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

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.