they deliver Governor Charles Soludo during the last gubernatorial election in the state , a development that has not gone down with some aspirants of the party for the coming election.

Already about 87 persons have indicated interests to contest the ticket of the party and there have been sustained lobbying by these aspirants among party leaders for them to be considered.

Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF) Praises Bauchi Governor for Speaking Out Against Tinubu Administration’s Harassment
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/nigeria-democratic-front-ndf-praises-bauchi-governor-for-speaking-out-against-tinubu-administrations-harassment/
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n a statement, the NDF cited the recent arrest and detention of the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner, who was charged with fraud and accused of financing terrorism, as a prime example of the Tinubu administration’s alleged attempts to destabilize the opposition. “The EFCC has made allegations of fraud and terrorism financing against the Bauchi State Government without providing any evidence,” the NDF said. “This is a clear case of political persecution and an attempt to undermine the opposition.”

Wike’s World Narrows: Internal Turmoil and APC Pressure Mount
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/wikes-world-narrows-internal-turmoil-and-apc-pressure-mount/
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Sources close to Wike indicate that President Bola Tinubu’s allies are working to reduce his influence, with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State allegedly leading the charge. Uzodinma is said to be positioning himself for a potential vice-presidential slot in 2031 under the APC banner.

Key Players Working Against Wike:

Governor Hope Uzodinma: Seeking to join the presidential train in 2031 as a possible vice-presidential candidate.
Other South-South Governors: Collaborating with Uzodinma to undermine Wike’s influence within the APC.
Northern APC Leaders: Joining forces to whittle down Wike’s political clove, with former Kano State Governor Ganduje allegedly part of the campaign.

APC Chairman Recognizes Fubara As Rivers Party Leader, Sets Condition For 2027 Support
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/apc-chairman-recognizes-fubara-as-rivers-party-leader-sets-condition-for-2027-support/
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has officially named Governor Sim Fubara as the party leader in Rivers State. This announcement adds a new twist to the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

While Fubara recently defected to the APC and claimed the “001” position, Wike has insisted that he still holds the political keys to the state. However, the APC Chairman clarified the party’s stance during an interview on Channels Television.

Amb. Bianca Ojukwu And The Fake Chieftaincy Title From A Fake Traditional Ruler
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/amb-bianca-ojukwu-and-the-fake-chieftaincy-title-from-a-fake-traditional-ruler/
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The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to a publication by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E Amb. Bianca Ojukwu indicating that she has been conferred with a chieftaincy title of “Anyanwu N’Awalu Ora” which according to her was “conferred at the prestigious Igu Aro Cultural Festival by His Majesty Obi Austin Chukwuezugo Ndigwe (MON)”. Mrs Ojukwu is an APGA chieftain and her posts have caused massive confusion leading many to wonder whether her involvement in the phoney chieftaincy title signals a change in the State government’s policy stance or simply an unnecessary/avoidable affront to the State government and the Anambra traditional institutions and culture. As a government committed to law and order and to the promotion and protection of our culture and traditional institutions, the Anambra State government wishes to clarify and state as follows:

Ignore Sounds Of War, Rivers Will Remain Peaceful – Gov. Fubara
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/ignore-sounds-of-war-rivers-will-remain-peaceful-gov-fubara/
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents of the state to remain calm and resolute in the face of rising political tension, assuring that his administration will not be distracted or intimidated by what he described as “sounds of war.”
He emphasized that prayer, restraint, and peaceful engagement—not confrontation—will continue to define the government’s approach to leadership and governance in 2026.
The governor gave the assurance during the New Year crossover service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt, where he reflected on the first two years of his administration, describing the period as one marked by turbulence and internal challenges that slowed the pace of development.

Ganduje is the former nat chair

HgAkpobomeEr:
APC is the ruling party in Nigeria, led by President Tinubu since 2023 | Ganduje is the current APC national chairman.

Ganduje Set To Receive Kano Gov Into APC
https://247ureports.com/2026/01/ganduje-set-to-receive-kano-gov-into-apc/
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Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former APC National Chairman, is expected to receive Yusuf into the party, signaling a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating power in Kano State. The move is seen as a bid to secure a second term in office, with the APC offering a more stable platform for Yusuf’s ambitions.

BREAKING: Gov. Bala Mohammed Blasts Tinubu Over Tax Reforms, EFCC Arraignment of Bauchi Finance Commissioner
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/breaking-gov-bala-mohammed-blasts-tinubu-over-tax-reforms-efcc-arraignment-of-bauchi-finance-commissioner/
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The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has launched a scathing attack on the Federal Government over the ongoing tax reform laws and the arraignment of his Commissioner for Finance by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations bordering on terrorism financing involving $9.7 million.

Speaking on the matter on Wednesday, Governor Mohammed described the development as politically motivated and an attempt to intimidate opposition figures, alleging that the APC-led Federal Government is using state institutions to persecute those who do not belong to the ruling party.

Kwankwaso Allegedly Set To Join APC With Ministerial Appointment
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/kwankwaso-allegedly-set-to-join-apc-with-ministerial-appointment/
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Sources close to Kwankwaso indicate that the deal includes conditions such as showing loyalty to President Tinubu and respecting APC leadership. The move has sparked division within the Kwankwasiyya Movement, with some supporters backing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s potential APC move, while others remain loyal to Kwankwaso.



The development comes amid speculation about Governor Yusuf’s own political future, with some insiders suggesting he may also be considering a switch to APC. However, Hashimu Dungurawa, NNPP Kano State Chairman suspended by his ward, downplayed the development, stating that Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf are “working same direction”. He insisted he remains the legitimate party chairman.

APC Issues Strong Warning to Nyesom Wike
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/apc-issues-strong-warning-to-nyesom-wike/
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According to the APC, Wike should either concentrate fully on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he officially belongs, or formally join the APC if he wishes to participate in its affairs—making it clear that the party operates by strict rules and discipline.

The party also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the leader of the APC and the nation, to call Wike to order and caution him against actions capable of creating internal tension within the party.

Abuja Igbo Community Threatens To Scuttle Tinubu 2nd Term Over State Of South East Roads
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/abuja-igbo-community-threatens-to-scuttle-tinubu-2nd-term-over-state-of-south-east-roads/
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The Igbo Community in Abuja Federal Capital Territory FTC has threatened to frustrate the second term ambition of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu should his administration fails to fix the federal roads running from Abuja to Igbo land.

The body further lamented that the dilapidated nature of those roads has been adversely affecting socioeconomic activities in the South East urging the Minister for Works Engr Dave Umahi to expedite action on the matter during these festive seasons.

Uzodinma Continues Hunt On Ikenga Imo: Scuttles Planned Reception
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/uzodinma-continues-hunt-on-ikenga-imo-scuttles-planned-reception/
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The trouble between the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and the House of representative member representing Ideato North and South, Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere appears to have not squalled following the unfortunate incidents of that occurred in during the period leading up the general elections of 2023 when the home of Hon. Ikenga Imo was bombed and his uncle killed under circumstances that remain murky till date.

Update on Ngige: EFCC to charge him to court
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/update-on-ngige-efcc-to-charge-him-to-court/
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However, he embarked on a medical trip to the United States (US) and on getting to the United Kingdom (UK), enroute the US, lost his passport and had to abort the trip and returned to Nigeria. He secured travel documents from the Nigeria High Commission in the UK with which he was able to travel back to Abuja.


Upon returning to Abuja, the two-time minister in the Buhari administration was said to have drafted a letter which he allegedly intended to forward to the EFCC informing it of the loss of his travel documents; that he had no passport to return to the agency.

How Tinubu Freêd Fubara From Wike, Renders FCT Minister Inconsequentïal in Rivers
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/how-tinubu-freed-fubara-from-wike-renders-fct-minister-inconsequential-in-rivers/
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Fubara simply said “Following my visit to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which I briefed him on the situation in Rivers State, I had a meaningful discussion with Rivers State stakeholders at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

“We agreed that we have every reason to identify with Mr. President as I wouldn’t still be here as the Governor without him.

“We also decided to leave the PDP, our previous platform, and join the APC as Mr. President has been supportive all through”.

Nigerian military jet down in Burkina Faso, military officers detained
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/nigerian-military-jet-down-in-burkina-faso-military-officers-detained/
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This was disclosed in a communique released late yesterday by the Confederation of the States of the Sahel (AES).

Signed by General of the Army Assimi GOÏTA, President of the Transition Head of State of the Republic of Mali, who doubles as AES President, the communique announced the detention of the 11 Nigerian military officers on board the aircraft.

Bloodbath in Anambra: 4 killed Scores Injured As Cultists Unleash Terror In Anambra Community
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/bloodbath-in-anambra-4-killed-scores-injured-as-cultists-unleash-terror-in-anambra-community/
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At least four persons were confirmed dead and scores of persons suffered various degrees of bullet injury yesterday evening when alleged rival cult group stormed Nawfia Community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra state shooting indiscriminately .

Few days before the incident the Anambra Police Command had launched a raid on the area and it’s neighboring towns and arrested two suspected cultists who were planning a rival war against the opposing rival group but some of the members fled and are still at large.

Customary Court Stuns Akwa Ibom Government, Declares Ekpo Masquerade “Untouchable,” Faults Authorities for Rights Violation
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/customary-court-stuns-akwa-ibom-government-declares-ekpo-masquerade-untouchable-faults-authorities-for-rights-violation/
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Akwa Ibom State — In a landmark ruling that has ignited widespread debate across the state, a Customary Court has delivered a strong verdict in favour of Ekpo traditional masquerade, declaring the revered masquerade practice “untouchable” and fully protected under the law.

The decision follows the controversial arrest of Mr. Effiong, a committed adherent of the Ekpo tradition, who was detained by authorities for allegedly causing a public disturbance during an Ekpo masquerade outing. His arrest triggered outrage among traditional institutions and cultural advocates, who accused the government of disrespecting and suppressing a centuries-old cultural heritage.

IED explosion kills 4 children in Borno– Police
https://247ureports.com/2025/12/ied-explosion-kills-4-children-in-borno-police/
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The Borno Police Command has confirmed that four children were killed and one injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion on Friday in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that the explosion occurred at about 12:40 p.m. behind the Banki Motor Park in Wajari Ward.

He said that at about 1:00 p.m., one Babagana Mohammed of Wajari Ward reported the incident to the police, prompting the Divisional Police Officer in Banki to mobilise personnel and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians to the scene.