News
We’ll End Serial Killings In Rivers, CP Assures
The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to end the menace of hotel killings in the State, just as it disclosed the arrest of another suspected serial killer at the Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mustapha Dandaura disclosed this when about 74 women groups led by the Rotary Club protested to the command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday, over the killing of young women in hotels in the state.
Some of the groups that joined the protest include, ‘Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA), among others.
Dandaura further disclosed that the latest suspect was arrested while trying to strangle a young lady with a white towel in a hotel room they lodged; just as he said that no fewer than nine young women have been killed in the same circumstance in the state in the past two months.
He stated that two previous suspected serial killers arrested earlier were still in police custody and giving useful information, noting that the third suspect was picked up in the early hours of Tuesday.
The state police boss said, “We already have two suspects in custody. I am glad to announce to you that we have arrested a third suspect at a hotel in Rumuokoro.
“He locked the door, we had to force the suspect to open the door, and we now saw a lady there. A young lady and a middle-aged man so to say. We now asked them what happened. The lady said that he took her and booked that hotel room, and in the night while she was asleep, the man wanted to strangle her with a towel”.
Dandaura assured the protesting women that the command would arrest those responsible for the killing.
“We want to assure each and every one of you here that the command will not relent in our effort to see that these cultists who go around killing these innocent women are brought to book.
“It is a cultist activity. I discovered that all the victims that were killed, they used to put a white cloth round their waist or round their neck. So, it is a sign that it is a cultist activity going on.
“It is not only one person doing it. They are a group. We will continue to pursue them and make sure that we get rid of this menace that is going on. Efforts are on the ground to end this serial killing in Rivers and we will do that,” he assured.
Earlier, the protesting groups led by the Rotary Club, had asked security agencies to be tough on crime in a bid to fish out those responsible for the killing of young women in hotels in Port Harcourt.
The women said this during a peace walk to some institutions, including the State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS) and Government House, Port Harcourt during which they presented a petition to them.
President of Rotary Club, Port Harcourt South, Rita Marley, said that the women in the state were worried over the killings, and called on government and security agencies to step up their operations to ensure that perpetrators of the act were arrested and prosecuted.
“We are saying that a thorough, unbiased and speedy investigation by the police should be looked into in all the killings. We also want a public apology to be made by the police regarding the statement that all the women being killed are prostitutes. We are also saying that all hotels should have a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Camera.
Also speaking, former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, stressed the need for people in authority to be held accountable on issues of security.
The group demanded justice for the families of female victims who have been murdered by the killers within the state.
The walk was a sequel to the alleged recent killing of women in some hotels in Port Harcourt.
With the dress code, ‘All Black’ which symbolises fear, mystery, death, evil, and aggression, authority, rebellion among other things, the groups came out en masse to register their grievances in the way to fish out the serial killers in the state.
From the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, where the walk kicked off, the female groups in their numbers went around the city.
They carried placards with different inscriptions, including, “The serial killers who called a woman prostitute should apologize”, “We demand justice and for those victims who have been killed”, “We are not saved anymore”, among other things.
According to the groups, “Women should not be killed rather they should be protected from the hands of ritual killers and ensure that families of those killed get justice”.
Similarly, the Rivers State House of Assembly has joined in the crusade to condemn the recent murder of young girls in hotels across Port Harcourt and environs.
This formed part of the resolution of the House during plenary, yesterday, as a three-man committee headed by Hon. Kelechi Wogu was set up to liaise with other relevant agencies to check the menace.
The resolution was a result of a motion presented by Hon. Sam Ogeh of Emohua Constituency, together with Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon Linda Stewart of Okrika Constituency.
Both Ogeh and Stewart had through their motion, raised alarm over the recent murder of young ladies by yet-to-be uncovered syndicate at various hotels in Port Harcourt.
Already, the police had put the figures of victims at nine.
Ogeh submitted that, “It appears that there is no end to it and the recent protests by different women groups call for action.”
He emphasized that the hotels have the moral duty to protect the lives of their guests as provided by the law, and “it has come to a point such that as a responsible House, we have to add our voice to this problem”.
Before subjecting the motion to debate and vote, Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi -Owaji Ibani said, “This is a basic and underlying motion that should be taken seriously.”
He hailed the security agencies for the arrest so far made, while commending the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for the security measures put in place to secure lives and property in the state.
Kevin Nengia, Dennis Naku & Nancy Gbarabuleh
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.
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