News

Bayelsa Killing: Police Nab Five …As Militants Release Victim, Two Expatriates

Published

13 years ago

April 12, 2013

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.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

4 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor