Niger Delta

EU, UNICEF To Phase Out Pier Latrines In N’Delta

Published

8 years ago

September 1, 2017

Pier latrine systems that litter waterfronts of riverine communities may soon phase out if the efforts of the European Union (EU) and United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) to introduce a new, affordable and hygienic system of toilets known as the drum dry pit latrine become a reality.
According to the consultant of Opobo/Nkoro Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) unit, Uchechi Osuigwe, the drum dry pit latrine is a novel system of toilets that EUUNICEF is experimenting in the Niger-Delta areas due to the perceived advantages this system has over previous and existing systems of toilet in the region.
Mr. Osuigwe stated that the drum dry pit latrines have been successfully experimented in communities of Brass and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, hence the desire to pilot the system in 26 communities of Opobo/Nkoro LGA.
The consultant who made the clarification in an address at a seminar to introduce the drum dry pit latrine, urged the participants to properly market the programme to all the people and inhabitants of the communities of the local government area so as to make them buy in and begin the construction and usage of the new system of toilet.
Also speaking, a resource person at the seminar and WASH consultant for Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, John Nwaimuo, stated that while the previous systems of latrine are expensive to construct, non-dignifying in nature, unhygienic, prone to health challenges, unfriendly to the environment, the drum dry pit latrine system is inexpensive, affordable, hygienic and very friendly to the environment even as just a little space of land is needed for its construction.
In his remarks, the co-ordinator of WASH unit in Opobo/Nkoro, Ezekiel Wari, urged the people of the area to key into the programme so as to help meet the goal of EU-UNICEF for their continuous show of interest by completely sponsoring the project in the area.
Mr. Wari stressed the need for the people to improve on their health and sanitation status so to continue to receive more support and sponsorship in the years ahead to make communties of Niger-Delta hygienic and sanitation-friendly by all standards.

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.