News
Ebocha Explosion: Host Communities Bemoan Devastation …As Agip Loses 1.5m Barrels Of Crude
L-R: President General, Bakana Community Development Association, Mr Iloye Braide, Prof. Victor Omuaru and Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Banigo, during the association’s courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday
Host communities of Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), the Italian oil prospecting giant are now groaning in pains, tears and fear apparently due to the explosion of three massive reservoirs containing several hundreds of thousands of crude oil.
The indigenes of the area are particularly crying foul following non-delivery of relief materials to them, four days after the blasts which devastated the environment, destroying flora and fauna.
The communities, whose environment was impacted include: Mgbede, Okwuzi, Aggah, Abacheke, Abaezi and Etekwuru, spreading across two states, Rivers and Imo, where acquatic life, farms, livestock and human beings are at risk due to emissions occasioned by the tragedy.
The Tide investigations revealed that the oil production from the Ebocha facility, which stood at 22,000 bpd before the blast, had been stalled, and workers were seen milling some distance from the facility, waiting for orders from above on the next line of action.
While security had been beefed up in the area to forestall violence and protect lives and property, indigenes have been forced to relocate to neighbouring communities, for safety.
Our reporter gathered that the blasts occurred on Sunday and the fire raged till last Tuesday, from three giant tanks, leaving locals to scamper for safety of their lives.
The paramount ruler of the host communities, Mgbede town, Eze Chadinah Ogor told The Tide that the devastation was horrible and that people were thrown out of their beds and comfort homes following the loud noise, smoke and huge flame that enveloped the area.
Ogor noted that since oil prospecting by Agip began in 1968, indigenes have never witnessed such thunderous explosion.
He blamed the disaster on poor maintenance culture of Agip as, according to him, most of their facilities and equipment were obsolete and non-effective.
The monarch called for the re-appraisal of Agip’s operational policy, and also harped on the need for immediate relief materials to cushion the effects of the blasts, as well as remediation of the impacted environment.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local government Area, Mr. Augustine Ahiamadu, who visited the site of the explosions, said the council has contacted the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Agip to initially assess the impact of the disaster on the people and the environment.
Ahiamadu noted that the council has declared the area as a disaster zone while efforts were in top gear to send relief materials to the people so impacted.
He also called for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the environment.
In his reaction, a landlord to the Ebocha oil centre, Engr. Nelson Ekperi, lamented the plight of the landlords and other host communities, adding that the tragedy was unimaginable.
The Tide learnt that there was some gaseous emissions at the oil centre, few days to the blasts.
Sources said workers who were working on the facility were masked to avoid inhaling gas.
When contacted, Mr. Ifeanyi Ewule of NAOC’s public affairs department declined comments.
He, however, referred The Tide to his boss, Mr. Etim, who ignored all calls and text messages sent to him on the issue.
But workers at the oil centre, who pleaded anonymity, could not ascertain whether the blasts were caused by equipment failure or sabotage.
However, they contended that Agip may have lost over 1.5 million barrels of crude oil to the tragedy, and equipment worth billions of Naira razed by the inferno.
The Tide learnt that a team comprising the host communities’ representatives, stakeholders, NAOC’s management and other relevant agencies may likely go for the first Joint Inspection Visit (JIV) in the next couple of days.
Goodluck Ukwe
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a large consignment of cocaine concealed in heads of imported dry stock fish and arrested a key member of the syndicate responsible for shipping the drugs abroad.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
He said the arrest and seizure followed intelligence on trans-border criminal activities.
Babafemi said the intelligence led to a sting operation by operatives of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Strategic Command of the Agency at the Ojo area of Lagos on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“In the course of the operation, three jumbo size bags were found in possession of the kingpin 36-year-old Akputa Dickson Ejike.
“A search of the bags led to the recovery of Two Hundred and Thirty-Seven (237) wraps of cocaine buried in the heads of imported dry stock fish locally known as ‘Okporoko.’
“The cocaine pellets have a gross weight of 5.80 kilograms. The consignment was intended for export to Delhi, India,” the statement read.
In a separate operation on Wednesday, March 25, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted two consignments bound for the United Kingdom at a courier company in Lagos.
“In one of the shipments that originated from Cotonou, Benin Republic, 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine were found concealed in automobile filters while the second parcel contains 40 ampoules of Morphine Sulphate and nine ampoules of Fentanyl,” the statement said.
Babafemi added that on March 26, a Special Operations Unit (SOU) raided the home of 46-year-old Omolade Abigail Jolayemi, known as “Iya Ghana,” at 13 Carter Street, Yaba, Lagos.
According to him, she and her associate, 31-year-old Sarah Zainab Agbabiaka, were arrested after operatives recovered 135 blocks of cannabis weighing 76.30 kilograms.
“Same day, the SOU operatives also arrested Anayo Lucky Ohabiro, 39, at Doyin bus stop, Surulere, Lagos following credible intelligence. A total of 78 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 41kg were seized from him,” he said.
In Ekiti State, the statement added that “an 80-year-old grandpa, Oke Samuel, was on Thursday 26th March arrested by NDLEA operatives during a special raid operation at Mosafuneto camp, Erinmo road, Efon-Alaaye Ekiti. A total of 2.2kg skunk and 1.8grams of methamphetamine were recovered from him.”
Another suspect, 37-year-old Enuwa Kehinde Kingsley, had 894.72 kilograms of skunk seized from an uncompleted building in Ogbese, Akure North, Ondo State.
Elsewhere, 35-year-old Saater Nyam was apprehended at Pevi village, Guma LGA, Benue State, with 116.7 kilograms of skunk on Tuesday, March 24.
In Edo State, a warehouse raid in Ekpoma town, Esan West LGA, on Monday, March 23, led to the arrest of 25-year-old Felix Donald and the seizure of 576.5 kilograms of skunk and 33 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
In Taraba State, Babafemi said NDLEA officers intercepted a truck carrying 100 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 135 kilograms concealed in animal feed bags from Garbachede to Gombe State on Tuesday, March 24.
Two suspects, 21-year-old Osama Mamuda and 22-year-old Auwal Umar, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
Babafemi noted that the agency has also continued its War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy, conducting sensitisation lectures in schools across Cross River, Adamawa, Oyo, Kano, and Lagos states.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), commended operatives from MMIA, SOU, DOGI, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, Edo, and Taraba Commands for their efforts and praised all commands nationwide for balancing drug supply reduction with drug demand reduction initiatives.
The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on political leaders at all levels to demonstrate empathy and take urgent steps to ease the growing economic hardship facing Nigerians, as Christians mark Palm Sunday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the significance of Palm Sunday offers timely lessons for leadership, particularly during a period marked by economic strain and global uncertainty.
Reflecting on the biblical account of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Okoh noted that the moment symbolised humility, peace, and purposeful leadership rather than a display of power.
“Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope,” he said.
He stressed that the country’s current socio-economic realities demand similar qualities from those in authority.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising, and for countless families, daily life is getting harder,” Okoh said.
He linked domestic economic challenges to global developments, particularly tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which he said are disrupting energy markets worldwide.
“The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing,” he said, warning that such pressures are intensifying the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
The CAN president emphasised that in times of uncertainty, the tone and actions of leaders are critical in restoring public confidence.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, people need reassurance, stability, and the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through,” he stated.
He further urged leaders to embrace a style of governance rooted in restraint, compassion, and commitment to the common good.
“True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in empathy and in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom,” Okoh added.
Beyond government, CAN also called on the Church and citizens to promote unity and peace, drawing inspiration from the collective spirit associated with Palm Sunday.
“It reminds us of a moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace, strengthen unity, and support one another,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians and those most affected by the economic downturn, Okoh encouraged resilience and hope.
“The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story,” he said, urging citizens not to lose faith amid difficulties.
He expressed hope that the lessons of Palm Sunday would inspire renewed commitment to national cohesion and shared progress.
“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all,” the statement added.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South -South to be united and work together to ensure that the ruling party achieves its ultimate goal in the region.
The governor who spoke at the South South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, said working in unity and with a common purpose will enable them deliver optimally to the electoral fortunes of the party in 2027.
“We can only achieve our goal when we are united and we work together. I surely believe that this is the right time, the right people and the right place. My charge to those of you elected today is that the responsibility is going to be very tasking but I believe strongly that they will deliver for our party,” he said.
Fubara expressed confidence that the newly elected leadership of the party would be equal to the task.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government for hosting the Zonal Delegates Congress, stressing that he believes that the best will come from the South South region.
The Congress which attracted the creme de la creme of the APC in the zone, saw the re-election of the zonal leadership through consensus. The reinstated leaders were promptly inaugurated at the ceremony.
Some of the dignitaries in attendance include the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governors Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Duoye Doris of Bayelsa State, Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Bassey Otu of Cross River State and Sheriff Oboroevwori of Delta State.
Also in attendance were the members of the National Assembly as well as members of the State Houses of Assembly from the South South Zone.
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