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Niger Delta

Lawyer Alleges Ex-militants Plan To Attack Community

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Kolombo , an Ijaw speaking community in Edo State, is allegedly  been threatened  by two former militant  leaders  in the area ,Bibopri Ajube and Omo Tonwerigha, according to a petition raised on their behalf by a Yenagoa-based legal practitioner, Olu Ojujoh, at the weekend.

The legal practitioner is therefore, urging  the  federal government to revisit the disarmament programme in the Niger Delta, occasioned by the invasion  of some  Ijaw communities by  ex-militants using sophisticated weapons. Ojujoh ,who spoke with journalists in Yenago, a alleged  that the ex-militants and their armed followers  conveyed in  seven speedboats  had invaded  Kolombo last Thursday, razed down several houses, shot, injured  four persons and abducted four  persons,  including a woman.

According to the lawyer, identities of those injured in the invasion included Chairman Ajuwa and Duimini Ajuwa , who  are currently  receiving medical  treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

Ojujoh  further said  Queen Solubo , Abe James and two others were  being held hostage  and  tortured at Safarogbo community.

The legal practitioner observed that the ugly situation was a proof that   former militant leaders in the Niger Delta did not actually  submit  all their arms during the disarmament programme ,which  followed the federal government’s declaration of amnesty for reformed militants  in 2009.  “Unless the federal government and other authorities concerned really take urgent steps the  Ijaw communities in Ese-Odo local government area of Ondo State and Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State will not know peace,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in  a  Save Our Souls (SOS) message to the Inspector-General of Police, on behalf of himself and Kolombo community ,Ondo State, Olu Ojujoh, appealed that persons who kill and maim at will in Arogbo-Ijaw Ibe Kingdoms should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Ojujoh urged the Police boss  to ensure  the release of the persons  still being held hostage and also engage the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Matters ,Kingsley Kuku,  on proper disarming of the ex-militants.

The lawyer recalled that Ajube and Tomwerigha  had in September last year  shot and killed a youth  at Akpata  and Tunyan  in which one  Kenneth Sobijo and himself  were invited to resolve the matter.

He said: “If due attention is not given to the plight of the people of Kolombo Village, the people shall resist any further moves by these miscreants to intimidate the whole village for no just cause with their last drop of blood.”

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Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

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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.
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Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

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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.
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Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

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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.
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