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Niger Delta

Flood Kills Five, Sacks 71 Communities In Rivers

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7 years ago

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No fewer than five persons have lost their lives, while 71 communities in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State have been sacked as a result of continued flooding.
The Chairman, Ahoada West Local Government Area of the State, Hon. Hope Ikiriko disclosed this during a live Radio Programme last Saturday in Port Harcourt, monitored by our reporter.
Describing the situation as a nightmare, Ikiriko said that pupils in the area were no longer going to school because the buildings housing them had been submerged.
He said, “Flooding is one of the major disaster that we have encountered. We do not know how to handle it, how to stop it, how to manage it. It is a nightmare.
“A lot of people have died. They are up to five now. At the last count we recorded two, but they are up to five now including a pregnant woman. Pupils are no longer going to school because most of the schools have been submerged and some of the schools that probably have not submerged have been used as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
“Farmlands have been devastated. I can tell you on good authority that all the 71 communities in Ahoada West are affected. That gives you a picture of what we are facing,” the council chairman said, noting that the flooding is caused by volumes of water emptying into the Niger Delta.
“I will say the channel is along the Orashi axis. Houses are pulled out, you know majority of the building are mud houses, even the block houses sometime, those that are not well built are pulled out.
“Trees sometimes fall and many other things. But this comes from very strong current from up North and it is devastating,” Ikiriko said.
On the recent naming of Rivers State as a national disaster along with other states by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), he cautioned that the issue of floods should not be politicized.
“We know the predicament that the state government is facing when it comes to issues of national interest so anything that happens we are easily agitated thinking it has been politicized. It was the efforts of the Governor Nyesom Wike led government and the cries of the people that attracted NEMA,” he stated.
He expressed the need for the IDP camps to be increased to six or seven in addition to the four currently set up in Akinima, Mbiama, Okogbe and Ibetta communities in order to cater for more persons.

 

Dennis Naku

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Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
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Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

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6 days ago

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March 23, 2026

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Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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