By Elo Edremoda, Warri

The Nigerian Army has assured residents of Delta State, especially those residing in the coastal areas communities, of adequate security and safety ahead of the yuletide.

The Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Jallo, gave the assurance during the flag-off of Operation Crocodile Smile Six at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), jetty in Warri, Saturday.

Present at the occasion were Chairmen of Warri South, Uvwie and Udu council areas, Dr Michael Tidi, Hon Ramson Onoyake and Chief Jite Brown.

The Warri Area Police Commander, ACP Ibrahim Argungu, was also in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Brig-General Jallo explained that Operation Crocodile Smile has become an annual event in the calendar of the Nigeria Army.

He noted that the exercise was aimed at providing adequate security for residents of the state during the yuletide and to consolidate on the gains achieved so far, in the course of the year.

The Army General disclosed that the main event was earlier flagged off at Asaba, the state capital, under the chairmanship of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, adding that it was taking place simultaneously in Koko and Ughelli towns.

Jallo emphasized that the exercise was for the benefit of Deltans, stating that the Army would spare no efforts in ensuring peace and security across the state during the coming Yuletide.

He urged other security outfits to abide by the rules of engagement, while maintaining professionalism throughout the exercise.

On his part, the Commander, Sector 1, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Col. Sanni Ahmed, assured that his troops would carry out their assignment professionally, diligently and within the ambits of the law.

Ahmed attributed the success recorded in the past to the synergy the Army enjoyed with other security agencies and promised to sustain it.

On his part, Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Ibrahim Argungu, pledged the cooperation of his men towards the success of the exercise.

Earlier, the Commander, 63 Brigade had inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by men of the 3 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Effurun.

Warri South Chairman, Dr. Tidi, who spoke on behalf of his Udu and Uvwie counterparts, commended the army for its commitment towards the security and safety of lives and properties in the state, positing that the exercise would boost the confidence of residents and investors in the state.

Our Reporter

The Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar, Cross River state has ruled in a protracted land disputed involving two Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom in which no fewer than five persons were killed and properties destroyed since 2017.

Two communities – Ifa Ikot Akpan in Uyo Local Government Area and Ibiaku Ishiet in Uruan Local Government Area led by their traditional rulers, Etteidung Edem Aniedi Ebong and Chief William Effiong Etim, had been locked in the land tussle in the last three years, forcing the matter to be taken to the Uyo Division of the High Court.

The matter was however dismissed by Justice Charles Ikpe, “for lack of merit” and subsequently, the case was moved to Appeal, where Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, faulted the decision of the High Court in dismissing the case as filed by Etteidung Ebong and others of Ifa Ikot Akpan community.

Delivering the ruling on the case: CA\C\342\2019, the three man Appeal panel led by Justice Barka, noted that “the lowered court erred in rejecting the document tendered by the appellants, which was not objected and countered by the defendants in efforts to disprove it throughout the period of the trial”.

He, therefore, ruled that “all the parcel of land which presently makes up the keke motor park, in the area that the claimants earlier leased to Gitto Construzioni Generali Nig Limited, to serve as burrow pit together with its appurtenances lying and situate at Ifa Ikot Akpan village, Etoi, Uyo, Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom state, belongs to the claimants, now appellants, having been in lawful possession of same ever since time immemorial”, part of the ruling reads.

For taking possession of the land for the couple of years, the defendants, Chief Etim and others of Ibiaku Ishiet community in Uruan Local Government Area, the Judge held, would refund the sum of 10 million to the appellants as general damages incurred during the period.

Commending the ruling, the monarch, Etteidung Ebong, said “my confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system has been restored”, recalling that he was under serious threat by the defendants, who assumed overwhelming powers to win the case based on connections he has with key politicians in the state.

“The judgment is a welcome development because total peace will now return to the affected communities and normal businesses restored”, he added.

By Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

The police in Delta State have arrested two suspected internet fraudsters (yahoo boys) for being in possession of a coffin in Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.

The unidentified suspects were nabbed by local vigilantes in Agidiehe quarters of the community at about 9.30 pm on Wednesday night when they were conveying the coffin from their house.

Police spokesman Onome Onowakpoyeya who confirmed the arrest said the boys were in possession of the coffin for alleged ritual purposes.

The Nation gathered that female pants and brassieres were among the items in the coffin when the suspects were forced to open it.

It was further gathered that the local vigilance group intercepted the alleged fraudsters before inviting policemen.

The police spokesperson however said the command has stepped up investigation into the matter.

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

THE Police in Rivers State have launched a manhunt for the gunmen, who kidnapped and murdered a former Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Ebenezer Kalabo Amah.

It was learnt that Amah was whisked away by unknown gunmen, who laid ambush at his residence on Precious Chukwu Street in Woji, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area

They were said to have accosted him on Wednesday night when he was driving into his house on Wednesday night.

It was gathered that the assailants blocked his vehicle, dragged him out and took him to an unknown destination.

Police spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident saying the deceased’s vehicle was recovered the same day.

But he said his lifeless body was seen at Peter Odili Road the next day (Thursday).

It was learnt that Amah, who retired from the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) was shot and killed minutes after he was kidnapped.

Omoni said: “Yes, I can confirm. He was kidnapped in Woji on the 17th. That same day, the police recovered his vehicle. While we were searching for him, we got information that his body was dumped somewhere at Peter Odili Road.

“So the following day on the 18th, we got there and confirmed that he was the same person that was kidnapped the previous day. His body was evacuated and taken to the hospital mortuary for preservation.”

By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has hailed the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their services which culminated in the successful inauguration of his administration on February 14, 2020.

Diri made the commendation while speaking at the formal flag-off of the sixth edition of Operation Crocodile Smile at the Army Super Camp, Ema-Okenema in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, particularly thanked the men and officers of the Nigerian Army for the role it played to prevent the breakdown of law and order in the state.

Diri maintained that, but for the gallantry and professionalism of the Army, Bayelsa would have been thrown into chaos following the Supreme Court ruling on February 13, this year.

He also expressed gratitude to security agencies for being alive to their responsibilities during the EndSARS protest to forestall carnage in the state.

He said: “Your singular show of professionalism was able to nip in the bud the rascality and criminal activities that tried to rear up their ugly heads as a result of the Supreme Court decision that restored our mandate on the 13th of February 2020.

“If not for your effort, we believe that the carnage that took take place in the state would have gone beyond what we saw. So, we want to thank the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the roles you all played in the events that led to our successful swearing-in on the 14th of February.

By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt

Tension has persisted in Oyigbo the Local Government Area in Rivers State, which came under attacks by suspected members of the disbanded Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Traditional Chiefs in the council area at the weekend expressed fears that the fleeing IPOB members could regroup and return to the area.

They recalled how members of the proscribed group hijacked the EndSARS protest killing six soldiers, four policemen and destroying all police stations and a court among other public facilities in the area.

The community leaders urged the Defence Headquarters not to withdraw soldiers deployed to restore peace in Oyigbo to prevent IPOB members from regrouping.

The chiefs under the aegis of Ogbakor Oyigbo, also urged persons, who deserted Oyigbo to return as normalcy had been restored.

High Chief Louis Okorie (Eze Ukwu III) said they were not interested in the call by some persons to withdraw the troops.

He expressed concern that if soldiers were withdrawn from Oyigbo, IPOB anarchists would unleash violence in the area.

He said: “The Ogbakor Oyigbo General held a meeting here and said they will not allow the removal of soldiers from Oyigbo.

“On 12th of November, 2020 we met with the Local Government Chairman, Gerald Aforji,  informing him of our plight. We don’t want the  Army to be withdrawn for the benefit of Oyigbo people.

“We need to be careful of the remnants of IPOB terrorists. We thank Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for imposing the curfew which has calmed down the situation in Oyigbo.”

Also, High Chief Lisbery Onyegorom, stated that indigenes of Oyigbo were still in shock following the wanton destruction unleashed on their community by members of the outlawed IPOB.

He said: “We were surprised by the level of destruction by the IPOB. We are Rivers State and Niger Delta people. Our people are not members of IPOB. I am not aware of any Oyigbo indigene who is a member. We don’t allow that.

“Now, that the IPOB members have killed some soldiers, all of them have run away. The Army is investigating and fishing them out. Most of the IPOB members arrested have given vital information about the remnants.

“We are in support of the Governor’s ban on IPOB activities across Rivers State and hoisting of IPOB flag.”

Onyegorom frowned at the allegation of extrajudicial killings levelled against the Army by some persons playing petty politics with the Oyigbo issue.

“We are solidly behind our Governor’s effort to maintain peace in Oyigbo. The Governor did not say, go, and kill people. The Army came on a rescue mission. That’s what they came for.

“It is the deployment of the Army that gives us comfort to remain here. For now, we hear of the threat to protest again. The army is going nowhere. Let the Army stay until we are sure of peace in Oyigbo.”

“Those who ran away should come back. The Army is not chasing anybody. The army is not killing any person. Let the Army stay, until we are sure peace has returned.”

On his part, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Prince Gerald Oforji said most of the negative reports were unfounded.

“Today, I am very happy for the visit by the Ovation family to assess the wanton destruction carried out on 20 October by the IPOB. Today, they have come to assess and see things for themselves based on lopsided information they have been getting concerning Oyigbo.

“I believe with what they have seen today, the world can confirm that most of those negative information posted against Oyigbo, against Rivers State, are unfounded.”

By Nwanosike Onu, Awka

A governorship aspirant in Anambra State, Godwin Maduka, has said the 2021 election is not for war but to lead the state to the Promised Land. Maduka is seeking to contest on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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According to him, collective effort was a sure way to good governance. He explained that through collective efforts, sound minds would be entrusted with public offices to guarantee good governance. He said: “This is not war; you should understand that when you have democracy and use democratic process you have to go with the best. “The best is not in looking good or having the best education. The best is whoever that can come up with ideas that will make a change. People who have been tasted, people who have been through life, people who have done it before without being a governor.”

By Chris Oji, Enugu

About 922,463 persons will be vaccinated against yellow fever three council areas of Enugu State where there is a confirmed yellow fever outbreak, it was learnt on Thursday.

Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ENS-PHCDA) George Ugwu said the councils are Igboeze North (333,551); Nsukka (398,094) and Isi-Uzo (190,818).

Read Also: Anambra vaccinates 5.5 million against yellow fever

According to him, the government has procured enough vaccines as well as trained and mobilised vaccinators to fixed Primary Health Centres (PHCs), special outreach centres and house-to-house approach. He added that the massive vaccination was meant for people between nine months and 44 years.

Ugwu said the vaccination would be extended to 10 neighbouring councils before the entire state is covered.

“There is no need to panic or send the wrong information; the government is in control of the outbreak clinically and has taken the right and appropriate steps to see that our people are protected…”