Niger Delta

Uduaghan Seeks Synergy On Fight Against Terrorism

Published

11 years ago

June 13, 2014

Governor Emmanuel
Uduaghan of Delta State has restated the need for collaborative action in the fight against terrorism in the country.
Speaking when a team of Foreign Defence Advisers and Attaches to Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba led by Navy Capt. Michael Afolabi of Defence Intelligence Agency, Uduaghan said that the country was facing serious security challenges that required everybody’s support.
“For Nigeria, we are all aware of the security challenges facing the country. “I urge you and everyone to openly condemn terrorism and deal with the challenges to restore peace in Nigeria,” he said.
The governor told the team that the state had had its share of security challenges but assured them that the situation had been brought under control.
He said that the state was one of the nine Niger Delta states producing oil and gas in the southern region of the country.
According to the governor, his administration has developed a model to diversify the economy.
“We in Delta have developed a development model known as ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ and this is aimed at utilising the oil revenue to develop other sectors of the state economy,” the governor said.
Earlier, Afolabi said that the team was in the state to appreciate the development of infrastructure that had taken place over the years.
He said that the team would undertake a study in only one state in Nigeria before departing and they decided to do so in Delta.
Afolabi thanked the governor for the reception and promised to do a report of their findings in all the places visited in their five-day guided tour of the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ovuzourie Macaulay, restated the state government’s commitment to peace and security.
He said that there were lots of opportunities for investors in oil and gas, agriculture and tourism, among others in the state, noting that Delta was safe for investors.
In a remark, a member of the team from Ghana, Air Commodore N.P.K. Dzokoto, lauded the state government’s model and urged that it should be replicated in other parts of Nigeria.
He said that education was the bedrock of development, while peace and security were vital for the sustenance of development.
“You can’t attract development in an atmosphere of conflict and violence,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the team of defence advisers had representatives from Germany, India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Portugal and Chad.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.