Niger Delta

11, 000 Youths Denounce Cultism …As Dickson Reads Riot Act

Published

12 years ago

June 10, 2013

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson said over 11,000 youths from the eight local government areas in the state have denounced cultism, even though there seem to be raging war among different gangs in the state.

Speaking during a parley with youth representatives at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor described the willingness and acceptability of the affected youths to jettison cultism as a product of his administration’s restoration agenda which is centred around youths.

Warning the youths against involving themselves in crimes and criminality, the Governor said no state or nation thrives in an atmosphere of chaos.

He condemned the killing of security operatives at Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw local government area, adding that Bayelsa was gradually becoming the centre of attraction and will not tolerate any incident that would breach the existing peace in the state.

The Governor disclosed that a youth summit would soon be organised for repentant cultists as a first step towards reintegrating them back into the society as well as contribute their quota to the development of the state and the country.

Dickson, therefore warned the youths against being used by selfish and position seeking politicians to foment trouble in the state, stressing that era of politicking is over for now.

On the Subsidy RE-investment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, Governor Dickson, explained that the programme was targeted at young people who do not have a means of livelihood.

He noted that the funds from the SURE-P were the first batch of payment and everybody cannot benefit from it and appealed for understanding since it was an ongoing exercise.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser on Youths Mobilization and Empowerment, Hon. Timi Ogoriba, said the SURE-P funds were strictly meant for people residing in the local government areas pointing out that in the first batch, 300 forms were distributed amongst the 105 wards in the state and assured that nobody would be shortchanged.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Mr. Akpoebide Alamieyeseigha hailed Governor Dickson for identifying with the youths and urged them to maximise the opportunity.

He noted that the idea of disbursing the SURE-P funds to the rural dwellers was for such people to have a sense of belonging.

In their separate responses, Chairman of the National Youth Council, Mr. Bright Igrubia as well as youths from Southern Ijaw and Sagbama local government areas, Oyinkarina Ebidou and Godfrey Alagoa, spoke on the need to establish a Peace and Discipline Corps in the state.

They also appealed for increment in their allowances and logistics to enable them carry out their duties of mobilizing other youths to key into the restoration agenda of government.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 days 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

6 days 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

6 days 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.