TheNewsGuru

Tag: Rivers State

  • Suspected cholera outbreak kills 9 in Rivers

    Suspected cholera outbreak kills 9 in Rivers

    The Rivers government has announced the death of nine individuals following a suspected cholera outbreak in Andoni and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.

    Dr Ada Oreh, the state Commissioner for Health, confirmed the development on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

    She said that three deaths occurred in Andoni, while six others were recorded in Akuku-Toru, with 41 suspected cases currently under monitoring across the two areas.

    “We urge the public not to panic, as the state government has already implemented measures to contain this outbreak,” Oreh said.

    The commissioner noted that health officials were conducting tests to determine definitively whether the deaths were caused by cholera.

    She, however, said: “The symptoms observed align with the surveillance case definition for the disease.

    “The ministry is also investigating a suspected outbreak of acute watery diarrhoea caused by cholera in the Isiodun community in Andoni LGA. The symptoms analysed are consistent with cholera.”

    According to Oreh, the bacteria responsible for cholera thrives in environments lacking access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic conditions.

    She said that the bacteria could be transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water or food and contact with infected surfaces.

    “Rivers is particularly prone to outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea and cholera during the dry seasons.

    “This poses significant public health challenges due to the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with such outbreaks.

    “The ministry, in collaboration with its partners and the authorities in Andoni LGA, has activated emergency response measures.

    “Our rapid response team has also been deployed to the affected areas to enhance disease surveillance, strengthen case detection in health facilities, and supply essential supplies to the communities,” Oreh stated.

    Oreh said the response team had distributed oral rehydration solutions, intravenous fluids, and vital medicines to health centres in the affected areas.

    She advised residents to practice frequent hand washing with soap and clean water, particularly before eating and after using the toilet.

    Oreh also urged them to drink only boiled or chorine-treated water to ensure safety.

  • Nigerians react to killing of Dutch expatriate by kidnappers in Rivers

    Nigerians react to killing of Dutch expatriate by kidnappers in Rivers

    The death of Dutch expatriate, Gieson Reuben, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, an expatriate from the Netherlands, who drowned in Aleto River along Eleme road, East West Road following an attack by unknown gunmen on Monday, January 13, 2025 has sparked outrage on social media.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Reuben who was the MD/CEO of the Rivers State Cassava Project Limited, mistakenly crashed into the river while fleeing from suspected kidnappers.

    Confirming his death, the Rivers State Police Command via a statement through its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the expatriate was returning when his vehicle was ambushed by gunmen at about 2030 hrs.

    Iringe-Koko noted that Mobile Police personnel accompanying Reuben managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.

    She said: “The incident occurred on Monday, January 13, 2025, at about 2030 hrs, at Aleto Eleme Bridge, where unknown gunmen ambushed Reuben’s vehicle, causing him to lose control and crash into the river.

    “Fortunately, the Mobile Police personnel accompanying Reuben managed to escape, but he and the Hilux Van were submerged in the water.

    “A search party led by the Command’s Marine Unit was constituted to rescue the expatriate. Unfortunately, the search party’s efforts resulted in the recovery of the lifeless body of Mr Gibson Reuben and the white Toyota Hilux Van.

    She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, visited the scene of the incident and condemned the attack as “very barbaric.”.

    Reacting to the tragic news, netizens condemned the insecurity ravaging the country as they task the Rivers State government to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    EKenechukwu wrote: “So you chased and caused the death of a man who brings industrialization to your State, then tomorrow you will cry Govt is not working. You will cry that unemployment is skyrocketing and youths are jobless. Who will want to invest in Nigeria when we act so callously.”

    chimeikechukwu9 wrote: “Why won’t kidnappers be on rampage when the government Releases the arrested bandits and recruits them into the millitary ? Nigeria government has failed woefully”

    effizydered001 wrote: “When will the federal government set aside for shoot aside for kidnappers and arm robbers.”
    iamoshaime wrote: “Nigeria happened to him.”

    peaceofmiin wrote: “Unah just they spoil this country everyday … this news now will go viral … kidnappers everywhere.”

    effizydered001 wrote: “When will Nigeria be safe, Wetin be all this.”

    asa____042 wrote: “Omo. Maybe he doesn’t know how to swim.”

  • Ijaws fume over claim Rivers is 6th Igbo state

    Ijaws fume over claim Rivers is 6th Igbo state

    The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide has advised some people of Rivers to avoid statements capable of causing ethnic crisis in the state.

    Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, National Publicity Secretary, INC Worldwide, gave the advice in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Oyakemeagbegha, said his advice follows assertions in some quarters that Rivers is the 6th Igbo state. He said the statement was misleading as it did not reflect the true situation in Rivers.

    He said the fact that an Ikwerre indigene emerged the president-general of  `faction’ of Ohaneze Worldwide did not confer the status of 6th Igbo state on Rivers as claimed by one Ikwerre indigene.

    “The INC ordinarily would not have responded to such reports if not for the fact that such publications can mislead the gullible reading public.

    “For the education of our people and the entire reading public, the INC wishes to state categorically, that Rivers, as currently populated cannot be referred to as an Igbo state.

    “Rivers population currently has more than 50 per cent as Ijaws. There are also other ethnic nationalities like Ogoni, Ekpeye, and Eleme.

    “Concede that there are people within the lkwerre ethnic nationality who trace their origin to the Igbo ethnic nationality.

    “The fact still remains that they are infinitesimal as some historians within the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality are daily disputing their ties to the Igbos,” he said.

    He said similarly, it would be unjust for Ijaw nation to claim ownership of states by mere fact that such states contain Ijaw population.

    “For the sake of clarity, the fact that Ijaw exists in states like Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia does not make such states Ijaw states.

    “Also that Prof. Benjamin Okaba, the President of INC is from Delta, does not automatically convert it to Ijaw state.

    “Ijaws lay claim only to Bayelsa as an Ijaw state simply because it is predominately occupied by the Ijaws. The fact of geography, history and ethnic web does not lie.

    “Ijaws are not ready to concede any inch of their land to anybody. For those who have little flair for history, ljaws are known never to bow to anybody,’’ Oyakemeagbegha said.

    He recalled that ljaw people have a history as the only ethnic nationality that was never conquered by the colonialists. He, therefore, said INC would continue to resist any attempt to annex an ancestral land of the Ijaw people.

  • Knocks as Rivers LGA chairman appoints 130 special assistants

    Knocks as Rivers LGA chairman appoints 130 special assistants

    The chairman of the Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has come under heavy criticism following his decision to appoint 130 individuals as special assistants.

     Ihunwo, via his social media announced the appointments, noting that the new roles would take immediate effect.

    However, what led to speculation and contrasting opinions among stakeholders is the absence of assigned portfolios for the appointees.

    While some questioned the practicality of such a large team, others viewed the move as a form of political patronage.

    How Nigerians reacted

    – @Onsogbu: “Obio/Akpor LGA in Rivers State has 17 wards, yet the chairman employs 130 personal assistants. Na wa o!”

    – @EmekaEK: “What’s with you people and flamboyance? A Local Government Chairman with 130 SAs? What then would be your duty?”

    – @ChuksOhaxx: “Nah only women full your cabinet?? Oshey King Solomon of our time.”

    – @Oludarrey: “Man is simply trying to employ people. Looks like an intentional setup to get people engaged.”

    – @EmmyPromise71: “Maybe this guy wants to trend on X because I can’t believe what I just read. 130 individuals in an LGA, and everywhere is quiet. Okay o!”

  • Graphic video: Pregnant woman, 15 others severely injured as Gas explosion rocks Rivers

    Graphic video: Pregnant woman, 15 others severely injured as Gas explosion rocks Rivers

    Aleast 20 persons have suffered severe burns, including a pregnant woman and four children after a gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the incident which occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 4, 2025  happened when a technician, at a gas refilling station was said to be fixing a faulty cylinder which led to its explosion, triggering other cylinders inside the shop.

    It was further gathered that the resulting fire affected many of the victims including residents and some passers-by, as most of the occupants fled for their lives, even as firefighters who later arrived had a hectic time before putting out the inferno.

    Victims who suffered severe burns were immediately rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt. 

    A graphic video posted by an eyewitness shows some of the victims with severe burns.

    A relative of one of the victims who did not want his name told newsmen that the owner of the shop has been selling gas for years now.

    He said his in-law and her husband, who were affected in the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment, lamenting that they have spent over N500,000 already.

    “I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and the husband are involved. When my wife picked up the call her countenance changed immediately,” he narrated.

    “So I asked what happened. She said it was a gas explosion and that her sister was at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital. I know how Orazi is. there are many shops scattered all over just for people to survive.”

     

     

  • Seven injured as 3-storey building collapses in Rivers

    Seven injured as 3-storey building collapses in Rivers

    Mr Evans Bipi, Rivers Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development says no death was recorded in a collapsed three-story building that occurred in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner on Sunday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr Emeka Idika, said that the affected building under construction collapsed on Saturday, Jan.4.

    According to him, a timely rescue mission by the ministry and that of the Special Duties alongside other joint efforts averted the loss of lives as victims were taken to the hospital for medical care.

    The commissioner said no fewer than seven persons sustsined various degrees of injuries in the incident.

    “It is unfortunate that we are beginning the year with this tragic incident, though no life was lost, this is the 4th building collapse we are witnessing in the state since I assumed office”

    “Preliminary investigation at the scene of the incident showed that the building may have collapsed due to the use of substandard materials by the builder.

    “Specifically, the use of 12mm rods for decking a building is a clear violation of construction standards, unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases in the state had been linked to the same cause.

    ”The property has been sealed pending investigation into the cause of collapse,” the Commissioner said.

  • Rivers new Police Commissioner assumes duty

    Rivers new Police Commissioner assumes duty

    Mr Olugbenga Adewole assumed duty as the new Commissioner of Police (CP) in Rivers on Friday.

    He succeeds Mustapha Bala, who was recently promoted to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) and reassigned to head Zone 6 Command in Calabar.

    Adewole, the 47th police chief in Rivers, outlined his policing strategy during his inaugural news conference in Port Harcourt, focussing on 11 key areas.

    “We will enhance intelligence gathering, foster community policing and engagement, enforce zero tolerance for corruption, and maintain professionalism and apolitical conduct,” he explained.

    Adewole also prioritised tackling cultism and youth violence, combating oil theft and environmental crimes, enhancing police visibility and response times, addressing land grabbing, enforcing vehicle regulations, and uphold human rights.

    The new CP described Rivers as a pivotal state in Nigeria, vowing to prioritise the safety, security, and welfare of its residents and visitors.

    “Rivers, as one of the nation’s economic hubs, faces unique security challenges, including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, oil bunkering, violent crimes, and more recently, political crises.

    “The command will adopt a proactive and strategic approach to address these issues, ensuring that the state remains secure and peaceful,” he pledged.

    Before his appointment, Adewole served as the Officer-In-Charge of Operations for the Rivers Police Command.

    He joined the Nigerian Police on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan in 1991.

    Adewole has served in various commands and units in Abuja, Benue, Borno, Delta, Enugu, Kebbi, Lagos, Rivers, and Zamfara states.

    He has attended various security and leadership courses and is a member of the National Institute of Police Studies and the International Association of Chiefs of Police in the United States.

    The new CP hails from Ibadan Town in Ibadan North/East Local Government Area of Oyo State.

  • Rivers has only one House of Assembly – Gov Fubara clarifies; signs N1.18trn budget

    Rivers has only one House of Assembly – Gov Fubara clarifies; signs N1.18trn budget

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has insisted that there is only one House of Assembly existing in the State, and it is led by Rt Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.

    Governor Fubara made the clarification shortly after giving assent to the Rivers State Appropriation Law No.1 of 2025, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    The Governor said the records need to be put straight to address insinuations in some quarters about a possible splitter in the Legislature, and stated that there is no such division.

    Governor Fubara stated: “I want to say this, maybe, for some persons somewhere who are still mixing up issues. We have only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo”.

    He described those who abdicated their mandate in the House as a group of friends who had embarked on Sinbad journey, and half-way into the journey, they decided to return, saying, “It is too late. We are not going back. As far as I am concerned, we have moved on.”

    Governor Fubara said that as it stands now, the focus of his administration is to do everything possible in defending the interest of Rivers State and the integrity of governance, and assured that with the 2025 budget now signed, every projection made in it will be addressed to deliver hope and good life to all residents in the State.

    He said, “We will make sure that we kick-start, so that the record of performance that was accorded by this administration in the year 2024 will be higher in this year, 2025.

    “Let me first thank the Rivers State House of Assembly for doing very diligent job, and also realizing the task that we have ahead of us, which is to continue to work for Rivers people. So, I want to thank you for working very hard and ensuring that we hit the ground running in this New Year.”

    Governor Fubara also commended members of the State Executive Council, which he described as the management team, especially the Deputy Governor, for their support and cooperation, and particularly thanked the Commissioners for Finance, and Budget, as well as the Acting Chairman of Rivers State Internal Revenue Board, for the wonderful job they did last year.

    He noted, “We expect you to do more because we have a bigger task ahead of us. We have made some promises to our people. Education, Health and Agriculture; we must make sure we make good impact just like we have done in the areas of road and other aspects of the economy. We made a promise to you (Rivers people) that we will continue to protect, defend and promote the interest of our dear State.”

    In his speech, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, asserted that Rivers people witnessed unprecedented growth in the State made possible by the administration of Governor Fubara in infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, social welfare, security and other sectors.

    Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo pointed to how Governor Fubara has become the beacon of hope of the common man on the streets, because, according to him, they are happy with the positive impact his leadership style has afforded them.

    The Speaker explained that Governor Fubara has paid Rivers civil servants and pensioners N100,000.00 Christmas Bonus, being the second time; and approved and paid  N85,000.00 minimum wage (salary) to civil servants, which have stood him out as a leader that prioritises the well-being of the people.

    He said, “Your Excellency, 2025 promises to be a year of strategic planning and partnership. We have no doubt that you will carry out the task of developing and delivering the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of Rivers State. So, Your Excellency, on behalf of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, we want to say thank you for being the People’s Governor, and thank you for the strategic partnership with the Legislature. Your Excellency, 2025 promises to be a year of exponential growth in Rivers State.”

    Presenting the 2025 Budget to Governor Fubara for assent, Leader of the House, Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari, said the total projected estimate of N1,188,962,739,932.36 for the 2025 fiscal year indicated a huge leap from previous year’s figure, indicating progress and assuring multiplication of comfort that good leadership can provide.

    Hon Sokari also noted the strategic allocations for Recurrent and Capital expenditures that provide for the welfare of workers and retirees, more development projects, as well as savings that will be made from accruing revenues.

  • God will crush enemies of Rivers State in 2025 – Gov Fubara

    God will crush enemies of Rivers State in 2025 – Gov Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed solid faith in the omnipotence of God to crush self-styled enemies of the State and its people.

    Governor Fubara spoke at the crossover into 2025 church service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area in the early moments of January 1.

    He raised a gallantry song, with the brethren picking up the lines, and singing along: “At the mention of your name (God), every knee shall bow. At the mention of your name, every tongue confess. That you are Lord, you are Lord, you are King, you are King of kings.”

    Governor Fubara said the wordings of the song were not just consolatory but a charge to embolden the people to firm up their trust in God, who alone, can navigate the path to greater triumph in the New Year.

    He said, “The Red Biro is still filled. It is still here with me. Every plan of the enemy will continue to crash,” and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

    The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, who conducted the service, recalled the many challenges, including conspiracy, blackmail, attacks, economic hardship and ill-health and near hopeless situations experienced in 2024 but quickly added that those troubles never overwhelmed the brethren.

    Rt Rev Oko-Jaja said God has given a new song of triumph to those who are grateful to Him for the marvellous works perfected in their lives, admonishing them that in the New Year, God will faithfully uphold, deliver and ensure that they continue to live victoriously.

    He prayed for the peace, unity, progress and accelerated development of the State in line with the key targets of the State Government’s 2025 Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development.

    Highlights of the service included Praise and Worship, Choir Ministration, which ushered in 2025 at midnight Tuesday with shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ renting the air.

    Those who joined the Governor in the service include, the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie; some members of the National Assembly – Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante; Hon Boma Goodhead; Hon Anderson Igbiks; – and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja.

    Others were Senator Adawari Michael Pepple; former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro; Hon Theodore Georgewill; Dr Tamunosis Gogo-Jaja; members of the State Executive Council; some Local Government Council chairmen; elders; political leaders; and key stakeholders in the State.

  • Police arrest 2 suspects for defrauding Canada-based Nigerian

    Police arrest 2 suspects for defrauding Canada-based Nigerian

    The Police Command in Rivers has apprehended two male suspects accused of defrauding a Canada-based Nigerian woman, Sandra Austin, of N140m through an elaborate social media scam.

    SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed the details of the case to journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    She revealed that the suspects manipulated Austin after she accepted a Facebook friend request from an account bearing the name ‘Engineer Desmond Chibuike Okechukwu.’

    Iringe-Koko recounted how the victim, initially hesitant, eventually accepted the friend request in February 2022.

    “The individual behind the account claimed to be a construction engineer with an impressive portfolio of luxurious homes allegedly built for clients.

    “The fraudster shared images of high-end properties in Ajah, Lagos, which he claimed to have constructed.

    “Sandra expressed interest in one of the properties, and the scammer told her it would cost N150 million to purchase land and complete the development,” she said.

    Believing the fraudster’s claims, Austin began transferring funds to the bank account provided by him.

    “By February 2024, she had sent a total of N110m, and later transferred the final payment of N30m.

    “Shortly after receiving the last instalment, the scammer blocked all communication channels with her,” Iringe-Koko added.

    The police image maker revealed that the incident left Austin traumatised, and unable to contact the fraudster, she developed hypertension and was hospitalised for a prolonged period.

    She further said that the scammer later added to her distress by threatening to kill her family members if she reported the matter to the authorities.

    Once she recovered, Iringe-Koko said that Austin contacted her family in Nigeria, who reported the case to the police.

    “Following the report, police operatives launched an investigation using intelligence-led techniques to apprehend 29-year-old Michael Onyedikachi, a native of Nkanu West, Enugu, at about 7:00 p.m. on August 24.

    “Onyedikachi was found living in a three-bedroom bungalow in Ama-Okponike, Enugu, financed by his fraudulent activities.

    “The suspect confessed to operating the Facebook account and sending images of houses to deceive the victim into believing progress was being made on her property,” she said.

    Iringe-Koko said during the raid that officers discovered a shrine in his apartment, believed to have been used for ritual purposes.

    She said that Onyedikachi also confessed to having spent eight months in Accra, Ghana, to learn online fraud techniques.

    The police spokesperson said that Onyedikachi mentioned a 29-year-old accomplice, Akachukwu Benedict, from Ngo-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo.

    “Officers later arrested Benedict in a luxurious hotel in Enugu, where he had booked a suite for an entire year.

    “Benedict admitted to introducing Onyedikachi to online fraud in 2022 and confessed to scamming an American woman named Molissa of 600 US dollars in 2021,” Iringe-Koko said.

    She said the suspects revealed in their statements that they acquired cloned SIM cards through a dealer, who remains at large.

    She disclosed that payments from their victims were received via cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection by security agencies.

    “Investigations revealed that the suspects relied heavily on social engineering and fake personas to manipulate their victims,” Iringe-Koko explained.

    Items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota Corolla vehicle, land documents, laptop computers and mobile phones.

    Iringe-Koko stated that the investigation was still in progress and assured that the suspects would face prosecution upon its conclusion.

    She advised the public to exercise caution when interacting with unknown individuals online and report suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.