News
Police Arrest 14 Cultist, 18 Arsonists In Bayelsa
The tea party between the administration of Seriake Dickson and different cult groups operating in Bayelsa State seems to be over as amnesty granted to members last year has collapsed.
Consequently, the unholy activists of the group, which had been in lull since the signing of the amnesty have returned in full force leading to several reprisal killings in some parts of the state capital, recently.
The state government had early last year granted amnesty to repentant cultists numbering more than 600, and promised to engage them in some meaningful trades, a promise that was not fulfilled.
However, the police Command in the state has signified its readiness to tackle the situation as not less than 32 suspected cultists and arsonists in the state have been apprehended in the last few days.
Investigations revealed that 14 of the suspects were apprehended for cultism while 18 others were held over their alleged attempt to burn the palace of their traditional ruler in Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
The suspected arsonists were said to have hatched a plot to raze the palace over allegations bordering on mismanagement of oil money by their king.
It was gathered that the suspects were on their way to execute the plot when a team of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) rounded them up.
It was discovered at the state Police Command, Yenagoa, that the suspects were arrested and brought to the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Hilary Opara.
Mr Opara, who confirmed the development, praised his men for proactively stopping what he said would have thrown the community into a prolonged crisis.
He asked the youth to explore legal means of addressing their grievances instead of resorting to jungle justice.
Mr Opara further confirmed that about 14 suspected cultists were in the custody of the police.
He said while some of them had been arraigned and remanded in prison custody, others were awaiting prosecution.
According to him, the suspects risked 10-year jail term if convicted as provided by the state’s anti-cultism law.
He alleged that some of the cultists were involved in some cases of cult-related violence that left few people dead.
Mr Opara further disclosed that some notorious kingpins who existed in the wanted list of the police had been arrested.
He said they were the reasons behind pockets of criminalities in some parts of the state,especially the state capital.
Describing them as criminal contractors, he said they readily made themselves available for criminal operations.
He named one of them as Ogbogire and said it took the police a long time to apprehend him.
He said on the day he was captured at Biogbolo area of Yenagoa, the kingpin behaved like a monkey as he jumped 12 roofs of buildings only to be caught later by the police.
“He behaved like a monkey. He jumped from one roof to another trying to escape. In fact he jumped about 12 roofs before he was eventually caught”, he said.
Other notorious kingpins, according to Mr Opara, are Razor and Small Boy Danger adding that since they were nabbed, most parts of the city had been calm.
He said both Razor and Small Boy Danger were linked to the cult killings at Agudiama and Akenfa insisting that apprehending them was not an easy feat.
He said most cultists also engage in armed robbery as their source of income.
He described the Swali area of Yenagoa as a hideout for criminals but said the SARS unit of the command had conducted many operations to sanitise it.
“The SARS has been doing a nice job. It has been sanitising Swali. Swali right from time has been notorious. The area has been given us problems coupled with one market completed and allocated by the government but persons to whom the market stalls were allocated refuse to occupy them.
“So, the hoodlums have converted the place to a safe haven from where they operate. But we raid every night. That is why the place is a bit sanitises. Generally speaking, the town is safe. There are night clubs booming and people are moving around without molestation.”
The Hausa Community in Rivers State has dissociated itself from media reports credited to one MaiwadaAdamu that the Arewa Community in Rivers State has appointed Alhaji Musa Saidu as the acting SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt, following the inability of the former SarkinHausawa, Alhaji Isa Madaki to carry out his functions.
MaidawaAdamu, who is also the spokesman of the Arewa Initiative for Peaceful Co-existence, had briefed journalists on the change, but in a swift reaction, the Office of Alhaji Isa Madaki, has come out to say that the only recognised body which has the powers to appoint the SarkinHausawa, PortHarcourt is the Council of SarkinHausawa in PortHarcourt headed by Alhaji Isa Madaki.
The statement also said Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki is the only recognisedSarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, adding that his appointment follows the proclamation and endorsement by the council members of SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The statement further called on the general public and all authorities concerned to give Alhaji Hussani Isa Madaki maximum co-operation and support,as he discharges his duties as SarkinHausawa, Port Harcourt.
The Suspended Rivers State Commissioner for health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has described as baseless allegations in some quarters that she was responsible for the purported disruption of the Nigerian First Lady’s empowerment program in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh, who said this in a statement personally signed by her and a copy made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt also described the allegation as a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers
According to Dr Oreh, “they are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord”
In her words,”the allegations levelled against me, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, regarding the supposed disruption of the First Lady’s empowerment programme on Friday 2nd May, 2025, are entirely unfounded, completely false, and a product of the sick imagination of rumour mongers and conflict entrepreneurs.
“They are nothing more than a feeble and mischievous attempt to tarnish my reputation and sow discord.”
The suspended commissioner challenged those behind the allegation, especially the Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation to show proof of its assertion adding “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I challenge the “Concerned Rivers Youth Organisation” (assuming such a body really exists) to provide tangible proof to support their assertions.
“It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.
“I have neither sponsored nor will sponsor any activities aimed at embarrassing or disrupting the activities of the administration appointed by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to oversee the affairs of Rivers State following his declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, 18th March, 2025, and have rather spent the time of my suspension from office focused on other endeavours and my doctoral studies.
“I reaffirm my commitment to working tirelessly for the progress and development of Rivers State.
“Furthermore, I believe that it is crucial for all stakeholders to promote a culture of truth, integrity, and respect in public discourse.
“Unsubstantiated wild claims undermine trust and hinder constructive engagement, and this is not what the state needs at this difficult and delicate time.
“I urge everyone to focus on issues that unite us and foster a positive, solution-driven dialogue for the betterment of our State, and urge everyone to work together to build a brighter future for Rivers State, grounded in truth, transparency, and collective effort,”she said.
By: John Bibor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has called on key regulators, asset owners and other stakeholders to continue to support the agency toward the goal of remediating the Ogoni environment and restoring the livelihoods of the people and building structures for peace.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call during the Project’s first quarter meeting with regulators, asset owners and stakeholders in Port Harcourt, urged the stakeholders to remain resolute in supporting HYPREP’s work.
“We particularly expect each regulatory agency and asset owner to deepen their involvement and continue to provide strategic support to the project”, he said, stressing that the quarterly meeting platform remains instrumental in providing a structural avenue for regulators, asset owners, and implementation partners to offer feedback to HYPREP on project performance and deliberate on ideas that move the project forward, as well as strengthen collaboration, deepen synergy and reinforce collective responsibility.
Zabbey disclosed that the socio-economic study of Ogoni has started, as HYPREP has contacted the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organisation(WHO) to commence in the next quarter a three-year human health biomonitoring in Ogoniland.
He noted that work on several fronts of the cleanup project is progressing steadily, adding that as key project partners, the insights and shared experience of the regulators and asset owners have always enriched HYPREP’s operations.
He said the policy thrust of HYPREP for 2025 is clear, as the Project is intensifying efforts to complete within stated timelines, the various ongoing projects, including remediation works and mangrove restoration, potable water facilities, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, the Ogoni Power Project, Ogoni Specialist Hospital, and Buan Cottage Hospital, among others.
Zabbey, however, announced that HYPREP would commence new set of shoreline cleanup, mangrove restoration and livelihood projects, to sustain the momentum of implementing the Ogoni cleanup, adding that the agency would also conduct detailed site characterisation of the high-risk complex sites, leading to remediation works at the sites.
He noted that HYPREP’s collaboration with Rivers State Ministries of Health, Power and Environment, and civil society organisations remains vital, stressing that the technical and administrative support of all relevant government agencies and funding partners is indispensable in helping HYPREP overcome operational bottlenecks, especially those encountered in interfacing with host communities.
He further indicated that “the people of Ogoni and the nation are looking to us with hope and expectation, and expect tangible results from the remediation initiative”, assuring the participants that the Project Coordination Office is committed to delivering positive results.
“We must, therefore, continue to work with diligence, transparency, and a renewed sense of purpose”, he declared, saying, “ the completion and commissioning of projects this year must reflect not only our technical ability but also our collective commitment to environmental sustainability and sustainable development in Ogoni.”
During the interactive session, the Project Coordinator briefed the participants on the progress made so far by HYPREP to conclude the distribution of starter packs to the 5,000 Ogoni trainees, and called on contractors who had already collected huge chunk of money for the project, to deliver without further delay.
In all, the regulators, asset owners and stakeholders commended HYPREP for the good works it is doing, and urged it to do more.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency(NOSDRA) was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Oil Field Assessment, Dr Abam Komommo Omini, while Dr Vincent Nwachukwu, Director of Medical Services, represented the Rivers State Ministry of Health.
The Rivers State Ministries of Water Resources, Power and Environment were represented by Dr Bealo Brownson; Engr K. J. Osele; and Mr James Ordu respectively, while the Society for Women and Youth Affairs (SWAYA); and the Stakeholder Democracy Network(SDN); among other civil society organisations were also at the event.
By: Donatus Ebi