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Fish Out, Prosecute Boko Haram Sponsors – Ijaw Youth, Confab Delegates

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Fallen Fence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Guest House at Bayaran Area in Bauchi State, recently.

Fallen Fence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Guest House at Bayaran Area in Bauchi State, recently.

The foremost Ijaw youth organisation, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on the Federal Government to fish out sponsors of Boko Haram extremists.
The group spoke against the backdrop of incessant terror attack by the terrorist group.
IYC said that it is high time the Federal Government took drastic and far reaching steps against sponsors of terrorism in the country.
The group said that the bomb blast at Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja was an indication that Boko Haram has infiltrated the nation’s seat of power.
The group said that the recent attack has shown that Boko Haram has an agenda to extend its activities to other parts of the country once they succeeded to overrun the North East.
Joining league of people condemning the bomb blast which killed 72 people and injured 164 others, IYC said that it received with utmost disbelief the news of the terrorist attack.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Eric Omare, a lawyer, the group condemn the attack and commiserated with the families of the victims and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While considering the deadly nature of attack and the implication on the nation’s security, the IYC called on the Federal Government to take drastic and far reaching steps against sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.
The problem of terrorism cannot be resolved without tackling the source of their sponsorship, the group said.
The group added that the sponsors of Boko Haram should be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
It however said that the Federal Government cannot claim ignorance of the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria with all the security apparatus at its disposal.
The statement said; “Government must act decisively irrespective of whose ox is gored and protect the ordinary people of Nigeria”.
“The interest of the generality of Nigerians is over and above the interest of a few power-hungry people who are sponsoring terrorism”.
“The IYC wishes to reiterate its earlier position that the ultimate objective of the sponsors of Boko Haram and terrorism is to make the country ungovernable and forcefully take over the government of Nigeria”.
However, disturbed by the bomb explosion that occurred at the park of the popular ‘El-Rufai’ buses at Nyanyan in Abuja, delegates to the national conference have condemned the activities of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.
The delegates at plenary on Monday, consequently called for the immediate implementation of the Gaji Galmatiri Committee report which recommended prosecution of some politicians found to be empowering Boko Haram.Modibbo Kawu and 19 other delegates had expressed displeasure over the early Monday bomb explosion and recent killings in other parts of the country.
The motion to condemn the blast did not however go unchallenged as Chief Sergeant Awuse, raised a point of order, arguing that the conference cannot entertain such motion because the delegates were not served with the motion paper ahead of time.
But Femi Falana, countered Awuse’s objection, citing Order 1 rule (2) which says no formalization is required on this issue because it is an issue of urgent National importance.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to immediately commence a process of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.
Modibo, who led a debate on the motion, lamented that despite the declaration of state of emergency in three North East states, the insecurity in those states continued to escalate.
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to halt the killing of innocent people by the dreaded Boko Haram, saying enough is enough!
Reacting to the Nyanya bomb explosion that claimed no fewer than 72 people on Monday and left over 164 injured, the TUC leadership was appalled at the recent incidents of massacre of many innocent souls by members of the faceless Boko Haram insurgent group.
The TUC President and Secretary, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Comrade Musa Lawal respectively, in a statement said, “It is unfortunate that this incident happened at all, worse still that it happened while the nation was still trying to come to terms with the reported killing of over 210 other people in Gwoza, Dikwa, Kala Balge, and Gambulga towns last Friday and Saturday, and another 60 in Kaigamari and Ngoshe villages, all in Borno State.
“Also grievous is the case of scores of students who were gruesomely killed by the insurgents as they travelled to Borno State to write their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“The congress wonders when this spate of wanton killings would end. When will the culprits be apprehended and made to dance to the music of the law?
How long shall it take for the armed forces, the police and other security agencies to checkmate the hoodlums and re-establish much-desired peace and security in all the trouble spots within the country?
“How many more lives shall be lost on the altar of religious extremism and political chauvinism before the inglorious marauders and their sponsors are brought to their knees? Sooner than later, we certainly do hope! Nigerians are peace-loving and deserve no less”.
The congress says going by media reports on the sophistication of weapons being carried by the insurgents, it is baffled that they are determined to “destroy this nation and its people politically, socially, economically and otherwise. By the grace of God, they must not and shall never succeed!”
It therefore “Implore the federal government and the security forces to buckle up and confront the security challenge head-on. To all intents and purposes the insurgents have declared war on the nation, and there is no reason why they should not be viewed and treated in that light.
“Enough of the political soft talk and double-speak. Enough of the indecisive actions and procrastinations. It is time for the Nigerian armed forces to uncompromisingly give fire for fire in fulfilment of their avowed duty to defend the nation, more so as the insurgents have demonstrated that they only understand the language of violence.
“The intelligence agencies must give the necessary backing with timely information about the insurgents and their operations. Our diplomatic corps should up their acts and enlist full support and co-operation of friendly nations and relevant international agencies.
“And the civil populace should speak out against the wicked affront on our national well-being and refuse to be cowed into deadly silence by it. All hands must be on deck to permanently end this menace called Boko Haram. The eagle that chooses to perch but will not let other eagles do likewise, let its wings break!”
The NLC President, Malam Abduwaheed Omar, said most of the people killed or injured were workers and petty traders.
“This is a very serious issue and we are wondering why the choice of this place. We are highly devastated and feel that government must try to overhaul the security system.
“Something is really wrong and it is high time we started to do things differently in terms of security.
“Nigeria cannot afford to continue to lose people, particularly its workforce, in such magnitude,’’ Omar said.
Meanwhile, police and hospital sources have confirmed yesterday that 72 persons died, while 164 were injured in the bomb blast.
Tambuwal, yesterday visited victims of the Monday bomb blast at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The speaker was conducted round the emergency ward to see the victims by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.
Tambuwal, who condemned the attack, said that the issue was not about any political party, but an attack against the Nigerian people.
He called on leaders to stop playing politics with the issue of insecurity, saying they should collectively work together for the good of the country.
“As leaders in this country, we must all come together and support the government in addressing this challenge.
“We should stop playing politics with issue of insecurity. From what I have seen among the victims, I doubt if they are members of any political party.
“We should stop playing politics, we should address the issue and it is not about any religion.
“It is unfortunate. We must come together. We must rise to the challenge and address it .
“We must all work together as a nation to address the issue of security, we should stop playing politics with security,’’ he said.
Tambuwal, while on the visit, said that he had indicated interest to go to the National Blood Transfusion Centre to donate blood to the victims.
“I call on well-meaning Nigerians who have the capacity to donate blood to please come out and donate blood and whatever is required for the survival of the victims.’’
On what motivated him to donate blood to the victims, the speaker said that he was moved by “humanity in him and by what he saw’’.

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Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf

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Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.

The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP  Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.

CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.

The students, led by  Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.

According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.

The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.

Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.

He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.

Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.

The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.

He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.

CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.

He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.

Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.

The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.

The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.

According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.

The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.

Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.

He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.

CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.

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College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates  For 2027 Polls

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The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.

International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.

Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.

He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.

Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.

“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.

Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.

He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.

According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.

Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.

The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.

Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.

By: John Bibor

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Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping

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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.

Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.

The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.

He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.

Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.

On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.

The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.

Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.

On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.

He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.

The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.

Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.

By; King Onunwor

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