Niger Delta
Widow Send SOS Over Beheaded Husband In A’Ibom
A widow, Mrs Immaculate Sampson Akpan, whose husband was brutally beheaded in the ongoing clash between Eket and Ibeno communities in Akwa Ibom State has appealed to Nigerians and government at all levels for justice.
Our Correspondent gathered that her late husband, Sampson Akpan, was murdered at Ndito Eka Iba village for allegedly acting as an informant against Eket people who are contesting ownership of the land with their Ibeno neighbours .
It was further gathered that the victim, though from Eket, lived in the riverine area as a fisherman but was suspected to be spying for Eket people against Ibeno .
An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the attack on Ndito Iba Village was the fourth in the series of attacks in which Sampson was beheaded.
“The attack on Ndito Eka Iba Village in Ibeno LGA by attackers from Eket is the fourth in the series of attacks on Ibeno LGA since the controversial attempt by the past administration to remap Akwa Ibom State, with the case still pending in court”, the eyewitness said.
The widow, who was fighting back tears, while speaking to our reporter in Ibeno LGA, recalled that they have lived peacefully in Ndito Eka Iba Village for several years without rancour.
She explained that attack on the fishing community on Christmas Eve last year has left a huge scar on Ndito Eka Iba Village after the invaders, suspected to have come from Eket, launched attacks on residents destroying houses, Churches, several boats with outboard engines, cars, motorcycles and other valuables including fishing nets.
The widow, a mother of four, narrated the sad incident that cost the life of her husband while several children were still missing in the community.
“When our neighbours from Eket LGA launched the attack on the night of December 24, 2024, we were caught unawares.
“Before the attack, the invaders had attempted to host a festival to herald the Christmas day, but instead of using the true name of the village, Ndito Eka Iba, which is Unit 6, Ward 10, a gazetted village in Ibeno LGA used the name Okoiyak Ekid, to reflect their Eket identity, implying that Ndito Eka Iba village in Ibeno LGA, no longer belongs to Ibeno LGA, but Eket LGA.
“Because of this, the youths of Ndito Eka Iba village, approached them, and advised them against such plans to alter the original name, but they instead threatened war, which they (the Eket people) later launched late that night, forcing people to escape into the dark shrub where they spent the night before emerging in the morning to seek refuge in safer locations.
“The entire village of Ndito Eka Iba has been left in total ruins and I have relocated to my village, Odio, in Eket LGA, after my husband had been killed and his remains buried in shallow grave without his head, which was taken away by the attackers.
“I have been dislocated from where I used to eke out my living with my four children, trading in fish, crayfish and other seafoods like periwinkles, prawns and others”.
She, therefore, appealed to authorities concerned, including Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Churches, individuals and corporate organisations for relief materials for her and other displaced victims.
“it has become too difficult to feed and clothe my four children in a new location without job or business”, she lamented.
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police (CP), Baba Azare, while responding to the incident said the suspects arrested during the fracas were still in custody.
According to him, investigation on the incident has been concluded as the suspects have been charged to court.
“Investigations on the case had since been concluded and the suspects charged to Court.
“No one has any right to interfere in the matter. I take full responsibility over the case, and I have spoken with the investigative officer who told me that the matter had already been charged to Court”, the CP stated.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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