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Niger Delta

Lack Of Funds Stalls Investigation Into Witches’ Murder

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Paucity of funds is stalling investigation into the alleged murder of five persons in Ndong Nwong Community, in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State over allegations of witchcraft.
Police in the state currently need money to conduct autopsy on the corpses.
Police spokesperson in the state, SP Irene Ugbo, said in Calabar, weekend, that though investigation was on-going, there was an urgent need to conduct autopsies on the corpses of those murdered.
She also dispelled the rumour that some vested interests were working to compromise the investigation.
Youths allegedly accused 15 persons in the community of possessing witchcraft and they took the suspects into a forest where five of them were murdered.
The youths also held three police officers sent to investigate the matter hostage for hours before they were rescued by an anti-cultism and kidnapping squad, led by SP Awodi Abdulhameed.
The team made several arrests in the community after rescuing the three police officers.
Since the arrest and subsequent interrogation of the suspects by the police, however, there had been concerned over the handling of the matter.
SP Ugbo said the current state of the investigation required inputs of medical professionals, but that the Command did not have money to engage their services.
“The job requires a lot of hands, especially health workers that will dig up the graves and fumigate the location and a pathologist that will carry out a post-mortem.
“We know that there are organisations who can assist the police in making the process easier and faster; we urgently need a pathologist to carry out autopsies before we can proceed on the investigation,’’ she said.
Ugbo said there was nothing like a compromise in the investigation as the police would ensure the conclusion of the case.
“There won’t be any form of compromise on the part of the police.
“The SP Awodi-led unit has professionals and would handle the matter in accordance with international best practices; there won’t be any form of interference,’’ she assured.

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Niger Delta

Navy Winning Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering War – Commander

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Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.
Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.
He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.
“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.
“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.
“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.
Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.
He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.
“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”,  he said.
Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel,  commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.
Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.
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Niger Delta

A’Ibom To Establish 31 Healthcare Centers 

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The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.
He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.
According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare
The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.
He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.
He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.
This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.
The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
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Niger Delta

Edo Miners Congratulate Okpebholo, Seek Support For Industry 

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The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.
The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to  take the state to a greater height.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.
They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.
While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.
They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.
“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.
“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.
“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.
The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.
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