By Tina Amanda

The Rivers State Police Command has made significant strides in combating criminal activities within the state with the arrest of four individuals involved in vandalism and armed robbery. Among the apprehended is the local vigilante commander in Isiokpo, Ododo Kingsley Obubochi, alongside three other executive members of the local vigilante group. The arrest took place on 26 March 2024.

The vigilante group’s executives, namely Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu, abused their positions to access the group’s armory, which they utilized in carrying out criminal acts.

The series of events leading to their apprehension unfolded when a scrap dealer known as Prince approached Ododo during a vigilante group member’s burial. Prince, posing as a businessman from Omagwa, proposed a joint venture involving the dismantling and sale of a mast belonging to Globacom, situated on a secluded road in Elele.

After negotiations, Ododo agreed to provide firepower and oversight during the operation, while Prince’s team was tasked with disassembling the mast. A fee of NGN500,000.00 was agreed upon for Ododo’s participation.

The operation commenced as planned, with Ododo and his accomplices providing cover and supervision. However, their criminal activities were disrupted when they were intercepted by a police patrol unit during the operation. A confrontation ensued, leading to their arrest, with two vandals escaping while four were apprehended.

Recovered items from the arrested individuals include three automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, one plier, one machete, and two Qlink motorcycles without registration numbers.

Reacting to this development, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed concern over vigilante members’ involvement in criminal enterprises.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to apprehending all individuals involved in criminal activities, irrespective of their affiliations or positions within law enforcement structures.

The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects involved in this criminal network.

By Tina Amanda

A man identified only as Jeffrey, believed to be in his 30s, was apprehended by the Amadi Police Division, for allegedly defiling his landlady’s 13-year-old daughter, in a residential area near a federal government college in Abuloma, Port Harcourt local government area.

According to report, the suspect, who owns a tailoring shop in the estate, lured the landlady’s daughter to his shop one evening under the pretense of showing her a garment. Once inside, he allegedly locked the door, overpowered her, and defiled the teenage girl.

The suspect was arrested last Friday, April 19, 2024, after the teenage girl informed her mother. Reliable sources indicate that a medical examination conducted on the minor confirmed she was defiled.

When reached for comment, SP Grace Iringe Koko, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the suspect’s arrest. She stated that he has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Port Harcourt for thorough investigation.

By Mark Lenu

The host community of CSS Edagberi/Betterland in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State has appealed to the Fubara-led state government to build more classrooms for the school in order to accommodate the students of the school.

The traditional head of the host community, His Royal Highness, King Sonny Jacob Ubele told our correspondent that the community-based effort that has been assisting the school is not enough to expand the classrooms of the school, adding that the state government needs to assist..

He said: “We want the state government to come to our aid. We have been able to build some classrooms through communal efforts. Because they were built on communal efforts, the classrooms are not quite spacious enough to accommodate the desired number of students.

“Students are squeezing themselves in a classroom. So there is a need for government to intervene and expand the school by building more classrooms to accommodate the students.”

On his part, the Principal of the school, Wisdom Santos Owolo also appealed to the state government to renovate the management staff offices of the school, adding that the offices are in bad shape.

The principal said the students are increasing in number without classrooms to accommodate them as they sit in overcrowded classrooms to learn.

The school was among several other schools in the state that were worst hit by the perennial flood that used to ravage communities and displace residents which usually occurs toward the end of every year.

Last year, there was an outcry from the school, as the students and management of the school lamented over the destruction of the school’s learning facilities and materials by the flood.

Tina Amanda

In a shocking development, armed gunmen believed to be associated with the Greenland cult and reportedly loyal to a figure known as ‘General Crocodile’, launched a brazen assault on Olokuma community within the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident, which unfolded on the night of April 20, 2024, resulted in the abduction and brutal killing of three male residents, sparking widespread alarm across the region.

Authorities are speculating that the attack may have been orchestrated as a retaliatory action, hinting at internal discord within the ranks of the criminal group. This violence comes amidst escalated efforts by the Rivers State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, to dismantle cultism and other forms of violent crime. The intensified crackdown appears to have unsettled criminal elements, potentially fueling such violent reprisals.

Insights from community sources shed light on the underlying motives behind the assault, indicating a calculated strategy to instill fear and suppress cooperation with law enforcement agencies. The targeting of suspected police informants underscores a deliberate attempt to undermine efforts aimed at intelligence gathering and information sharing within the community.

Efforts to secure an official statement from the Rivers State Police Command were hampered as Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, remained unavailable for comment at the time of press, despite assurances of verification and response.

The reprehensible act has drawn swift condemnation from various quarters, with the Civil-Military Police Paramilitary Relations (CIMPARR) expressing profound outrage. Comrade Green Isaac, Coordinator of the group, has called upon Governor Siminalayi Fubara to honor the one hundred million naira bounty placed on David Gift, signaling a resounding demand for justice amidst the prevailing climate of fear and uncertainty gripping the region.

He appealed to Governor Fubara to honor the pledge, stressing that it has been over sixty days since 2Baba’s demise, with no action taken. Isaac highlighted the importance of the pledge in light of reports of armed gangs targeting informants, who assist the police in maintaining community safety and law enforcement.

He emphasized that failing to deliver promised bounties to informants undermines trust.

On April 8, 2024, the Rivers State Police Command announced the neutralization of two loyalists of Ikem ThankGod, also known as ‘General’ 2Man, of the Greenland cult group during a raid on his camp in Ahoada West LGA.

On 26 March, 2024 David Izuma aka ‘General’ Solution of Greenland cult group was also neutralized by the Police in Ahoada West LGA.

On February 17, 2024, David Gift aka ‘General’ 2Baba an Iceland cult kingpin was neutralized by the Police in Ahoada East.

On 28 January Silas Oderereke aka ‘General’ Odereke of Greenland cult group was neutralized in Ahoada West LGA by the Police.

By Mark Lenu

Coastal Dwellers have called on President Bola Tinubu to halt any plot by conventional security agencies to assault the operatives of the Royal Fouche Security Limited.

The group made this known in an open letter to the president which was made available to our correspondent and read as follows:

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.

April 21, 2024

His Excellency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
State House, Abuja

Your Excellency Sir,

As concerned citizens and representatives of the Dwellers of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Africa (DCWCA), our hearts weigh heavy with concern for the safety and security of our beloved nation, particularly in Rivers State.

Recent developments on internet news have indicated a troubling plot that threatens to undermine the peace and stability painstakingly built by our coastal communities.

We are gravely disturbed by reports indicating a sinister scheme aimed at disrupting the commendable efforts of Royal Fouche Security Limited, spearheaded by the esteemed Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari.

It pains us deeply to learn that the very guardians of our security, the Nigeria Security Agencies, are allegedly orchestrating an assault on the dedicated workers of Royal Fouche Security Agency and other private security entities in Rivers State.

In this hour of uncertainty, we turn our eyes to the highest office of the land, the esteemed President of Nigeria, with an impassioned plea for intervention.

Mr. President, we beseech you to heed our call and use your authority to halt any actions that may endanger the lives and well-being of our coastal citizens. Your decisive action is imperative in preventing further escalation of tensions and preserving the peace that is the lifeblood of our coastal communities.

While we cannot definitively prove the political undertones behind these alarming developments, the whispers of suspicion linger in the air.

It is incumbent upon our leaders to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the safety and security of every Nigerian, particularly those in our coastal regions who are vulnerable to various challenges.

Your Excellency, we can not forget the lessons of our past, where political differences were allowed to sow seeds of discord and division among our coastal brethren.

We plead with Your Excellency to unite the Nigeria’s dwellers of the coastal waterways in solidarity, transcending political boundaries to safeguard the sanctity of our democracy and the welfare of our coastal people.

Mr. President, we implore you to intervene swiftly and be decisive by sending a clear message that the security and well-being of every coastal Nigerian is non-negotiable. Your actions today will shape the destiny of our nation and reaffirm our collective commitment to peace, unity, and progress.

With unwavering hope and trust in your leadership,

Signed:
Harry Macmorrison,arpa
National Publicity Secretary
Dwellers of Coastal and Waterways Communities of Africa (DCWCA)

By Brave Dickson

Kalabari youths under the aegis of the IYC Kalabari Se-Ikpangi have made clear their decision to resist any move by the conventional security agencies especially the military to launch an attack on the Royal Fouche Security Limited, popularly known as AMAMA soldiers.

IYC made this known through its Chairman, Comrade Edward Asikitams who advised the military to synergize with the Royal Fouche Security outfit in the interest of safeguarding lives and properties in the country.

In a chat with our correspondent, Asikitams was quoted as saying that: “In other civilized countries such as Russia, America, and many others, private security firms are there building synergy with conventional security to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order.

“We can not overemphasize on the selfless contributions made by the Royal Fouche Security outfit, otherwise called AMAMA soldiers.

“Within this short time of their stay in Kalabari and beyond, we can take cognizance of the Emohua/Kalabari Road when there were incessant attacks on commuters by robbers and kidnappers. It affected the economy of our people. Not even the so-called politicians were able to travel to their communities. The ordinary citizens who do not have security guards were equally affected.

“But from the day Chief Mujahid Dokubo Asari, the Edi Abali 1 of Kalabari Kingdom took the decision of manning the Emohua/Kalabari Road, those pockets of insecurity we were experiencing stopped.

“The Nigerian security should be grateful to Alhaji Asari and not think of launching an attack on AMAMA soldiers. They should reward the Royal Fouche Security outfit as a means of encouragement to boost the morale of AMAMA soldiers for work well done.

“Report of the military’s plot to attack the AMAMA soldiers is an aberration which will put the lives of the ordinary citizen in jeopardy and we seriously frown at it and we condemn it in totality.

“For the safety of our people who can not afford to provide security for themselves or get security aides for themselves, should be considered before making any move to attack the AMAMA soldiers.

“Our economy must thrive and if we must enjoy sustainable development, then there is a need for peaceful co-existence.

“If the military attacks AMAMA soldiers, it then means the rumor of an attempt of ethnic cleansing against prominent Ijaw leaders is not built on faulty ground. It then means there is truth to that rumor making the rounds.

“The Ijaws and the Kalabari people will come out strongly to resist any attempt to launch any attack to demoralize our selfless youths who are manning the Emohua/Kalabari Road and providing security for the ordinary man and woman in Rivers State.

“We want to take this moment to commend our leader, the pyramid of Ijaw Nation, Alhaji Asari for his selfless sacrifice in prioritizing the lives and safety of his people. We encourage him to keep the flag flying and our forebearers will continuously stand by him to ensure that no harm shall befall him.”

By Tina Amanda

The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has advocated for an end to gender-based violence against women in politics.

Chairperson of NILOWV, Ruth Davies, disclosed this when she led the association members to the office of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers State, to seek partnership, to tackle the culture of silence against gender-based violence and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

According to her, the widespread gender-based violence against women is deeply rooted in the political system in Nigeria, and the discrimination against women has continued to have an effect on the lives of female politicians, activists, and female voters not peculiar to our country, but all around the world.

“Gender-based violence has been the order of the day in our country where female voters are been molested and harassed sexually during the elections period, women are persistently undermined and discouraged from being politically active.

“Gender-based violence, and in particular violence against women, is one of the most pronounced expressions of the unequal power relations between women and men.

“NILOWV as a body is out to put a stop to gender-based violence, that is why the League of Women Voters of Nigeria is collaborating with FIDA to have a memorandum of understanding on how the culprit of the gender base violence will be handled.

“However, gender-based violence is not only peculiar to political adversaries but women can be subjected to violence by their family and their peer group in an attempt to disabuse them from joining politics.

To avert this gender-based violence, there is a need for urgent action to be taken by all the stakeholders that is at the helm of affairs in the states, including civil society organizations and other independent bodies in helping solve the gender-based violence pandemic.

“It imperative that all women in politics, whether at the local or national level, must be empowered to tackle the culture of silence against gender-based violence. They have to speak up and report such violence to appropriate quarter”.

In her response, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Rivers, Adata Bio-Briggs, assured NILOWV of their support to ensure that the rights of women aspirants and women voters are protected under the laws during elections.

“FIDA as a nonpartisan organization is out to provide legal services to the vulnerable especially women and children. Preserve, promote, and protect the rights of women and children and their wellbeing.

“Violations against women during election period are part of the cases we handle. This falls in line with what we do, it is not something we can not do.

“FIDA Rivers in particular has been at the forefront of promoting women voters, last year before the election we had two different programs one to increase women’s participation in politics, and the other one was a town hall meeting with all the gubernatorial aspirants from all the political party.

“We wanted to hear from them, what they have for the women, these are some of the things we have done as an organization to promote female voters and make sure there is an increase in participation of women in politics. We believe that when we have more women participate in politics we would have better laws.

Two years ago we had some National Assembly members that were ready to push some laws for us and they pushed. We are not going to back out from this, elections are coming very soon and FIDA will provide legal services for women who are violated both aspirants and voters”.

By Brave Dickson

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Degema LGA of Rivers State, Evans Dagogo has urged residents of the state not to worry over the tenure expiration of the Local Government Chairmen, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will do the right thing.

Worries came amid speculation that there will be litigation as the state electoral umpire has appeared not to be ready to conduct an election to replace the current LG chairmen and councilors whose tenure will expire in June this year.

The chieftain said: “The tenure of the local government chairmen is going to end by June this year and there is speculation that Governor Fubara is going to appoint caretakers to fill the LG seats.

“There are threats here and there to go to court to stop the governor from appointing caretakers. All these threats are not relevant.

“Previous governors had appointed caretakers after the expiration of the tenure of elected LG chairmen. But I think the current governor should be given the freedom to operate.

“The governor has not formally come out to say he will appoint caretaker chairmen. The governor should be allowed to do what he has in mind and let Rivers people see what he will do as the governor of the state.

“I know that the governor will not derail from the law. He will do what is expected of him in a manner that the people of the state will get the dividends of democracy.

“So let us fold our arms and watch what the governor will do because he is a good person and his good will prevail.”

By Brave Dickson

It was a funfair on Saturday as married men and women put on primary school uniforms to attend the burial of a 90 year old Head Master, Late Pa John Beal Odibo Tom Big Harry.

The educationist who passed on this year was buried at his hometown in Obuama community, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking with one of late Pa John Harry’s pupils who is now a certified construction engineer, Victor George will said, “I got admission into the government-owned primary school in Obuama and met Pa John Tom Big Harry as the headmaster of the primary school I attended.

“He retired as headmaster in early 2000 when I was in my 300 level in the university. He clocked 90 years old before he was gloriously called home.

“We are excited to dress in our primary school uniform which we last wore 40 years ago to pay our tribute to our departed headmaster.

“This late headmaster has raised great men and women who are doing well in their respective endeavors.

“We thank God for giving us this intellectually sound headmaster which we have all gathered here to pay our last rest to.”

Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 300 men and women between the ages of 40 to 70 were dressed in blue and white primary school uniforms to honor the burial of the late headmaster.