Niger Delta

Ayade Weeps Over Plight Of Displaced Bakassi People

Published

9 years ago

September 14, 2016

Cross River State Governor,
Professor Ben Ayade was reduced to tears by the squalid and subhuman conditions he found at one of the camps for the displaced people of Bakassi.
The Governor who was in company of the Mayor of Dortmund, Germany, Mr. Fuss Friedrich, immediately made a cash donation of N3 million to ameliorate their sufferings and promised to take care of the daily needs of over the 3000 displaced people at the Ikot Eyo Edem camp in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Amid profuse sobs, Ayade said: “I am in tears. I am in pains as I look round this camp. What is the importance of me being a Governor? Of what value is humanity without love for fellow humans? Why will I continue to live when I see my own brothers and sisters living in such circumstances?
“I am your Governor, your problem is mine. The primary person you should cry to is me. That is why I am here with our partners and we have seen things for ourselves. We will solve your problem, that is why I have gone round the world looking for people who can partner the state to provide homes, and today we have a team from Germany who will help us kick-start the construction of the social housing by the end of August,” the Governor said.
The Governor who had earlier had a technical session with Fuss Friedrich and his team from Germany, informed the people of his effort at seeking the support of President Muhammadu Buhari in ensuring their proper resettlement.
“We thank Mr. President whom I have already briefed of your deplorable conditions for his support so far and we will work with you to ensure that you get your full liberty from this hardship and pains with adjustment in our budget to accommodate the social housing scheme.
The partnership between the Coss River State Government and the City of Dortmund will ensure the construction of houses as well as the provision of education, skill training for the people on areas of building and maintenance,” he stated.
Speaking through an interpreter, the Mayor of Dortmund, Mr. Fuss Friedrich who could not also hold back tears said: “I thank you for the warm reception accorded my team. It really touches my heart, given the circumstances I have found you today. I assure you that the government of Germany will gladly work with your government to improve your living conditions.”
The Paramount Ruler of the Bakassi and host of the project, Dr. Etim Okon Edet, who is also the Chairman, Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council commended Governor Ayade for his passion and commitment to the well-being of his people.

Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

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.