News
Bayelsa: AssaBayelsa: Assassins Invade Traditional Ruler’s Home
The traditional Ruler of Opueme, a community in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State, King Amalate J. Turner has described the invasion of his country home as an attempt to assassinate him.
King Turner, a retiree in Bayelsa State Civil Service, an ally of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, and presently, the chairman of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) said while conducting newsmen round the building that the invaders were of the opinion that he was at home hence they struck.
He contended that those hoodlums were hired to eliminate him, “because nothing, even not a pin was removed from any of the rooms they broke into while searching for him.”
Though not expected to be at home on that fateful Sunday night, King Turner said he was surprised to receive a distress call that suspected assassins have broken into his six-room duplex in his country-home.
“If I had come home, as they thought, I would have been a dead man by now,” he lamented.
“They were not armed robbers, otherwise they could have collected some valuables in the house,” he also commented.
Asked whether he suspected some political undertones, King Turner said: “I have never involved my self in any shady deals even as a civil servant, nor plan evil against any person as a politician to warrant reprisal attack.”
“It is sad, the way things are going on in this state. I am inclined to think that this attack has political undertone.”
The Divisional Crime Officer in charge of the local government area, Mr. Vitus Alligwekwe who with his men conducted on – the – spots assessment of the damages, told reporters at the scene that the incident is first of its kind in the area and promised to beef up security net-work within the community, and appealed to the youths of the area to assist him.
In its reaction, the Action Congress (AC) through its secretary described the incident as criminal, saying it is left for the new Commissioner of Police in the state Elder Udenka Onuoha to act as he has been challenged.
It could be recalled that King turner who retired from service in controversial manner is one of the 70 influential PDP stalwarts in Bayelsa State that signed a document demanding reconstitution of the party executive, an action seen in certain quarters as challenging the authorities of the State Governor, Timipre Sylva.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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