Rivers

Investigation On Missing Rivers Man Ongoing-Police

Published

5 years ago

January 27, 2021

The Rivers State Police Command says it is investigating the allegation of a missing aged man, one Mr Princewell Ogbonda, arrested by members of OSPAC in Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, four months ago.
The Spokesman of the state Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni,who made this known while reacting on the matter, said the police were investigating the issue, and urged the family to be patient.
According to him, “investigation is still on.
“If he has not been arrested doesn’t mean he will not be arrested. It might take some time but let them bear with us because we are on it,” he stated.
However, the family of a man identified Princewill Ogbonda, who was allegedly arrested by a vigilante group in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State four months ago, has called on the police to investigate his whereabouts whether dead or alive.
They also called on the police to arrest the commander of the vigilante called ONELGA Security Peace Advisory Council (OSPAC) identified as Promise, who, they alleged, masterminded his arrest.
The mother of the missing man, Blessing Ogbonda, who spoke in Port Harcourt, also alleged that her husband was on the run following threats on his life by some powerful persons in the community to drop the matter.
She expressed fears that his son may have died, and urged the police and traditional rulers in the area to locate his son.
“They (those issuing threats) say they will rise against my husband. Even since then, my husband is not in the house. They have threatened to pursue my husband and kill him and chase us out.
“They threatened that after chasing us out, they will use our house as ‘community house’ because they have pleaded with him to leave the matter and he refused.
“My husband said he wants to see his son. ‘Bring my son’, if you have killed him, bring his body so that I can use my hand and bury him. If he is alive, bring him, I will go and treat him,” she stated.
Similarly, Princewill Ogbonda’s wife, Oluchi, said life has been unbearable since her husband was taken away by the operatives of OSPAC in Igwuruta.
“I want the police to help. I know that already, an OSPAC member has been arrested but I want the police to help me search for my husband. I want to see my husband if he is alive or dead.
“I have four children. I can’t struggle for this children on my own or become a widow. The government should help me get (arrest) the OSPAC commander in Igwuruta because he is the one that will know where my husband is.
“So, I want the police to help me because immediately they get him (vigilante commander), everything will be revealed,” she stated.
Also speaking, Princewill Ogbonda’s younger brother, Lucky Ogbonda, said the arrest of the OSPAC commander would help the family locate their son to ascertain if he was still alive, or they can give him a befitting burial, if he is dead.
Lucky said though some of the vigilante members have been arrested, the prime suspect in his brother’s arrest was still at-large, and urged the police to do the needful so as to help the family get justice.
“The family is aware that the police have arrested some OSPAC members who are linked to this matter. We want police to intensify efforts in arresting Promise and others who are the principal actors who committed this crime,” he added.

Rivers

Residents Embrace MNCH Week Services In PH

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Antenatal care and immunization services recorded high patronage during the just-concluded Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week as residents in various communities across Port Harcourt took advantage of the free healthcare interventions.

The exercise, which was aimed at improving maternal and child well-being, attracted women, caregivers and children to different health facilities where a range of free healthcare services were provided.

Findings from selected health centres visited during the exercise showed encouraging participation by beneficiaries despite a few operational challenges experienced by health workers.

At Ozuboko Health Centre, the doctor in charge, Dr. Flag Amachree, said the facility recorded a good turnout throughout the exercise.

The Tide gathered that the team of immunization officers embarked on outreach immunization activities to schools to ensure that more children benefited from the programme.

She, however, identified inadequate supplies of deworming tablets as a challenge, noting that available stocks were being carefully managed to meet demands.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuella Edwin, who visited the facility for antenatal registration, expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the health workers.

She commended the staff for their dedication, professionalism and friendly disposition, adding that the registration process was stress-free and without any major challenge.

Similarly, Mrs. Esther Abbey said she registered for the free medical services offered during the healthcare week and described the process as smooth and simple.

She added that the programme also created an avenue for her daughter to benefit from immunization services through arrangements by her school.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Philomena Ezekiel, said she was unable to access the service for her children after she was informed that a National Identification Number (NIN) was required before the test could be carried out.

At Amadi Health Centre, the Medical Officer in charge, Dr. Ebere Ikonwa, attributed the low turnout recorded at the facility to inadequate community mobilization, noting that no town crier was assigned to create awareness.

Despite the situation, she said the facility carried out outreach immunization services successfully and recorded significant patronage in antenatal care and immunization services.

By: Esuuk-Awaji Oyet, Princess Akinyemi

Rivers

NUJ Summit to Strengthen Media/Security Partnership, Tackle Misinformation

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) is set to convene a two-day National Security Summit in Abuja aimed at strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in advancing national stability, public trust and sustainable development.

The summit, scheduled to hold on June 18 and 19, 2026, will bring together key actors in governance, security and the media sector to deliberate on pathways for improved engagement in addressing contemporary national security concerns.

Themed, “Media and Security Agencies as Partners in Nation Building”, the gathering is expected to serve as a strategic platform for dialogue on responsible information management and enhanced institutional cooperation.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Comrade Abimbola Oyetunde, who disclosed this in a statement, said the initiative was conceived as a high-level engagement to deepen understanding between journalists and security operatives in safeguarding the country.

She explained that the summit would provide opportunities for critical conversations on crisis communication, information sharing, conflict reporting and strengthening citizens’ confidence in public institutions.

According to the statement, the event will attract senior government officials, heads of security agencies, media executives, editors, civil society groups and other stakeholders drawn from across the country.

According to the organizers, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will attend as Special Guests of Honour.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, will host the summit.

Also expected to chair the occasion is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The statement noted that the summit comes at a critical period when Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, growing concerns over misinformation and heightened public anxiety over national issues.

It emphasized that structured engagement between the media and security institutions has become imperative in improving crisis communication, reducing panic, combating fake news, and ensuring the dissemination of timely, accurate and responsible information.

Participants at the summit are expected to examine issues such as responsible reporting of security operations and conflict situations, access to credible information and official briefings, management of sensitive information and the safety of journalists covering security-related assignments.

Other areas of focus include countering disinformation, propaganda and hate speech, as well as building mutual trust and professional respect between journalists and security personnel.

The summit will also feature goodwill messages, panel discussions, breakout sessions, experience-sharing by frontline reporters, and interactive engagements with security chiefs before concluding with the adoption of a communiqué and an action framework to guide future collaboration.

The NUJ restated its commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism and promoting national peace, security and democratic governance.

By: King Onunwor

Rivers

Anaka Community Seeks Development, Unity … Advocates Devine Guidance In 2027 Leadership Selection

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Paramount Ruler of Anaka Community in Akpor Clan, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, HRH. Eze Marcus Oriji, has reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to unity, development, and peaceful coexistence among its people.

HRH Oriji, who spoke through his son, Alloy Marcus, in an interview with newsmen in the community, said the community is committed to peace.

He described Anaka as a community known for peace and unity, noting that the kingdom continues to attract visitors and residents because of its welcoming nature.

According to him, while the leadership of the kingdom has recorded progress in various fronts, several challenges still remain.

Anaka Community, he continued, has faced developmental challenges similar to those confronting many communities across the country.

He identified the provision of key infrastructure, including a modern market, schools, healthcare facilities, and a police station, as critical areas requiring attention to enhance the growth and development of the kingdom.

On concerns raised by residents over the poor condition of the road linking St. John’s to Ogbogoro, Eze Marcus commended the Rivers State Government under the leadership of the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara,ii for commencing work on the Ring Road project, which he described as a significant development for the area.

Marcus explained that Anaka Kingdom stands to benefit from the project and appealed to the government to accelerate construction efforts, particularly on sections connecting St. John’s and other adjoining communities, to ease traffic congestion and improve accessibility.

Expressing optimism about the project’s completion, he said improved road infrastructure would not only enhance movement within the area, but also attract investors, businesses, and visitors to the kingdom.

Commenting on the 2027 general elections, Eze Alloy Marcus called for divine guidance in the selection of leaders, stressing the need for God-fearing individuals who would govern with integrity and commitment to national development.

He also advised young people to shun electoral violence and resist being used by politicians for unlawful activities such as ballot box snatching and election-related disturbances.

He urged youths to play constructive roles in strengthening democracy by supporting free, fair, and peaceful elections.

The royal representative emphasized that sustainable development, improved infrastructure, and peaceful democratic processes remain essential for the continued progress of Anaka Kingdom and Rivers State as a whole.

By: Azubuike Chiwendu, Akpelu Godspower