The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta State

  • Police recover 4 bodies of slain officers in Delta

    Police recover 4 bodies of slain officers in Delta

    The Police in Delta said they had recovered corpses of four of its officers allegedly killed by suspected militants on May 15.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the recovery to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

    “The militants will be fished out, as investigation is ongoing on the matter,” he said.

    The deceased policemen were allegedly killed by the militants along the Benin river.

    The victims were simply identified as Aghoro (Commander), Sagay, Andrew and Mejer and their bodies have been deposited at both Sapale General Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri.

    Their vandalised boat has also been taken to Abiugborodo community under the care of some soldiers.

    A reliable source said that the policemen were invited by the militants to come and collect money to pave way for them to carry out their illegal bunkering.

    They were said to have ventured into the journey at about 2:30 a.m. on that fateful day without a back- up patrol boat.

    “Only one, Mr Ugbo on board the boat swam to safety with bullet wounds and is currently recuperating at an undisclosed hospital,” the source said.

    Reacting to insinuation that the police were on illegal patrol when they got killed , Aniamaka said:

    “We expect sympathy and to commiserate with the institution that lost four of its men inside the deep.

    “We do not deploy our men to go and be collecting money from militants. Whatever duty they were on, we are investigating the matter.

    “I am reflecting on how insensitive and callous certain persons can be especially on issues relating to the police,” he said.

  • “440,000 candidates write JAMB exams in two days”

    “440,000 candidates write JAMB exams in two days”

    No fewer than 440,000 candidates have sat for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations within two days across the country.

    The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is’haq Oloyede made this known in Abuja on Monday during a tour of the examination centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Oloyede said that the exams would end in Bauchi, Abia, Niger states and some other states on May 15 while the UTME would continue in Kebbi state, Lagos state, Oyo and some other states.

    He also said that some centres in Delta state were underutilised, adding that the Board would fully involved the centres in future exams.

    He called on candidates to avoid being exploited by unscrupulous persons in the name of getting exam questions for them.

    He said that a case of a person who attacked JAMB officials in Abia state had been reported to the security personnel.

    “I believe everything is going on well. We are monitoring the situation except for a person that was said to have attacked our staff in Abia state this morning.

    “Candidates should be careful because some of these people go about telling the candidates they can give them questions.

    “We are therefore appealing to people to do everything according to the law and avoid cutting corners with JAMB,” he said.

    On the recent industrial action at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Oloyede said there was preparation to move the candidates to the University of Ilorin for their exams.

    “We understand that there is a sort of strike by either staff or students in Lautech and two of our centres are in that school.

    “However, arrangement is being made already to transfer the students because there are no private CBT centres in Ogbomosho and the closest place is Ilorin because of the proximity.

    “So we believe it is better than taking them to Ibadan or any other place in Oyo state.”

    Oloyede also condemned the incessant strike in Nigerian Universities, saying that the acts could destroy the future of the country and citizens.

    He added that unions were free to disagree with the government but not at the detriment of students.

    “Anybody who loves this country and education will be against incessant strike.

    “I don’t mean government should take academic staff or non-academic staff for granted but it means we should find a way of solving our crisis not at the expense of the innocent ones,” Oloyede said.

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwukah, who was also on exams monitoring, applauded the board for smooth conduct of the exams.

    Anwukah, however, urged candidates to put more effort in order to succeed in the examination.

    “Based on what I have seen today, the exercise is excellent and if we can fathom this into what we are doing, I think it will be excellent from now on.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that centres visited within the territory are Digital Bridge Institute, Global Learning Institute, Sascon International School and the JAMB headquarters centre.

     

  • Group draws economic blueprint for Delta state development

    Group draws economic blueprint for Delta state development

    The Aniochaoshimili people of Delta state are set to draw up their own economic blueprint for the development of the area.

    To achieve this, a non-partisan and non-profit making socio–cultural organisation known as Njiko Aniochaoshimili has been convened to organise an economic summit to draw up the area’s economic recovery roadmap.

    According to the convener of the organization, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, “an Economic Summit by sons and daughters of our area will be held in Asaba to interrogate issues like targeting more efficient and effective internally generated funds from Aniocha Oshimili; identifying agricultural potentials of Aniocha Oshimili Axis, with particular attention to institutional and donor agencies intervention and the impact of IT hub on employment and wealth creation in Aniocha Oshimili.”

    Other areas of interest to the organisation include the tourism potential of Aniocha OShimili Axis of Delta State; the vision of a model Delta State Capital Territory and prospects for a mega/ commercial city; security challenges in Aniocha Oshimili district and wealth creation and job opportunities through private sector initiatives.

    The socio-cultural organisation will also consider the area’s oil sector opportunities with a view to creating the enabling environment for foreign and domestic investment.

    To address these issues at the summit, sons and daughters from Aniochaoshimili in Nigeria and in the diaspora have been lined up to lead conversations on these sub-themes.

    The group will also address the litany of issues that confronts communities within Aniocha-Oshimili.

    Some of these include; quality of public education, unemployment, housing, transportation, electricity and security.

    The Njiko Aniochaoshimili platform aims to work from the community level, by helping to bring citizens and stakeholders together in order to address these issues, while supporting efforts to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of the communities.

    To implement its mission effectively, Njiko Aniochaoshimili will serve as a thought leadership and advocacy group that will work with elected officials in the state and local governments to help address issues that affect the constituents.

    The group will periodically invite elected officials to brief the organisation on their contributions and claims of developments in the area, thus holding them accountable as well as work with elected representatives in advocating for legislations that are inclusive and that help address specific issues that affect constituents.
    Njiko Aniochaoshimili will “provide an online platform for stakeholders in the district to work together and share their ideas and research on the development of innovative solutions that will address pressing challenges within our communities,” Azinge said.

    The group will also organise workshops and conferences that address topics of common interest in the district such as Agriculture, Security, Energy, Infrastructure, I.C.T and Education. “Resolutions from these seminars will form part of the recommendations presented to stakeholders in the Local State and Federal Governments”.

    Njiko Aniochaoshimili hopes to foster a partnership with similar organisations and agencies at the State and National levels in order to create a powerful network of Institutions devoted to similar goals.

    They will equally “engage in public opinion surveys that obtain data on the needs of the district, such as level of unemployment and access to basic amenities by citizens and residents. This will allow for detailed demographic analysis and the development of solutions that would address these challenges.”

    Njiko Aniochaoshimili will rekindle the “I can do spirit” that the district is noted for and provide solutions that will help reposition Aniocha Oshimili as a prime hub for economic activity, I.C.T development, and agricultural growth in Delta State and indeed Nigeria.

  • Again, Fulani Herdsmen kill one, injure three policemen in Delta

    Again, Fulani Herdsmen kill one, injure three policemen in Delta

    At least one policeman was confirmed killed in an unprovoked ambush laid by a gang of suspected armed Fulani herdsmen, on a company of police personnel in Abraka, Ethiope East council area of Delta state on Tuesday.

    The incident, which occurred along the road around the stretch of Abraka farmlands, which have been forcefully occupied by the dreaded Fulani herdsmen, was one in a series of similar terror acts by the herdsmen around the area.

    Just about two weeks ago, the decapitation of a youth, who had gone with his brothers to engage some killer Fulani herdsmen who held their mother hostage in the farming area, had led to a serious uprising that almost claimed the life of a traditional ruler in the area.

    The Nation gathered that the policemen, driven in a van, were returning from the disputed Eku/Oria communities’ boundary when the killer herdsmen, who had reportedly blocked the road with cows, opened fire on the policemen, killing one of the passengers instantly and three others seriously injured.

    Although official police confirmation put the fatality figure at just one persons, being the Police Inspector who died on the spot, other sources claimed that one more victim of the attack died on the way to the hospital on Tuesday, while the other two victims died yesterday morning at the hospital, bringing the casualty figure to four.

    “The team in company of an executive member of the Umiaghwa-Abraka vigilante group, were on their way back to the police station after assessing the area demarcation between Eku and Oria communities, following a boundary dispute between a company operating in the area and the locals, when they were ambushed”, a source said.

    When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the attack on the policemen, but clarified that only an inspector died as result of the incident.

    “One died and that is the information available, but our prayer is that the others recover. They (the assailant herdsmen) laid an ambush and opened fire on the patrol team and it was so spontaneous, the sporadic shooting at them. The Inspector died and the others are in the hospital, three of them.

    “Fingers are being pointed at the herdsmen; they said men suspected to be herdsmen. The suspected assailants just opened fire on them, that’s what we heard, that’s the information available and we are on their trail. We are counting on the cooperation of all to enable us get them. Let them even let us know why they have to fire on people who didn’t go chasing them”, he said.

     

  • Police arrest suspected Uber taxi hijacker

    Police arrest suspected Uber taxi hijacker

    The Police in Lagos on Sunday said they had arrested a member of a syndicate notorious for hiring and hijacking Uber Taxi in the state.

    The Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command, ACP Olatunji Disu, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Disu said the suspect was arrested by his men posted to Oshodi Oke early Friday morning.

    According to the commander, the suspect operate with two others, who are now at large.

    “The suspect, Emmanuel John Ugbomah, 37, from Ndukwa, Delta State, was arrested in Oshodi Oke at 12:30 a.m. on Friday while trying to escape after a botched attempt to hijack an Uber taxi, a black Toyota Corrolla, belonging to one Adebisi.

    “The suspect, in company of two other accomplices, had boarded Adebisi’s Uber taxi in Lekki.

    “They reportedly told the victim they were going to Oshodi for which he charged them N4,000.

    “On getting to Ikoyi, the trio told the driver to head to Dolphin where they said they were going to pick a lady friend.

    “At Ikoyi, two of the suspects came down from the vehicle and some minutes later, they came back, saying that the female friend was not going to join them and that he should keep driving to Oshodi-Oke.

    “While about to climb the Oshodi-Oke bridge, one of them grabbed the driver from the backseat, while another closed his mouth with his hand.

    “A gun-like object was pointed at the driver’s head and they were shouting that he should come down and come to the backseat.

    “Immediately he unbuckled the seat belt and opened the door, he saw some RRS policemen at the front.

    “He ran toward them shouting robbers, robbers.

    “The police immediately swung to action after he explained to them that his car was about to be stolen.

    “They ran toward the direction of the car and apprehended one, but two escaped,” he said.

    Disu said the victim, however, claimed that his mobile phone and a sum of N80,000 were missing.

    He said some charms, a master key and a pistol-shaped device were recovered from the suspect, stressing that efforts were being made to arrest others still at large.

    Meanwhile, the arrested suspect had been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, for further investigation.

  • Corps member wins 2017 Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon

    A youth corps member, Adamu Mu’azu, on Saturday emerged winner of the male category of the second edition of Warri/Effurun Peace Marathon in Delta.

    Mu’azu, from Plateau, ran 30:44 seconds to clinch the first position.

    He defeated Kigah Monday and Steven Joshua who came second and third respectively in the national male category

    The 28-year-old athlete, who attributed his feat to regular training, said he had participated in many national and international competitions.

    Rotkang James, also from Plateau, won the female national category with a time of 33.26 seconds. She was closely followed by Annah Nwabuike and Godwin Theresa.

    For the wheelchair category, Sefiu Ojeleye came first in the male category.

    “I feel happy; I was the winner of the Access Marathon that was held in February in Lagos.

    “My target is to represent and win medals for Nigeria in international competitions,” said Ojeleye.

    Also Emma Oliseh, a 13-year-old primary school pupil, completed the race at 57th position.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 200 athletes participated in the 10-kilometre race which started in Effurun and terminated at the Warri Township Stadium.

    The winners were rewarded with cash prizes ranging from N100,000 to N300,000.

    In her remark, the organiser of the event, Joyce Bozimo, said that the marathon was to foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta and the country in general.

    She promised to sustain the annual event

     

  • Court orders temporary forfeiture of building belonging to PDP Senator

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday, ordered the temporary forfeiture of a 12-storey building belonging to a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi.

    The property located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, is said to belong to Nwaoboshi who is senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.

    The court’s order was sequel to an ex-parte application, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Nwaoboshi and his two companies; Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd, and Bilderberg Enterprises Ltd are listed as respondents.

    Arguing the application, EFCC counsel, Mr George Chia-yakua, informed the court that the  application was pursuant to section 44(2)(k) of the constitution as well as Section 28 and 29 of the EFCC (establishment) Act 2004.

    The EFCC counsel informed the court that the Commission received a petition from an anti-corruption group, ‘Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum’, against the senator and his Companies on alleged money laundering.

    The EFCC stated that upon receipt of the petition several investigations were carried out.

    It said it included making enquiries from the Code of Conduct Bureau, banks, Delta State Governor’s office, Delta State Tenders Board, Nigeria Customs Service, and Lagos State Ministry of Lands.

    It said that investigations were also made at the Federal Inland Revenue Services, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with a view to tracing movement of funds suspected to be proceeds of Illegal activities.

    The EFCC stated that in 2010, the Tender Board of Delta State awarded a contract to the Senator’s second company to purchase new construction equipment for Delta State Direct Labour Agency.

    It said that this was at the sum of N1.58 billion, adding that rather than buying new equipment, the company only imported and supplied used equipment, while the Delta State government fully paid for new one.

    It further stated that upon investigation, it was revealed that the Senator moved the proceeds to various accounts linked to him, and his company bidded and bought the said 12 storey building formerly known as Guinea House, located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa.

    It said this was for the sum of N805 million, through the use of his first company, Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd.

    The commission also stated that further investigation revealed that the Senator’s Bank Verification Number had about 20 bank accounts while his private companies had about 23 bank accounts.

    It therefore, urged the court to grant the application, in order to prevent the disposal of the building pending the conclusion of investigation and when a criminal charge will be filed against the respondents.

    After listening to the submissions of counsel to the applicant, justice Anka ordered that the 12-storey building located at 27, Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos, be temporary forfeited to the federal government pending the outcome of its Investigation.

  • Army denies shoot out with notorious kidnapper

    Army denies shoot out with notorious kidnapper

    Authorities of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army have denied reports that its troop of 19 Battalion had a gun duel before it arrested a suspected kidnapper, Mr. Sunday Okoro aka ‘GI’ and six others at Sapele, Delta State.

    It said there was no shoot out or gun duel during the arrest of Okoro and others.

    In a statement signed by spokesman of the 4 Brigade, Captain Mohammed Maidawa, it also denied that the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Monday Igbuya, mounted pressure for the release of the suspects.

    According to the statement, “The Nigerian Army is replete with highly professional, loyal and dedicated officers that performed their duties diligently with great sense of responsibility and pride.

    “It is therefore preposterous for anyone to allege anything untoward in the handling of the accused or the recovered abandoned vehicles and weapons. All were properly handed over the Delta State Police Command through appropriate channels for further investigation and prosecution.”

     

  • ‘Dissolve my 24 years marriage before my husband kills me’

    ‘Dissolve my 24 years marriage before my husband kills me’

  • #BBNaija: Bauchi Gov. offers Efe holiday treat at Yankari

    #BBNaija: Bauchi Gov. offers Efe holiday treat at Yankari

    Gov. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State on Monday offered Efe (Ejeba Michael Efe), winner of Big Brother Naija 2017 (#BBnaija) , some relaxation time at the famous Yankari Game Reserve.

    Efe who had been tipped as the show’s favourite raked in about 57.61 per cent of the over 26 million votes that the show recorded in the last week.

    He carted home the cash prize of N25 million and a KIA Sorrento SUV.

    The 24 year old Delta state indigene won the competition out of the top five housemates including Bisola, Tboss, Debie-Rise and Marvis.

    The information was shared via the governor’s official twitter handle @GovMAA read, “ Congratulations @EfeMoney!
    “We welcome you to visit Yankari and our beautiful Bauchi State FREE! Come, rest and #ExploreBauchi #BBNaija.’’

    Congratulations @EfeMoney! We welcome you to visit Yankari and our beautiful Bauchi State FREE! Come, rest and #ExploreBauchi #BBNaija.

    Yankari National Park is a large wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria and is home to several natural warm water springs.

    Yankari was originally created as a game reserve in 1956, but later designated Nigeria’s biggest national park in 1991 and is described as the most popular destination for tourists in Nigeria.

    The reserve plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tourism and ecotourism in Nigeria.

    It is also one of the most popular eco-destinations in West Africa.(NAN)