Nation
Police Nab Eight Over Kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Cultism
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
Northern Community Gets New Dan Buran In Rivers state
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
Nation
French Teachers Day 2025: PH Celebrates International French Teachers Day
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
Nation
OGONI ARISE CONCERT 2025: A Triumph Of Unity, Peace, And Cultural Pride
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
