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ALGON Condemns Aluu KIllings
The Caretaker committee Chairmen in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, have condemned, in the strongest term possible, the recent mindless killings in Aluu and other communities in the state, and challenged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in bringing perpetrators to justice.
They said this during a one-day town hall meeting, organized recently by the Port Harcourt City Local Government Council in partnership with 92.3 Nigeria Info, at the council’s Main Hall, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Chariman of ALGON in the state and Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Sir Soni Samuel Ejekwu, said: “evil acts of cult-related murders, kidnappings and robberies in Rivers State, must be condemned in the strongest term possible. We are gathered here to collectively chat the way forward.”
Ejekwu noted that, “Following the increasing spate of heinous murders in several neighbouring local government areas (LGAs) in our beloved state, which are associated with cult activities, we have decided not to wait until it manifests in PHALGA before calling stakeholders in all the LGAs together to find a common ground.
“Our council appreciates that there exists a nexus between poverty and criminality in general terms. But we are also cognisant of the fact that the poorest societies in the world are not necessarily the ones with the highest crime rates.
According to him, “Most of those involved in these crimes are not the poorest among us. AK-47s and other dangerous weapons that they use for their illicit trade cost a lot of money. And many of the young men involved in these criminal acts are not ready to accept an 8am to 5pm jobs to earn salaries between N40,000 and N100,000 per month.
“We, therefore, have the responsibility to bring these evil acts down to their barest minimum in our LGA, considering the fact that we are the hosts to the Government of Rivers State,” Ejekwu added.
He called on all criminal gangs to sheath their swords, and give peace a chance, noting that the lure for quick riches and illusion of creating an imaginary empire would not lead them anywhere.
Ejekwu urged community leaders, chiefs, and all stakeholders in the local government areas to take responsibility for any crime committed around them, and called on all those who live, work and do business in the state to give useful information to security agencies so as to fast track effort to curb crimes and criminality in the state.
He further announced the release of hotlines: 08032003514 and 08098880134, which he advised residents of the state to call when in distress.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Police Commissioner, Musa Kimo, commended the mayor for organising the town hall meeting, and said that the police were ready now, more than ever before to partner well-meaning persons to combat violent crimes and criminality in the state.
Kimo, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Patrick Ogowe, said that security was not the responsibility of police alone, but that of all citizens and residents of the state, and tasked all stakeholders to provide useful information, no matter how minute, as it could help the police in nipping any crime in the bud.
Those that attended the town hall meeting were the 23 chairmen of caretaker committees, leaders of the various security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, Christian and Muslim leaders, among others.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
