Niger Delta

Covid-19: NDDC Distributes 54 PCR Machines To 9 States —MD

Published

5 years ago

October 12, 2020

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun the distribution of 54 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines and other medical kits to health facilities in nine Niger Delta states, an official said.

The NDDC Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, flagged-off the distribution in Port Harcourt on Monday, according to a statement by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili.
Pondei said that the commission decided to distribute the machines to enable the states to increase the test for COVID-19.
“So, we are concluding our COVID-19 intervention with the distribution of PCR machines across the Niger Delta region.
“We hope that the benefiting institutions will put them into good use for both testing of patients for COVID-19 and also for research purposes,” he said.
The managing director said that the PCR machines would be used to test the presence of viral antigens of SARS-COV-2 to obtain more accurate results for active infection.
“The 54 machines were purchased in the wake of the COVID-19 community transmission in the Niger Delta to strengthen provisions and preparedness to manage the pandemic.
“We sought and obtained validation of the equipment from the Nigerian Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC).
“Our efforts were meant to complement those of the nine states in the Niger Delta in response to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he stated.
Pondei said that apart from the machines, the commission also released funds to the states, as well as distributed food items and funds to residents of the area.
According to him, the funds released to the nine states governments were used to procure diagnostic equipment, ventilators and kits for testing as well as opening of isolation centres.
“We believe that these initiatives have made significant contributions and impact towards mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the people,” the managing director said.
The Executive Direcror, Projects in NDDC, Dr Cairo Ojougboh was also quoted as saying that increased testing partly led to declining number of new infections in the country.
He said that more persons were now being tested and those infected quarantined from infecting others.
“That is why we are providing the PCR machines to tertiary health institutions and to major hospitals to encourage further testing in the Niger Delta,” he added.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.