Connect with us

Niger Delta

Police Unhappy Over Child Rape In A’Ibom

Published

4 years ago

on

Two persons have been arrested and detained by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command over alleged abduction and rape of two underage girls.
One of the suspects, Edidiong Ufe, also known as ‘Isong Akpa,’ an indigene of Idu Uruan in Uruan Local Government Area of the state, was alleged to have abducted a 12-year-old girl from the neighbouring community of Ifiayong Usuk of same local government.
It was gathered that the suspect repeatedly raped and impregnated his victim, leading to pregnancy now four months gone. The suspect had allegedly confessed to committing the crime.
Also, another suspect, one Iboro Ayama, an indigene of Ikot Offiong but resident in Ini LGA, has been arrested by the command for allegedly raping a 10-year-old girl-child.
Ayama, 48, was said to have accosted the 10-year-old while she was running an errand for her grandmother, dragged her to a nearby bush where he allegedly defiled her.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Odiko Macdon, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, expressed deep concerns about the growing cases of gender-based violence in the state saying the suspect would be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.
The PPRO said, “Based on a complaint of abduction on 11th May, 2021 at about 1:25PM, the operatives of Uruan Division swung into action and arrested one Edidiong Etm Ufe a.k.a “Isong Akpa” ‘m’ of Idu Uruan in Uruan Local Government, Area, who allegedly abducted a 12yr-old-girl, of Ifiayong Usuk, Uruan Local Government Area sometimes in November, 2020 and consecutively had unlawful carnal knowledge of her which resulted to four months pregnancy. The suspect has confessed to the crime.
“Similarly, following a tip-off on 11/6/2021 at about 1720hrs, Operatives of Ini Division apprehended one Iboro Ime Ayama ‘m’ of Ikot Offrong, but residing at Ikot Etok Eren, Ini L.G.A who forcefully had unlawful carnal knowledge of a 10-yr-old girl hails from Edem Idim Ibakesi of the same L.G.A.
“Investigation reveals that the victim was sent to buy foodstuff at Affiong Aran market by her grandmother but was accosted by the suspect on her way home, who dragged her into a nearby bush and defiled her.”
The police spokesperson warned perpetrators of GBV to desist from the act saying that the long arm of the law would surely catch up with such persons.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

1 week ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin metropolis.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to The Tide’s source.
Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.
According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.
He said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.
He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.
“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both of members and innocent citizens”, he said.
Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court, and remanded in custodian center, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
The command’s spokesperson assured residents of Edo of continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

1 week ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has distribution of 3,500 life jackets to water transportation users in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital.
The Minister said the gesture was part of Federal Government’s efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps in the country.
Oyetola explained the critical role water transportation had played in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.
He described the life jackets, which were long overdue, as reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.
“What we are doing here today is saving lives. It is that simple. With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students, and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe”, Oyetola said.
The Tide’s source reports that similar life jackets were distributed in Minna, Niger State on April 29.
The programme is part of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s first phase of intervention.
The minister said Bayelsa was a priority in the campaign and commended Governor Douye Diri for aligning with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
Oyetola applauded Bayelsa’s creation of a state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and commitment to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.
He described the seaport as “transformative and visionary,” capable of reshaping the economic landscape of not just Bayelsa, but the entire South-South region.
“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, create jobs, boost investments, and accelerate development in the Niger Delta.
Oyetola urged all boat operators and passengers to wear life jackets at all times, stressing that safety could not be compromised.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection. Safety is everyone’s responsibility”, Oyetola said.
Speaking earlier, Diri commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to harness Nigeria’s maritime potential.
Diri also praised Oyetola for fostering cooperation with Bayelsa and stressed the need for continuous public education on water safety.
“Education about safety on the waterways must be sustained if we are to reduce the tragic loss of lives from boat mishaps”, Diri said.
Continue Reading

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

1 week ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

The Cross River State House of Assembly has repealed the essential drugs programme law 2002 and passed the state’s Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency bill, 2025 into law.
The bill, which was sponsored by the member representing Boki 2 State Constituency, Mr. Hillary Bisong, was first read at plenary on September 12, 2024.
It was later referred to the House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security after the second reading.
Speaking on the bill, Bisong, who doubles as the Chairman of the Health Committee, recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) introduced  the Essential Drug Programme globally in 198, noting that in 2002, the programme was passaged in Cross River State.
He, however, said while  several provisions of the Essential Drug Programme Law were retained, the new law offered a more comprehensive framework.
“The law was transited from a programme-based structure to a full-fledged agency model, thereby expanding its scope of operation to meet the present day healthcare delivery realities.
‘’The proposed agency will take charge of enforcement of standards for proper management and distribution and overseeing circulation of drugs and health commodities across the state,’’ he explained.
In separate contributions, the lawmakers unanimously supported the bill, maintaining that the proposed agency would enhance the performance of the existing health insurance scheme as well as create employment opportunities.
Expressing happiness over the passage of the bill, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said the 10th Assembly would continue to enhance good governance through people-oriented legislation.
Continue Reading

Trending