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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
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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