News
Family Of Seven Found Dead In Rivers …As Four Storey School Building Collapses In PH
A family of seven, including the husband and wife have been found dead in Elele Town, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Tide gathered that the tragic incident happened in their apartment within an Estate known as, Too Much Money, in Elele Town.
One of the neighbours of the victims, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said they woke up in the early hours of today and found that the neighbours’ house was still locked.
The source who does not want his name mentioned said, “We decided to force the main door open after we observed that the car belonging to their father, a popular commercial driver was still not out for his usual business.”
When contacted, spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, NnamdiOmoni confirmed the incident.
Omoni said preliminary investigation showed that the family died of flame from a generator set.
He insisted that investigation was still on to unravel if it was sabotage, adding that the corpse of all the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary.
Meanwhile, properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed following the collapse of a four-storey building in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Sources told The Tide that the collapsed building was one of the properties of Immanuel Comprehensive High School, Rumuobiakani, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the source, the collapsed school building, which was allegedly owned by a retired Army colonel, came down around 2.am, last Wednesday.
Sources told The Tide that no casualty was recorded in the incident.
The Tide learnt that the incident has created fear among residents of Ekwe Street, Rumuobiakani.
As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the incident was not known and police officers from the Mini Okoro Police Division had also cordoned the area from visitors.
Meanwhile, residents of the area have called for investigation into the cause of the collapsed four-storey building,
Some residents, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, called on the state government to ensure investigation into all buildings owned by Immanuel Comprehensive High School to ensure their safety.
No staff or student of the school was seen at the scene of the incident, when The Tide visited, yesterday.
The Tide could not also reach the owner of the school and retired Army colonel for his reaction.
Efforts made, yesterday, to get confirmation of the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Nnamdi Omoni, proved abortive, as he could not respond to SMS or calls put through to his mobile phone.
News
Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene