The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Delta

  • Delta faults O’Spaces over collapsed multiple-storey building in Asaba

    Delta faults O’Spaces over collapsed multiple-storey building in Asaba

    The Delta State Government has faulted construction company, O’Spaces Nigeria Limited over the collapsed building along Okpanam Road in the Asaba area of the state.

    The Delta Ministry of Urban Renewal, in conjunction with the Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Board, conducted a thorough investigation into the incident and concluded that O Space was culpable for the avoidable accident.

    The multi-billion-naira building initially intended to be a seven-story hospitality development suffered a partial collapse on September 14, 2023 with no casualties.

    Read Also: Relocate pending Delta Gov Appeal cases to Abuja’

     Delta Ministry of Urban Renewal and the Delta State Urban and Regional Planning Board initiated an inquiry to uncover the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.

    In a report signed by Mr. P.O Amaduobogha, the General Manager of the Urban and Regional Planning Board, stated the investigative panel found O’Spaces Nigeria Limited, led by Arc Emeka Njere, accountable for utilising substandard materials in the support structure of the building’s members.

    They also highlighted issues such as non-perpendicular alignment, a lack of quality supervision, and negligence in attending to minor details, both on the part of the builder and the Project Managers, including Arc Enahoro Zedomi of Consultants Collaborative Partnerships.

    Consequently, the panel recommended that the building be cordoned off and subjected to comprehensive structural testing for the entire structure.

  • Relocate pending Delta Gov Appeal cases to Abuja’

    Relocate pending Delta Gov Appeal cases to Abuja’

    • By, Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba 

    A group, Niger Delta Comrades Assembly, (NDCA), has backed calls for the relocation of Delta Governorship Petition appeals slated for hearing at the Court of Appeal, Asaba Division  to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    The group’s  National Speaker, Mr. Lebari Young, who spoke  to reporters, yesterday in Asaba, Delta Capital, warned aggrieved persons against capitalising on the tense situation to truncate the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in the state.

    He warned of  brewing political tension in the State over the tribunal judgements, adding that “some are jubilating, while others are sad and angry”.

    He called on politicians who lost at the tribunals to prepare for the next round of elections, rather than inflame passions, as according to him, governorship elections in Delta state are often keenly contested because it is resource rich.

    He said protection for judges and sanctity of its judgement are non negotiable , adding the agitations also observed in other parts of the country, if not, handled “swiftly and carefully”, may lead to a breakdown of law and order.

    Lebari said the judiciary must be protected against undemocratic forces, while urging the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) to protect judges against undue interference by interested parties.

    His words, “It is on this note that the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly is calling on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate all Election Tribunal Appeal Hearings in Delta State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    Read Also: Ex-militants to NNPCL: include Niger Delta firms in pipeline maintenance

    “As a group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly has observed with keen attention the brewing political tension in Delta state following election tribunal verdicts passed in the state. While some political pundits are jubilating, some are sad and angry in view of the verdicts.

    “What we do not want as a group in the state, is aggrieved persons hijacking the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in the state. There seems to be growing tension in the camp of those who lost to their opponents at the various tribunals. 

    “We look forward to the kind and swift response of the NJC’s leadership in order to avert unnecessary agitations that may degenerate to breakdown of law and order in the state. The political tension is not only in Delta state but can be sensed in some states across the country”.

  • Reps seek urgent relief for victims of Delta tanker explosion

    Reps seek urgent relief for victims of Delta tanker explosion

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, October 4, called for urgent relief to victims of a tanker explosion that occurred at Koko Junction along the Warri-Benin Highway in Delta State on October 1.

    The incident had claimed over 20 lives.

    The House urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to immediately send relief materials to those affected and settle the medical bills of those hospitalized.

    It also urged the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the Warri-Benin highway and other federal roads around the country with a view to forestalling future occurrences.

    The House mandated the committees on emergency and disaster management, works and legislative compliance to ensure compliance.

    Read Also: Delta tanker explosion: Obaseki extends condolence to victims’ families

    These resolutions followed the adoption of the motion of urgent importance moved by Hon Thomas Ereyitomi and Jon Billy Osawaru.

    The House noted the unfortunate loss of over 20 lives including children and women on Sunday, October 1, when a fallen tanker laden with Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded at Koko Junction in the Warri-Benin highway in Delta State.

    It said besides the deaths recorded, other people sustained different degrees of injuries while over 16 vehicles and three motorcycles were destroyed by the inferno.

    The House worried that this unfortunate incident would further worsen the plight of road users who already had to cope with the massive gridlock occasioned by the dilapidated road.

    It noted that commuters spend days on a journey that should ordinarily not exceed 45 minutes.

    The House was worried that the Warri-Benin highway is plagued by a significant number of accidents each year, often involving tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles which topple over as drivers manoeuvre failed portions of the road.

    The House was distressed that with the accident, commuters and motorists would become more exposed to attacks by hoodlums/miscreants who take advantage of such situations to wreak havoc.

    It was concerned that the failed portions of the road had become a death trap for users of the road.

  • Three teens arrested for robbery, murder in Delta

    Three teens arrested for robbery, murder in Delta

    Three teenagers identified as Gift Peace (14), Idigbe Osreis (19) and Idigbe Perfect (16) have been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Command for suspected robbery and murder.

    It was learnt that their arrest was made following the confessions of one of the suspects, Gift (14) who was nabbed during a vigilante operation and handed over to the Police, last Friday, September 29.

    Gift reportedly confessed to being a member of a gang led by one Goodluck since he was seven years old.

    His confession led to the arrest of the gang leader, Goodluck, at Marine Quarters, Warri, The Nation gathered.

    Read Also: Niger Delta youths warn against insult on Akpabio

    It was also gathered that he (Gift) confessed that the gang was responsible for killing six persons including a vigilante operative, killed recently at Marine Quarters.

    But a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, October 3, said the gang leader died from gunshot injuries sustained during a shootout between operatives and the gang members when operatives stormed their hideout.

    Items recovered from the suspects include an unregistered operational tricycle of the gang, one locally made cut-to-size single barrel gun with stocked expended cartridges, and three live cartridges.

  • Tanker fire kills five, destroys vehicles in Delta

    Tanker fire kills five, destroys vehicles in Delta

    • Oborevwori mourns victims

    At least five deaths have been recorded in a tanker fire explosion that occurred at the Oghara section of the Warri-Benin Expressway, Ethiope West council area of Delta state, Saturday night.

    While an uncertain number of persons sustained several degrees of injuries, over 10 vehicles, including a motorcycle, were destroyed in the raging inferno.

    It was gathered that a petrol-laden tanker had fallen near the ever-busy Koko Junction, due to the terrible condition of the road, Saturday evening.

    However, some persons reportedly sneaked to the scene at night to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, resulting in the fire outbreak.

    As of Sunday morning, the corpses were still lying at the scene.

    The incident has worsened the dilemma faced by travelers along the Ologbo/Oghara part of the expressway, as it was learned many were trapped at either ends for over 10 hours.

    A similar incident that claimed about 17 lives occurred in the area in July 2020.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, in a brief message said while five deaths have been recorded, eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two cars and a motorcycle were completely burnt in the flames.

    Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, has sent his condolences to the families of victims who got burnt, following a tanker explosion at Koko junction, along Warri – Benin expressway, axis in Delta state.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the Governor commiserated with the victims’ families on the sad incident.

    Read Also: PDP will not exceed four years in Osun, says APC council chair

    He disclosed that the State Emergency Management Agency, led by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Ejiro Terry was already at the scene to provide help and support for the victims.

    Governor Oborevwori, who blamed the unfortunate incident on the poor state of federal roads, once again called on the Federal Government to expedite action in reconstructing failed portions of the road.

    He said that citizens of the state and commuters encounter harrowing experiences navigating the road and called on the authorities to as a matter of utmost importance and urgency fix the road to avoid further incidents like this.

    Governor Oborevwori also used the opportunity to caution the people against taking the risk of attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, adding that it was a time bomb waiting to explode.

    He said: “In the early hours of today, we got information that an explosion occurred at Koko junction along the Warri-Benin expressway.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with families of the victims who lost their lives to the inferno.

    “This sad and unfortunate incident would have been avoided if the Federal Government had lived up to their responsibility of maintaining their roads.

    “While I mourn the deceased, I use this medium to reiterate my earlier call on the Federal Government to save the lives of our people from these harrowing experiences.

    “I also use this medium to advise our people to refrain from the dangerous act of scooping fuel from a fallen tanker because of the highly inflammable nature of the product”.

  • Tragedy as tanker fire kills five, destroys vehicles in Delta

    Tragedy as tanker fire kills five, destroys vehicles in Delta

    No fewer than five deaths have been recorded in a tanker fire explosion that occurred at the Oghara section of the Warri-Benin Expressway, Ethiope West council area of Delta state on Saturday, September 30.

    While an uncertain number of persons sustained several degrees of injuries, over 10 vehicles, including a motorcycle, were destroyed in the raging inferno.

    It was gathered that a petrol-laden tanker had fallen near the ever-busy Koko Junction, due to the terrible condition of the road, Saturday evening.

    Read Also: Property destroyed as fire razes five-bedroom duplex in Anambra

    However, some persons reportedly sneaked to the scene at night to scoop fuel from the fallen tanker, resulting in the fire outbreak.

    As of Sunday morning, the corpses were still lying at the scene.

    The incident has worsened the dilemma faced by travelers along the Ologbo/Oghara part of the expressway, as it was learned many were trapped at either ends for over 10 hours.

    A similar incident that claimed about 17 lives occurred in the area in July 2020.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, in a brief message said while five deaths have been recorded, eight buses, two tankers, five trailers, two cars and a motorcycle were completely burnt in the flames.

  • Delta Govt politicising FG’s palliatives, APC leaders allege

    Delta Govt politicising FG’s palliatives, APC leaders allege

    • Hail Tinubu for appointing Keyamo, Ebie others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), Leaders and Elders Forum in Delta State, has accused the Delta State Government of politicising and abusing the distribution process of the bags of rice meant to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the masses.

    The State received a total of 17,400 bags of rice (50kg each) from the Federal Government for distribution across the state.

    Rising from a meeting in Ughelli, the Forum in a communiqué, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the palliative programme.

    It however, alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party-led state government of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has abused the distribution process by appointing only its members into supervising committee at various levels.

    The statement was signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Godwin Ogbetuo; Patron, Morrison Olori; Deputy Chairman, Tony Uti; Secretary, Roland Kemefa; Legal Adviser, S.S. Osia and Chairman, Communique Committee, J.F. Daubry.

    Read Also: Strike: Labour adamant, shuns parley called by govt

    Parts of the statement read, “the forum noted with satisfaction the efforts put in place by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through its palliative program to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal in the petroleum sector, such that has grossly affected the living conditions of the citizen of Nigeria and Delta State in particular.

    “The caucus while thanking Mr. President for the share allocated to Delta State, noted with pains and dismay that the effort of Mr. President has been politicized and abused by the Delta state PDP-led administration by appointing only members of PDP at both the state, local government and ward level into monitoring/oversight palliative distribution committee to the deliberate exclusion of APC members from committees and beneficiaries of the palliatives.”

    It expressed satisfaction with “the doggedness of the members of the party in Delta State in spite of the intimidation, maiming, unlawful arrest with frivolous charges and deprivation by the PDP-led administration in Delta State.

    “We are certain that such will come to an end with His Excellency Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, taking over the state.”

    The communiqué further praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Festus Keyamo (SAN) as the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace, Chiedu Ebie as Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Rt Hon. Monday Igbuya as member on the board of NDDC.

  • Navy parades two suspected pipeline vandals in Delta

    Navy parades two suspected pipeline vandals in Delta

    Two suspected crude oil pipeline vandals were yesterday paraded by the Nigerian Navy in Delta State.

    The duo were arrested at Asugbo Creek in Warri South Local Government around 2:35pm on Sunday.

    Parading the suspects at the Naval Base, Warri, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya, said the arrest was made by a combined team of naval personnel and workers of Ocean Marine Solution, a private surveillance company, when the operatives discovered a vandalised and leaking pipeline.

    The Commander who was represented by the Executive Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Captain Solomon Paul, said on further enquiry, the patrol team noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline.

    Consequently, the team searched the surrounding area and eventually saw three persons in a canoe about 20 metres away from the vandalised pipeline.

    Read Also: Oba of Benin: next Edo governor must respect monarchy

    They tried to escape on sighting the operatives, but two of them were nabbed and conveyed to the Navy Base for interrogation.

    The Navy said that “even though the two suspects claimed to be fishermen, no fishing gears were found with them and neither fishing nets or hooks were observed within the immediate environment”.

    The Navy stated further that the culprits “were unable to provide convincing explanation as to the reason for their attempted escape and whereabouts of the third person who escaped.

    “Hence, the need for thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on stated date and time for appropriate legal action”.

    The two suspects were thereafter handed over to the Divisional Officer, Warri South Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Chief Superintendent of Corps Victor Igbinoba, “for further investigation and necessary prosecution”.

    Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Delta has warned that all persons involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities to steer clear of Delta Creeks.

    Commodore Yahaya vowed that “the NNS Delta, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6, will not rest on its oars in ensuring that her area of operations is rid of oil theft and pipeline vandalism”.

  • Navy parades two suspected pipeline vandals in Delta

    Navy parades two suspected pipeline vandals in Delta

    Two suspected crude oil pipeline vandals were on Wednesday, September 27, paraded by the Nigerian Navy in Delta state.

    The duo were arrested at Asugbo Creek in Warri South council area of the state, around 2:35 p.m. on Sunday, September 24.

    Parading the suspects at the Naval Base, Warri, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya, disclosed that the arrest was made by a combined team of naval personnel and staff of Ocean Marine Solution, a private surveillance company when the operatives discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline.

    The Commander who was represented by the Executive Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Captain Solomon Paul, stated that on further enquiry, the patrol team noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline.

    He said the team searched the surrounding area and eventually saw three persons in a canoe about 20 metres away from the vandalized pipeline, adding that they tried to escape on sighting the operatives, but two of them were nabbed and conveyed to the Navy Base for interrogation.

    The Navy said: “Even though the two suspects claimed to be fishermen, no fishing gears were found with them and neither fishing nets nor hooks were observed within the immediate environment.

    “We were unable to provide a convincing explanation as to the reason for their attempted escape and the whereabouts of the third person who escaped. Hence, the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on the stated date and time for appropriate legal action.

    “The two suspects were thereafter handed over to the Divisional Officer, Warri South Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Chief Superintendent of Corps Victor Igbinoba, “for further investigation and necessary prosecution”.

    Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Delta has warned that all persons involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities to steer clear of Delta Creeks.

    Commodore Yahaya noted: “The NNS Delta, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6, will not rest on its oars in ensuring that her area of operations is rid of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”Elo Edremoda, Warri

    Two suspected crude oil pipeline vandals were on Wednesday, September 27, paraded by the Nigerian Navy in Delta state.

    The duo were arrested at Asugbo Creek in Warri South council area of the state, around 2:35 p.m. on Sunday, September 24.

    Parading the suspects at the Naval Base, Warri, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta, Commodore Chindo Usman Yahaya, disclosed that the arrest was made by a combined team of naval personnel and staff of Ocean Marine Solution, a private surveillance company when the operatives discovered a vandalized and leaking pipeline.

    The Commander who was represented by the Executive Officer, NNS Delta, Navy Captain Solomon Paul, stated that on further inquiry, the patrol team noticed an illegal connection on the pipeline.

    He said the team searched the surrounding area and eventually saw three persons in a canoe about 20 metres away from the vandalized pipeline, adding that they tried to escape on sighting the operatives, but two of them were nabbed and conveyed to the Navy Base for interrogation.

    The Navy said: “Even though the two suspects claimed to be fishermen, no fishing gears were found with them and neither fishing nets nor hooks were observed within the immediate environment.

    “We were unable to provide a convincing explanation as to the reason for their attempted escape and the whereabouts of the third person who escaped. Hence, the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain those responsible for the illegal connection on the oil pipeline along Asugbo Creek on the stated date and time for appropriate legal action.

    Read Also: Navy disowns list of successful candidate for Batch 35 recruitment

    “The two suspects were thereafter handed over to the Divisional Officer, Warri South Division of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Chief Superintendent of Corps Victor Igbinoba, “for further investigation and necessary prosecution”.

    Meanwhile, the Commander, NNS Delta has warned that all persons involved in crude oil theft and other forms of criminal activities to steer clear of Delta Creeks.

    Commodore Yahaya noted: “The NNS Delta, in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2023 – 6, will not rest on its oars in ensuring that her area of operations is rid of oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

  • Five Delta communities flooded

    Five Delta communities flooded

    • Occupants rendered homeless   

    Flood has rendered occupants of five riverine communities in Warri North Local Government of Delta State homeless, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports.

    Mr. KeAnren Pere, the councillor representing Ogbinbiri ward 18 in Asigborodo community disclosed this to reporters yesterday in Warri.

    He said the affected communities were Torukubuagbene, Awanba, Koropigbene, Itagbene and Asigborodo, as well as adjoining communities.

    He said the incident began more than a week ago and the situation became worse last Friday.

    Appealing for an urgent intervention by the state government, the councillor said the lives of his people were at stake.

    Pere said: “Rain has been falling before, but we have never had it this bad.

    Read Also: INEC to conduct mock accreditation in Kogi, Imo, Bayelsa

    “Valuables including boats, clothes, food items and other means of livelihood have been destroyed by the unfortunate occurrence.

    “Lives are at stake, people can no longer go about their normal daily activities to feed, so there is hunger in the affected communities.

    “The overflow started more than a week ago, but the situation became worse three days ago, leaving my people in fear.”

    He appealed to the state government to send relief materials including food items to the people to alleviate their suffering.

    Mr. Smart Asekutu, chairman, Warri North Local Government, neither picked calls put across to his phone nor responded to WhatsApp messages sent to his phone.

    The Director, Administration and Finance, Delta Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Daniel Okpor, said the agency was not aware of the development.

    He, however, requested for video clips of the incident to aid the agency’s findings and response.

    “Was the incident a result of flood or rainfall? We believe more in video clips than in photographs. In the absence of video, you can send me photographs,” he said.