Niger Delta

Firm Denies Conflict With Host Community

Published

13 years ago

February 27, 2013

Universal Energy Resources Ltd., has denied insinuations that the company was at loggerheads with its host community, Unyenge, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo after meeting with the host community, the Chief Operation Manager, Mr Ufot Ebong, said the company would not cheat or victimise members of the host community.

Ebong said that the points of disagreement with the community had been resolved and soon the company’s exploration activities in the area would be beneficial to the people.

“There is no conflict at all. I have just come out of a meeting with Unyenge community, elders, youths, and women.

“There are several issues we covered, bordering on employment, environment, water and slot.

“We have given some contracts to local contractors, and have been able to address each problem amicably and come to an understanding that my company is not there to cheat, victimise or relegate the indigenes to the background.

“In the whole state, the only privately built and funded secondary school is located there, and it is free education in its entirety.

“We have done water works, given employment opportunities to hundreds of youths, and we are embarking on scholarship scheme later in the year and skills acquisition training.

“We are also embarking on repairing the Ewang road, it was a bush track and we opened it up,’’ Ebong said.

Speaking for Unyenge Community, Mr John Essien, said that though they were not satisfied with the attitude of the oil firm toward the community, they were hopeful that the company would make amends.

Essien said that they were aggrieved that since the company started operations in the area in 2001, only one graduate from the community had been employed there.

“We are not quite satisfied with what is happening and we believe that since they started giving us the confidence that they will do well.

“And apologised that over a period they have done wrong, they have accepted that fact.

“But the mistake cannot be corrected in one day and they have promised that they will be doing well henceforth.

“We are still not satisfied and we are asking them to put a concerted effort to make sure our people are employed into the company.

“We are expecting that they will do well, and if they don’t, they will meet with stiff resistance from the community,” Essien said.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.