News
Task Force Denies Killing 75-Yr-Old Bureau de Change Operator
Following insinuations in some quarters that operatives of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading, Motor Parks and Mechanics had allegedly hacked an illegal bureau de change operator around the GRA Junction/Presidential Hotel/Rumuola axis of Port Harcourt to death over unexplained disagreements during a purported raid, the leadership of the task force has debunked the claim, and clearly exonerated its members from any misconduct or wrongdoing within the circumference.
A statement signed, yesterday, by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Illegal Street Trading/Motor Parks/Mechanics, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, made it abundantly clear that members of the task force were never involved in any scuffle or fight with any Hausa business operator in the state that resulted in the death of anyone.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent rumours being circulated round Port Harcourt and its environs regarding the alleged killing of a Bureau de Change agent around Rumuola axis by members of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics.
“I want to state categorically that the Rivers State Government did not initiate the task force to kill any of her citizens; rather it is aimed at restoring sanity and standard way of living amongst its citizens.
Therefore, the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics dissociates itself from such misleading information being peddled by those who seek to defame the Rivers State Government in such negative manner.
“I also want to inform the general public that the state government has already swung into action to actually know the cause of his death, therefore, we urge all to be law abiding and continue with their normal activities as everything is under control.
“Lastly, I want to send a strong warning to those peddling fake news about the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics to desist from such act or face the law if caught,” Amaewhule added.
Speaking later in an exclusive interview with The Tide, yesterday, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, in insisted that no member of the task force harassed or confronted any Hausa bureau de change operator in any part of the state capital, including the GRA area of Port Harcourt.
He said that the task force was poised to discharge its duties and responsibilities in a fair and civilised manner, adding that it would not yield to false claims and cheap blackmail by some disgruntled members of the public who do not want to obey the law of the state.
The state coordinator dismissed claims that members of the task force had arrested and were detaining some operators of illegal bureau de change outfits in the state, arguing that allegations of extortion by the task force were unfounded and had no basis.
The victim, whose name was not immediately known as at the time of this report, was confirmed dead following alleged harassment and beating by men of the task force who had raided the neighbourhood, believed to be a beehive of black market operators of foreign currency exchange.
The Tide gathered that immediately after the incident and the death of the victim, social media influencers quickly posted the picture of the deceased on various social media platforms, especially Facebook, which went viral, and drew spontaneous but aggressive response from fellow illegal bureau de change operators around the area, supported by area boys who took advantage of the situation to cause social disorder by barricading all roads around the area, including the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Presidential Road and GRA Junction, leading into Tombia Street.
Following the protest by Hausa traders and hoodlums, there was palpable pandemonium around the GRA Junction/Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, through Rumuola Junction as riot police detachments were deployed to bring the situation under control, and clear the roads of debris to allow motorists and road users unhindered access to vehicular movement and guarantee their freedom of movement.
An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Mr Chijioke, said: “The Zone 7 Team of the task force that has been troubling this area came here and killed a Hausa man. The man (victim) came from Slaughter area to this place to see his brother. While he was standing here, the task force guys came and held him. They searched him and collected the money in his pocket.
Chijioke, who is also a currency trader, said, “They started beating and dragging him on the floor. The man collapsed and died in their hands, and they all ran back into their vehicle and drove away. They didn’t know that the man was hypertensive”.
Another eyewitness, David Simon, explained that the task force visited the area regularly to arrest people and also force them to pay N120,000 as fine for operating illegal bureau de change in the area.
Simon stressed, “They came earlier and arrested an old man here. They took him and returned him later after beating him. We are not hawking, we only stand here and ask people if they want to change money, but this task force attacks us every day.
“When they come here and arrest anybody, the person will bail himself with N120,000.00. And they keep coming here to arrest people. Right now, they have over seven people they arrested here in their custody”, Simon added.
When contacted, the Rivers State Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, quickly added that the police were still investigating the matter to determine the cause of death of the alleged currency dealer.
Omoni vowed to fish out those connected with the death of an operator of Bureau de Change, BDC, Ladan Yusuf, aged 75.
The police image maker said that the assurance became necessary to douse tension created by the incident that paralysed economic and social activities in Port Harcourt due to the protests by the Hausa Community in Port Harcourt over the death of their kinsman.
Earlier, the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Musa Saidu, who identified the victim, said the remains of the late Yusuf were to be buried yesterday in Port Harcourt according Islamic rites.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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