Niger Delta

Upgrade Water Infrastructure In Calabar, NSE Urges C’River Govt

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2024

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged the Cross River State Government to take steps towards improving the quality of water supply to residents of Calabar metropolis.
The call was made by participants who spoke at a one-day public lecture to mark NSE 2024 Engineering Week in Uyo on Wednesday.
The Guest Lecturer, Dr. Nkpa Ogarekpe, described the quality of water being supplied from private boreholes in the city as poor an unsafe.
Speaking at the lecture with the theme: “Safety Issues with Domestic Borehole Water Source”, Ogarekpe urged the government not to treat the issue of unsafe water with levity.
Ogarekpe, a lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cross River, said some private boreholes in the city were sunk close to dump sites and gully erosions.
“Some privately-owned boreholes are sunk close to the Lemna Dump site and gully erosions within the Calabar metropolis, often supply contaminated water.
“This is not an assumption, it is the result of a study conducted on some boreholes within Calabar metropolis”, he said.
The lecturer quoted the World Health Organisation as saying that water could only be confirmed safe if it posed no significant health risk after consumption.
“A research conducted on some local boreholes within Calabar shows that the issue of pollution is caused within the metropolis.
“Borehole 48, located at Ikot Efanga, is in a place with significant level of pollution, of course you are all aware of the open dump site in that place.
“Borehole 23 is close to the gully erosion at Ndidem Osang Iso, and that gully is being used as a dump site”, he said.
In her speech, NSE National President, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, expressed the need for engineers to play active roles in ensuring quality standards for domestic water sources.
Represented by Dr. Ndifon Agbiji, the National Executive Member in charge of Professional Development Board, Oguntala, urged the state government to upgrade the water infrastructure in the state.
“The NSE branch in calabar should remind the State Government and the public of the role of engineers in this regard.
“Sometime ago, Cross River was ranked as one of the best states in the supply of potable water, but we are seeing a gradual decline from this status”, she said.
The NSE president stated investment in water infrastructure remained critical to the health and wellbeing of the residents.

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.