News
Bomu, Lewe Crisis: RSG Warns Against Further Violence
The Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor, on Conflict Resolution, Chief Okori Abelekum, has warned against further violence and killings between the warring communities of Bomu and Lewe in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Abelekum gave the warning while addressing the chiefs and elders of the two communities at the Conference Hall of the Rivers State Deputy Governor in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The governor’s aide said the continuous violence and killings in the two warring communities was an embarrassment to Rivers State, and urged the people of the affected communities to embrace peace or face the full wrath of the law.
Abelekum expressed dissatisfaction that the crisis which had led to lost of several lives and wanton destruction of houses and properties was caused by activities of unrepentant cultists involved in illegal bunkering.
He called on the cultists operating in the two communities to embrace the amnesty programme, noting that the Rivers State Government would deal decisively with anyone bent on truncating the peace process in the state.
In his response, the paramount ruler of Bomu Community noted that several lives have been lost and over 60 houses destroyed in Bomu Community, and called for the quick intervention of the state government to stop further violence in the area.
Also speaking, the Paramount ruler of Lewe Community, Chief Stephen lebatom said the crisis was caused by the activities of outlaws, who have disrupted the fledgling peace between the two neighbouring communities.
The paramount appealed to the Rivers State Government to wade into the crisis and save the lives of innocent people.
In his remarks, the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Gokana local government area, Hon. Loius Alawa, condemned the killings in Bomu and Lewe Communities.
The Gokana CTC boss, however thanked the Rivers State Governor, for his intervention into the crisis, and urged the leaders of the warring communities, to maintain peace in their domain.
The meeting was attended by Paramount Rulers from other Gokana Communities, and concern stakeholders in the area, such as Gokana Peace Restoration Movement, and Boonalo Gokana.
Speaking on behalf of the Gokana Paramount Rulers, Forum its chairman, High chief Barisi Kpaama regretted that all the peace move made by the paramount rulers to resolve the crisis was abortive, as the conflicting parties, refused to yield to the peace initiatives, as the conflicting parties, refused to yield to the peace initiatives.
Kpaama who is the paramount ruler of Biara Community called on the Rivers State government to save Gokana from crisis.
Taneh Beemene
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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