News

Residents Flee Kono Boue Community Over Abductions

Published

6 years ago

September 23, 2019

Feelers indicate that Kono Boue Community in Boue Clan in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, which Governor Nyesom Wike recently visited in the wake of killing of some inhabitants of the area by faceless gunmen, is currently a ghost town, as indigenes and residents have fled the community following incessant abductions of the people by gunmen from neighbouring communities.
This is even as the Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Innocent N. Naador, who has been living outside the community for some time now as a result of the orgy of bloodletting and abductions which have plagued the community in recent times, has broken his silence, and appealed to the state government and security agencies to move fast and arrest the ugly situation.
It was gathered that several indigenes and residents of the area have sought refuge in Bori, headquarters of the local government area where they are being accommodated in Internally Displaced Persons (lDPs) camps scattered around the ancient Ogoni town.
It would be recalled that a prominent indigene of the area and former lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Sonpie Kpone-Tonwe, had recently raised alarm over the current state of affairs in the area, which he said, had forced him to abandon his house for seven years now, and pleaded with the governor to intervene by ensuring that police posts are established in the area to check the ugly security trend.
Speaking in a statement on behalf of the people, Chief Innocent N. Naador, appealed to the governor and security agencies to come to the aid of the community by providing security to save the people from incessant attacks, abductions and killings by some elements from the neighbouring communities.
He alleged that on Friday, September 13, 2019, seven women and two girls were abducted at gunpoint at the Wiideekwiri farm area, where they had gone to harvest cassava and taken to Kereke-Boue community, adding that it took the timely intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Bori Division, Mr Bako Angbashim and his men to rescue the victims from their abductors in the community.
He alleged that the gunmen that abducted the victims were led by a known cultist (name withheld) in the community.
Naador equally narrated an incident which occurred on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, where 21 indigenes of the community were harassed and threatened at gunpoint by another gang led by a suspected Kereke war lord (name withheld) at Wiikoro farm area, and regretted that a peace accord signed by communities in Boue Clan in the wake of the governor’s visit has been truncated as hostilities have continued unabated in the area.
The monarch disclosed that since May, this year, a major road leading to and out of the community has remained blocked by the gangs from the neighbouring communities, pointing out that the ugly situation has forced primary and secondary schools to remain under lock and key, as well as crippled businesses.
The traditional ruler, however, commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his visit to the area and also the DPO of Bori Division, Mr. Bako Angbashim for the unusual dexterity and courage exhibited during the rescue of the female victims.
Also narrating her ordeal, one of the women that was abducted, Mrs. Charity Agada, said 2019 has been a very difficult year for the people of Kono Boue community, and lamented the spate of insecurity that has become the lot of the community and the people.
Another indigene and a motorcycle operator, Mr. Ibakpea Saronee said he was almost killed in Kereke-Boue a fortnight ago, when he carried the Councillor representing Ward 13, Hon. Confidence Leerah, to his house in the community, stressing that he escaped death by the whiskers as the attackers had come after him.
The DPO of Bori Police Division, Mr Bako Angbashim, confirmed the development, saying that Kono Boue community was deserted as at last week, saying, when he went there, only two old men were seen in the community.
He said in a telephone interview, that he visited the IDPs camps in Bori yesterday, addressed the inmates and also asked them to start returning to the community.
He further disclosed that leaders of the five communities that make up Boue Clan held a peace meeting, yesterday, in Bori, where it was agreed that the people at the IDPs camps could go back home, adding that the people of the five communities were directed that nobody should attack anybody any more.
He said he personally drove to Kono Boue community shortly after the meeting with two patrol vehicles and also Kereke-Boue community, where he confirmed he had rescued some abducted women penultimate Wednesday.
According to him, he had personally addressed the people of Kereke-Boue community and charged them to maintain the peace.
He promised to address the people of the area tomorrow, saying, “I am committed to peace in the area. Peace has returned to the area.”

Donatus Ebi

News

Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

Published

5 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.

The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October this year, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.

The governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.

?The Tide further reports that the State’s Chief Executive who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.

However, he stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.

?”You can see I’ve gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind, when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.

?”I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.

?”I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.

He implored the people 9f the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.

?”For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.

“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the governor added.

?The Bayelss Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.

?”Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So let us hold our fire.

“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, governor Diri said.

The governor, however, hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.

The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.

He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.

?Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Published

5 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

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.

News

‘Best Way To Show Gratitude Is To Deliver Tinubu in 2027’

Published

5 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

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