Rivers
PH:Police Free Kidnapped Medical Doctor
Chairman State Youth Rehabilitation Committee, Chief A.K. Horsefall (right) having a handshake with the General Manager, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, after the former’s roundtable press conference with editors of the Corporation, yesterday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga.
Confirming the incident, Rivers Police Spokeswoman, Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey said Dr Imoh Abasumoh was rescued by the police in the early hours of Monday following a tip-off.
The police team was said to have cordoned off the abductors den in one of the water fronts in the city. Sensing that the police was on their trail, the kidnappers, according to Inoma-Abbey, took to their heels leaving their victim behind.
The police spokeswoman, however, noted that the doctor’s kidnap must have been a case of mistaken identity.
“They were asking the doctor to give them part of the money found on contract he handled, but the doctor was surprised to hear such because, according to him, he never executed any contract.”
In a related development, two sons of an Anglican priest in the Niger Delta Diocese, Rev. John Jaja had been kidnapped in Port Harcourt.
Reliable sources informed The Tide that the two kids were kidnapped a week ago by unknown gunmen and that a ransom of N30 million had been placed on them by their abductors.
When the police was contacted on the matter yesterday, spokeswoman of Rivers State Police Command, Mrs. Inoma-Abbey said they are yet to be informed about the incident.
But family sources told The Tide that the priest who is a member of one of the boards set up by the government had resorted to spiritual help to free his two kids.
Meanwhile, the police has assured members of the public not to panic following gun shot heard in some parts of the city’s waterfronts on Monday.
Mrs. Inoma-Abbey assured that the police is on top of the situation and is doing everything to protect lives and property in the state.
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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
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.
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.
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