Niger Delta

Obrikom: Ex-Militants Threaten Hostility Over Package

Published

16 years ago

November 27, 2009

About 400 Ex-militants in Obrikom Community in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area have threatened to resume hostilities if the rehabilitation package promised them by the community is not fulfilled.
The Tide learnt that, the threat by the ex-militants is coming on the heels of the unilateral lifting of the ban on youth activities as well as the proscription of the Obrikom Peace and Reconcilliatin Committee by the former acting chairman of the council Hon. Ikechukwu Awari.
It was also learnt that the lifting of the ban as well as the cancellation of the proposed youth election has pitched the youths against themselves thereby threatening, the fragile peace in the community.
The chairman of the Obrikom peace and Reconciliation Committee Engr. Clement Waogu who confirmed this development in an interview with newsmen said that the action of the former Acting Chairman of the council has made non sense of the whole peace effort of his committee Engr. Waogu said that since 2008 when an elected councilor representing Obrikom in the Ogba Egbema/Ndoni local government legislative Assembly late Hon Lucky Ahiakwa was murdered, the community was held hostage by suspected cult groups.
He said that it was the intervention of the peace committee that led to the surrendering of arms by the groups, stressing that the action of the former Acting council boss has further aggravated the situation as the groups are now threatening each other.
According to him, since the lifting of the ban as well as the proscription of the peace and Reconciliation committee, a number of unknown faces have beseiged the community.
The urged the government to bring the post Amnesty gains to youths in the community while the Rivers State House of Assembly should investigate the former Acting chairman on reasons behind his action.
Also speaking the Public Relation Officer of the Obrikom council of Chiefs, Chief Victor Nkweke described the action of the former Acting Chairman as illegal, stressing that peace committee had really made impact on the community. His is views were supported by a youth leader in the community Mr. Julius Amadi.
Attempts to get the reaction of the former Acting Chairman of the council proved abortive as he refused to pick his calls.

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.