News
Residents Flee Kono Boue Community Over Abductions
Feelers indicate that Kono Boue Community in Boue Clan in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, which Governor Nyesom Wike recently visited in the wake of killing of some inhabitants of the area by faceless gunmen, is currently a ghost town, as indigenes and residents have fled the community following incessant abductions of the people by gunmen from neighbouring communities.
This is even as the Paramount Ruler of the community, Chief Innocent N. Naador, who has been living outside the community for some time now as a result of the orgy of bloodletting and abductions which have plagued the community in recent times, has broken his silence, and appealed to the state government and security agencies to move fast and arrest the ugly situation.
It was gathered that several indigenes and residents of the area have sought refuge in Bori, headquarters of the local government area where they are being accommodated in Internally Displaced Persons (lDPs) camps scattered around the ancient Ogoni town.
It would be recalled that a prominent indigene of the area and former lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Sonpie Kpone-Tonwe, had recently raised alarm over the current state of affairs in the area, which he said, had forced him to abandon his house for seven years now, and pleaded with the governor to intervene by ensuring that police posts are established in the area to check the ugly security trend.
Speaking in a statement on behalf of the people, Chief Innocent N. Naador, appealed to the governor and security agencies to come to the aid of the community by providing security to save the people from incessant attacks, abductions and killings by some elements from the neighbouring communities.
He alleged that on Friday, September 13, 2019, seven women and two girls were abducted at gunpoint at the Wiideekwiri farm area, where they had gone to harvest cassava and taken to Kereke-Boue community, adding that it took the timely intervention of the Divisional Police Officer of Bori Division, Mr Bako Angbashim and his men to rescue the victims from their abductors in the community.
He alleged that the gunmen that abducted the victims were led by a known cultist (name withheld) in the community.
Naador equally narrated an incident which occurred on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, where 21 indigenes of the community were harassed and threatened at gunpoint by another gang led by a suspected Kereke war lord (name withheld) at Wiikoro farm area, and regretted that a peace accord signed by communities in Boue Clan in the wake of the governor’s visit has been truncated as hostilities have continued unabated in the area.
The monarch disclosed that since May, this year, a major road leading to and out of the community has remained blocked by the gangs from the neighbouring communities, pointing out that the ugly situation has forced primary and secondary schools to remain under lock and key, as well as crippled businesses.
The traditional ruler, however, commended Governor Nyesom Wike for his visit to the area and also the DPO of Bori Division, Mr. Bako Angbashim for the unusual dexterity and courage exhibited during the rescue of the female victims.
Also narrating her ordeal, one of the women that was abducted, Mrs. Charity Agada, said 2019 has been a very difficult year for the people of Kono Boue community, and lamented the spate of insecurity that has become the lot of the community and the people.
Another indigene and a motorcycle operator, Mr. Ibakpea Saronee said he was almost killed in Kereke-Boue a fortnight ago, when he carried the Councillor representing Ward 13, Hon. Confidence Leerah, to his house in the community, stressing that he escaped death by the whiskers as the attackers had come after him.
The DPO of Bori Police Division, Mr Bako Angbashim, confirmed the development, saying that Kono Boue community was deserted as at last week, saying, when he went there, only two old men were seen in the community.
He said in a telephone interview, that he visited the IDPs camps in Bori yesterday, addressed the inmates and also asked them to start returning to the community.
He further disclosed that leaders of the five communities that make up Boue Clan held a peace meeting, yesterday, in Bori, where it was agreed that the people at the IDPs camps could go back home, adding that the people of the five communities were directed that nobody should attack anybody any more.
He said he personally drove to Kono Boue community shortly after the meeting with two patrol vehicles and also Kereke-Boue community, where he confirmed he had rescued some abducted women penultimate Wednesday.
According to him, he had personally addressed the people of Kereke-Boue community and charged them to maintain the peace.
He promised to address the people of the area tomorrow, saying, “I am committed to peace in the area. Peace has returned to the area.”
Donatus Ebi
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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