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Kidnapped Wike’s Aide, Nte Regains Freedom …As Gunmen Kill Policemen, Five Others In Rivers

Published

7 years ago

March 11, 2019

The Police in Rivers State have rescued the former chairperson of Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mrs Emilia Rogers Nte, who was, last Friday night, kidnapped at gun point by unknown gunmen at her home in Uyeada.
The Rivers State Police spokesman, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the good news last night.
He said she was rescued by the police but didn’t give details.
It would be recalled that gunmen had allegedly shot her on the thigh before taking her away during her abduction.
Nte had also served as a Special Adviser to Governor Nyesom Wike.
The kidnap took place exactly, two weeks after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monwan Etete and his elder brother were killed by unknown gunmen in Asarama, in the same LGA.
It was not clear whether the kidnap was politically-motivated or a separate incident of kidnapping for pecuniary gains.
Information from credible source from Andoni who does not want his name mentioned, confirmed the incident.
According to the source, the gunmen first shot her on the thigh before taking her away.
It was initially speculated that she was dead, but a close family member of the abducted politician had corrected the impression, saying she was still alive.
Andoni is the local government area of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.
Also, no fewer than six persons including a policeman on election duty were killed at separate locations across the state.
Spokesman of the state Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, had said, last Friday that the police officer was killed when he and his colleagues tried to rescue Mrs. Nte, from kidnappers who eventually succeeded in whisking her off to an unknown destination.
According to him, “Emilia was not killed; she was only kidnapped by unknown gunmen. It was only a policeman that lost his life in that incident.
“It was in an attempt to rescue her we lost a policeman. So, she was kidnapped.
Nte, a PDP chieftain in Andoni LGA, was snatched at gunpoint at her home in Unyeaba community, Andoni LGA.
Meanwhile, four persons, two of them were beheaded at Luawii community in Khana Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen during the election and their heads taken away by suspected cultists.
Sources said some gunmen invaded the community about 7am, last Saturday, shot sporadically, destroying cars and houses and reportedly killed four persons.
Confirming the killings, Chief Security Officer of Khana LGA, Letam Kine called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the wicked act.
Also, the Youth President of Luawii community, Bariere Fadeh and the President, National Union of Luawii Students Worldwide, Comrade Egere Smith have condemned the killings.
Fadeh said, “Some unknown gunmen came to our place, entered Luawe community and killed about four persons, destroyed houses and burnt cars. I am appealing to the Rivers State Government to intervene in the matter.
On his part, Smith said, “We are calling on the Government of Rivers State and the security agencies to immediately intervene in the occurrence of the unknown gunmen that invaded Luawii community by 7am (on Saturday). So far, four deaths have been recorded,” he stated.
When contacted, Omoni said the command was yet to receive information concerning the violence in Khana.
Also in Ahoada West LGA, the Chairman of the council, Hon. Hope Ikiriko confirmed that one person was killed in the area.
Ikiriko also alleged that men in military uniform also invaded and intimidated voters there.
“They were in police and SARS uniform. Some of them we could say are fake policemen, but some are real SARS officers because we could identify two or three of them who have been consistent since the Presidential elections and now.
“We have got some evidence. Anyway they shot at one of our supporters directly and shot another one on the leg and then, when we raised an alarm, they drove off. One of them died instantly,” the council boss said.

Dennis Naku

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor