University Decries Encroachment On Land

Published

14 years ago

February 8, 2012

Authorities of Delta State University, Anwai campus, near Asaba, are complaining about alleged increased rate of encroachment and dumping of refuse on its land by unknown persons.

The Provost of the campus, Prof. Patrick Igbigbi, said in an interview with newsmen in Asaba Sunday, that the developments had continued in spite of efforts to contain it.

Igbigbi said the developments on the university’s land on Illah Road were noticed a year ago.

He said the management of the institution had approached the Ministry of Environment for assistance in addressing the issue.

“We also approached the Ministry of Lands for assistance, especially to assess and demolish all structures built on the land by members of the public,” he said.

The provost disclosed that the Ministry of Lands demanded N1.5 million from the university before it could demolish illegal property on the land.

He said that the encroachment, including a sprawling refuse dumpsite, was more on the part of the land being used as demonstration farms by Agricultural Science students of the institution.

While decrying the refusal of the ministries to assist the university, Igbigbi urged the state Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, to prevail on the ministries to address the matter.

He said that the encroachment, especially the large-scale dumping of refuse on the land, was going on because the land was not fenced.

Igbigbi stressed that the school lacked funds to secure the land and described the development as a matter of “great concern and embarrassment” to the university.

He appealed to the government to tackle the matter decisively, saying that the school was becoming helpless on the issue.

The Commissioner for Environment, Chief Frank Omare, confirmed receipt of the complaint from the university and said he had directed the matter to the Waste Management Board for action.

At the board, the Chairman, Chief Olori Magege, said that the waste dumped on the land had been evacuated by the agency.

Magege said that the board promptly intervened in the evacuation of the refuse and burning of the site as soon as the university’s complaint reached his office.

He described the dump site as illegal, saying measures had been put in place by the board to ensure that anyone caught dumping refuse on the land would be arrested and prosecuted.

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.

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.

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.