Niger Delta

NPC Begins Enumeration Area Demarcation In C’River

Published

5 years ago

December 13, 2020

Concerned about the cost of governance, the National Population Commission (NPC) has commenced the second phase of its Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise in Cross River State.
According to the stipulated plan of event, the exercise, a pre-census activity, will be conducted in Odukpani and Akamkpa areas of the State.
Briefing reporters on the exercise in Calabar on Thursday, the Federal Commissioner of the NPC, Navy Captain Charles Ogwa (retd), said the Commission is deploying the latest digital technology to guarantee the success and accuracy of the exercise.
The exercise, he noted, is taking place simultaneously across Nigeria and will help in creating digitalised maps which will positively affect future elections.
“To us in the Commission, getting the EAD right is not just an option but an absolute necessity in the quest to deliver to the nation an accurate, reliable, acceptable and verifiable census.” Captain Ogwa said.
“For this reason, the Commission is deploying latest technology such as high-resolution satellite imagery based on the principles of Geographic Information System (GIS) which enables all buildings as well as their attribute date using data acquisition software.
‘The Global Positioning System (GPS) is also used for geo-referencing along with Personal Data Assistants which are half held devices/tablets loaded with appropriate software for population estimation and data capture.
“It is worthy of mention that the NPC would be assisting Independent National Electoral Commission to create digitised maps of INEC Registration Areas for the first time as part of the EAD.
“It is hoped that this collaboration would positively affect future elections,” Captain Ogwa said.
Also speaking, the Zonal Controller of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ismaila Oboh, commended the NPC for commencing the exercise after 14 years.
He said the NBS is a major user of the data from NPC and tasked them to have a back checking of the satellite image to avoid lapses.
Our correspondent reports that the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, represented by his Special Adviser on Planning, Ted Inyang, said the exercise will assist in planning and research on population studies.

By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.