Rivers

Investigation On Missing Rivers Man Ongoing-Police

Published

4 years ago

January 27, 2021

The Rivers State Police Command says it is investigating the allegation of a missing aged man, one Mr Princewell Ogbonda, arrested by members of OSPAC in Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, four months ago.
The Spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni,who made this known while reacting on the matter, said the police were investigating the issue, and urged the family to be patient.
According to him, “investigation is still on.
“If he has not been arrested doesn’t mean he will not be arrested. It might take some time but let them bear with us because we are on it,” he stated.
However, the family of a man identified Princewill Ogbonda, who was allegedly arrested by a vigilante group in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State four months ago, has called on the police to investigate his whereabouts whether dead or alive.
They also called on the police to arrest the commander of the vigilante called ONELGA Security Peace Advisory Council (OSPAC) identified as Promise, who, they alleged, masterminded his arrest.
The mother of the missing man, Blessing Ogbonda, who spoke in Port Harcourt, also alleged that her husband was on the run following threats on his life by some powerful persons in the community to drop the matter.
She expressed fears that his son may have died, and urged the police and traditional rulers in the area to locate his son.
“They (those issuing threats) say they will rise against my husband. Even since then, my husband is not in the house. They have threatened to pursue my husband and kill him and chase us out.
“They threatened that after chasing us out, they will use our house as ‘community house’ because they have pleaded with him to leave the matter and he refused.
“My husband said he wants to see his son. ‘Bring my son’, if you have killed him, bring his body so that I can use my hand and bury him. If he is alive, bring him, I will go and treat him,” she stated.
Similarly, Princewill Ogbonda’s wife, Oluchi, said life has been unbearable since her husband was taken away by the operatives of OSPAC in Igwuruta.
“I want the police to help. I know that already, an OSPAC member has been arrested but I want the police to help me search for my husband. I want to see my husband if he is alive or dead.
“I have four children. I can’t struggle for this children on my own or become a widow. The government should help me get (arrest) the OSPAC commander in Igwuruta because he is the one that will know where my husband is.
“So, I want the police to help me because immediately they get him (vigilante commander), everything will be revealed,” she stated.
Also speaking, Princewill Ogbonda’s younger brother, Lucky Ogbonda, said the arrest of the OSPAC commander would help the family locate their son to ascertain if he was still alive, or they can give him a befitting burial, if he is dead.
Lucky said though some of the vigilante members have been arrested, the prime suspect in his brother’s arrest was still at-large, and urged the police to do the needful so as to help the family get justice.
“The family is aware that the police have arrested some OSPAC members who are linked to this matter. We want police to intensify efforts in arresting Promise and others who are the principal actors who committed this crime,” he added.

Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

Rivers

CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.

Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.

He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.

He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.

Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to abstain from illicit drugs consumption.

Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.

He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.

The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.

He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.

The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.

According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.

The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.

The World Day of Drug Abuse, was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.

King Onunwor