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RSG To Investigate Akpor Monarch’s Killing
Worried over the spate of killings in Akpor Kingdom in the last few months, Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, says prompt action would be taken by him personally to uncover perpetrators of the crimes. The governor gave the assurance while speaking at the Platform, a special personality interview programme organsied by the State Council of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Governor Amaechi who proceeded on leave few days after celebrating his second year in office on Monday told newsmen that the killing of HRH Badumere Oriebe, the Nye-Nweli of Akpor Kingdom last month and that of the Chief Security Officer of University of Port Harcourt, Mr Amadi, both from Akpor Kingdom in Obio/Akpor LGA poses threat to the security of the state. The Rivers State chief executive who asserted that security had improved in the state since the inception of his administration stated that the two murders were just pockets of criminal activities, assuring that his government would set machineries in motion to nab the perpetrators. He said, “When I come back from my leave, I would certainly want to study the situation,” adding that he has mandated both the police and SSS to study the situation and brief him later. Last month, the Akpor kingdom monarch was murdered in cold blood in his palace by unknown gunmen thereby throwing the Ozuoba community into mourning. Though the police is said to have swung into action to nab the perpetrators of the regicide, not long after, the Chief Security Officer of UNIPORT was also shot by criminals in the university campus last week. Both the king and Mr Amadi are from Ozuoba community, few kilometres from the University of Port Harcourt campus. For the past weeks, the community has been thrown into serious mourning with chiefs and youths praying and asking the gods to visit the killers. As at press time, no news had been received of whether the killers have been apprehended but Ozuoba community has been thrown into a graveyard silence with lots of residents living in fear over the development.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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