Niger Delta

Coronavirus: Military, Worthy Ally In Prevention -Nsirim

Published

6 years ago

March 20, 2020

Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim has stated that in the fight against the Coronavirus infection, the Military, Paramilitary and Police by the nature of their job are worthy allies.
The Commissioner, who stated this today during a sensitisation and awareness creation meeting with representatives of security agencies in the State, noted that as people who meet different kind of people every day, they stand a good chance of passing on the Coronavirus prevention message.
“The Rivers State government does not want Coronavirus to come into Rivers State. Some of you are at our land borders, sea borders, and air borders.
“One way or the other you are in positions of vital entry points into Rivers State. So, it behoves us to get informed.
“As a state, our position is that we believe prevention is better than cure. We wouldn’t want Covid-19 to enter the state, and that is the position of His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike”, he said.
Urging them to make it a point of duty to pass on the message to people in the course of their job, the commissioner emphasised that security agencies are key to ensuring effective prevention of Coronavirus.
“The Military and Paramilitary are key to this prevention messages and we are believing that you are worthy allies”, he said.
While speaking to representatives of International Oil Companies (IOCs), he urged them to improve on their synergy with the state government in terms of making available information on Coronavirus in their various health facilities.
While stating the Rivers State government’s readiness to prevent the pandemic from entering the state, the state epidemiologist, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Nwadiuto, Ifeoma, said the increasing cases of the disease in the world calls for worry.
Dr Nwadiuto, who represented the State Commissioner Health, Dr Princewill Chike said: “We should be more worried because there is the issue of resource constraint, communal life style and the non availability of vaccines to cure the virus.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.