Niger Delta

Niger Delta Insecurity: FG Losses N490bn

Published

16 years ago

October 19, 2009

The Federal Government has said that it lost a total sum of N490 billion from 2004 to 2007 due to the insecurity experienced in the Niger Delta region.

The Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe disclose this at a one-day seminar organized by the specialized Marine Transport Trade Group forum organized by Port Harcourt Chmaber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture, on Saturday in Port Harcorut. The theme of the seminar was “Re-integration of corporate social groups and society in the Niger delta.”

According to him, the amount lost, if recircled into the economy would have been able to foot the cost of building 14 refineries in the country. He stressed the need for corporate bodies, individuals and relevant agencies to join hand in actualizing the reform agenda of the federal government as well as compliment the efforts of the federal Government the efforts of the federal government in the rehabilitation and re-integration programme for the repentant youths.

The Minister of State who was represented by a Director, Dr. O. T. Elem called for sustainability of the existing peace in the state, noting that insecurity has brought about loss of over 5,000 jobs in recent time.

In a paper presented by the chief of Naval Staff, represented by Rear Admiral E. Ijeoma, noted that Niger Delta accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign Exchange earnings, amounting to $450 billion between 1957 and 2007.

He regretted that insecurity and vandalisation of pipelines has caused the nation social and economic harm, resulting to loss of jobs and shortage of power supply, saying that individuals, communities, corporate bodies and government have role to play in tackling the challenges of insecurity in the country.

The President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture PHCCIMA, represented by the 2nd vice president Emeka Onachukwu lamented how government wrong business policy has affect the organised private sector, stressing that inspite of the challenges some corporate bodes have made meaningful impact on the well being of the people of the Niger Dela.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 days 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

4 days 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

4 days 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.