Niger Delta

Ayade Begs C’River IDPs To Return Home

Published

6 years ago

May 15, 2019

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has urged all the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the state taking refuge in Ebonyi to return home, assuring that their safety would be guaranteed. Ayade made the call last Monday at Nguzu Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi when he led a 10-man delegation to visit IDP camps at various locations in Edda. The governor, who was represented by the Paramount Ruler from Biase Local Government Area of Cross River, Mr Nicholas Odum interacted with the IDPs and officials of the Afikpo council.
“We want to assure you that peace has returned and that our efforts will not be in vain for you to come and live in peace in your homes.
“As the Paramount Ruler and Ononodum of Biase LGA, who have led this team to Afikpo South LGA, in Ebonyi is giving you my words that peace has returned to the crisis affected areas and that you have nothing to fear again.
“We have made every arrangement for you to return and whatever you tell us here, I will personally make sure I relay to the governor. So, we ask you to be calm and be lawful in this move; as we assure you we will not let you down,” Ayade said.
The governor also thanked, Chairman of Afikpo South LGA, Eni-Uduma Chima and the good people of Ekoli Edda for their magnanimity to the IDPs.
Addressing the delegation, Chima said although the matter was already being handled at the state level, the people of Ekoli Edda were one with those in Biase LGA, of Cross River. He said that all efforts would be made to ensure the return of the IDPs to their homes, adding that all stakeholders should join hands to achieve this, Chima said: “You know that this issue is both intra and inter and we are not here, today to deal with the issue as it concerns us because it’s already being handled at the state levels.
‘In fact, we hold joint meetings with the Chairman of Ohafia LGA of Abia State; but like you said we are in the best position to make suggestions, we are like people living in the house, where the roof leaks, we should know.
Spokesman for Urugban IDPs, Bishop Frank Uwali welcomed the delegation and prayed to God to grant the team the enabling strength and wisdom to carry out the assignment to logical conclusion.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week 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

1 week 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

1 week 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.