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Army Uncovers Skulls, Arms Cache In Omoku
The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has crushed a criminal hideout in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State and arrested some suspects.
Military sources said the hideout is the palatial multi-million naira estate of the notorious ex-militant, repentant cultist, kidnapper, armed robber and illegal oil thief, Johnson Igwedibia, alias Don Waney at his home town, Aligwu, Omoku in Rivers State
A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col Aminu Iliyasu, also confirmed the recovery of assorted arms and ammunition, military uniforms, including hard drugs and human skulls.
In the statement, Iliyasu said, “In the early hours of Monday, 20th November, 2017, as part of their continued efforts to rid the Niger Delta of criminals and acts of criminality, troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army, based on a tip-off by some patriotic citizens, raided the camp and shrines of a notorious militant, cultist, kidnapper and ardent illegal oil bunkerer, Mr. Igwedibia Johnson (aka “Don Waney”), who has been terrorising the peace-loving Omoku community in particular, as well as the entire people of Rivers and Bayelsa states.
“After about an hour of gun fight, the gallant troops overpowered the criminal elements. Some of them scampered in disarray, and are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds through River Orashe in Omoku.
“The troops, however, arrested seven others, including two ladies while they were trying to escape during the encounter.
“It is believed that the main kingpin, Igwedibia Johnson (aka “Don Waney”), was not at the location during the encounter as concerted efforts are on by security agencies to track, arrest and bring him to justice,” Iliyasu explained.
He further emphasised that “The troops recovered quite a number of items at both the camp and the shrines, which include; 10 human skulls, various human bones, two AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and 18 AK-47 rifle magazines.”
The statement stressed that the Army also recovered, “Four pairs of military camouflage, five camouflage T-Shirts, three Fabrique Nationale (FN) rifle magazines, 39 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition and one round of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.
“Others are two bags weighing about 25kg containing substances believed to be Cannabis (Marijuana), three ICOM Hand-held Radios and two MAG ONE Hand-held Radios,” it added.
The statement quoted the Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, as thanking the good people of Omoku and Rivers State, for the timely information and understanding while also soliciting for their continued support in the Army’s determined effort to rid the area of militants, cultists, illegal oil bunkerers and kidnappers.
Community sources said that the ex-militant leader and repentant cultist, was reportedly shot in the wee hours of Monday alongside other of his lieutenants by the local security task force during a joint operation in the area.
It would be recalled that in October, last year, the militant leader and cultist embraced the Rivers State Government amnesty programme, and surrendered some arms and ammunition, with a pledge to completely retrace his steps in perpetuating crimes and criminality.
He had been accused in some quarters of being responsible for most of the criminal activities, violent killings, among others, in the Omoku and Ahoada areas, including the East-West Road and Bayelsa State.
Sources said that the cult leader had continued in his criminal enterprise even after receiving the state pardon from the Rivers State Government.
However, conflicting reports have emerged since the Monday gun duel, with his whereabouts yet unknown.
Meanwhile, speculations are rift that the ex-militant leader was killed in the gun battle.
His death has not been confirmed by the authorities.
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.