News
10 Beheaded In Cults’ Clash …As Gunmen Attack ATM, Kill Bank’s Customer
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo welcoming Chief Prince Longjohn, an APC Decampee to PDP during a victory celebration organised by Kengema Unity Forum of Kalabari in honour of the State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, recently
The Presiding Bishop of God’s Victorious Church, Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Bishop Eleanya Ugorgi, has narrated how over 25 people were killed, including his younger brother, with 10 others having their heads chopped off by unidentified gunmen who invaded Omoku community last Friday.
The bishop told journalists, who were on a guided tour of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area headquarters, said his younger brother, Ekwela, was killed along with his wife, Victoria, on that fateful night.
The cleric disagreed with the blanket insinuation that the death of his brother and others was caused by rival cult clash.
Ugorgi said his late brother was a staunch member of one of the two major political parties in the state.
He pointed out that before his brother’s death, Ekwela, who is in his mid-40s, was a member of one of the major political parties in the state.
He said, “It was on Friday, and we started hearing gunshots between 9:00pm and 10:00pm or thereabouts. After a while, it ceased and shortly after, I heard a smash on my window, and if you go round, you will see that all the windows were smashed.
“By the time the day broke, we saw my younger brother, Ekwela Ugorji, and the wife, Victoria, lying dead outside. My younger brother was beheaded. My younger brother was a politician and that is all that I know about him. My younger brother’s wife was a trader. He is in his mid-40s.
“I don’t think the killers are armed robbers. In Rivers State, actually you know this politics of a thing is what has been on the ground, and you talk of cultists. Cultism has been there, but it has been lying low. When you come to ONELGA, these two parties are really struggling to see who takes over.
“But, things were also moving on well until after the announcement of the Supreme Court. We felt that everything had ended but before we knew it, things started coming up again. Gunshots of that day were something else; everywhere. I think, at least, 25 people were killed that night, and 10 were beheaded in Omoku here.”
Also speaking to journalists who were on a guided tour of the deserted Omoku town amidst very tight security, the father of another victim, Mr Martin Ugo, said his 31-year old son, Elemchukwu, and two others, were killed when the gunmen invaded his house that night.
Ugu said, “Unfortunately, they killed three people, including my son, Elemchukwu, aged 31. He was a butcher. They killed him in his room, and marched the other two people outside, and killed them. They were all shot. Then, my daughter in-law received gunshots too, but she did not die.
“If it is possible, government should step in, and I know if government really means it, they can stop this kind of things.”
Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA and host to TotalENP, Agip and other oil companies, has been in the news for more than a year for the wrong reasons.
Meanwhile, one person was shot dead and unconfirmed number of bank customers injured as gunmen, suspected to be armed robbers, stormed an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), along Ada George Road in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, at the close of work on Monday.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen that the gunmen, who might have carried out adequate surveillance on the bank staff and timed the loading of the ATMs struck at the nick of time.
According to the sketchy account, the gunmen arrived at the ATM in an SUV, and opened fire sporadically killing one person at point blank range while other bank customers and the bank staff sustained bullet wounds.
“As soon as we saw them park their jeep, we thought that they had come to make some withdrawals. Immediately they emerged from the jeep clutching AK47, they started shooting at anything in sight but targeting the bank staff loading the ATMs.
“Customers scampered for safety. Some people may have been injured by stray bullets,” an eyewitness narrated.
As at press time, it was not clear if the robbers succeeded in carting away cash in the ensuing melee.
The Rivers State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmad Muhammad, confirmed the incident but could not give any casualty figures.
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