Niger Delta

Kidnap Attempt Dims Investment Forum Prospects

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2015

L-R: Prof Winston Bell-Gam, Rtn Orumabo Boma, immediate past President, Rtn Datonye Alasia and President, 2015/2016 Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, G.R.A, Rtn Gideon Etiaran, during the installation ceremony of the 6th Club President in Port Harcourt on Saturday Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

The killing of two police and
foiled attempts to abduct the Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Council last Thursday seemed to have affected the on-going Investment Forum organised by Bayelsa State Government to woo investors to the state.
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, had assured investors during his opening speech at the forum, that while there is a lot of opportunities for them to invest with serene peaceful atmosphere coupled with adequate security, the recent incident seems to have seriously impacted on that statement.
According to the story, apart from killing the two policemen, the hoodlums also carted away their official rifles
However, other policemen were able to foil the kidnapping of Elder Remember Ogbe, the council chairman when policemen attached to him repelled gunshots by the kidnappers.
Although the whereabouts of the escaped council chairman still remained unknown as at the time of this report, police authorities in the state capital had confirmed the killing and the foiled kidnap attempt on the chairman
The blood tasty kidnappers after killing the policemen disappeared to unknown destination and left the lifeless bodies helpless.
The sad incident happened in the hours of 4pm and 6pm at the chairman’s residence in Amassoma when the men of the underworld struck and killed the officers and scampered away
It was gathered that the killing of the police officers by the hoodlums had attracted sympathy as residents of the area were seen in a sorrowful mood expressing shock.
The identities of the deceased policemen were not made public, while their corpses had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary in Yenagoa.
Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the killing of the policemen, and said the kidnappers also went away with the police rifles.
The PPRO said the two corporals died due to injuries sustained in the gunshots by the kidnappers, but added that the command foiled the kidnap attempt on Elder Remember Ogbe, the council Chairman.
The Police spokesman said one of the hoodlums has been arrested while efforts have been intensified to apprehend others.
It will be recalled that the whereabouts of the kidnapped monarch of Gbarain Clan in Tombia Community , His Royal Highness Chief C. A. Otobotekere is still unknown.
The community traditional ruler was abducted on Thursday 24th July, 2015, early morning by heavily armed five man gang in his residence Gbarain Clan, Bayelsa State.

Fyneface Aaron, Yenagoa

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.