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Gunmen Kill Monarch In Ahoada

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A prominent traditional ruler, Eze Collins Alali, the Eze Emene Ekamini 1 of Igbu Orlukwor of Ekpeye Kingdom, has been allegedly assassinated in cold blood on his way to his country home in Oshigbokor community in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The one-time President of Uzugbani Umu Egwele Ugbulu of Ekpeyeland was cruising home in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to preside over several cases which he was handling in his palace when the gunmen struck last Friday, and assassinated him.
His wife, Mrs. Blessing Alali, who narrated the incident to The Tide, said that both of them arranged to travel to the village that eventful day, but providence saved her.
“He asked me to wait for him along the road so that he would pick me as he was driving from Ahoada. I could not exercise patience, because he had called me more than two times to wait for him but he did not come. I had to join motorcycle to Oshigbokor, and I told him to come behind,’’ the wife said.
The grief-stricken Mrs Alali said that about ten minutes after her arrival in the village, she had a phone call alerting her that her husband had been gunned down by three armed bandits.
According to Mrs. Alali, the unknown gunmen waylaid him along Okporowo Road, shot on the tyres of his Jeep, before raining several gun shots on him.
His first son, Henry Chinwute Alali, told The Tide, that one of his friends intimated him on phone that his father had been killed on his way home, and that he should rush to the scene.
He noted that his friend told him that the assailants shot sporadically into the air to scare away passersby, adding that the gunmen, who sang “Eze Alali na we kill am,” “Eze Alali na we kill am’’ , mounted on their motorbike and zoomed off, after singing for a few minutes.
Henry added that the body has been deposited at the morgue in Ahoada.
On his part, the Eze’s younger brother, Hon. Pedro Alali, threatened that those behind the gruesome murder of Eze Alali have no hiding place.
Pedro blamed the police for their lackadaisical attitude towards responding to distressed calls, arguing that if the police could not save lives anymore when people are in danger, government should allow the use of gun by individuals in order to protect themselves from sudden aggression.
Meanwhile, confidential sources have alleged that some persons who have been fingered in the assassination of the Eze, are already making desperate moves to relocate to stave off any reprisal attacks.
It would be recalled that in 2008, gunmen who were led by a youth from Oshiogbokor community were rounded off by residents of Ula-Ikata community, around Eze Alali’s country home.
On interrogation, they revealed clues to their future clandestine plans, asserting that they were dispatched to snuff life out of the paramount ruler or his wife.
As at the time of this latest incident, the case was yet to come to its logical conclusion, with all the accused persons allegedly let off the hook.
Eze Alali was reported to have escaped several fatal attacks; including many this year by strange faces.
However, the police in Ahoada, which confirmed the incident, said they have taken the corpse of the Eze to an undisclosed mortuary, and did not give further detail on their investigation of the matter.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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