Niger Delta

NAPTIP Seek Collaboration With Media, Others Against Human Trafficking

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has sought the partnership of journalists to curb human trafficking and expose perpetrators of the act.
Zonal Commander, NAPTIP, Mr Nduka Nwanwenne, gave the advice on Monday at a two-day training on Countering Trafficking In Persons For Journalists organised by Devatop Centre for African Development in Asaba.
Devatop is a non-profit organisation with focus on combating human trafficking, gender-based violence, providing educational support to vulnerable children and empowering women and youths.
Nwanwenne urged journalists to join hands with their reportage to make sure that human trafficking was curbed.
“The media must display professionalism and have the moral duty to report the truth. They have a duty to publish facts that you know of, not speculation or fake to suit your purpose”, he said.
Nwanwenne also called on the media to brainstorm on how best to curb the menace of trafficking in persons.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State, Mr Isaiah Bozimo, said the media had an important role to play in exposing activities of human traffickers.
Bozimo, represented by Mr Felix Ofou, Board Chairman of Delta Broadcasting Service, noted that in the past, human trafficking reportage was a front page news.
“I cannot remember when I saw that either on newspaper or television.
“The media has been mum on the issues of traffickers. Human trafficking is an issue that needs the input of journalists, so the media must join the efforts to end the menace.
“For every hundred rescued, perhaps thousands has lost, we should put our heads together and be committed to the course”, he said.
Mrs Ijeoma Nwanze of Delta State Taskforce against Human Trafficking called on journalists to come to the rescue of human trafficking victims through their reportage.
Nwanze appealed to journalists to use the training to bridge the gap between reporters and news sources.
She also called on journalists to join in the fight against irregular migration and trafficking.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

4 days 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

4 days 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

4 days 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.