Niger Delta

Monarch Blames Oil Firms For Restiveness In N’Delta

Published

4 years ago

December 13, 2021

Youth restiveness in Niger Delta region has been attributed to the neglect of unemployed youths by oil companies operating in the region.
Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, King Chika Worlu Wodo, stated this during a tour visit by participants of Senior Executive Course 43, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru led by Director General, Brigadier-Gen Chukwuemeka Udaya (rtd) .
The paramount ruler, who insisted that the neglect of the youths by International Oil Companies (IOCs) was beginning to have a toll on the lives of the people of oil producing communities.
Eze Wodo said the insensitivity of the oil companies to the plight of the host communities was negatively affecting the youths.
“The insensitivity with which oil companies treat the issues of unemployment, health and environmental standard is unacceptable and they should be held accountable”
The first class traditional ruler noted that the youths are restive, because their needs such as employments are not given to them by oil firms.
“Oil companies failed to engage these unemployed youths in their companies, thereby causing restiveness and violent approaches”
The monarch told NIPSS delegation that “youth restiveness cannot be ruled out in our environment because of unemployment, lifestyles and obvious inequality gap that is prevalent in our society”.
The King also called on the Federal Government to proffer lasting solutions that would curb conflicts and communal clashes between farmers and cattle breeders in Nigeria
He noted that cattle breeders take laws into their hands, destroying crops, without feeling the impacts on the farmers.
“The federal government should do something to avert more violent clashes between the farmers and the breeders”
On security, King Wodo commended Governor Nyesom Wike for providing gunboats for the navy and marine police to tackle piracy along the waterways.
He noted that the Governor had done well in maintaining peace and security across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
Earlier, Director General, NIPSS, Brigadier Gen Chukuemeka Udaya (Rtd) said the participants of NIPSS Course 43 were in the state to conduct research on the theme “ Getting Things Done, Strategy for policy programme and Implementation in Nigeria.
Represented by Prof Fatayi Ariemu, Udaya said there was an improvement in participatory governance in the state

By: Chinedu Nwosu

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.