News
Police, Thugs Destroy N40m Property In PH
A twin bungalow worth N40 million belonging to a Port Harcourt-based medical practitioner in Rumuosunwo village in Eneka community, a suburb of Port Harcourt metropolis was last Saturday, June 12, 2010 destroyed by mobile policemen and thugs allegedly hired by an indigene of Rumuodara community (names withheld).
The building was completely demolished using a bulldozer.
Although no reason has been adduced for the destruction of the property, The Weekend Tide gathered that the twin bungalow was completed this year and fenced with a gate in place while the medical practitioner and his wife were preparing to move into it in August.
It was also revealed that the one plot of land where the building was standing was never in dispute, as the owners, Dr and Barrister (Mrs) Nnaedozie V Aneke duly bought it in 2006.
The destruction of the property last Saturday came to the Anekes as a rude shock as an eye witness, Mr Iyke who owns a property next to theirs intimated them of the act through a phone call, which prompted them to quickly rush to the scene to see things for themselves.
Having confirmed the bad news, they wasted no time in reporting the matter to Eneka Police Station, and went further to write a petition to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police.
The petition which was endorsed by their lawyer, Godspower Akpelu (Esq) seeks among other things a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing the suspect and his agents to book.
The petition reads in part: “Sir, this complaint demands your urgent attention to bring the perpetrator of this wicked act to book. Above all, this is a civilized society where hooliganism, man’s inhumanity to man, and lawlessness are strictly frowned upon. A sane aggrieved man who feels his right has been infringed upon has the law courts to seek redress.”
The petitioners also appealed to the commissioner of police to use his good offices and exalted position to see that justice was not only done, but seen to have been done, as nobody, no matter how financially endowed or powerfully placed was above the law.
While seeking for redress over the matter, they equally noted that their lives were of utmost importance and needed protection from the perpetrator of the act and his agents.
“Furtherance to the foregoing, we fervently pray you, sir, to order an urgent investigation into this case and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book, because justice delayed is justice denied,” they pleaded.
When contacted for comments, the Police Public Relations Officer, Dr Rita Inoma-Abbey said the Divisional Police Officer for Eneka police station was yet to brief her on the incident but assured that justice would be done over the matter.
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.
