Niger Delta

Kidnap Attempt Dims Investment Forum Prospects

Published

10 years ago

August 5, 2015

L-R: Prof Winston Bell-Gam, Rtn Orumabo Boma, immediate past President, Rtn Datonye Alasia and President, 2015/2016 Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, G.R.A, Rtn Gideon Etiaran, during the installation ceremony of the 6th Club President in Port Harcourt on Saturday Photo: Egberi A. Sampson

The killing of two police and
foiled attempts to abduct the Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Council last Thursday seemed to have affected the on-going Investment Forum organised by Bayelsa State Government to woo investors to the state.
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, had assured investors during his opening speech at the forum, that while there is a lot of opportunities for them to invest with serene peaceful atmosphere coupled with adequate security, the recent incident seems to have seriously impacted on that statement.
According to the story, apart from killing the two policemen, the hoodlums also carted away their official rifles
However, other policemen were able to foil the kidnapping of Elder Remember Ogbe, the council chairman when policemen attached to him repelled gunshots by the kidnappers.
Although the whereabouts of the escaped council chairman still remained unknown as at the time of this report, police authorities in the state capital had confirmed the killing and the foiled kidnap attempt on the chairman
The blood tasty kidnappers after killing the policemen disappeared to unknown destination and left the lifeless bodies helpless.
The sad incident happened in the hours of 4pm and 6pm at the chairman’s residence in Amassoma when the men of the underworld struck and killed the officers and scampered away
It was gathered that the killing of the police officers by the hoodlums had attracted sympathy as residents of the area were seen in a sorrowful mood expressing shock.
The identities of the deceased policemen were not made public, while their corpses had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary in Yenagoa.
Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the killing of the policemen, and said the kidnappers also went away with the police rifles.
The PPRO said the two corporals died due to injuries sustained in the gunshots by the kidnappers, but added that the command foiled the kidnap attempt on Elder Remember Ogbe, the council Chairman.
The Police spokesman said one of the hoodlums has been arrested while efforts have been intensified to apprehend others.
It will be recalled that the whereabouts of the kidnapped monarch of Gbarain Clan in Tombia Community , His Royal Highness Chief C. A. Otobotekere is still unknown.
The community traditional ruler was abducted on Thursday 24th July, 2015, early morning by heavily armed five man gang in his residence Gbarain Clan, Bayelsa State.

Fyneface Aaron, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.

Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.

The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.

The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.

Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.

The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.

The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.

The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.

Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.

Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.

“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.

Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.

Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.

“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

8 hours ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.

The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.

It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.

Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.

He, however, said while several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.

“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.

‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.

In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.

Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.