Niger Delta

Four Die Over Land Dispute In C’River

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2022

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four persons over a disputed family land at Odupkani Effiwat Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of the State.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ewa Igri, who made the confirmation, also said the command was inundated with petitions over the matter.
He, however, said six persons had been arrested in connection with the deaths.
The victims: Effiom Eyamba, 55; Samuel Eyamba, 35; Efiong Eyamba 22 and Ekpeyong Ekpeyong, were reportedly killed by persons suspected to be rival family members over the disputed land.
They were allegedly forced to ingest herbicide after thorough beating over the disputed parcel of land which also encapsulated a palm estate.
Obed Eyamba, who demanded for justice, said that he lost three of his brothers and their friend who accompanied them on the journey .
Also, the mother of one of the deceased, Mrs Marta Ekpeyong, said that her 35-year old son, Ekpeyong who had been a childhood friend to the Eyambas, never came back home since June 27.
She said she received the shocking news when she heard that he was killed alongside his friends whom he accompanied to the village.
She appealed to the Police, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Cross River, to assist her as she had no one to get justice for her.
The police spokesperson, however, called for patience while the police concluded investigation on the matter.
“Infact, we have arrested six persons among whom were James Effiok and Edem Okokon who have confessed to the murder of the four persons, by tying them and forcing them to drink herbicide.
“We will follow due process to get to a logical conclusion of this matter. We have received several information about how they intend to use certain government offices in the judiciary to avert justice; we are not perturbed; we will handle the matter in the most professional manner.
“The suspects in our custody have made confessional statements, both written and verbal and we have them on record, and we shall follow through with the position of the law.
“No one is bigger than the law, no individual is above the law, I can assure the family of the deceased and Nigerians that the Cross River State Police Command will do the right thing, no matter whose ox is gored,” he assured.

Niger Delta

Police Arrest 95 Cultists, Recover Firearms In Benin Raids

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Oyetola Distributes Life Jackets To Water Transportation Users In Bayelsa

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

C’ River Repeals Essential Drug Programme Law 2002

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2025

The Tide

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.