News
Bayelsa Killing: Police Nab Five …As Militants Release Victim, Two Expatriates
At least, five suspects are alleged to have been arrested by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the early hours of Wednesday in connection with the dastardly killing of 12 policemen and have since been handed over to the Bayelsa State Police Command for interrogations.
Although the police in the state are yet to confirm the number of arrests and to establish whether the suspects are directly involved in the conspiracy and killing of the policemen, they were said to have been apprehended where they were relaxing in their homes.
‘’After interrogations, we shall be able to determine whether they are part of the criminal gang that killed the policemen,” said a security man who took part in the arrest.
Speaking yesterday at a news conference in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, said that the command was making progress in the investigation of the killing of 12 of its men in Azuzuama waterways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state last Saturday.
Omire explained that everything was being done to bring the killers of the policemen to book, adding, “we are doing a lot on the case and our actions will show that we are working and at the appropriate time, we will inform the public on the progress.
“It will be premature and prejudicial to comment on the number of arrests so far made; at the moment, it is not in our strategic interest to make further comments.”
But a top security agent in the state, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to The Tide in Yenagoa, that one of the suspects hails from Azuzuama community, while others are from other parts of Bayelsa and Delta States.
The source added that security agencies had intensified their search to track down more suspects linked with the killing of the policemen.
Omire, however, said that the search by security agents for the killers of the 12 policemen last Saturday has yielded positive results, adding that the search team last Tuesday recovered 10 bodies of the slain officers.
He confirmed that the decomposing bodies of 10 out of the 12 slain police men have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
Meanwhile, The Tide learnt yesterday that one of the remaining policemen still missing has been released by the militants, and is now reunited with his family in Bayelsa State.
The 31-year old Lucky Edobie, who hails from Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state, is said to have served the police for seven years.
He was said to be among the 15 police escorts detailed to provide security protection to the team of officials on the burial tour to Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, when the militants attacked their boat last Saturday.
Sources told The Tide in Yenagoa yesterday, that Lucky Edobie was released last Wednesday by the militants, who had taken him captive to their camp in the creeks for interrogation, after the attack, even as he was reeling in a pool of blood, following bullet wounds he sustained from the exchange of gunfire between the police and the attackers.
Reliable security sources said that Lucky was released to the police high command in the state, along with two other expatriates initially held hostage, after a ransom of N1million had been paid.
It was gathered that Lucky was admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was treated of injuries sustained from bullet wounds, and discharged, yesterday.
Our source said that Lucky met three expatriates at the camp of the militants in the creeks, saying that one of the expatriates, apparently from Greece, was still being held by the militants.
Brother of the released police officer, Victor Edobie, who confirmed Lucky’s re-union with his family in an interview, thanked God for saving the life of his brother.
When contacted, Bayelsa State Police Public Relations Officer, Alex Akhigbe, declined to comment on the release and any further details therefrom, but added that he would get back to our correspondent.
Akhigbe, however, did not get back to us as at press time.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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