Nation

Police Nab Eight Over Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism

Published

5 years ago

June 25, 2021

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested eight (8) criminal suspects over their alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The PPRO Enugu State Command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued in Enugu said that the operatives also recovered 5 firearms including an AK-47 rifle, 10 live cartridges and 1 empty shell of 7.62mm calibre of ammunition, 2 motor vehicles, 2 tricycles, 6 motorcycles, 1 dagger and 1machete and some quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.
According to him, on 13/06/2021 at about 0830hrs, Police Operatives of the Command attached to Anti-Cultism Squad, arrested one Nwaokor Chinonso aged 27, of Akpugo Community in Nkanu West L.G.A., after they swiftly responded to credible information alleging that a group of armed cultists were breaching public peace at Obofia Community in Nkanu West L.G.A. of the State.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of Vikings Confraternity and that the cult group was having a meeting in the area before the Operatives busted them, recovering 2 Locally-made double-barreled pistols, 7 live cartridges, 1 Black-coloured Toyota Camry and 1 Black-coloured Honda Accord with registration no. UWN 394 GU and BDG 14 EG respectively.
The police also recovered Yellow-coloured Tricycles with registration nos. ENU 518 WN and JRV 228 VD respectively, 6 Motorcycles of different make, empty bottles of Squadron drink and some quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp,adding that further discreet investigation to arrest the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
“ Police Operatives of the Command attached to Oji-River Police Division, in synergy with Men of Neighborhood Watch, recovered an AK-47 rifle with breech number: 038244 without magazine, in a thicket at Ude Village in Ugwuoba Community of Oji-River LGA on 08/06/2021 at about 1700hrs.
“The recovery is sequel to the Operatives storming the thicket on receipt of credible information, alleging that a group of armed hoodlums were sighted perfecting plans to carry out armed robbery operations”, adding that intense discreet investigation has been launched to fish out and bring the hoodlums to book”.
In another development, “based on intelligence, Operatives attached to Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command, on 03/06/2021 at about 1000hrs, arrested one Arinze Ozoguji (a.k.a “Oscar”) aged 22 and Chinecherem Omesu (a.k.a “Teeth”) aged 17, both of No. 91 Ogui Road and No. 32 Richard Extension, respectively in Asata, Enugu, in their criminal hideout in Mararaba Town of Nasarawa State.
“Their arrest is in furtherance of an ongoing investigation into a case of kidnapping, armed robbery and other offences in which other members of their criminal gang had been arrested, charged to court and are remanded in Nigerian Correctional Centre Custody. The suspects confessed to the crime, while 1 machete and 1 dagger were recovered from them”.
Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner has commended efforts of the Operatives, the Neighborhood Watch Group and law-abiding citizens who contributed in making the breakthroughs possible.

He further charged the Operatives to remain resolute and resilient, even as the Command unwaveringly work towards maximally actualizing mandates of Operation Restore Peace, (RP) as ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman.

CP Aliyu, the statement went on, also called on Ndi Enugu to remain vigilante and promptly report criminals and their activities to the nearest Police Station.

By: Canice Amadi, Enugu

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere