News
JTF Combs Bayelsa For Slain Police 12 Culprits …As Fresh Pleateau Clash Claims 27 Lives
Following the killing of 12 policemen at Azuzuama of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State last Saturday, security operatives have moved into the area and surrounding creeks in search of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.
The Tide gathered that this was in compliance to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar, who had vowed to ensure that those responsible did not go unpunished.
Reports from the area indicates that residents of Azuzuama, and all nearby communities are in panic, fearing that the Odi episode may be replayed in their area.
As at the time of reporting, the driver of the boat and three policemen who escaped the mayhem were said to be in protective custody at Police Headquarters in Yenagoa. Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Akhigbe told journalists in Yenagoa that neither the guns nor the bodies of the slain policemen had been recovered.
Meanwhile, facts emerged on Monday in Yenagoa that the killing of the policemen may not be the handiwork of Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) which had earlier claimed responsibility for the act.
The killing was allegedly carried out by disgruntled followers of Kile Selky Torughedi whose mother’s burial resulted to the ugly event.
‘General’ Torughedi, popularly known as ‘Young Shall Grow’ had been accused of embezzling the sum of N80million given to him by Federal Government to share to his followers under the amnesty programmes.
Soon after collecting the money, Torughedi was said to have escaped to Abuja, avoiding home until the death of his mother, hence, the ‘’boys’’ decided to teach him some lessons.
However, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson has vowed to collaborate with security agencies in the state to ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Governor Dickson, who made the pledge in a chat with Government House correspondents, stated that government would do everything humanly possible to bring the culprits to book, emphasising that steps were already being taken to comb the nooks and crannies of the state to apprehend them.
A visibly angry Hon. Dickson stated that, government cannot fold its arms and watch people take the law into their hands for whatever reason, stressing that government would not relent until acts of criminality and lawlessness are completely eliminated in the state.
“We will not rest on our oars and we will make the environment very uncomfortable for criminals and perpetrators of other related offences to operate.”
For the umpteenth time, government is warning our youth and their collaborators, who take delight in kidnapping, maiming and taking the lives of innocent and law abiding citizens, to turn a new leaf or have themselves to blame, because nobody will be spared.”
He noted that government’s tough stance and zero tolerance for acts of criminality and lawlessness were still in force, stressing that every offender would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The Governor, thereafter announced, the appointment of a Special Prosecutor for violent crimes and other related offences in the State to further underline government’s commitment to end all forms of crime as well as ensure that criminals are prosecuted and punished according to the laws of the land.
The Special Prosecutor, Barrister Andrew Seiweniowou, whose appointment is informed by the need for government to take firm action, especially in the way and manner criminal cases are prosecuted as well as the need to fast- track and guide the process of investigation and prosecution of apprehended culprits.
The Special Prosecutor is to, among other things, review all such cases, direct investigations and prosecute them and he is also to head a special team comprising an Assistant Commissioner of Police, State CID, OC Legal, the Director of Public Prosecution in the state Ministry of Justice, the officer in charge of the investigation at the Special Police Unit (Operation Doo Akpo), the Special Adviser on Security and such other persons that may be appointed later.
Meanwhile, about 27 persons are said to have been killed at Zango village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State as ethnic militia engaged in fresh orgy of hostilities in the area, late Monday night.
The killings, which are believed to be a continuation of hostilities between the Tarok and the Fulani herdsmen were alleged to have left several casualties on both sides.
Our correspondent gathered, yesterday, that armed militia invaded Wase town in the late hours of Monday, but for swift intervention of vigilante members from the community who pursued and killed many of the invaders, more havoc would have been recorded.
However, the Police Command in Plateau State said in Jos, yesterday, that it had deployed additional personnel to Wase town and its environs to quell the crisis in the area.
Many people were reported killed between Sunday and Monday while houses and property were destroyed by rival groups involved in violent clashes in Zango village.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Felicia Anselem, told newsmen yesterday, that the command was concerned about the situation and was working to restore law and order.
“It was in the early hours of this morning that we heard of the conflict between the Fulanis and Taroh people.
“We also learnt that the roads were blocked while gunshots were heard sporadically fired.
“Houses were also burnt, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that died.
“As I speak, police counter terrorist group, mobile policemen and many other regular policemen have been deployed to Wase to reinforce those on ground,’’ she said.
Anselem described the situation as ‘very sad and unfortunate’ and warned people against taking laws into their hands.
She assured Plateau residents that normalcy was being restored in the area and urged law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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