Niger Delta

Road Construction: Expert Recommends French Drains For N’ Delta

Published

7 years ago

November 26, 2018

Towards ensuring sustainable roads in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, an expert in road construction, Engr. Mark Daso Derefaka, says the best option is what he called perforated drains, popularly called French Drains.
Engr Derefaka, who made this known recently in his lecture titled, “Popular Participation in Promoting Sustainable Rural Roads in Niger Delta”, stated that the reason for this option was due to the type of soil and impact of the wheather on roads in the region.
“There are many factors that affect our roads, these include, but not limited to flooding caused by rainfall, river overflow and underground water”, he said.
According to him, these factors at the end of the day, cause a lot of saturation on the roads’ general structure, especially when the road is submerged in a period of time ranging from two to three months.
“For roads in such situation, the various parameters used for road designs such as CBR, MDD, etc., could not be very effective”, he explained.
Consequently, beyond the consideration of known and acceptable parameters for road construction, there is the need to “think out of the box to bring out a suitable design and construction method that will be effective” in the Niger Delta region.
“We are therefore suggesting that perforated drains (French Drains) could be considered in the construction of these roads”, he said.
According to him, it entails placing the French Drains “across the road length at specific intervals as is done for Culverts, but not determined by the topography”, in such a way that it does not affect the actual culvert constructions, “which is determined by the topography”.
Additionally, Derefaka continued, “all roads in this region must have two-side drains for effective discharge of water”.
The road construction expert, who was the guest lecturer at this year’s 3rd Rivers and Bayelsa Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Highway and Transport Engineers, therfore recommended considerations for design and construction of roads in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.

By: Soibi Max-Alalibo & Beauty David-West.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

3 days ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.