Niger Delta

A/Ibom Arrests 54 Commercial Sex Workers

Published

14 years ago

August 31, 2011

Akwa Ibom government has apprehended 54 women suspected to be involved in prostitution in the state as it stepped up its campaign on HIV/AIDS.

The government said that the arrest of the suspects, described as, “spread agents” of the dreaded disease, was part of its effort to lower the rising cases of persons diagnosed with the ailment in the state.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Mary Ayewa, told newsmen in Uyo that the suspects were nabbed during a raid organised by the ministry at some “bad spots” in the state capital.

She said that some of the suspected commercial sex workers were caught at the popular Maitama Wimpy Bar at Ewet Housing Estate.

Others, she said, were picked up at Udoetuk Ubo Street, around Oron Road in the metropolis, explaining that the clampdown was to “see if we can talk with them and agree on a better means of livelihood”.

“Actually, the government is worried about its recent rating by the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA) as the state with the second highest prevalence rate of HIV in the country,’’she stated.

“We are, therefore, resolved and commitment to ridding the state of prostitution as part of the fight against the disease.’’

The permanent secretary wondered why young girls found pleasure in the “dehumanising vocation”.

She said the government and some agencies in the state had mapped out programmes that could engage the women.

“I was very surprised to see that some elderly women were involved in prostitution and I became confused, wondering who, then, should be role models to the young girls if the older ones are involved,’’ she lamented.

She also lamented that only a few women showed interest in the state government’s loan scheme, disbursed through the Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau of Cooperative Development and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

Ayewa said that the ministry was using churches, schools, local governments and other avenues to carry out the campaigns on HIV in the state and called on households to adhere to good moral standards.

She reminded women that their bodies were temples of God, and advised them not to undermine the HIV/AIDS campaign.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.