Niger Delta

Oshiomhole Cautions Against Communal Clashes

Published

14 years ago

September 19, 2011

Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has warned warring Ijaws in the State to cease fought as government will soon commence investigation into the ownership tussle between the Binis and the former.

“In this part of the country, we have enjoyed relative peace. Both the federal and Edo State government will ensure that the peace is sustained”, Oshiomhole said

The governor who made the declaration when he granted audience to the Enigies (District Heads) and Elders of Bini communities also assured that “No part of Benin land will be ceded outside the control of His Majesty, Oba Erediauwa.

”The land form part of Edo State; and we have subscribed to oath of office to protect our land”, he said

The visitors had razed alarm over the incessant invasion of Benin communities by Ijaw settlers on Benin land.

“Some of the communal clashes that have led to serious riot in other part of the country is little… I appreciate your leadership, government will take effective action”. Oshiomhole said.

Led by the Ogie Obazuwa, Prince Edun Akenzua, the guest noted with dismay that; having annexed six communities, the Ijaws want to extend their frontiers to Obazuwa.

He said they prevented the Okao of Gelegele, a Chieftain appointed by His Majesty; the Oba of Benin from erecting his house in Gelegele. “They behave as if the village where they live in Benin is on Ijaw land”.

Besides, the latest act of militancy and aggression was on June 3, when Ijaws from Iko community attack and machetes Obazuwa men at a site the community donated to the government to site a proposed model secondary school.

The prince recalled that the Supreme Court; with suit No. SC.131/1982 on August 19, 1983 delivered a judgment on the matter in favour of the Binis.

He therefore requested that; Government should call the Ijaw settlers to order; protect the Okao of Gelegele and facilitate the erection of his house; return indigenes of Abiala to their home; compel the ijaws to accept that Gelegele belongs to Benin and under the jurisdiction of the Oba of Benin, as confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.