TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta State

  • Anglican cleric charges Okowa, politicians on good governance

    Anglican cleric charges Okowa, politicians on good governance

    Dr. Theophilus Usikaro, a Venerable in the Diocese of Sapele, Anglican Communion, has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his reelection, and charged him to continue delivering on good governance.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Usikaro, who gave the charge on Sunday, also tasked political office holders, especially Christian politicians in Nigeria to be the difference in politics, to serve as model for generations to come.

    He said Christians today stand a better chance to do greater, and better in politics, while also charging the politicians to emulate and take inspiration from the success of past leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr.

    “No matter how corrupt and depraved Nigeria may appear, there is always a godly remnant whose lives conduct and approach to leadership and governance or public service should serve as a model for younger and less experienced persons who desire to make a positive difference in their political careers,” he said.

    Usikaro, who is in charge of the Jeddo Archdeaconry of the Sapele Diocese of the Anglican Communion, in his message, draw the attention of Governor Okowa to the state of roads in Jeddo community.

    He stressed on the importance of the community, saying a community being impacted by activities of Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) should enjoy better dividends of democracy.

    He said it is not out of order if government should dualize the one-way road leading into Jeddo, Ugbokodo, Ughoton, and other neighbouring communities, due to massive urbanization taking place in the communities, and the traffic congestion the people suffer.

    While commending the Governor for commencing construction work on the new Okpe road, which he said would decongest traffic from the main road leading into the communities, he said dualizing the main road would speed up the urbanization of that axis of the Warri metropolis.

    Usikaro said this is in line with the urbanization agenda of the Okowa government.

  • Kidnappers sentenced to death by hanging in Delta

    Kidnappers sentenced to death by hanging in Delta

    A four-man armed syndicate that specialized in robbing and snatching exotic cars as well as kidnapping their victims have been sentenced to death by hanging by a Delta High Court sitting in Asaba.

    The criminal case was between the State and five defendants, Uche Vincent Uzondu (M), Emeka Amukali (M), Paul Egwom (M), Festus Oghali (m), and David Mario (m) in a 9-count charge bothering on conspiracy to commit felony to wit, kidnapping, armed robbery and wounding with intent.

    The court presided over by Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (Mrs.) found four out of the five defendants guilty of all the 9 count charge and were accordingly sentenced to death by hanging on the count of armed robbery.

    Justice Azinge discharged and acquitted the 5th defendant, David Mario of all the charges for lack of sufficient evidence by the Prosecution linking him to the crime.

    The court in its judgement, held that the state established and proved beyond reasonable doubt the offenses for which they were charged and that the defendants failed woefully to create any doubt.

    While disbelieving the evidence of the defendants, the court further held that from their confessional statements, they conspired and worked together in synergy to perpetrate their nefarious criminal activities, adding that their denials that they do not know each other was a blatant lie and an afterthought.

    She ruled that from their confessional statements, two of the defendants statements corroborated as they narrated vividly in their separate accounts their modus oparandi.

    Prosecution led by a Deputy Director from the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Tracy Uriah, in her final written address to the court, had urged the court to convict the defendants and impose the minimum punishment prescribed by the various sections of the law which they violated.

    She told the court that she had supplied sufficient evidence before the court that the defendants committed all the nine count charge.

    In the particulars of offence filed by The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice through the Director of Public Prosecutions against the defendants, the Court was told that Uche Vincent, Paul Egwom, Emeka Amukali, who were on bail before the court verdict, and David Mario, on or about the 3rd day of December, 2014, at Asaba within the Asaba judicial division, robbed one Ilechie Michael Nnaemeke of his Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration no BDG 203 DA, two mobile phones and other valuables while armed with a gun and also wounded him with intent, as he was shot in the leg when he raised alarm during the scuffle that ensued.

    “On the 13th day of December, the accused persons carried out another operation successfully in Asaba where they did not only rob one Titus Ayuba, a Surveyor by profession, of his Lexus RX 350 SUV with Reg no AKU 230 HT, one laptop computer, GPS receiver, cheque book and other valuables while armed with guns but was also kidnapped and held hostage for six days and collected an undisclosed sum of money from his wife as ransom.

    “Not done with their insatiable appetite for robbing exotic cars, the gang also on the 16th day of December, 2014 at Asaba within the Asaba Judicial Division, robbed another victim, Emeka Ojogwu of his infinity SUV with Reg No AJ262AYB, the sum of N320,000, one wrist watch and two mobile phones while armed with guns. They also held him hostage for six days while a ransom of N600,000 was said to have been paid by his wife before he was released from captivity,” the filing revealed.

    TNG gathered nemesis caught up with the gang when one of their victims whose car was also snatched at gun point sighted his stolen car which has already been painted to another colour around a shop along the ever busy Asaba Benin Expressway and reported the discovery to the IPO.

    Acting on the tip off, when detectives swooped on the said shop where stolen cars are refurbished, several cars were recovered while the accused persons were apprehended and upon interrogation, they made confessional statements admitting to have been responsible for the spates of car snatching and kidnapping within Asaba and its environs.

    Reacting to the verdict, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Peter Mrakpor Esq, who spoke through the DPP, Ernest Edomwonyi Esq said the court verdict is justice well delivered, not only to the victims, but to society, and expressed the hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others.

    The Attorney-General averred that the State Government zero tolerance for crime was on course and advised youths to key into the various educational and youth empowerment programmes of the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.

    He advised youths to shun all forms of vices and get rich quick syndrome.

  • Families announce cultural carnival for burial of Rewane

    Families announce cultural carnival for burial of Rewane

    The Rewane and Awani families in Delta State have announced arrangements for the final rite of passage for their late wife, daughter and mother, Dame Esther Jemine Rewane.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Dame Rewane, wife of Chief Ogbemi Newe Rewane, the late Ologbosere of Warri, who died at the age of 97 on February 20, 2019, would be celebrated with a cultural dance.

    According to a statement by the families, the cultural dance will hold at number 25 Esisi Road in Warri, Delta State on Saturday, May 4, 2019.

    Meanwhile, a service of songs will hold at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos State by 5pm on Monday, April 29, 2019 to be followed by wake keeping at St. Andrew’s Cathedral at 22, Okere Road, Warri, Delta State by 6pm on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

    According to the statement, the funeral service for Rewane will hold at St. Andrew’s Cathedral at 22 Okere Road, the reception of guests at 25 Esisi Road, with both events taking place on Friday, May 3, 2010.

    The outing service will hold at St. Andrews Cathedral at 22 Okere Road by 10am on Sunday, May 5, 2019

    Dame Rewane was the daughter of Mr. Obuku Eguojaghan Afini Awani, a retired civil servant in the Inland Waterways Department of the Federal Ministry of Transport.

    The late Mrs. Rewane, an alumni of Queens College in Lagos and Saint Monica College in Onitsha, was fluent in Yoruba, Ibo, Urhobo and Itsekiri.

    She was an entrepreneur who operated a medium-scale business in the Warri metropolis over the decades.

    She is survived by children, many grand and great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and nieces, among whom are a former Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Professor Grace Alele Williams; a retired general manager of AGIP Nigeria Plc in Port Harcourt, Mr. Victor Awani; and a retired member of the general management of Nexim Bank and Joint Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs. Evelyn Rewane-Fabyan.

    Others are Mrs. Rosaline Rewane-Dafinone who retired from the NNPC; an economist, Mr. Bismarck Rewane; a director of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs; Mr. Justin Rewane; a senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank in Maryland, United States, Ms. Carolyn Rewane; and a Judge in the State of New York in the United States, Mrs. Toyin Damola Akinrolabu.

    She was born on April 22, 1922.

  • Delta Govt denies borrowing N7.99 billion

    The Delta State Government has denied borrowing the sum of N7.99 billion to aid accelerated execution of some key projects in the State.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Mr David Edevbie, Delta Commissioner for Finance, in a statement, stressed the State only jointly guarantee with other shareholders the stated sum.

    He said the N7,99 billion loan, guaranteed by the State Government and other stakeholders to third parties in the public interest, was to aid accelerated execution of road projects by contractors before the onset of the rainy season and for Delta Line to be able to raise required funding.

    Mr Edevbie stated that in a bid to revamp the ailing Delta Transport Service Limited, (Delta Line), which had relied on continuous assistance from the state government to meet salary and other recurrent as well as capital expenditure, the State sold 60% equity of the company to God is Good Transport Development Company (GTDC) in a Public Private Partnership arrangement while retaining 40% equity in the company.

    According to the statement, “Sequel to the sale which amongst other things involved defrayment of outstanding commitments including salaries arrears, the new management of Delta Line submitted a 5-year business plan to shareholders which among other things envisaged a capital injection of ₦4,998,669,000 for the procurement of 130 commuter buses as well as the renovation/establishment of 18 terminals with information technology infrastructure and furnishing across the country”

    The statement further stated that, “due to the inability of the State Government to fund its 40% equity contribution as proposed. It became expedient for Delta Line to raise the required funding via debt supported by the joint and several guarantees of shareholders.

    “Consequently, the State Government on July 11, 2018 agreed to jointly guarantee with other shareholders, the proposed term loan facilities of ₦4,998,669,000 sought by Delta Line which was supported by the Delta State House of Assembly on March19, 2019.

    “The envisaged benefits of a fully operational Delta Line the Commissioner said include direct and indirect employment for at least 1,500 Deltans, increased independently generated revenue, better public services and increased economic activities in the State”.

    Edevbie stated that, due to a fall in Federation Accounts receipt in January 2019 which hindered planned payments to some contractors handling road project, it became necessary for the State Government to support the contractors in accessing financing to aid accelerated execution of the projects before the onset of the rainy season.

    The Finance Commissioner hinted that, on February 5, 2019, the State Government agreed to support the contractors to obtain short-term loan facilities amounting to ₦3,000,000,000 from Zenith Bank Plc by way of a guarantee which would be repaid by June 2019 and this was supported by the State House of Assembly in a resolution passed on March 19, 2019 passed a resolution in support of the guarantee.

  • Delta to inject N4.9b into state transport firm, N3b into priority projects

    Delta to inject N4.9b into state transport firm, N3b into priority projects

    Delta State government is set to inject an immediate capital of N4.9 billion into Delta Line Transport Service Limited, the state transport company.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) gathers the N4.9 billion is a credit facility to be obtained by the transport line from Zenith Bank, which will be guaranteed by the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Governor Okowa had addressed a letter to the State House of Assembly requesting the House for approval of the credit facility.

    At plenary on Tuesday, after the letter was read by Speaker Sheriff Oborevwori, the House approved Okowa’s request to guarantee the credit facility.

    According to Okowa, the loan was in a bid to revamp the ailing Delta transport service which had over the years relied on continuous assistance from the state government to meet salaries and other recurrent expenditure obligations as well as capital expenditure despite being a business that should generate revenue.

    He said that the State government sold 60 per cent equity of the Delta Line to God is Good Motors Transport Development Company by way of a public private partnership arrangement with the state government retaining 40 per cent equity in the company.

    The governor said that sequel to the sale which involved defrayment of outstanding commitments including salaries arrears, the new management of Delta line submitted a five year business plan, among other things.

    Okowa said that the business plan envisaged an immediate capital injection of N4. 9 billion for the procurement of 130 commuter buses as well as the renovation and establishment of 18 terminals with information technology infrastructure and furnishing across the country.

    The House approved the request following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Tim Owhefere and seconded by Mr Peter Onwusanya.

    Also at plenary on Tuesday, the State Assembly approved the request of Gov. Okowa for a N3 billion short-term loan facility for the financing of priority road projects in the state.

    The approval of the request, which was contained in a letter read by the speaker during the plenary, followed a resolution passed by the Assembly.

    According to Okowa, there is urgent need for the state government to support some of its road’s contractors in accessing financing to aid accelerated execution of critical projects before the onset of the rainy season.

    “The request has become expedient considering the almost N3 billion drop in federation accounts receipt in January 2019 when compared to December 2018 which had hindered planned disbursement to the contractors.

    “Most of the contractors are already on site and have generated payment certificate for works already executed which are yet to be defrayed,” he said.

    Okowa said that the funds were required to make progress in the relevant project execution, adding that the state executive council at its meeting of February 5, 2019 considered and approved that the state government should support certain contractors for the state’s critical priority projects.

    “In obtaining the short-term loan facility amounting to N3 billion only from Zenith Bank with the state government bearing the cost associated with the facility as requested by the contractors,” Okowa said.

    The Majority Leader moved the motion for the House to receive the governor’s request for further consideration and approval.

    The motion, which was adopted through a voice vote by the Assembly, was seconded by Mr Emeka Nwaobi, representing Aniocha North constituency in the State House of Assembly.

  • Breaking: Foremost Nigerian sociologist, Otite is dead

    Breaking: Foremost Nigerian sociologist, Otite is dead

    The Agbon Traditional Council has confirmed the death of Professor (Chief) Onigu Otite, a renowned Nigerian sociologist, who passed away at the age of 80.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Prof. Onigu Otite was an iconic researcher and a great Urhobo son whose reputation and character has been lauded remained untainted.

    Otite born as Kingsley John Onigu Otite on January 21, 1939 in Okpara Inland, Delta State, Nigeria, was a Nigerian professor emeritus of sociology.

    He is renowned as one of the pioneering anthropologist and sociologist from Nigeria, was among the first set of students to attend the first indigenous Nigerian university – University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

    Otite attended Okpara Inland’s Catholic school and later furthered his studies at the St Thomas Teacher Training College in Ibusa, Delta State from 1950 to 1954.

    He went on to teach in this school and by 1956 he was made Headmaster of the St Francis Catholic School, Sapele in Delta State.

    In 1958, he was appointed Assistant Executive Officer, at the Ministry of Health and a year later he was made the Private Secretary (Defense) to the Prime Minister’s Office in Lagos.

    In 1960, he decided to pursue an academic career and attended the University of Nigeria where he was one of the University’s pioneer students as well as the first Student Union Public Relation Officer.

    After graduation, he was employed as the Administrative Officer, at the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Western Region, and later at the Ministry of Works and the Public Service Commission.

    In 1965, he was admitted into the University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)).

    By 1969, he had earned his Ph.D. in Social Anthropology, with a thesis titled “The Political Organization of the Urhobo of the Midwestern State of Nigeria.”

    He then returned to Nigeria where he lectured at the University of Ibadan and became professor in 1978.

    At the University of Ibadan, he was Head of Department of Sociology (1980 to 1986), and Senate Representative on the Staff School Board of Governors (1977 to 1978).

    Otite has been visiting Research Professor at the University of Bergen, Norway (1986–1987), Visiting Professor of Sociology University of Pennsylvania, (1987), Senior Social Development Research Fellow at the African Centre for Applied Research and Training in Social Development, Tripoli, Libya (1990 – 1991).

    Otite was one of the earliest Nigerian lecturers to acknowledge the significance of the past in understanding the present and thus creating a brighter future.

    He highlighted the major problems with the Nigerian tertiary education system; siting problems like mismanagement of public funds, under funding of the universities, negligence of the importance of the educational system and poor policy implementation.

    He went on to inform us that all these factors have collectively left the educational system in Nigeria lacking in university autonomy and poor staff working condition.

    He also researched into traditional chieftaincy title in Nigeria where he described it as long and prohibitive to attain.

    He eventually became a Chief of the Agbon Kingdom Uno of Agbon Kingdom. Otite has done several research on Niger Delta migration, with special focus on the Urhobo Ethnic Group.

    Otite has co-authored several books along this line most notable among them are Autonomy and Dependence: The Urhobo Kingdom of Okpe in Modern Nigeria, On The Path of Progress, A Study of Rural Immigrants and Development in Nigeria.

    He has also focused his research on ethnic conflicts and resolutions with particular interests in the Niger Delta ethnic groups where there are frequent communal clashes leading to disruption of crude oil production and loss of both life and property.

    Otite was key at University of Ibadan who pioneered the Social Science Department as early as 1967.

    Otite introduced courses in Sociology at Ibadan University on African Social Thought.

    He is one of the notable academicians that facilitated the founding and formation of the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agharha-Otor, in Delta State.

    He was listed in Africa’s Who’s Who published by Africa Journal Ltd For Africa Books Ltd. 1981 on page 937.

    He was also listed in Who’s Who in Nigeria, A Daily Times Publication 1983 on page 468[12] as well as Who’s who in the Commonwealth, Second Edition, 1984.

    He is also included in Who’s Who in Nigeria published by Newswatch Nigeria 1990[14] on pages 673 and 674 and Africa Who’s Who.

    He has published several books and over 25 articles as book chapters and over 15 articles published in learned journals.

    He has also produced and directed a documentary and film titled An Anthropological Colour Film on Symbolism, Rituals and Ceremonies relating to the Coronation of the Orodje, King and the political life in Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Nigeria in 1973.

    He has also been referenced in more than 50 books and journals worldwide as well as several online websites notably

    He is married to Dr (Mrs) Regina Evwaraye Otite and together they have seven children – Dr (Mrs) Fidelia Akusu, Kenneth Otite, Dr (Mrs) Edore Onigu-Otite Adewuya, Barrister Afure Otite Iloka, Dr Jovi Otite, Dr Odaro Augustine-Ohwo and Ovede Onigu-Otite.

  • UPU congratulates Okowa, Urhobo legislators

    The Urhobo Progress Union has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on his re-election.

    In a release signed by the President General of Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, the UPU urged the governor to use his new tenure to bring more developments to the Urhobos, in particular, and Deltans in general.

    “The Urhobo Nation is expecting more development projects from the government in the next four,” Olorogun Taiga said.

    The UPU also congratulated all the legislators from Delta Central, who won the elections to the State House of assembly.

    He urged them to always promote Urhobo interest and work towards the development of Urhoboland.

    In addition, Olorogun Taiga urged all those who lost elections and are aggrieved to seek legal redress.

    “The Nigerian electoral system is not perfect and you have every right to go to court if you feel aggrieved, but every action you take should be legal. No more violence, we have lost too many people already,” Taiga said.

     

  • Sowore’s AAC faults Delta election results, congratulates Okowa

    The governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Delta State, Frank Ufuoma Esanubi has faulted outcome of the election in which Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was reelected as governor.

    Esanubi, in a statement, described the election as marred by monetisation of franchise, militarisation, allocation of ballots; and voters’ apathy in many parts of the State.

    “Although we did not win the election, we have a measure of victory by enlisting converts into the army of well-meaning Deltans, and indeed Nigerians that will continue to work, and walk towards a Delta State.

    “Although the election was marred by the monetisation of franchise, allocation of ballots; and voters’ apathy in many parts of the State, I congratulate the winner of the election, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi A. Okowa of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    “I pray that you will maximise God’s grace to lead Delta State to the path of sustainable developments.

    “While votes were obviously allocated in favour of our opponents, and suppression of ours, a seeming punishment for our advocacy against the ills in the State, we remain committed to being a robust opposition to your government in a manner that will encourage good governance in our dear State.

    “Our political quest has been to evolve a Delta State that works for all through public sector reforms, pro-people policies, modern infrastructural development, creation of opportunities, transparency, accountability, and godliness.

    “Although the majority elected to sustain the current political order, we do not mock them. The victims of dehumanising politics deserve further re-orientation, and enlightenment; to these, we remain committed.

    “One thing the established political class has succeeded to do is the mass impoverishment of Deltans. They deliberately ensure the spread of hunger, and poverty among the populace, such that most of them lose the will to reject the crumbs that the political class throws at them during electioneering periods.

    “Through hunger-induced politics, the established political class has been able to sustain their dangerous grip on the people, and their progress. They have not performed. They only returned to their hitherto abandoned constituents with peanuts in exchange for their votes.

    “We hope that going forward, the electorate will realise that their socio-political emancipation lies in their resolve to reject every bait that leaves them in conditioned socio-political servitude.

    “In the midst of this menace, we remain true to our political philosophy: that sacrifice on the parts of all is the foundation for egalitarianism; to equally, and collectively own our dear State, the populace should not monetise their franchise, for where there is a buyer, there is an owner; where there is no buyer, everyone is an equal owner,” the statement read.

     

  • Okowa’s victory excites PDP, as party accuses rival of misgivings

    Okowa’s victory excites PDP, as party accuses rival of misgivings

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has expressed deep and sincere gratitude to people of the State for overwhelming victory in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, which held across the State on March 9, 2019.

    A statement issued by the Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi Osuoza, hailed Deltans for the resounding triumph of the PDP across board in the 2019 general elections and while congratulating the victorious candidates, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, over his re-election and landslide endorsement for a second term.

    He accused the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for the killings, abductions, harassments, intimidations and desperation, which threatened the lives of Deltans and peace in the State, he said all of which has come to nothing in the final calculations.

    “It is with deep sense of humility and sincere gratitude to God, that the Delta State PDP, expresses its profound thanks and appreciation to all Deltans for the overwhelming, landslide victory you gave to our party in the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

    “This, coupled with the massive turnout with which you delivered Delta State to the PDP during the February 23, Presidential and National Assembly elections, is an extremely loud statement of conviction and consolidation, which has demonstrated once again, the fact that PDP is Delta and Delta State is PDP.

    “We thank you, dear Deltans, not only for voting in and returning our new and incumbent candidates as your representatives in the Senate, House of Representatives and the Delta State House of Assembly, but most especially for the overwhelming trust and confidence which you reposed in the capacity and capabilities of our dear Governor and leader, His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (Ekwueme), to re-elect him for a merited second tenure, with a loud and resounding landslide victory.

    “Your decision to return Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, for another term, has not only upheld and reaffirmed the principle of equity, which has been the bedrock of the sustainable peace and harmony we have enjoyed as one Delta, it has further cemented your endorsement of his good works in his first term and strengthened him with the confidence and energy to even deliver greater prosperity to Deltans, through the brilliant SMART Agenda.

    “We specifically wish to commend the military high command and other security agencies for their professionalism and strict adherence to the doctrine of Peacetime Rules of Engagement (PROE).

    “Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s victory has become even sweeter and more poignant, especially when placed against the backdrop of the killings, harassments, intimidation, destruction of properties, sabotaging of the electoral process and the other ugly scenarios, perpetrated by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in their blinding obsession and desperation to win Delta State at all cost. Senator Okowa’s victory has underscored the fact that hard work and preparation pays and is more rewarding than trying to take what you are not entitled to by force and other dubious means.

    “Deltans have spoken loud and clear with this landslide and overwhelming victory they have given to PDP and we promise that we will justify the trust and confidence of your mandate which you have delivered to us freely. We will not let you down,” Osuoza said.

     

  • Boat mishap: 4 persons missing, 3 policemen, 15 others rescued

    The Police Command in Delta State has said four persons were still missing following the rescue of three policemen and fifteen other persons in a boat mishap in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the boat mishap occurred along the water way at Ureju community, Warri North local government area of the State during the Governorship and State Assembly elections in the state.

    The Delta State Police Command updated on the development in a statement, saying rescue operation was still on for the other four persons who are still missing.

    Acting Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO ASP Chuks Oresewezie, also confirmed that no INEC official or NYSC member was involved in the boat mishap as earlier rumoured.

    “The report available to the Command reveals that on the 9/3/2019 a boat conveying twenty- two (22) passengers, three (3) Policemen and nineteen (19) members of the community returning from ward 3 Ebrohimi to Koko Jetty after the elections, at about 0120hrs capsized along the water way at Ureju community.

    “Eighteen passengers including three (3) Policemen and fifteen (15) natives have been successfully rescued, while four (4) passengers are still missing, two (2) of the rescued passengers have been rushed to the Oghara General Hospital.

    “No INEC official or NYSC member was involved in the boat mishap as earlier rumored. The search for the missing passengers is still in progress.

    The Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, CP Adeyinka Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to ensure the safety and security of all Deltans at all times, the statement further said.