Niger Delta
Police Exhume Corpse Of Kidnapped Victim In A’Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has stormed a kidnappers’ den in Mbiaso Community of Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and exhumed the corpse of a kidnapped victim, one Onyeka Ezewulu buried in a shallow grave.
The police also killed three kidnappers who engaged them in a gun battle.
It was gathered that the deceased, Onyeka Ezewulu, from Okija, Anambra State, was shot by the hoodlums after attempting to run away when they (kidnappers) stormed his residence along Idoro road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to kidnap him.
It was further gathered that the victim, who recently returned from China was whisked away in the kidnappers’ Toyota Camry car but died a day after in the den after losing so much blood from the bullets wounds.
The kidnappers after knowing fully well that their victim had died went ahead to collect N2m as ransom from his family.
The police, however, disclosed that the kidnappers’ hideout and shallow grave were discovered following detailed investigation led by one CSP Julian Igbodu.
The tactical team, it was gathered was accompanied by two pathologists from the police and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital who conducted an autopsy on the deceased body before the corpse was handed over to the family members for burial.
Meanwhile, a female member of the gang identified as Deborah Sunday, who assisted the police to locate their hideout, told newsmen that three other gang members had on March 5, 2021, ambushed and kidnapped Ezewulu along Idoro road.
She explained that when her gang members ambushed Ezewulu, he attempted to run away, but they shot him in the right leg, bundled him into their Toyota Camry car and brought him to the hideout.
She confessed that she got her own share of the sum of N2 million naira ransom they had succeeded in receiving from their victim’s family.
A brother to the deceased, who identified himself as Patrick, disclosed that the China-based businessman who deals in exotic boxes and clothes was actually coming to check on his family residing along Idoro road Uyo and his business outlets in the state, when the unfortunate incident happened, saying that they didn’t know he was already dead while the kidnappers were negotiating with them (family members) for ransom for his release.
His words: “Unknown to us, the hoodlums had already killed Onyeka, before we paid them the sum of N2million on March 10, 2021, as ransom for them to release him. That is why after the payment was made to them we waited days to see him regain his freedom, but all to no avail.
“We didn’t know he actually died a day after he was kidnapped, that is four days before we paid the ransom for his release.
Addressing newsmen after the body of deceased was exhumed, the Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko MacDon, who lauded the tactical team, described the incident as unfortunate and regrettable.
He appealed to members of the public to always provide useful information on criminal activities within their domains.
Information had it that the same kidnap gang was responsible for abduction of one Barr Ime Sampson on December 31, 2020 at the Mbierebe junction by the third Ring road leading to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Investigation revealed that Sampson, however, regained his freedom after the family had paid the sum of N2.6million as ransom after eight days of incarceration.
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
Niger Delta
EFCC Praises NDDC’S Performance … Unveils Projects In Bayelsa
-
News2 days ago
Four Internet Fraudsters Get Jail Sentences In PH
-
Sports2 days ago
President Federation Cup: Sanwo-Olu, Abdulrazaq Set To Grace Grand Finale
-
News1 day ago
Immigration Plays Strategic Role In Nation Building -Worika
-
Rivers2 days ago
FIDA, PCRC Train Police On Paralegal Cases
-
Women1 day ago
How Women Can Manage Issues In Marriage
-
News2 days ago
Senate Confirms Odey As RISEIC Chairman
-
Sports2 days ago
‘Ofili Still Representing Nigeria’
-
News1 day ago
Court Arraigns Rivers Traditional Ruler Over Impersonation, Other Charges