Niger Delta

Sylva Seeks Partnership With Ex-Militant

Published

16 years ago

October 10, 2009

The Bayelsa State Governor, Chef Timipre Sylva has charged repentant ex-militant leaders from the state to assist government in preaching peace to their followers so that development can flourish.

Chief Sylva stated this at Olugbobiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government during a civic reception organized in honour of an ex-militant leader, Mr Imomotimi Ukparasia popularly known as “Captain Africa”.

Chief Sylva also stated that with the return of peace in the state, he has no excuse not to embark on projects that would uplift the people from shackles of under development.

The governor who promised to do anything within his power to accelerate the reintegration of repentant militants in the society, lauded “General” Africa for being among the first batch of those who renounce militancy and taking advantages offered by the president through amnesty.

With their integration, Sylva pointed out, it is believed that they would settle down to contribute to the development of the state and country and pleaded with other militants who are yet to embrace the amnesty to do so, saying that with the cessation of hostility, the people of Niger Delta will now begin to see development in all sectors.

The governor also called on the clergy to continue offering their prayers for sustenance of peace in the region and charged the Olugbobiri community to forgive and forget the past and relate with ‘General’ Africa as one of their own.

In his speech, the state chairman of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Chief James Jephtha, said federal government has demonstrated sincere commitment to develop the Niger Delta and appealed to the youths especially those bearing arms to embrace the current wind of change and give peace a chance.

In his address, “General” Africa said, he took up arms to answer the clarion call of emancipating the Niger Delta because of the criminal neglect of the area by the authorities.

He called on federal government to fulfil its aspects of the amnesty deals by developing the Niger Delta now.

The ex-militant leader pleaded for forgiveness from those he might have offended in the course of the struggle. Highlight of the occasion was presentation of 56 copies of bible to the ex-militant leader and his group.

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.