Niger Delta

Knights Mark Silver Jubilee In Calabar

Published

12 years ago

June 17, 2013

The Knight of St. John International (KSJI) is twenty-five years old in Calabar, just as the sacred Heart Commander 461 and Immaculate Heart, Laux 301, which pioneered the Knighthood in Calabar, twenty-five years ago are rolling out the drums to mark the celebration.

The Sacred Heart Commander, which was said to have given birth to many commander in Calabar Grand Commandery, since inception, has nurtured the birth of not less than (5) five commander in Calabar.

Speaking to newsmen, the Worthy President of Commandery 461, Calabar, Major Matthew Odok said the Silver Jubilee Celebration will feature memorial mass for deceased brothers and sisters of the commandery.

He also stated that a novelty foot-ball match between the Knights of St. John Commandery 461, and Knights of St. Mulumba, Calabar Sub-council is scheduled for this weekend while there was going to be a Silver Jubilee Anniversary lectures to be delivered by Rev. Fr. Cletus Udoh.

The Silver Jubilee Mass, he said comes up on Saturday, June 15th at 10a.m at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ikot Ansa, Calabar and is to preceded by a Dinner and Awards nights, slated to hold at the Calabar Sports Club in the evening.

Other events earmarked for the Silver Jubilee Celebration include a visit to Old People’s Home by the Charity Committee on Thursday 13th June, and Silver Jubilee Mass on Saturday, June 15th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Calabar, while the thanksgiving mass will hold on Sunday, June, 16th at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Egerton street.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Sir, Francis Nton, said the Silver Jubilee, beyond the celebrations shall be used to take stock of the contribution of the order to the growth of the church in Calabar and beyond, noting that the Sacred Heart Commandery, 461, intends to use the weeklong activities to evangelise the public about the Knighthood, the Catholic Church and the impartation of the Knighthood on the secular society.

The Chairman has therefore called on the general public to participate actively in the series of activities earmarked for the Silver Jubilee Celebration.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 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

4 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

4 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.