Niger Delta

Illegal Trading: 100 Arrested, As Hoodlums Attack Task Force Personnel

Published

7 years ago

September 16, 2019

About 100 hoodlums arrested after they attacked personnel of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading, Markets and Motor Parks will be charged to court today.
The task force coordinator, Bright Amaewhule who disclosed this to newsmen at the weekend said the hoodlums had swooped on his men who were enforcing the mandate given to the task force at Rumuokoro in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area of the State.
This, Amaewhule stated amounts to an extention of threat to his life and those of his family since he assumed office and started work as the task force coordinator.
While noting that he will continue to discharge his duties, Amaewhule further said that the hoodlums, including suspected cultists, numbering about 200 used dangerous weapons to attack his men and pelt stones at them in a bid to prevent them from carrying out their duties.
He further disclosed that of the 200 hoodlums, about 100 of them were arrested with the help of security agencies attached to the task force and handed over to the police for interrogation and prosecution.
“First of all at Oil Mill, we were attacked by some suspected cultists and criminal gangs. The suspects are at large and we are believing that we will surely apprehend them.
“While we proceeded to Rumuokoro surprisingly, a group of suspected cultists and criminal gangs came out with arms, machetes and stones to attack us.
“They (hoodlums) were over 200 that attacked us and we were able to apprehend about 100 of them, including the two gang leaders. We have taken them to Operation Sting and they have made useful statements. We will take them to court on Monday,” Amaewhule said.
He however noted that the attack on his men would not deter the task force from sanitizing and decongesting roads in the state.
“I stand firm and because I am working with the spirit of the Almighty God I fear no man and I fear no evil and not even any kind of attack on threat to my life.
“I have been receiving threat on my life and even against my family in the last two, three weeks, but that cannot deter me. I have assured my family that nobody should be afraid of anything. God is on our side!
“We will continue to do our work in so far as we are not witch hunting anybody, either an individual or group of persons. We will do that work which the Governor of Rivers State has assigned to me and my team to do in the State,” the task force coordinator stated.

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

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

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

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.