Rivers

Police Foil Sea Pirates’ Attack, Rescues Passengers

Published

5 years ago

January 20, 2021

The Nigeria Police says its gallant operatives have foiled another attack by sea pirates and also rescued the beleaguered passengers, who have safely arrived their destination.
The Police further disclosed that the pilot of the speedboat ferrying the passengers to Bonny from Port Harcourt, identified as Inye Hart has been detained for violating existing navigation laws, saying that he exposed the passengers to avoidable danger by navigating a creek that has been banned from use.
Officer-in-charge of the Marine Division of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in Bonny LGA, Solomon Adeniyi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), revealed that the incident happened on the evening of Monday, along VIP Creek, off the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route.
DSP Adeniyi informed that Inye Hart will be “charged to court for the offences of endangering life at sea (a violation of the Merchant Shipping Act) and disobedience to a lawful order not to move through the banned Dutch Island VIP Creek (a violation of the Bonny Local Government Byelaw)”.
Deputy Leader of the Bonny Legislative Assembly, Dipiriye Jumbo asserted that the law will take its course in the matter, stressing that whoever breaches the laws of the land will face the full wrath of the law, as no stone will be left unturned to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of Bonny LGA.
Chairman of the Speedboat Pilots Association, Godswill Jumbo confirmed the development while the Chairman of the Bonny Marine Transporters Association (BMTA), Maxwell Hart declined comments.
Recall that protests rocked Bonny Island and Port Harcourt, last week as residents took to the streets to demand action from the authorities to checkmate the rising spate of sea pirates’ attacks on the Bonny waterways.
The protesters marched from the Coal Beach in Bonny to the King Perekule Palace and then to the Bonny Local Government Secretariat where they presented their 5-Point demands to the authorities.
In a separate protest in Port Harcourt, the aggrieved protesters later converged at the entrance to the Government House, where they presented the 5-Point demand to the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Prince Ohia, and then marched to the State House of Assembly complex, where their demands were received by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, represented by the lawmaker representing Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Constituency, Christian Ahiakwo.

Rivers

Fubara Restates Continued Support For NYSC In Rivers

Published

23 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in the state.

He gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members on Friday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, the Governor emphasised that no nation could develop or attain greatness without harnessing the potential of its youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

He assured the corps members that the ongoing renovation and upgrade of facilities at the camp would soon be completed.

The State Governor also stated that new infrastructure would be constructed to accommodate the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, thanked the Governor for constructing a 1,000-capacity hostel accommodation for both male and female corps members at the camp.

Oleghe announced that a total of 2,638 corps members, comprising 1,007 males and 1,631 females, had completed their registration, while more than 300 corps members were yet to register.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, who was represented by another judge, Justice Chika Mini.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Health Comm Charges Youth To Take Advantage Of Innovation Hub

Published

23 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has called on adolescents and young people in the state to take full advantage of the newly established Adolescents and Young People Innovation Hub Centre, urging them to prioritize the acquisition of entrepreneurial and life skills that will empower them economically and support informed life choices.

Dr. Oreh made the call while commissioning the Innovation Hub Centre located at Fimie-Ama Community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA).

She disclosed that the Hub, which features ICT and robotics rooms, app development and media studios, beauty and vocational training spaces, wellness and counselling services, and a food technology unit, reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of adolescents and young people in society.

While applauding the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), in partnership with Project HOPE, for initiating the laudable programme, the Commissioner noted that the Rivers State Government recognizes youth empowerment through skills acquisition, confidence building, and access to opportunities as a cornerstone of sustainable development, social stability, and economic growth.

She further assured of the continuous support of the Rivers State Government in creating an enabling environment for programmes that empower young people, promote innovation, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to overall socio-economic transformation.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, said the establishment of the Innovation Hub Centre is aimed at empowering young people with relevant skills and providing opportunities for long-term growth.

He added that the successful realization of the Hub is the result of strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

In her goodwill message, the Country Director of the CDC, Nigeria, Dr. Meghna Desai, represented virtually by the Deputy Director, Programmes, Dr. Jerry Gwamna, described the Hub as a safe space for the holistic development of adolescents and young people.

She noted that the initiative will equip beneficiaries with critical entrepreneurial, technical, and life skills that reduce vulnerability and promote economic independence, including for young people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rivers

Andoni Chair Assures Safety After Cult-Related Attacks In Oyokotoro

Published

23 hours ago

January 28, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Lucky Promise-Otuo, has assured residents of Oyokotoro fishing settlement of their safety following recent cult-related attacks and threats to peace in the area.

In a statement he personally signed, Hon. Promise-Otuo disclosed that proactive measures have been put in place to prevent a breakdown of law and order. These include the deployment of security personnel to Oyokotoro and surrounding communities.

The Council Chairman stated that his administration is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.

He strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as unacceptable and a serious threat to the peace, safety, and the livelihoods of residents.

Hon. Promise-Otuo warned those responsible for the attacks to desist immediately, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across the LGA, assuring residents, visitors, and business operators of their safety.