News
Mgbuoshimini Killings: Police Name Eight Wanted Suspects
After four days of suspense and criticisms by major stakeholders, the Rivers State Police Command has finally made public names of eight suspects it declared wanted in connection with the Mgbuoshimini killings last Monday.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni who made the suspects’ names public in Port Harcourt noted that preliminary investigation by the police showed that the act was carried out by a 10-man gang.
Omoni gave the names of the eight suspects as Daddy Chukwu, 27; Mike Okocha, 25; Alhaji Otums Monday, 23; and Nyesom Nwodinka, 19.
The rest, Omoni said, include, Orji Amadi, 25; Veejee Orji, 19; David Chibula Orji, 22; and Junior Amadi, 19.
The state police image maker pointedly noted that the Icelanders cult group was responsible for the killings, adding that the 10 members of the cult group in the area had been fingered in all the killings recorded in Mgbuoshimini.
Omoni hinted that the gang was also responsible for the killing of one late Chief Minikwu Chukwu and Cletus Barigbinee in May this year, and other subsequent killings in the area.
He directed the crack police detectives to swoop on the suspects, wherever they may be hiding, and apprehend them with a view to bringing the cultists to justice.
The police spokesperson assured residents of the state that the police, and indeed, all security agencies in the state would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring the restoration of law and order across communities in the state.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed worries over a statement credited to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, alleging that those behind the killings last Monday of about 12 persons in Mgbuoshimini community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state were cultists recruited by the PDP to rig the last elections in the state.
The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Samuel Nwanosike, who expressed the party’s concerns in Port Harcourt yesterday urged security agencies to quiz leaders of the APC in the state over the allegation.
Nwanosike noted that it was clear that the APC was telling the world that it had good knowledge and information on the sad incident.
“Nigerians can see now that the APC knows much about the sad incident. The statement credited to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, simply shows that the APC has so much to tell the world.
“The police should invite Finebone for questioning, he has to say what he and his party know.
“We heard of killings by Badoo in Lagos but nobody blamed the Governor of Lagos State for it,” Nwanosike added.
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.
-
News3 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics5 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News5 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News3 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports5 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta3 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics5 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics5 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries