News

Boko Haram Kills Eight, Blows Up Bridge In Yobe

Published

12 years ago

July 30, 2014

L-R: Mr Vincent Udoye, Head of Maritime Safety and Seafarers Standard Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Nimasa), Capt. Bala Agaba and representative of Nimasa Director-General and Mr Warriedi Enisuoh, Director, Shipping Development, at a world news conference on Transforming Nigeria Maritime Industry in Lagos last Wednesday. Photo: NAN

No fewer than eight persons have been killed and a major bridge destroyed in Yobe State when gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect invaded Katarko Village in Gujba Local Government Area of the state on Monday night.
The gunmen, who stormed the community in large numbers, overpowered the soldiers at a check post not very far from the village.
A resident of Katarko, who gave his name as Lawan Ali, told newsmen that the gunmen “came at about 7:30 p.m.
“They stormed our village with some vehicles and many motorcycles, shooting and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is Great). Some of them could be mistaken for solders because of their dressing, which is mostly like that of the soldiers’ khaki. The soldiers in Katarko had to flee after seeing the large number of the attackers”.
“After attacking the village and killing about eight persons and injuring some others, we later heard a thunderous explosion at the location of the bridge; we all fled into the bush. But in the morning, we later found out that the bridge had been destroyed with bombs”, he added.
He continued that with such development, “in the next weeks to come, Katarko would be cut off and that part of Yobe State would no longer be accessible because the river will fill its bank and motorists will find it difficult”, he added.
Meanwhile, cholera, an acute infectious disease, has hit the two camps in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, where refugees who fled their homes in Damboa Local Government area of the state as a result of attacks by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram are taking shelter.
The Tide source learnt that the two camps housing over 11,000 refugees need immediate medical intervention as a result of the spread of the diseases.
According to reports in Biu, the camps have started witnessing a number of victims of cholera.
A resident of Biu, Mallam Habu Isa, told newsmen that the camp at one of the Primary Schools in Biu and the one at Government Girls’ Secondary School in Biu town were begging for immediate assistance from the Borno State Government.
He said that some medical personnel from Maiduguri, were at the camps to control the menace, lamenting that they left after two days, while the disease has continued to ravage the two camps.
He expressed worry that the disease may spread to people within the local government if not controlled.
Biu is about 187 kilometres from Maiduguri along the Damboa axis, but the continuous attack on travellers by the Boko Haram insurgents, along Damboa route to Biu, has made coming to Biu from Maiduguri, a suicide mission.
Travellers from Maiduguri to Biu in the state have to go through Potiskum to Gombe before getting to Biu, a distance which is now about 420 kilometres journey.
It could be recalled that since the displacement of the people living in Damboa by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, about 15, 300 refugees have been received at a camp in Maiduguri, about 13,050 at a camp in Gombe, about 11,000 in Biu, in addition to others who fled to Chibok and to the Cameroon border.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol