Niger Delta

ISOPADEC Earmarks N600m For Community Road Project

Published

14 years ago

August 17, 2011

The Imo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ISOPADEC) says it has earmarked N600 million for the construction of a community road in the state.

Its Managing Director, Chief Anayo Alozie, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Asaba Sunday.

Alozie, who was in Asaba for an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) meeting to assess the performance of the programme in Niger Delta, said that the 10 km road would cost N1.3 billion.

He said that the road would link the urban area with Eluanwali-Izombe, an agrarian community in Ohaji-Egbema local government area of the state, adding that the community had been cut off from civilisation.

Alozie said the community’s territory extended to Oguta local government area, adding that the two council areas were the only oil-producing ones in the state being covered by ISOPADEC.

“The community has 5,000 people with 2,000 children who are supposed to be in school but there is no school there for them. They are great farmers of cassava, plantain, fishes, among other produce.”

“The road in question is about 10 kilometers and you have to cross the creeks to get there. In our assessment, we found that it will cost a total of N1.3 billion to give them an access road.”

“And of this amount, we have budgeted N600 million and are appealing to IFAD, the Federal Government and NDDC to assist us with the balance to enable the people to have the basic amenities.’’

Alozie also disclosed that the counterpart contribution by Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta to IFAD-assisted projects in the council areas would be paid by ISOPADEC.

He said that the arrears of the contribution standing against the two local government areas would be defrayed by the commission, adding, however, that the payment would be staggered over some period.

“I think it is a necessary thing to bring development to those living in the rural areas. It is very necessary so that we arrest restiveness there. So, I support in totality, the IFAD initiative.”

“I have promised to pay for the two local government areas where we are working, because ISOPADEC is established to ameliorate the sufferings of the oil producing communities.

“And those oil producing communities are in Ohaji-Egbema and Oguta local government areas. I do not know how much they owe for now but we cannot pay at the same time. We can pay N5 million, N6 million or N10 million as the case may be”, Alozie said.

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.