Niger Delta
Pirates Invade Bayelsa Sea Routes
Hoodlums suspected to be pirates have taken over most Bayelsa State sea routes unchallenged, with some of them attacking and robbing no fewer than 80 boat passengers travelling along Sabatoru-Ibeta-Iwoma-Nembe waterways in Nembe local government area.
With this latest attack, it has become a daily occurrence and nightmare for passengers travelling within the routes that connect more than 80 per cent of communities in the state which are mainly riverine.
The situation is keeping security agents napping and pondering on what to do about the re-occurring incident that seem to give the state government sleepless night.
According to the story, the passengers who were on board over 10 speed boats were heading to Nembe to attend the funeral of the mother of the former Speech Writer to then Governor Diepreye Alamieseigha, ,Nengi Ilagha,before they were confronted by the pirates at about 4pm on the fateful day.
The pirates were said to have dispossessed the boat drivers of their outboard engines and jerrycans of fuel,while the passengers were robbed of their money,mobile phones and other belongings.
It was learnt that the pirates poured jerrycans of fuel on most of the passengers and almost set them ablaze.
A victim who pleaded anonymity said the pirates left them stranded in the creek after they left with the outboard engines of their boats.
The victim described the incident as worrisome and traumatic as they were held for over an hour by the pirates.
While appreciating God that no casualty was recorded during the incident,a public commentator from Odioma in Brass local government ,Loveday Herbert, appealed to the state government and security agencies to step up their security strategies in the water ways in a bid to check the onslaught of the sea robbers.
In same vein,a community leader and Chairman of Civil Liberties Organisation,CLO, Chief Nengi James, lamented the frequent attacks of sea pirates in the water ways describing as unbearable.
In recent times, pirates attacks in the water ways of the state have triggered off fears among boat drivers and passengers plying the routes.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Niger Delta
EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa
-
Rivers5 days ago
Obalga SOLAD Presents Fire Extinguishers To Council …. Commiserates With traders over Rumuomasi Market Fire
-
Business4 days ago
NPA Assures On Staff Welfare
-
News4 days ago
Four Internet Fraudsters Get Jail Sentences In PH
-
Sports5 days ago
President Federation Cup: Sanwo-Olu, Abdulrazaq Set To Grace Grand Finale
-
News4 days ago
Senate Confirms Chibudom Nwuche S’South Dev. Commission Chair
-
Rivers5 days ago
FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases
-
News4 days ago
Tinubu Orders Civil Service Personnel Audit, Skill Gap Analysis
-
News4 days ago
Senate Confirms Odey As RISEIC Chairman