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Rivers Police Parade 13 Armed Robbery Suspects

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11 years ago

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The Rivers State Police
Command has paraded 13 armed robbery suspects arrested by men of the force within various locations in the state.
Those arrested by the police include two inter-state kidnappers, David Francis and Edwin Ekpenyong as well as a member of a notorious armed robbery gang, Chinonso Ihesinulor that operated along Ogbunabali axis of the state.
Briefing journalists in his office on the achievements recorded by the command so far, the state Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin, said intelligence-led policing was the fulcrum of police operation in the state.
Mr. Ogunsakin disclosed that since he assumed duty as the commissioner of police in the state he had vowed to rid the state of all forms of criminalities, adding that he had earlier sounded a note of warning to all criminals in the state to either have a change of mind and become law abiding citizens or relocate from the state.
According to him, “that is because the criminals shall be made to face the full wrath of the law as there will be no hiding place for them.”
He told journalists that in realising the laudable objective of ridding the state of bad elements, a gang of armed robbers that specialises in robbing unsuspecting members of the public were arrested at about 13:45 hours at Ogbunabali by St. Patrick Hospital, adding that the gang opened fire on sighting a police patrol team.
“This prompted the police to immediately engage them in an exchange of gun fire. The gang was, however, overwhelmed by the superior fire power of our men who displayed their resilience in the course of the gun exchange.
“Consequently, the gang was forced to run for their dear lives and abandoned the stolen Toyota highlander jeep with registration number LSR825AP they had earlier snatched” he stated.
The state Commissioner of police also said that on Monday, 17/02/2014, at about 15:00 hours, the police acting on intelligence swooped on one David Francis at Fidelity Bank, Trans Amadi and arrested him while trying to withdraw the ransom money for a recent kidnap that took place in Akwa State, adding that the suspect later led a team of police operatives to arrest his accomplice, Edwin Ekpenyong.
Mr. Ogunsakin vowed to continue an aggressive onslaught against criminals until crime situation is brought to near zero level in the state, adding that he had directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPO) to intensify their efforts in crime fighting by embarking on intensive patrols and massive raids on suspected criminal hideouts and black sports in their areas.
While thanking members of the public for giving the police useful information, the state police boss called for more synergy the public and the police in the fight against crime.

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Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

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5 days ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

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CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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5 days ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.
Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.
He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.
“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.
He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.
Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.
Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.
He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.
He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.
He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.
A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.
He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.
Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.
On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo,  called for a balanced focus on security and human development.
“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.
Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.
“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.
Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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5 days ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in   his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to  abstain from illicit drugs consumption.
Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.
He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.
The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.
He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.
The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.
According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.
The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.
The World Day of Drug Abuse,  was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.
King Onunwor
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