Niger Delta
JTF Combs Bayelsa Creeks For Soldiers’ Killers

Nysc Corps members carrying the casket bearing the remains of their colleague, Chukwudumebi Okonta who was killed during the last Rivers rerun elections after a requiem mass at Holy Family Catholic Church Ajaji Illah, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State last Friday
Operation Pulo Shield, the
Joint Military Force deployed to the Niger Delta region says it has deployed security agents to sea routes and creeks in search of the hoodlums who killed two of their men last Tuesday just it also expressed sadness over the incident.
Spokesman of Joint Military Force in the Niger Delta, Col Isa Ado,has confirmed the death of two soldiers in a gun duel with suspected kidnappers near Nembe in Bayelsa.
Ado said in a telephone interview yesterday that the troops in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers killed one of the suspects while some arrests were made but said details were still sketchy on the operation.
“The unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday morning at Ogbolomabiri-Nembe junction, some two kilometers away from Nembe, our troops on escort duty encountered some gunmen who happened to be kidnappers.
“The kidnappers attacked our soldiers and there was exchange of gunfire and we lost two of our personnel and they whisked away an expatriate who works for a construction firm Setraco and fled through the waterways.
“However the loss of our personnel is regrettable and most unfortunate and their death on the line of duty for the development of the Niger Delta region is very painful.
“Their supreme sacrifice can never be in vain as the commander of operation Pulo Shield has given stern directives to apprehend the criminals to face prosecution and free the hostage.
“We have intensified aggressive patrols and it is yielding results, there are developments on the matter, our men had an encounter with the pirates one of them was killed.
“We found three victims in their boat, made some arrests and some of them escaped but we are on their trail and we shall issue a statement as soon as we get all the details together,” Ado said.
Ado also said that the nationality of the expatriate suspected to be a Lebanese could not yet be confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Ibim Semenitari,has condemned the killing of two soldiers and abduction of an expatriate working on the Ogbia-Nembe road in Bayelsa last Tuesday.
A statement signed by the NDDC boss and issued to newsmen in Port Harcrout, quoted Semenitari as saying the victims were attached to Setraco Nigeria Limited, handling the road project awarded by the commission.
She described the incident as ‘saddening’ saying the road was meant to bring development to the Niger Delta Region.
“ The road project is undertaken by the commission in partnership with Shell to open up communities along this stretch, all the way to Nembe and then Brass.
“It will improve commerce, reduce incidents of piracy and improve the living conditions of the people,” she said.
She said that the first phase of the road project could have been ready for inauguration later this month, but would not be possible because contractors were pulling out of site.
She said that development could not be carried out in an insecure environment.
“ I call on communities of the Niger Delta, civil society organisations, governments and government agencies, the security agencies to do all that is necessary within the law to bring an end to this,” she said.
She also called on the security agencies, communities, local and state governments to guarantee the safety of personnel and infrastructure at all sites.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.