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RSG Probes Woji Jetty Fire Outbreak …Vessels Worth N10bn Burnt
The Rivers State Government has assured those whose vessels were involved in yesterday’s fire outbreak at Woji Jetty in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state that the government would get to the root of the problem and bring the perpetrators to book.
The Commissioner for Environment, Prof Roseline Konya, who stated this, yesterday, while on an on-the-spot inspection of the fire scene at the jetty said a full-scale investigation was already on to unravel the cause of the fire which destroyed vessels worth N10billion.
Konya said the state government was working round the clock to ensure that Rivers environment was free of pollution and the people have fresh air, but regretted that the activities of illegal refineries were causing more problems to the people and giving the government sleepless nights.
She advised those living around the area to vacate because the billowing smoke was dangerous to their health.
According to her, “the Rivers State Government is on the road 24hours a day for the safety of the people.
“The people should help government so that we have good air. Government does not pollute the air or environment. It is the activities of men that pollute the environment. I cannot say what has caused the fire because it is very difficult to get close to the source and dangerous to inhale the smoke but our investigation will help solve the puzzle”, she said
However, the lawyer to the firm that owns one of the vessels that was affected, Barrister Ignatius Onyekachi blamed the activities of illegal refineries as the cause of the fire, regretting that his clients have lost billions of naira.
Onyekachi said he had made several verbal complaints against the illegal refineries and their activities at the Jetty, but regretted that the Military Joint Task Force (JTF) was not ready to arrest the situation despite reports on the issue.
He described the loss as huge, estimating that his clients may have lost well over N3billion, including a contract of N2billion with the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) following the loss of the vessel.
The legal practitioner said the firm; Swatlents Limited would take the JTF to court because it has failed to carry out its duties to secure lives and property at the jetty.
According to him, “these hoodlums carry out these activities even in broad day light without any military attempt to stop them. It also shows that the military is working with the hoodlums”.
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.
