The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Irene Ugbo

  • Police deny abduction of NURTW chairman, others in Cross River

    The Cross River State Police Command has debunked reports that the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okuku Wing in Yala local government area in the northern part of Cross River State, had been abducted with some other people

    An indigene of the area had raised alarm through a WhatsApp message that there was tension in the area following the alleged abduction of the people, who were passengers in a vehicle, around the Ikwo/Izzi area along Abakaliki road as they were headed for a destination that could not be confirmed.

    But Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, said the information was false. “I have reached the Divisional Police Officer in Yala, and there was no such incident,” Ugbo said.

    Read Also: Police assures corps members of safety in Cross River

    “Business and economic activities have been grounded in some communities of Yala including Okuku, Okpoma and Yahe where road blocks have been mounted preventing vehicular movement to and from Abakaliki area. All shops remained closed in these areas as the youths are protesting the uncertainties and whereabouts of their beloved ones. They also threatened a reprisal action if the abducted persons are not found, as it is still uncertain if the abducted persons are still alive or killed,” the source had said in the message.

  • Motorcyclists drag corpse into governor’s office in Calabar

    Several commercial motorcyclists on Friday invaded the Governor’s office in Calabar, Cross River State, to protest the death of their colleague, who was allegedly killed by members of a security task force.

    The protesting motorcyclists dragged the corpse of their colleague right into the premises of the Governor’s office, smashing windows and attacking anyone that resisted them.

    The deceased, it was gathered was thoroughly beaten up by members of the task force until he became unconscious around Ikot Ansa in Calabar.

    He died while being taken by his colleagues to a health facility, it was learnt and this infuriated them, as the stormed the Governor’s office.

    Read Also: One killed as youths, motorcyclists clash

    The protesting okada riders had arrived the governor’s office and overpowered three security personnel at the gate.

    They damaged some items at the gate, tore the official security registers and approached the main entrance reception, where they smashed the glass doors.

    As they became more violent, reinforcements of armed soldiers from 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army and policemen from the nearby state police command arrived to contain the situation.

    It took several gunshots into the air to disperse them. A couple of them were rounded up by the security agencies.

    The body was later taken away by the police.

    Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo said the victim fell from his motorcycle and died when the task force team wanted to arrest him for violating the government ban on Okada plying major roads.

  • Popular broadcaster kidnapped in Calabar

    A popular broadcaster with the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) in Calabar Petertex Etim aka The godfather on Friday abducted in his house by unknown gunmen.

    It was gathered the abductors stormed his house along Chamley Street in Calabar South and whisked him away in a waiting vehicle, while he was preparing for work in the morning.

    “He was supposed to read the news on radio this morning but of course could not anymore because of the kidnapping.

    “He is not a politician or involved in any controversy. He is such an easygoing guy.

    Read Also: Tension in Calabar over vandalised billboards

    “So why should something like this happen to him? Could it be a mistaken identity? No one knows.

    “His phone number has been switched off since and the kidnappers have not gotten in touch yet. It is really unfortunate,” a source close to him said.

    Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

    ‘We are aware of it and we are working on it,” she said.

     

     

  • Popular Calabar pastor kidnapped inside church premises

    The General Overseer of the Bible Christian Crusade Mission (BCCM), in Calabar, Pastor Joseph Okoro, was on Wednesday evening kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the church premises, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    Some church members who spoke in confidence said Okoro was abducted around 9:00PM after an evening fellowship in his church located at 55 Webber Street by Elijah Henshaw in Calabar South.

    It was gathered that the gunmen may have disguised as church members and waited until the a church programme finished around that time and then accosted him in his office.

    Read Also: Police kill five armed robbery suspects in Calabar

    “They came in as members. After the programme, he went to his office, and as he was about to leave and go to his car and go home, the kidnappers approached him. Some people tried to struggle with them and they brought out guns and threatened to shoot anyone who interfered.

    “They told everybody to lie down. The pastor asked the people not to struggle, that he will go with them,” a church member who begged not to be named said.

    It was learnt the abductors whisked him away in his vehicle.

    Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

    “The kidnap is confirmed. The Anti-Kidnapping unit of the police is working on it,” she said.

  • Police deny deaths in Cross River communal clash

    The Cross River State Police Command has debunked media reports that people were killed in the communal clash between the Urugbam and Abanwa Communities of Biase local government area.

    A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, made available to The Nation in Calabar said the information was not fake, but misleading and a calculated attempt to put the people of the area in fear and restlessness.

    Read Also: Police arrest popular musician Small Doctor

    According to the statement, four people were injured while some houses were torched.
    She urged the media to always confirm facts before going to the the public to avoid spreading fake news.

  • Police warn social media users, bloggers against fake news

    The Police Command in Cross River has warned social media users and bloggers operating in the state to desist from using `online’ to spread fake news.

    The command gave the warning in a statement by its Spokesperson, Mrs Irene Ugbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, on Friday in Calabar.

    Ugbo said that some bloggers and social media users were in the habit of posting fake news in their blogs and websites to propagate cheap blackmail by inciting the public against government institutions.

    She said that the command, in collaboration with the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state would not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or group peddling fake news.

    According to her, some of the bloggers who have joined the media profession without requisite training and journalism background were frustrating the cordial working relationship of NUJ and the Police in the state.

    Read Also: Police warn against buying phones from strangers

    Ugbo said that some unscrupulous social media bloggers were trying to frustrate the media’s effort and reputation gained in championing the enthronement of democracy and respect for human rights in the country.

    “They are in a habit of posting fake and unconfirmed stories in their respective websites and social media platforms, aimed at cheap blackmail and spread of rumour to incite the public against government institutions.

    “In the same vein, the command wants to categorically state that the fake news making rounds on social media that three babies were stolen at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital is not true.

    “The story is a blatant lie and calculated attempt to undermine or tarnish the hospital’s reputation, thereby causing security breach in the state and the hospital,’’ she stated.

    (NAN)

  • Seven feared killed in renewed cult clash in Calabar

    At least seven persons are feared killed in a renewed cult clash in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

    The Nation gathered that the renewed fight started on Sunday when a reprisal attack on one of the members of one of the gangs. 

    Since then not less than seven have been reported killed in n attacks and counterattacks between the rival groups. 

    An eyewitness who witnessed some of the killings said three suspected cultists were killed in Ekondo Street and Mayne Avenue Street in Calabar South.

    Read Also: Calabar Sports Club lauds Ecobank

    He said that two other suspected cultists were gunned down along Atekong drive and Marian Road in Calabar Municipal.

    “At least seven people or more have died in this clash. We pray that the police and other security agencies will step up and stem the crises because we are no longer safe. There is so much shooting and pandemonium in the metropolis and we pray it comes to an end ,” he said.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo confirmed the incident saying that Police was on top of the situation.

    “Actually the clash between the two rivalry cult groups occurred and Police is on top of the situation.  But only one person was killed according to the report we have” she said. 

  • Policeman, three others killed in Cross River communal clash

    Policeman, three others killed in Cross River communal clash

    A policeman and three other people have been killed in renewed communal conflict between the Ojor and Uyannga communities in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River State.

    According to a resident in Uyanga, the incident occurred on Mondaywhen the Ojor people tried to pass through Uyanga with arms.

    “The Uyanga people stopped them, resulting in a conflict that led to the killing of three people from Uyanga,” the resident told our correspondent.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.

    She said the policeman was killed when he tried to mediate in the crisis on Monday.

    Ugbo said mobile policemen had been deployed to the area and calm restored.

     

     

     

  • Abducted ex-commissioner regains freedom

    The abducted former Commissioner for Information in Cross River, Patrick Ugbe, has been released by his captors.

    Ugbe was kidnapped by gunmen at Ekpo Iso Street, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, on Thursday.

    He is the Chief Executive Officer of Hit Fm 95.9.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the ex-commissioner’s release on Saturday in Calabar.

    The police spokesman said, “As we speak, the CEO of Hit Fm has been released and he is right now with his family.

    “No ransom was paid, the combined efforts of security agents in the state and the office of the State Security Adviser were on top of the matter to secure his release.

    “We thank God that he was released alive without any harm.

    “The police, in collaboration with other sister agencies in the state, would continue to work together to safe guard the lives and property of the citizens.”

    NAN

  • Gunmen abduct Hit Fm CEO in Calabar

    Gunmen abduct Hit Fm CEO in Calabar

    A former Commissioner for Information in Cross River, Mr Patrick Ugbe, has been abducted for by some unidentified gunmen.

    Ugbe, who is currently the Managing Director of Hit Fm 95.9, was said to have been kidnapped at about 8.20 p.m. on Thursday night at Ekpo Iso Street, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

    An eye witness, Mr Ekpo Abasi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Ugbe was kidnapped by five unidentified gunmen who stormed the area in a Toyota Camry car.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident.
    “We are aware of the incident. The case has been reported to us.
    “We have dispatched our men and those from the Intelligence Department to hunt for the kidnappers and rescue the victim safely,’’ she said.

    Aside being Information Commissioner, Ugbe also served as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the eight-year tenure of Sen. Liyel Imoke as governor of the state.