TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta

  • JUST IN: Okowa reviews curfew in Delta

    JUST IN: Okowa reviews curfew in Delta

    Delta Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa , has reviewed the curfew imposed on the state.

    Okowa said the curfew will now only be observed between the hours of 6pm to 8am daily.

    Earlier, Gov Okowa had imposed a 48 hour curfew across the State that was due to lapse today (Saturday) at 6.00 p.m.

    With this development, residents can now resume and go about their lawful duties beginning from Today (Saturday) from 8am to 6pm.

    Okowa made this known Friday while inspecting the Event Centre, in Asaba, the state capital, where palliatives donated by Coalition Against COVID (CA-COVID) to the state government were earlier kept for distribution.

    CA-COVID-19 palliatives is a private sector initiative supporting the fight against the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

    Okowa said the state had already distributed the palliatives to indigent Deltans long before the #EndSARS protest across the state.

    He warned youths in the state to desist from destroying private and public property in the name of the protest.

    He directed security agencies in the state to deal with anyone trying to attack public and private property across the state as criminal.

  • Gunmen kidnap two pastors, member in Delta

    Gunmen kidnap two pastors, member in Delta

    Two pastors and a worshipper have reportedly been kidnapped in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    It was gathered that the three victims were kidnapped at a building site along Ubulu-Unor/Ogwashi-Uku road on Thursday.

    A source in the community told newsmen that a pastor of a church in the area, Paul Okozi, and another pastor newly attached to the church including a member of the church, Mr Obi Dieyi, went to inspect an ongoing church building project when they were kidnapped.

    The source said, “The two pastors with a member of the church went to the building site when the incident occurred. The kidnappers were armed and ready to battle any hindrances.

    “One of the church members who narrowly escaped ran to town and informed everybody about the development.”

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the development, saying only one pastor was kidnapped.

    “The police are on top of the situation to rescue the victim and consequently arrest the suspects. No information yet on whether the kidnappers have made contact with the victim’s family.”

  • Gunmen abduct two clerics, one other in Delta

    Gunmen abduct two clerics, one other in Delta

    Two pastors and a member of a Pentecostal church have been allegedly abducted in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru gathered that the three victims were abducted at a building sit along Ubulu-Unor/Ogwashi- Uku Road on Thursday.

    A source in the community said that the abducted pastor, Paul Okozi, and another pastor newly attached to the church as well as a member of the congregation, Mr. Obi Dieyi, had gone to inspect the ongoing church building project when they were kidnapped.

    The source said, “The two pastors with some members of the church went to the building site when the incident occurred.

    “The kidnappers were armed and already to battle any hindrances.

    “One of the church members who narrowly escaped ran to town and informed everybody about the development.”

    A source said no contact had been made with the family members.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the development, saying that only one cleric was abducted.

    She said, “Only one pastor was kidnapped. They went to buy land or something like that when he was kidnapped.

    “The police are on top of the situation to rescue the victim and consequently arrest the suspects. No information yet on whether the kidnappers have made contact.”

     

  • #EndSARS: Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Plateau inaugurate panels on SARS abuses

    #EndSARS: Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Delta, Edo, Abia, Plateau inaugurate panels on SARS abuses

    Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Abia, Delta, Edo and Plateau states on Monday inaugurated panels to probe cases of human rights abuses against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while inaugurating the panel, appealed to youths protesting police brutality to vacate Lagos roads and embrace dialogue for resolution of the issues.

    He said the government has shown sincerity and willingness to address all concerns raised.

    Sanwo-Olu’s appeal came on the heel of violent dimension assumed by the #EndSARS protests in some parts of the state.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State government has also established a compensation fund for the victims of police brutality.

    He said: “We have shown an unprecedented commitment to the complete overhaul of the Nigeria Police. The inauguration of this Judicial Panel of Inquiry is only the first step in a long line of reformative actions that will lead to a thorough revamp and reorientation of the Nigeria Police. I believe that some of the actions we have taken should, to a large extent, show our sincerity and willingness to address all your concerns.

    “Let me reiterate that I am on the side of the young people out there. I understand your pain and I know your concerns are genuine and legitimate. While we are able to immediately acquiesce to some of your demands, some others will require time. We ask you to bear with us as we dutifully work on your demands.

    “I will, therefore, like to renew my appeal to you to suspend the protests and create an atmosphere for the resolution of all pending demands. I encourage everyone brutalised by the disbanded SARS, including the families of those who died, to present their case before this tribunal.”

    Sanwo-Olu said he believed the task of reforming the police was achievable, but required the input and cooperation of the youth to accomplish.

    He commended the cohesiveness of the “resilient” young people who stood their ground in the last two weeks. Their tenacity, Sanwo-Olu said, has made the much-desired change in the policing system become inevitable.

    Speaking about the judicial panel, the Governor said he was convinced that its outcome and recommendations would open a new chapter in the police-citizen relationship.

    He promised that the State Government would ensure that all wounds are healed, justice served to victims of abuse, and guilty police officers prosecuted.

    At the time of the swearing-in of the panel members, the representatives of the youth in the panel had not been nominated by the protesters.

    The government, last Friday, reached out to the protesters to forward the name of their nominees into the judicial panel. The protesters, however, pleaded for more time to send the names of their nominees, four days after the government’s request.

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also inaugurated the Judiciary Panel of Investigation on SARS atrocities in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, called on members to make fairness, firmness, dedication and objectivity their watchwords.

    Abiodun enjoined the panel to shun all acts which could impact negatively on their assignment, urging stakeholders in the security, peace and conflict resolution processes as well as the mass media to give the Panel the needed support to succeed.

    “Needless to remind you all of the import of your assignment to the continued peace and security of our dear State, in particular, and our great Nation, in general. The people of our dear State await the outcome of your assignment. Indeed, I expect you to commence your assignment immediately and hold an inaugural meeting today.

    “It is imperative that you make fairness, firmness, dedication and objectivity your watchword. You must shun all acts which could impact negatively on your duty. In the same vein, I enjoin all stakeholders in the security; peace and conflict resolution process; the mass media; and, in fact, all the people of our dear State to give this Judicial Panel of Investigation all the necessary support and cooperation needed for them to succeed.

    “Though this panel has six months to conclude this assignment, we will not wait for six months before we begin to implement. They will be taking the reports in phases so we can take immediate action,” he said.

    According to the governor, the terms of reference for the Judicial Panel of Investigation are to receive and investigate complaints of police brutality, human right violation or related extrajudicial killings in the state; evaluation of the evidence presented or other surrounding circumstances and draw a conclusion as to “the validity of the complaints and recommend compensation and other remedial measures more appropriate so that cheques can be issued; determine the officers responsible in the abuse of victims and recommend their prosecution, make recommendations to the Ogun State government on how to ensure that Security agencies no longer abuse the rights of our citizens.”

    Aside the Judicial Panel of Investigation on Human Rights Abuses in the state, a Special Security and Human Rights Committee was also set up under the chairmanship of the governor while the Human Rights Complaint Office with an Ombudsman and two other members were also set up.

    The Chairman of the Panel, Retired Justice Solomon Olugbemi, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and his team, pledging that the panel would ensure that justice was served to everyone irrespective of social or political standing in the society.

    Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi also released the names and terms of reference of the panel to probe abuses by SARS.

    Members of the Panel are Justice Cornelius Akintayo (Chairman), Mr. Dipo Ayeni, A RETIRED Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Yetunde Kolawole, State Counsel- (Representing the Honourable Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice), Mrs. Kikelomo Owolabi, Chairperson, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere-Ekiti Branch, Mr. Rotimi Ojomoyela, Chair, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Branch, Mr. Jamiu Abiodun Adigun, Representative, National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, Representative, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Ms. Caroline Fakinlede, Ekiti State Youths Representative, Mr. Abiola Johnson-Ogunleye- Ekiti State Students Representative and Mr. Akin Rotimi, a researcher on Police Reforms.

    The panel will receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings, among others.

    In Jos, the Plateau State capital, Governor Simon Bako Lalong inaugurated an 8-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

    Lalong, while inaugurating the commission of inquiry, at the Government House, urged the members to investigate complaints from aggrieved individuals, victims and groups, who might have been brutalised, killed and humiliated by the SARS.

    The governor, in his terms of reference to the Justice Philomena Lot-led panel, urged the panel to also evaluate evidence and draw conclusions on the validity of complaints as well as recommend Compensation and other remedial measures.

    Lalong said the commission has six months to conclude its assignment and submit its report to him.

    His Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, urged the state’s panel to within ninety days to look into circumstances surrounding the protests in the Southsouth state.

    Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG) Osarodion Ogie, on Monday in a statement, listed members of the panel as Justice Ada Ehigiamusoe (Chairperson); Bishop Feb Idahosa, representing clerics; Francis Osayi, the representative of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU); Osahon Obasuyi, representing the National Youth Council (NYC); Prest Aigbokhian (civil society); Mrs. Uloaku Uzamere, the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS): Pius Efofan, the representative of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS); Pius Okpere and Kola Edokpayi (#EndSARS Movement); Mrs. Felicia Monyei (Ministry of Justice); unnamed representative of security forces; and Mrs. Joyce Ugbodaga, Secretary to the panel.

    The terms of reference of the panel are: “To receive complaints and petitions from the general public, particularly victims or relatives of victims of police brutality and extra-judicial killings, and to recommend measures, including compensation and restitution, investigation and prosecution, as the circumstances warrant.

    “To advise on compensation or restitution to the victims, or – where the victims have been killed – to the family of the victims, based on a condition which shall be clearly laid out by the panel.

    “To ensure that compensation is paid within 14 days of the decision to compensate.

    “To recommend and direct the Attorney-General to immediately prosecute all persons responsible for the various crimes committed.

    “To recommend measures to forestall reoccurrences in the future and to make any other recommendation to the government, in furtherance of the mandate of panel.”

    Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu also approved the inauguration of a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings and brutality by security agents in the state.

    The committee, according to the statement by Information Commissioner John Okiyi-Kalu, would be inaugurated on Friday at the Government House, Umuahia.

    In Delta, the government said plans were underway to set up a Special Victims’ Support Fund to pay monetary compensation to victims of police brutality or related extra-judicial killings in the state.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa spoke yesterday in Asaba while inaugurating an eight-member Judicial Panel of Enquiry into police brutality and other human rights abuses in the state.

    He said that the constitution of the panel was in line with the directive of the National Economic Council (NEC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and charged the body to bring justice to victims.

  • Taking Delta a notch higher come 2023, By Anderson Diji

    Taking Delta a notch higher come 2023, By Anderson Diji

     

    By Anderson Diji

     

    When in May 29, 1999 democracy beckoned all of us away from military dictatorship, we started out experimentally, so to say, and not too sure how far we could go before some crack shots in khaki came cocking their guns. At that inchoate and experimental stage we nevertheless expected the new political actors to deliver Olympian results. That is man: which was why we expected James Ibori for instance to turn Delta State to Montana or Utah in a moment, by one stroke of the pen.

     

    So, unnecessarily in a sweat, some of us wrote ‘hues and cries’ volumes then, albeit ignorantly. Now, we know things don’t space-shuttle that way in governance. With benefit of hindsight we now know the political accomplishment in Delta State in Ibori era was nothing but salutary and commendable. Till date his political signature still paints the whole place, all senatorial districts of Delta State, all LGAs, towns and villages, all nooks and crannies. Yes, he could’ve done better, but who in our clime, outside Obafemi Awolowo, has been able to dangle an ‘A’ performance certificate at you. Enough to say he (Ibori) got ahead of almost all his counterpart State governors who where there with him from the get-go of this democratic era. So, give it to him. He did a marvelous work, given that it was not only an experimental stage but you never were too sure whether a Kaduna Nzeogwu, Joe Garba, Buka Suka Dimka, Muhamadu Buhari or Gideon Orkar was working up his brain in the darkness of some cocoon.

     

    After Ibori, came Emmanuel Uduaghan. And this man ran us through the thickness of darkness where we could hardly find our bearing for once whilst his miss-governance lasted. After his exit which was good riddance, it was as if Delta was to begin from ground zero. With added relief we saw him scaling the fence to the offensive side of politics which APC is. That is after leaving behind the wreck and wreckage that was Delta State, courtesy his government’s inactions, blind runs and misadventures.

     

    And this was the sorry state Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa met when he took over mantle of leadership in the State. But the man has since brought his varied experience in politics, governance (as former Council Chair, Commissioner and SSG) and law making to bear in the governance of the State. Looking away from the sweeping failure of his immediate predecessor, and apparently challenged by the Ibori’s benchmark, Okowa has done not too badly given the lean resources at his disposal, the dollar-naira exchange rate woe that Buhari’s blindfold regime and rudderless governance has foist on all tiers of government and all segments of society. Okowa has our garlands.

     

    With Ibori’s benchmark his propulsion, since Uduaghan has already obfuscated governance, Okowa rolled out his SMART Agenda. In the Nigerian Guardian of September 5, 2018 Okowa represented his team members as a people “who are committed to clean up the mess he (Uduaghan) left behind during his time as governor.” Governance much more now well focused and directed, Okowa has since registered himself and his regime in many a hearts, despite the aforesaid challenges, and has taken us away from the near Kafkaesque nightmare that was his predecessor’s regime. But after Okowa, should we get the misfortune of having another Uduaghan?

    Not to worry! Governance being a continuum, and politics ordinarily progressive, we can only now hope for a man coming to up governance at the Federal Level and to give us proper leading and the much missed national compass as 2023 comes around; and at the State level too, a man well groomed, knowledgeable and equipped enough, a man with age, gusto and dynamism on his side to come raise the bar of governance yet further up in our dear State. And if such a man is from the Ibori political milieu, a man totally endeared to all the captains of our State since 1999, equally treasured by the grassroot, and hitherto not only being prepared for the job but equally preparing himself squarely for same, better still.

     

    And who else comes to mind or who else embodies all of that but Fred Okiemute Majemite: apparently about the only ex-commissioner of Emmanuel Uduaghan that glittered, towered and had par excellent performance; but like they say, a tree cannot make a forest. An accomplished legal mind, Fred, years ago, was to contest the Delta Senatorial seat with Felix Ibru, but listening to the voices of his political leaders, backpedaled on it. A party man to the core, obedient and loyal (to authority) to a fault, he became the darling of Ibori, who he (Fred) also fondly calls the “bridge builder and the architect of modern Delta”, and indeed personable to all political personages in Delta and many leading national political gladiators.

     

    Ingrained with political expertise, and with great grasp of nubs of governance, Fred is a political thoroughbred able to be saddled with the demands of this political (gubernatorial) mandate. And with such consummate pragmatist and go-getter accustomed to facing duty with all guns blazing and with sleeves rolled up, a new vista – panoramic pleasantry on the political, economic and indeed all fronts – opens up for Deltans. Yes, he is FRED: and we see a man not only poised to Fitly Reengineer Endearing Delta, but indeed promises to be seen as Fitly Reengineering Endearing Delta whilst his mandate lasts.

     

    Fred has been a faithful offsider to Ibori from 1999 to 2007; Special Adviser (2007-2009), Commissioner for Special Duties (2009-2010), Commissioner for Lands and Survey (2010-2011) and Political Adviser, all under Uduaghan; and now playing the faithful offsider again to Arthur Okowa. Of course, Okowa can neither forget in a hurry how Team Majemite hugely rooted for Okowa 2019, nor Fred’s huge advocacy of Okowa’s SMART Agenda. To put it differently, this founding member of PDP has over the years unarguably gained much mileage, a rare privilege that can but translate to outstanding results; he, operating from Everest as helmsman.

     

    May this piece then not only nudge Fred to get ready to saddle his political horse, set in motion his rich political machinery to good effect but also represent a clarion call to Deltans to prepare to give the next gubernatorial mandate to this man: Fred Majemite that is!

     

    Diji wrote from Lagos

     

  • Mentally-ill man murders security guard in Delta

    Mentally-ill man murders security guard in Delta

    A man alleged to be mentally ill has killed a security guard in Bomadi, Delta State.

    The occurrence took place on Monday at Our Lady of the Waters Cathedral of the Catholic Church in the coastal town.

    A female worshipper at the church, who witnessed the incident and pleaded anonymity, said the unstable man identified as You-Boy was a regular visitor to the Cathedral at odd hours of the night.

    She said, “We had our Harvest festival last Sunday and I was in the Cathedral counting money on that fateful night when the incident happened but was afraid to come out.

    “The incident occurred at about 2am on Monday when this mad man was caught by a security guard when he was trying to sneak into the Cathedral.

    “He often beats security and sneaks into the Cathedral where he would poo and pee on the altar, and mess up the auditorium and sneak out uncaught.

    “Some months ago, he took the Lectionary from the altar and threw it over the fence which was found later. Some other times he would take away the lights on the Blessed Sacrament.

    “So, he was caught that fateful night and as the security guard was dragging him to lock him up in a room, he picked a rod on the floor and hit his head repeatedly.

    “The security guard became weak and fell on the floor, and the mad man fled with the rod in his hand.

    “Paul called for help with a weak voice until his colleague, who was at the back gate, came and rushed him to Our Lady’s Hospital. He told his colleague what transpired before giving up the ghost”.

    Divisional Police Officer Patrick Uebari confirmed the incident.

     

  • Re: Alfred Rewane Rail Terminal Ujevwu – Stoking the tinder box of ethnic strife in Delta State: A call for caution, By Daniel Reyenieju O

    Re: Alfred Rewane Rail Terminal Ujevwu – Stoking the tinder box of ethnic strife in Delta State: A call for caution, By Daniel Reyenieju O

    By Daniel Reyenieju O

    “ Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom”
    -Vicktor Emil Frank

    Before Nigeria became independent of colonial rule, several attempts were made but they met a brick wall. As you are very well aware, internal strife was more of the problem than the occupier else we would have been sovereign before 1960.

    Sixty years on, those ideals of unity are still alien even when we should know better and work towards utopia. Today as a nation, we are hemorrhaging all around and within our nation. The ulcers causing so much loss of national cohesion are self-inflicted and as those you have broadcasted makes for poor prognosis.

    Delta State a little over a decade ago, was a place of bloodletting and if we take our history into cognizance especially for the remote causes of the war between tribe Itsekiri-Ijaw, Itsekiri-Urhobo- then we must be ashamed that we once had to fight bloody. Generations immemorial had inter-ethnic marriages. Ahead of their time, they knew the virtues of symbiotic living therefore, the victory of one was the victory of all and the loss of one was a loss for all.

    On July 27, 2020, the Federal government named several railway infrastructure across the country after deserving Nigerians who had served the country. The wisdom behind the naming to immortalize them and have their names boldly engraved in our national psyche. The Delta State had some names on the list and some states had no living or dead citizen so recognized yet.

    Critical discourse surrounding such magnanimous gesture should have been the values, ethos, and selfless sacrifices such individual have made to the development of Nigeria. Rather you chose to whip up ethnic sentiments about why Alfred Rewane should not have his name at the Ujevwu station in Delta State. The unpatriotic maneuver of Rewane as depicted in your writing is his failure at being Urhobo. 21st century thinking especially progressive ones believe that we are global citizens separated only by geography.

    After the Kudirat Abiola was slain in pursuit of a free Nigeria, a street was named after her in Manhattan. It is called the Kudirat Abiola Corner. That she died fighting a noble cause that could resonate with anyone in pursuit of the common good made her so recognized and she was thus immortalized beyond seas and oceans away from her homeland.

    In the same pursuit as Kudirat, Alfred Rewane also paid the ultimate price. His success in business might not have been enough to make the Forbes Billionaires list, but successful, he was. He was selfless with his resources, put his businesses on the line and his life was not too much to give for liberty.

    That all you could practically use to discredit Rewane is his ethnicity is alarming. Are you hurt by the attainments of your country men if they are not from the same ethnic group as you? I strongly believe otherwise.

    At signing off your writing, you boldly embossed your location – Ireland. You are there not as a second class citizen, but as a citizen of the world. Your pursuit in conflict resolution are perforated and need stitching because I do not want to believe that a divided world or Delta state, is what you want to bequeath to your descendants.

    Education is emancipation, it illuminates darkness, it helps to sow the seeds of concordance and settle strife. Education makes us more than the thugs we would dismiss, it mounds our character and enriches the quality of air we breath. If the world you left behind in Nigeria was toxic, traveling to another nation and coexisting with other persons from different backgrounds and cultures should broaden your horizon on the things we could do right to strengthen our bond. A Rewane station in an Urhobo location should be binding.

    Lastly, when Dr. Alex Ibru ran for governorship of Delta state under the now defunct UPN, Alfred Rewane, was a staunch supporter. He did not just support him in words but with the voting population and financial resources that the campaign needed. As budding youth at the time, I also joined the fray and campaigned within my means and strength at ensuring victory for the UPN thereby making IBRU, the first executive governor of Delta State.

    You might not be aware but you must know that Alfred Rewane’s mother was from Ikweghwu, Agbarho and he was not one to shy away from his roots. To this day, the house he built there in Agharho till stands and I have visited.

    The club you and I belong to may not be perfect but it strives for perfection by shunning myopic, ethnocentric and nepotistic mindsets. It is never to late to unlearn hate but it destroys like wildfire. I have known you for years but never knew this part of you, could it be said that you learnt this from Dublin, No no no! I doubt, it can’t be. Then when? Or are you using this attack as one that qualifies you for a chieftaincy title? What a shame!!!

    Hon. Daniel Reyenieju O, a former House of Reps member writes from Warri

  • #EndSARS: Gov Okowa condemns killing of policeman in Delta

    #EndSARS: Gov Okowa condemns killing of policeman in Delta

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has condemned the alleged killing of a policeman and injuring of another during the #ENDSARS protest in Ughelli on Thursday.

    Okowa, in a statement by Mr Olisa Ifeajika, his Chief Press Secretary in Asaba on Saturday, disclosed that it was disheartening that the unfortunate incident occurred while the policemen were carrying out their lawful duties.

    According to him, although citizens have the right to protest against cases of injustice or perceived wrongs in society, such rights must be exercised within the ambit of the law, NAN reports.

    “As a government, we recognise that protest on any issue of governance or the like is a legitimate right of citizens but must be embarked on responsibly and within the ambit of the law.

    “I, therefore, condemn in very strong terms, the killing of Corporal Etaga Stanley and injuring of another officer, Sergeant Patrick Okuone, by hoodlums under the guise of #ENDSARS protests.

    “I call for calm in the area and urge the police authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the issue over the protest and circumstances surrounding the killing of the policeman, injuring of another and damages to police patrol vehicles by the hoodlums reportedly sponsored by ‘Yahoo Boys’.

    NEWS: End SARS: “President has been briefed, actions’ll be taken soon”- Buhari’s aide reveals
    “I also call on the people, particularly youths, not to take law into their hands. It’s the constitutional duty of the police to maintain law and order in the society, and they should be supported by all and sundry to do so at all times,” he said.

    He added: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the state Commissioner of Police, the State Police Command and the family of the deceased officer, in the unfortunate incident of Thursday at Ughelli.

    “I call on the people of Delta and other Nigerians involved in the #ENDSARS protests to remain peaceful while the Inspector-General of Police carry out reform on the SARS team as being demanded.”

  • Gunmen invade checkpoint in Delta, shoot policeman, civilian dead

    Gunmen invade checkpoint in Delta, shoot policeman, civilian dead

    A mobile Police Sergeant and civilian have been killed by gunmen who invaded a police checkpoint in Eku, Ethiope East council area of Delta on Friday.

    It was gathered one police rifle was stolen in the incident, which happened around 9 pm.

    It was learnt the civilians usually helped the operatives to light lamps in the evenings.

    Sources claimed the hoodlums shot sporadically as they approached the police officers in a Toyota Picnic vehicle.

    The deceased officer was reportedly shot in the head while the civilian sustained two gunshot injuries and died in a hospital.

    When contacted, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident, adding that the other officers were unharmed.

    She said: “Yes, it is true. A rifle was taken”.

  • #ENDSARS: Omo-Agege condemns killing of police officer in Delta

    #ENDSARS: Omo-Agege condemns killing of police officer in Delta

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, has condemned the reported killing of a policeman in Ughelli, Delta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Etaga Stanley, a police corporal, believed to be an indigene of Ughelli South council area, reportedly lost his life on Thursday during #EndSARS protests in Ughelli town.

    It was also reported that another police officer, Sgt. Patrick Okuone, sustained injuries during the incident.
    Omo-Agege in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga in Abuja on Friday, described the incident as unfortunate.

    While calling for thorough investigation of the matter, he, however, urged the police to exercise restraint and follow due process in fishing out the suspected killers.

    The lawmaker condoled with the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Police Force and the people of Delta Central Senatorial District for the sad loss.

    He said: “I humbly call on our highly-regarded traditional rulers to continue to urge our people to maintain the peace that we are known for in their various kingdoms and domains.

    “Our royal fathers are a great force for peace in moments like this and we trust that they will help to ensure that those who wish to tear our communities apart are not allowed to succeed.

    “We also call on our religious leaders to pray for our land. God will not allow the evil of bloodshed to reign in our land.

    “Violence is never an option. No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.

    “Let us embrace the peace initiatives by all stakeholders, as our state is not known for violence and jungle justice,” he said.

    Omo-Agege said that he had the assurances of the state police command that due process, as dictated by law, would be strictly followed and that there would not be indiscriminate arrest of innocent citizens in the course of the the investigation.