Niger Delta

Pirates Invade Bayelsa Sea Routes

Published

12 years ago

May 22, 2013

Hoodlums suspected to be pirates have taken over most Bayelsa State sea routes unchallenged, with some of them attacking and robbing no fewer than 80 boat passengers travelling along Sabatoru-Ibeta-Iwoma-Nembe waterways in Nembe local government area.

With this latest attack, it has become a daily occurrence and nightmare for passengers travelling within the routes that connect more than 80 per cent of communities in the state which are mainly riverine.

The situation is keeping security agents napping and pondering on what to do about the re-occurring incident that seem to give the state government sleepless night.

According to the story, the passengers who were on board over 10 speed boats were heading to Nembe to attend the funeral of the mother of the former Speech Writer to then Governor Diepreye Alamieseigha, ,Nengi Ilagha,before they were confronted by the pirates at about 4pm on the fateful day.

The pirates were said to have dispossessed the boat drivers of their outboard engines and jerrycans of fuel,while the passengers were robbed of their money,mobile phones and other belongings.

It was learnt that the pirates poured jerrycans of fuel on most of the passengers and almost set them ablaze.

A victim who pleaded anonymity said the pirates left them stranded in the creek after they left with the outboard engines of their boats.

The victim described the incident as worrisome and traumatic as they were held for over an hour by the pirates.

While appreciating God that no casualty was recorded during the incident,a public commentator from Odioma in Brass local government ,Loveday Herbert, appealed to the state government and security agencies to step up their security strategies in the water ways in a bid to check the onslaught of the sea robbers.

In same vein,a community leader and Chairman of Civil Liberties Organisation,CLO, Chief Nengi James, lamented the frequent attacks of sea pirates in the water ways describing as unbearable.

In recent times, pirates attacks in the water ways of the state have triggered off fears among boat drivers and passengers plying the routes.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.