Niger Delta

Ijaw Youths Harp On Resource Control, Restructuring

Published

5 years ago

November 2, 2020

In the wake of recent happenings around the nation, youths of Ijaw extraction through the leadership of its umbrella youth body, the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, says it has commenced a wide range consultation on the way forward for its race.
Ijaw ethnic group, The Tide learnt, is the fourth largest race in Nigeria,spanning through Kingdoms in and around the Niger Delta region.
Speaking with journalists shortly after a consultative meeting with stakeholders at the weekend in Yenagoa, the President, Ijaw Youths Council (World Wide), Mr Peter Igbifa condemned what he described as the militarisation of Ijaw land by the Federal Government.
He said while natural resources from Ijaw land were milked away by the Federal Government for the benefit of other ethnic nationalities, the people of the land were left to go cap in hand for their survival.
Igbifa warned that if after the congress was done with its ongoing consultations with stakeholders and issues concerning marginalisation, oppression and others as it affects the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta were not still addressed, the IYC may resort into calling the Ijaw nation to take its destiny into their hands.
According to the President, the Federal Government gave Zamfara State the leave to mine and trade the bulk of gold deposited by nature on its land alone.
the Ijaw people in uniformity with other stakeholders from the Niger Delta too may also be toeing same part as the northern state in dealing with its oil and other resources deposited by nature on its land.
Igbifa noted that other issues of national concern to the IYC were those of restructuring, devolution of power, amongst others.
The Consultative meeting had in attendance both serving and former leaders of the IYC and several other critical stakeholders of Ijaw nation spreading across its three zones.
Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youth Council has hinted The Tide sources that in about a fortnight it would be issuing a communique on its resolution regarding the state of the nation as it affects the Ijaw people.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.