Crime

Military Aircraft Blow up Illegal Refining Sites

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The air component of Operation Delta Safe has destroyed seven illegal refining sites at different locations in Rivers State.

Equally, a total of four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards were bombed by military aircraft deployed for the operations.

The Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Sunday stated that the operations were conducted on April 12 and 13, 2024, in Idama, Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island, and Samkiri communities in River State.

According to reports, a strike conducted by the air component of Operation Delta Safe in December 2023 destroyed six illegal oil refining sites at Opu Arugbana in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers, also in March 2024, two illegal oil refining sites were destroyed at Krakama and Temakiri in the Degema local government area of Rivers State.

Gabkwet said, “Air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Delta Safe have continued to record tremendous successes against the activities of economic saboteurs operating in the Niger Delta Region. Specifically, air strikes carried out from April 12 to 13, 2024 at some locations in Rivers State have significantly diminished the capabilities of oil thieves to continue in their nefarious efforts at bursting and siphoning crude oil.

“In the Idama community, for instance, an active illegal refining site was observed and engaged. Also, armed reconnaissance undertaken over Yellow Island and Cawthorne Channel revealed four boats loaded with illegally refined products heading southwards. The boats were subsequently engaged and destroyed. ”

Gabkwet noted that at Arugbana, oil thieves were attempting to establish an illegal refining site, adding that upon spotting the approaching aircraft, they quickly fled for safety.

He said, “Similar reconnaissance missions were conducted over Ogbomkiri, Arugbana, Ivy Island, and Samkiri. While over Ogbomkiri, an active illegal refining site was identified and engaged accordingly.

“At Arugbana, oil thieves were seen trying to set up an illegal refining site and, on sighting the approaching aircraft, scampered for safety. Several illegal sites were also observed at SAMKIRI and were engaged and destroyed.
In all, about 7 illegal refining sites and 4 boats were discovered and destroyed within the two-day operation. ”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

Crime

Police Hammer Two ASPs over Alleged Extortion

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Two Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, have been suspended by the Rivers State Command for Alleged extortion in the course of duty.

The suspended ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo were Alleged to have been involved in an untoward act.

The suspension of the two officers, as well the stoppage of their salaries were ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu with the approval of the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

The announcement of the suspended officers was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko on Sunday.

The suspended officers were implicated alongside one Inspector Michael Odey who was found guilty and dismissed subsequently from the police on February 7, 2024, following a thorough orderly room trial and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 that found him guilty.

 “the Rivers State Police Command hereby issues an official update regarding a case involving three Police Officers who have been accused of engaging in acts of extortion.

“As previously communicated during our press briefing on February 13, 2024, Inspector Michael Odey was found guilty and subsequently dismissed from duty, effective from 07/02/2024, following thorough Orderly room proceedings and a comprehensive review conducted by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16.

“Furthermore, during the aforementioned briefing, we provided information regarding the ongoing reviews pertaining to ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, as their respective ranks required approval from the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

“Today, we hereby inform the public that the Police Service Commission has officially authorized the suspension from duty of ASP Doubara Edonyabo and ASP Talent Mungo, effective from 29/02/2024.”

Speaking about the salaries’ stopped of the implicated officers, the CP said,  “The salaries of the implicated officers have been stopped. The two officers will face the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is responsible for addressing disciplinary issues involving senior officers. Update would soon be given on other cases involving these officers.”

Disu, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of credible policing, emphasising that the decision of the command to suspend the implicated officers would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating misconduct.

The CP further called on the public to report any unprofessional behavior or misconduct displayed by police officers, assuring that all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

“This decisive course of action serves as a strong deterrent to any police officer who may contemplate engaging in misconduct and unequivocally reaffirms our unwavering commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of credible policing in Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining discipline among its officers. We wholeheartedly encourage residents to promptly report any instances of unprofessional behavior or misconduct displayed by our officers.

“Reports can be made through the following contact channels: phone number 08161355218 and WhatsApp number 08067167605. Rest assured, all reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

“We persistently strive to foster a safe and secure environment for all residents of Rivers State, and we pledge to continue working diligently in the best interests of the public.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Lifestyle

Abiodun Mourns Wigwe, Wife, Son, Ogunbanjo, Others

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By Abimbola Bamgbose

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described as tragic the death of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former chairman of NGX Group Plc, died when their helicopter crashed near the border of California and Nevada on Friday night.

Governor Abiodun described the incident as a devastating loss for the families, friends, and the entire business community in Nigeria.

The governor described Wigwe as a quintessential banker who contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, adding that he was a pillar of support to his administration’s agenda.

According to him, Wigwe’s death has created a void that will be difficult to fill.

He condoled with the families of the deceased, the management and staff of Access Holdings, the business community, and the Rivers State government on the tragic incident.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Herbert Wigwe and five others. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time”.

“Herbert Wigwe was not only a respected business leader but also a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs. His contributions to the banking sector and the Nigerian economy will always be remembered.”

Prince Abiodun also condoled the Ogunbanjos on the death of the former chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, (NGX Group), Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo in the crash.

Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo was born into the family of the late Chief Chris Ogunbanjo of Erunwon in Ogun State.

Prince Abiodun described the late Ogunbanjo as not just an exceptional businessman but also a man of great character and integrity.

The governor noted that as chairman of NGX Group Plc, the deceased played a vital role in shaping the Nigerian financial market and contributed to its growth and development.

“His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry.”

“In moments like this, words seem inadequate to express the magnitude of our loss. As a state, we extend our deepest condolences to the Ogunbanjo family, friends, and colleagues. We share in your grief and sorrow, and we stand by you during this difficult time,” he added.

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News

Dozens Feared Dead in Crude Oil Explosion

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Dozens including women are feared dead following an explosion from a crude oil tapping point in Rumuekpe community in of Rivers State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 2 am on Friday when one of the buses loaded with crude went up in flames while trying to navigate to an illegal refining point in the area.

An environmentalist and Executive Director, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Fyneface Dumnamene said he received news of the incident through its ‘Crude oil spill alert response system.

The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying,” The Divisional Police Officer is already on his way to the scene.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Gunmen Abduct 8 Commuters, Kill Driver

By Web News 438 0

Gunmen have killed a commercial bus driver and abducted eight of his passengers in the Abonema/Degema/EmuohaEmuoha/Kalabari area of the East-West Road in Rivers State.

It was gathered that the killed driver, identified as Salvation Harry, who ferried his passengers from the Mile One park in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, was travelling to Buguma before he was ambushed in one of the bad spots.

It was gathered that the gunmen shot the driver dead in a commando-like fashion and immediately took all passengers into a forest on Saturday night, even as they fired shots into the air to ward off any threat and escaped unchallenged.

Our reporter later learnt that one of the kidnapped travellers was freed after parting with about N150,000, while others were still in captivity.

A driver plying the route, who did not want his name in print, lamented that despite a protest calling on relevant security agencies to rise to the occasion, the frequent attacks had now led to the death of one of them.

“We had protested on our Kalabari-Emuoha-Buguma road because of the series of kidnap incidents and the shooting of our drivers and passengers.

“Even the Commissioner of Police sent a representative. After then, there has been an increase in kidnapping attempts and incidents.

“But yesterday, the worst of it happened. They (miscreants) killed one of our drivers by name Salvation Harry, who is from Buguma. As I am talking to you now, he is in the Buguma mortuary. And the occupants of the vehicle are in the bush with the kidnappers.

The eyewitness said the presence of security personnel on the road had not solved the challenge in the area and accused the policemen of paying attention to people carrying illegally refined petroleum products.

 “Their concern is the number of illegally refined products they will carry. Otherwise we have not seen a situation whereby we have nine to ten security checkpoints on that road, yet they killed our driver last night and took the occupants of the vehicle” he said.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Gunmen Abduct Rivers Monarch

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A monarch and Chairman of the Abissa Council of Chiefs in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, High Chief Matthew Opoto, has been kidnapped by gunmen on the high sea.

High Chief Opoto was abducted on Friday on his way to his community in the Abissa waterway by a group of gunmen driving in a speed boat.

The gunmen were said to have intercepted the boat he was in and some of his council of chiefs.

After identifying Chief Opoto, it was gathered that they dragged him out into one of their boats and drove off with the speed of light.

A native of the area, Minaibiye Dolphin, who confirmed the incident on Monday, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the monarch was a few minutes to his destination when the gunmen struck.

 “The chairman of Abissa council of chiefs, High Chief Mathew Opito, was traveling with some of his chiefs and about five minutes to arrive the community, when gunmen came in a speed boat, identified him and took him away.

“We have no information about him. The entire community is worried, the chiefs, elders, youths and women, everybody is worried because there is no information about him until now,” he said.

Dolphin called on the security agencies, including the Nigeria Navy Ship, Pathfinder and the Rivers State Government, to intervene and facilitate his release.

“We are appealing and calling on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, the police, Army, the NNS Pathfinder, and other security agencies to help secure his release.

“There is no information as to why they kidnapped him since we are not able to get in contact with the kidnappers.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying already a manhunt and thorough investigation had begun to ensure the monarch’s release.

“Yes, we are aware. We are making frantic efforts to ensure his early release as well as to apprehend the abductors,” Iringe-Koko said.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Man, Lover Hack wife in Rivers Community

By Web News 518 Post a comment

A man simply identified as Chima and his female lover have reportedly hacked the man’s wife with a machete in Omerelu community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

It was gathered that trouble started when the man’s wife identified as Nwakaego confronted him for bringing his female lover into their home on Monday.

The man was said to have fled after realising the enormity of his actions, as blood stains were all over the house.

Elder brother to the battered woman, Anayo Warisi, while speaking with newsmen in Port-Harcourt said his in-law and his lover attacked his sister, while the man used a machete freely on his wife.

Warisi said his sister was seriously injured, especially on her leg due to the machete cuts inflicted on her and was rushed to the hospital.

“It was this morning (Monday) my sister’s husband brought another woman to their house. So she asked him why he did that. Him and his lover started beating her seriously.

“Then he cut her all over her body with the machete, but her leg is worse. My elder ones took her to hospital in Elele, but she was rejected there that the injury is much.

“So, they moved her to the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) where she is now

“We want the husband arrested because it is a case of attempted murder. Nobody knows what will happen next if we allow it to lie low. So let justice be served,“ he said.

Meanwhile, a group, the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Secretary of the body in Rivers State, Gladys Oyenmwen, said anyone who is found culpable should be made to face the law.

She said” “Domestic violence under any guise has no place in our society and should not be condoned irrespective of who is involved.

“So, we demand a thorough investigation into the allegations, and anyone found culpable should be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying the fleeing man’s lover had been arrested.

“The woman has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department,” she said.

Asked about the man’s whereabouts, Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said an investigation was on, and everyone is in top gear to ensure he is arrested.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Politics

Ex Rivers Lawmaker Pledges Support for Tinubu

By Web News 351 0

Former representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has dumped the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State.

Abe in a statement signed by his spokesman, Parry Benson, on Wednesday afternoon, however, pledged his continued support to the presidential bid of APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

The statement quoted Abe as saying, “I have since left the APC in Rivers State, I am still part of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s family and has no issue with him whatsoever.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Crime

Woman Sells Niece for 600k, Ends Up in Police Net

By Web News 361 0

The police in Rivers State have smashed a child trafficking syndicate and rescued a five-year-old girl sold for 600,000 naira to an undisclosed buyer in Imo State.

The child was said to have been kidnapped from Omagwa community in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State after she went missing on May 20, 2022.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr Friday Eboka, disclosed this while parading 30 suspects arrested for various crimes at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Mr Eboka said the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

The CP said, “On May 20 this year, a lady called Peace Emmanuel reported that her five-year-old daughter was missing. The case was reported at the Omagwa Police Station.”

“But later, it was transferred to the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Team at the Forces Avenue, Port Harcourt. They went into investigation and eventually, it was discovered that it was her sister who arranged to steal her child and she eventually sold the child to a lady in Imo State for the sum of 600,000 naira.”

“So, we went and we were able to rescue the little girl; we also arrested two suspects. The major suspect’s name is Ejike Edith, aged 30; she also mentioned others who did that crime with her. They are Prince Ugwu and Nkiruja Samuel, 26. These suspects were also arrested and are here with us. But the person who received the baby is in Imo State and we are making arrangements to ensure that he is arrested to face the law.”

He said men of the command also busted a kidnappers’ den in a forest in Kaani community, Khana LGA of the state, rescuing victims and recovering several AK-47 rifles used by the suspects.

“Similarly, on May 27, the same anti-kidnapping unit also arrested one Messiah Wisdom. The suspect would invite girls to his house, drug them, make love to them, video them and threaten them to bring the sum of N1m or risk the chance of the video going viral.” The CP added.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

Religion

Church Stampede Claims 31 Lives

By Web News 492 0

No fewer than 31 persons have been confirmed dead in a stampede at a church event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday.

A new generation church, known as ‘Kings Assembly,’ located in the GRA area of the metropolis, was organising a programme at the Polo Club in the Rivers State capital to accommodate the usually large congregation.

It was learnt that the crowd overstretched the venue as the church had invited members of the public to come and receive gift items and free food for its fourth anniversary.

The invitees according  to reports, have been arriving since Friday evening, while others arrived as early as 6.30am on Saturday, for an event that was scheduled to start by 9am.

As soon as the bouncers opened the gate, they all rushed in. However, a stampede occurred, resulting in the death of some persons.

Most of the victims were reportedly taken to the nearby military hospital.

The acting spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said: “Thirty-one persons for now have been confirmed dead and those injured are responding to treatment. We are investigating to find out what really happened.” Newspeak / Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Security

Woman Disguised as Teacher Abducts Five Children in Rivers

By Web News 463 0

Five children were abducted by a woman from their homes after she disguised as a teacher in the Rukpakulus axis of Eliozu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Three children aged between 18-months and four years old were said to have been kidnapped from one family and two others snatched from another family.

The mother of the first three abducted children, Rose Monday, told newsmen in Port Harcourt that the woman took her children when they went over to their neighbours to play.

Monday said the woman had disguised as a home lesson teacher looking to rent a makeshift structure in the area.

The devastated woman further said her children were last seen after the woman took them to buy notebooks, saying they never knew that she had a hidden agenda.

She explained, “I was at home when one of my children who was playing with her siblings came back alone. I asked her the whereabouts of her brothers’. She said one aunty (woman) said she will bring them home.

“I asked where the woman had taken them to and she replied that the woman took her to Oil Mill (a popular market in Port Harcourt) to start taking them on lessons and she and the other children followed her.

“They (children) were seven including one of my neighbour’s children. She said the woman told her to go that she has given her money for transport, that she will bring her brothers to the house.”

Mrs. Monday’s 14-year old daughter who was initially abducted by the mystery woman narrated how she (woman) let her and their neighbour’s son off around the Oil Mill market axis, but went away with the other five children.

The teenager said, “I told the aunty that the small one (child) don’t know how to write by herself and the woman can go and buy the books.

“The woman said no, that she likes little children. As I followed her, she started watching me. When I returned the looks, she smiled.

“She now stopped a vehicle and all of us entered. When we got to Oil Mill, the woman kept me there and sat down.

“The woman now told me she wants to take the children to go pick up something. So, I sat there for a long time.

“I then asked a girl operating PoS if she knew where the woman took the children to and the girl replied that she didn’t know the woman.”

The mother of the other two children, Blessing Emmanuel, said the mystery woman had hired her husband to buy materials to construct a makeshift structure before she kidnapped her children.

“So this woman told the children that she organises lessons (home classes) and that if she sees a way, she will begin lessons for them. So the grown-up child said, ‘Aunty let’s go and buy books’.

“Since I know the girl and her brothers’ who usually come to my house to play with my children because she was a former neighbour, I allowed my children to follow them,” she explained.

When contacted, the acting spokesperson of the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, describing the parents of the abducted children as careless.

She said, “Those people (parents) were they not careless? Somebody came to you that she is a teacher, went to their house and told them she wants to take the children and buy books for them.

“They allowed her to take the children. Is it supposed to be like that? So, you can see that it is the carelessness of parents and they will now fall back on the police.

“We (police) have commenced investigation to ensure that the children are rescued, as well as arrest the woman and make her face the law.”

She, however, advised parents to be vigilant and report suspicious characters coming around their children in whatever disguise to the police or raise the alarm where necessary.

PUNCH

Economy

We have empowered over 9000 youths – SEEFOR Coordinator

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The State Employment and Expenditure for Results Project, SEEFOR says the intervention agency has provided employment for over nine thousand youths in Delta State and has recorded impressive ratings in the four participating SEEFOR states comprising Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, and Delta State.

The National Project Coordinator of the SEEFOR, Dr. Greg Onu, stated this in Asaba, at a press briefing to conclude the inspection tour of the World Bank and European Union-sponsored projects in parts of the state.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/INTERVENTION-PROJECTS-ONE.mp3

Dr. Onu also commended Delta State for implementing three out of five steps under the State Integrated Financial Management Information System, SIFMIS aimed at ensuring financial accountability in accordance with global best practices.

Similarly, Delta State Project Coordination of SEEFOR, Mr. Frank Akpotu, hinted that a total of fifty-eight point eight million dollars was allocated to Delta State under the project with a focus on youth empowerment, financial management reforms, and project monitoring and implementation.

Mr. Akpoti explained that the participating states contributed between one hundred and fifty million naira to two hundred million naira as counterpart funding which led to the training of over seventeen thousand beneficiaries in short term vocational enterprises.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/INTERVENTION-PROJECTS-TWO.mp3

Earlier, the representatives of the SEEFOR had visited project sites in Delta North senatorial district of the state including a health center at Umunede and the Agbor Technical College in Agbor where a science laboratory was upgraded amongst other projects.

Oghenero Eghweree

Yoruba

Àwọn obìnrin fẹ̀húnú hàn lórí ìsekúpani nílé ìtura

By Web News 660 0

Ogunlọ́gọ̀ àwọn obìnrin ni wọ́n yan bí ológun lọ sílé ìjọba nílu Port-Harcourt láti lọ fi ẹ̀húnú hàn lórí ìsekupa àwọn ọ̀dọ́bìnrin ní àwọn ilé ìtura ọ̀tọ̀tọ̀ n’ípinlẹ̀ Rivers.

Àwọn obìnrin shún ni wọ́n wọ asọ dúdú, tí wọ́n sìn késí ìjọba láti gbé ìgbésẹ̀ burúkú náà.

Wọ́n tọ́kasi wípé gbogbo èyàn pátápátá lái yọ ẹnikẹ́ni sílẹ̀, tófimọ́ ẹni tón sòwò nààbì lóní ẹ̀tọ́ sí ìgbéayé tí kòsì yẹ kí wọ́n jẹ́ pípa ní pa kúpa.

Ìròyìn ti sọ di mímọ̀ pe kòdín ní ọ̀dọ́ bìnrin mẹ́jọ tí wan ti salábapàdé ikú òjijì nílé ìtura ọ̀tọ̀tọ̀ nípinlẹ̀ Rivers, larin osù méjì tó kọjá.

Kemi Ogunkọla/Sheriff Nasirudeen