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Cult Clash Claims 14, Injures Scores In Ogoni …As Gunmen Kill N ine, Abduct Six Others In Andoni

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About 14 persons have allegedly been killed in Sime community in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an invasion of the area, last Thursday night, by gunmen suspected to be cultists.
It was gathered that unknown gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically; a development that left many dead while several others had bullet wounds.
A community source, who confirmed the incident under condition of anonymity, stated that the remains of the victims had been deposited in a private mortuary in the area.
The development, according to the source, has caused uneasy calm in the area as some people were seen, at the weekend, leaving for the neighbouring communities.
It would be recalled that penultimate Saturday, a gateman attached to a politician in Sime and his uncle, were killed by unknown gunmen.
But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for House of Representatives, Oyigbo-Eleme-Tai Federal Constituency in the 2015 elections, Dr Jacobson Nbina, who is a native of the affected community, described the killings as politically-motivated.
Nbina insisted that over 20 members of the PDP were killed in the attack, alleging that scores were still missing.
He said, “my brothers and sisters, please, help to pray for Sime community. The worst has just happened to me again! I earlier informed you of last weekend’s invasion of my home, and the brutal killing of my security guard and my uncle, with my driver escaping with bullet wounds at my gate.
“As I speak to you, over 20 PDP youths of my community, Sime-Tai, were brutally murdered, and several others taken away alive as unknown gunmen invaded my community midnight of yesterday (Thursday),” Nbina stated.
When contacted, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident in Tai.
He, however, quickly added that the casualty figure had not been ascertained, and therefore, was not sure of the death toll of 14 being alleged.
Omoni said, “yes, I can confirm to you that the incident happened in Tai, but we are yet to confirm the casualty figure. Investigation is ongoing”.
Similarly, unknown gunmen, last Friday, allegedly killed, at least, nine people while several others sustained bullet wounds following a suspected reprisal attack around the Agba Okwan Asarama (Asaramatoro) fishing settlement in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The reason for the invasion is still unclear, but sources said that the gunmen, on alighting from the boats at the waterfront, opened fire, shooting sporadically into the air while making their way to residences of fishermen living by the river bank.
The source said that on sighting some fishermen attempting to escape, the gunmen shot, and killed nine persons, while others who were faster, managed to escape into the bush with bullet wounds.
The attack came barely 24hours after gunmen invaded the same area and abducted over six people.
During last Thursday night’s attack, more than six persons were allegedly kidnapped in the same fishing settlement in Andoni, a border community with Bonny Local Government Area of the state.
A source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the abductors came into the community in two gunboats and seven speedboats.
The source added that on arrival at the waterfront, the gunmen started shooting sporadically to scare away residents, before abducting their victims, and whisking them away to unknown destination.
He added that the two incidents have thrown the fishing settlement into panic, as many now fear for their safety and security, given the ease with which the gunmen overrun their community, without any security personnel’s resistance.
However, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Asarama-toro, Japheth Blessing, has said that the attacks could be a reprisal on the incident that happened, last month, between Bonny and Andoni, which claimed lives of many, including the father of a suspected notorious cultist.
Blessing confirmed that the gunmen invaded the community before dawn, just as he called on the Rivers State Government and security agencies to come to the aid of the community, with a view to protect lives and property.
Stakeholders, including the chiefs and local government chairmen of Bonny and Andoni local government areas have renewed calls for peace among the two LGAs.

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Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

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The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

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Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

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Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

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Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol

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