Niger Delta

Bayelsa Invests N4bn On Power Supply

Published

13 years ago

February 13, 2013

The Bayelsa government has invested over four billion naira into the power sector in the last one year,while pursing its rural electrification projects across the State.

The State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Francis Ikio said who disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Yenagoa said the investments in the power sector became imperative inview its relevance to the economic growth of the State.

The Power sector, according to the Commissioner, plays a significance role in any growing economy, ‘’that is why the present administration is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that all the rural areas become beneficiaries of its Electrification projects’’.

To this end, he further said, no fewer than 23 projects have been awarded which include; rehabilitation, reticulation of networks and extension of electricity across several communities in the state, adding that, ten communities in Sagbama Local Government Area are beneficiaries of the rural electricity scheme.

He added that government is making efforts at refurbishing the 20 Megawatt capacity power plant at Imiringi in Ogbia LGA which is currently generating five megawatts to generate up to 15mgw.

Mr Ikio explained that the Ministry recently installed 80 units of 300 KVA electricity transformers in Yenogoa and its environs to end cases of low voltage supply being experienced in those areas.

According to him, the Energy Ministry is currently supervising the 23 ongoing electricity projects across the state to ensure that set standards and timelines were achieved by contractors.

Some of the projects include the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Obunagha-Sagbama 33 KVA Line as well as extension to Ofoni community through Ebederbiri, Bolou Orua, Angiama and Toru-Orua.

Others include the Sagbama 2×7.5 MVA injection sub-station; Agbere-Odoni 1000KVA Gas fired CAT generating station including cabling; upgrading and modification of Angiama sub-station to import and export electricity to communities in Southern-Ijaw local government area among others.

The Energy Commissioner added that the Ministry was working to ensure the availability of power to keep pace with the development of the State in other critical sectors.

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.