TheNewsGuru

Tag: Warri

  • VIDEO: Watch moment Warri-Itakpe train derailed on Sunday

    VIDEO: Watch moment Warri-Itakpe train derailed on Sunday

    A train operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)  along the Warri-Itakpe Train Station (WITS) route derailed on Sunday, leaving passengers stranded.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls gunmen attacked a train station along the WITS route on January 7th, kidnapping 20 persons. The attack happened at the Igueben train station in Edo State.

    Five persons and two village chiefs were arrested in connection with the incident.

    Sunday’s happened while the train was travelling from Ujevwu in Delta State but derailed at a location between Ajaokuta and Itakpe in Kogi State.

    Watch video below:

  • BREAKING: Warri-Itakpe train service grounded, passengers stranded as train derails

    BREAKING: Warri-Itakpe train service grounded, passengers stranded as train derails

    The Warri Itakpe train service (WITS) has been grounded after a train operating the route derailed on Sunday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the train derailment left passengers, who were waiting to board the train to travel to Warri from Itakpe, stranded.

    The train embarked on the 8 am trip from Ujevwu in Udu local government area of Delta State but derailed at a location between Ajaokuta and Itakpe in Kogi State.

    According to the schedule of the train service, the train is supposed to pick up passengers from the Itakpe train station at 2 pm for Warri.

    It was observed that the rail tracks were badly damaged.

    Meanwhile, security agencies have rescued the stranded passengers. However, passengers waiting to board the train to Warri have been left stranded.

    A source in the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), who refused to be named, confirmed the development and disclosed that efforts are ongoing to restore the train operations.

    However, there is no official statement yet from NRC on the matter.

    Recall that on January 7th, gunmen attacked a train station along the WITS route, kidnapping 20 persons. The attack happened at the Igueben train station in Edo State.

    Five persons and two village chiefs were arrested in connection with the incident.

  • RT. MSGR. Anthony Ewherido for Episcopal Ordination on February 9 in Warri

    RT. MSGR. Anthony Ewherido for Episcopal Ordination on February 9 in Warri

    The city of Warri in Delta state will on February 9th 2023 witness the largest gathering of Christian faithful in and around the world in  recent times, as the episcopal ordination and installation of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Dr. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri will take place.
    Guests will fly in from all over the world to witness the great occassion and ordination of one of Warri’s finest Catholic Bishop.
    The appointment of Rt. Rev. Msgr.  Anthony Ewherido  as Bishop of Warri Diocese by Pope Francis has been greeted with widespread jubilation across the Diocese and everyone awaits his episcopal ordination and installation ceremony with joyous anticipation.
    Catholic sons and daughters of Warri Diocese across the globe will be returning home in their hundreds to grace the historic occasion. Likewise  all priests of Warri Diocese in the Diaspora who  have already indicated their interest to attend the august event.
    Warri, as it is popularly described in local palace “non dey carry last”. Same is true with the advent of Christianity.  Historically, Warri had very early contact with Christian missionaries. After the initial contact led by the Capuchins and Augustinian missionaries between the 15th and 18th centuries which made some converts, the exercise  was not quite successful, owing to some factors. However,  the missionary  enterprise was reinvigorated in the 20th century led  by the Fathers of the Society for Africa Mission (SMA) of the Irish Province. Apart from churches built, the missionaries established schools and hospitals which served the  people and were also means of evangelisation.
    Chapels and Churches were built to cater for the spiritual wellbeing of the students and villagers in the neighborhoods. It was such stations that gradually envolved into Parishes in some places, thus evangelisation and growth of the Church blossomed. Therefore, with a flourishing Christian community, His. Holiness, Pope Paul V1, created the Diocese of Warri from the then old Benin Diocese on March 10, 1964, with Bishop Lucas Nwaezeapu as the Diocesan Bishop. Since then, the Diocese has been governed by several Bishops which includes Most Rev Edmund Fitzgibbon, Most Rev. Richard Burke and lately by Most Rev. John Afareha, upon whose retirement Archbishop Augustine Akubeze was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese. Each of the above shepherd made their mark in the history of the Diocese. May God bless them and grant eternal repose to the dead.
    As usual government functionaries, traditional rulers, professional bodies, the academia, youth bodies, women groups etc are all gearing up to join Christ’s faithful of Warri Diocese and the not less than sixty Catholic Bishops and other religious leaders across the country for the great event. God’s children will gather in their thousands to  celebrate this precious gift of God to Warri Diocese.  A red-letter day!
    Similarly,  corporates bodies and institutions around Warri/Effurun metropolis are already readjusting their schedules to free up that date as the twin cities  will witness an unusual human and vehicular traffic that may impact on normal business schedules.
    The Holy Martyrs of Uganda Minor Seminary, venue of the ceremony, and it’s adjoining Bishopscourt premises are  already wearing a new look as the date draws nearer. There is something very significant about the Minor Seminary as venue of  the ceremony. That was the first place of pastoral assignment where  Msgr Anthony Ewherido  served as head. He was the Rector (1988- 1992), two years after his priestly ordination and there he unleashed his youthful energies so dexterously and build a reputation of creativity, brilliance, discipline and pastoral commitment that endeared him to many, especially his homilies which  resonated in the hearts of many and attracted worshippers from outside the seminary community who traveled long distances on Sundays to the Chapel to listen to his beautiful heart-piercing homilies. Rev. Fr. Silvanus Anamali, a highly respected senior brother of the presbyterium once described the era in these words: “People  came from far and near to listen to the wisdom of Solomon” Indeed, at that time, in many homes across the Diocese, “Fr Tony is the Rector” was a common refrain  and served as a badge of honour by which the Minor Seminary was rated very high.
    Consequently, the Seminary witnessed unprecedented increase in entry  and  many of those who passed through him are doing very well today in different endeavours, and as priests. Meanwhile, the rise in the number of students necessitated the expansion of facilities and, Fr Ewherido in his characteristic creative thinking,  looked around and found an asset lying nearby.
  • Tank farm explodes in Delta State

    Tank farm explodes in Delta State

    A tank farm operated by Ebeco Global Link on Saturday went up in flames at Koko town in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, DSP Bright Edafe confirmed the development to newsmen in Warri.

    “The situation has been brought under control,” Edafe said, adding that one person sustained injuries and there was no report of any death.

    Local source said that the incident which occurred in the morning, caused panic among residents.

    The source further said that the cause of the incident had not been established and added that fire fighters brought the situation under control.

  • Chevron relocates logistics base from Onne to Warri

    Chevron relocates logistics base from Onne to Warri

    Chevron Nigeria Limited has confirmed the relocation of its base for logistics support activities from Onne Shore in Rivers to Warri and Escravos in Delta.

    Chevron’s General Manager, Policy Government and Public Affairs, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, made the confirmation in Lagos State on Wednesday.

    According to Brikinn, the migration of Chevron’s shore base from Onne to Escravos and Warri is to enable the oil gaint to consolidate its base operations and reduce its operational footprints.

    “This will help in reducing Chevron’s operating cost and increasing efficiency for business sustainability.

    “Chevron will continue to conduct its operations reliably and efficiently, while working with the Federal and State Governments towards the development of the oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy,” he said.

    Recall Ogu Youth Congress had on Tuesday threatened to paralyse operations at Onne Port of oil giant if it proceeded with plans to move its logistics base out of the Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone.

    Comrade Taripakaye Gbobbo, President of the congress in a statement said the planned relocation of the base from the Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone would lead to severe economic hardship for the host community.

    “The operation of Chevron in our community has helped us a lot because our people are being employed and earning salaries.

    “If Chevron leaves this facility now, it will bring back hunger and increase poverty in the community.

    “We are opposed to Chevron leaving this facility and besides, our place is peaceful now. There is no crisis, no militancy; so they cannot say they are leaving because of insecurity.

    “I will write a letter to the Nigerian Ports Authority via the Port Manager, informing them that if Chevron wants to leave this facility, we will not allow them to leave,” he said.

    According to him, the group favours dialogue and constructive engagement and will not fold its arms and allow economic hardship to be foisted on “hapless families” as a result of the planned relocation.

  • Delta APC Campaign Condemns Closure of routes leading to Warri Township Stadium

    Delta APC Campaign Condemns Closure of routes leading to Warri Township Stadium

    Press release

    …Says PDP cannot stave off its inevitable defeat in 2023

    Delta APC Campaign Organization has condemned the closure of routes leading to and from the Warri Township Stadium, venue of the APC Presidential Rally and Delta State Campaign flag off billed for this Saturday, 19th November, 2022.

    The presidential rally and state flag off are scheduled as flagship events as the party starts off its vigorous campaign to take over Delta State from the incompetent and clueless Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The campaign will cover all nooks and crannies of the State in the months ahead.

    In a statement by Ima Niboro, Director, Communications and Media Strategy, the Campaign Organisation frowned at what it described as “perfidious road closures aimed at stalling Saturday’s grand events .“

    According to him, “information reaching us indicates that the Warri South local government council Chairman, Dr Michael Tidi, has given an order closing routes leading to the Warri Township Stadium with effect from Monday, November 14 through Monday, November 28.

    “The closed routes include Ubeji Roundabout, Okere Square and the Edjeba Community Road from SPDC Gate. He did not give any sensible reason for the closure but went ahead to provide very difficult ‘alternative routes’ such as Elizabeth Close for Ubeji Roundabout users, Eboh Road for Okere Square and DBS Warri route for Edjeba Community Road users.

    “Delta APC Campaign Organization views the action of the Warri South local government council Chairman as an attempt to frustrate and sabotage the flag off of the Presidential and Gubernatorial campaigns of the party by the ruling PDP in the Delta State.

    “Faced with it’s dismal performance in governance, the Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led PDP administration has clearly seen that their misgovernance portends a coming electoral disaster at the polls next year, and have resorted to wickedness, illegality, and every dubious means possible to thwart their inevitable rout.

    “We want to assure that the APC in Delta State is strong, resilient and capable of crushing the infantile hurdles set by Okowa and his fawning minions, including the said Tidi.

    “The Campaign Organization is determined to vacate the closure order, and while at it, alternative routes of accessing the stadium on the flag off day shall be secured and communicated to our thronging members and supporters.

    “We appeal to our teeming members to remain law abiding and follow the instructions that will be released on alternative routes to the stadium,” Niboro said.

    Ima Niboro
    Director, Communications and Media Strategy
    Delta APC Campaign Organization
    November 15, 2022

    ###

  • [Video]: Nigerian youths protest against EFCC in Warri

    [Video]: Nigerian youths protest against EFCC in Warri

    Some Nigerian youths residents in Warri, Delta state, have taken to the street to protest against the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

    They accused operatives of EFCC of arresting many youths without any link to cybercrime.

    The protest comes following the arrest of 95 suspected Internet fraudsters by operatives of the Portharcourt Zonal command of EFCC who were arrested in the Warri.

    See the Video below:

     

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  • 17-year-old rescued from kidnappers in Delta State

    17-year-old rescued from kidnappers in Delta State

    The Police Command in Delta says it has apprehended two suspected kidnappers and rescued a 17-year-old boy from their captivity in the state.

    The spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Warri.

    Edafe said the duo were nabbed on Wednesday by Policemen attached to the Eagle-Net Patrol Team.

    He said that the police team was on visibility and confidence building patrol on the Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area when they recorded the feat.

    The police spokesman explained that the team while on duty, saw a mob beating the suspects, adding that upon inquiry, it was revealed that they were suspected kidnappers.

    “The Police rushed to the scene and rescued the boys from the  mob. On the spot inquiry, it was discovered that they were suspected kidnappers.

    “A woman also accused the boys of kidnapping her 17-year old son earlier that day. The two suspects were Oti Shevire, 32, and Amos whose surname is unknown,” he said.

    Edafe said that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that they led  Policemen to their hideout where the victim was rescued unhurt.

    He said that the victim was currently receiving treatment while the suspects were in police custody and investigation was ongoing.

  • Police neutralise member of robbery gang terrorizing Iyara neighborhood in Warri

    Police neutralise member of robbery gang terrorizing Iyara neighborhood in Warri

    The Police Command in Delta has neutralised a member of a suspected robbery gang in the Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

    The spokesman of the state command, DSP Bright Edafe who disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday in Warri also said that a kidnapped victim was rescued “unhurt”.

    Edafe said that the deceased was a member of a three-man robbery syndicate operating at the Iyara neighborhood in the Warri South metropolis.

    The command’s spokesman  said that the suspect died on Friday following an injury he sustained during a gun duel with the police operatives attached  to “A Division”, Warri.

    “On  Aug. 5, at about  5.15 p.m., Anti Crime Patrol attached to ‘A’ Division Warri, who were on a stop and search duty at Iyara Road when they intercepted a tricycle with three male occupants.

    “The suspects surprisingly reversed the tricycle and sped off. The team upon suspicion went after them till they got to Chevron Clinic Road in Warri.

    “The  hoodlums opened fire on the policemen and the team responded. In the process, one of the suspects was maimed while others escaped.

    “The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,” he said.

    Edafe said that one locally made cut-to-size gun with six live cartridges and two expanded cartridges were recovered adding that manhunt for other members of the gang was ongoing.

    On the kidnapped incident, Edafe said that the victim was rescued on Saturday by the Police operatives attached to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) while on a special duty alongside Sapele Divisional patrol team.

    He said that team flagged down a Toyota Camry with Registration Number: AFM 47 AP with three occupants, adding that the hoodlums refused to stop for search.

    “Rather, they drove against traffic in a bid to escape on the Okirigwe Road, Sapele and the police went after them.

    “They jumped out of the vehicle and escaped into a crowded place. When the team got to the abandoned vehicle, they saw a victim tied inside the car who was kidnapped by the suspects.

    “He was rescued unhurt and has since reunited with his family,” Edafe said.

    According to him, exhibits recovered from the suspects included: one locally made short gun, one cutlass and their operational vehicle suspected to have been stolen.

    He said that effort to apprehend the fleeing suspects was ongoing.

  • MC Olokpa decries worsening condition of Warri stadium

    MC Olokpa decries worsening condition of Warri stadium

    Popular Nigerian Master of Ceremony, Tive Okpako who is famously known as MC Olokpa has berated the Delta state government both past and present for their continuous neglect of the Warri stadium.

    Olokpa noted that the stadium used to be a beautiful sight to behold and envy of all in the country.

    The Warri-based comedian noted that the Stadium boasted world-class facilities that could favourably compete with many other stadia in the world.

    He stressed that the facility hosted many international and local football competitions, adding that the Super Falcons of Nigeria played and won the WAFCON trophy there many years ago.

    ”For anybody that grew up in Warri and has gone to Warri stadium back then for one reason or the other. Either to attend a children’s day celebration, watch a football match, or for fitness and going back today will realize what bad governance can do to the dreams of a people.

    ”Today Warri stadium stands as a symbol of government failure for 7 years or so. This place was the pride of waffarians.

    ”A place where super falcons lifted most of their trophies. A place where our junior National teams conquer their opponent.
    ”A place where we sing our heart out in support of our team. Home to our proud team, Warri Wolves.

    ”We enjoyed great marches,  we saw our homegrown talents coming back home as part of the national team. A uniting avenue for all the tribes. We watched great halftime performances from Oritse Femi, APALIKU. (sic)

    “We go flog politicians Koboko” when the likes of Ibori were in the stadium will be evergreen because of the reaction from the crowd that day.

    “What a city, what a people, and what a stadium. Businesses strived within and around the stadium.
    Warri stadium was like home to everybody.

    ”But as it stands today, that place we all once called home is now home to reptiles, cattle, and all what not. (sic)

    ”It’s a shame indeed that we are pretending that we didn’t have that. We are all pretending as if it has not affected our homegrown talent moving Abroad. Aside from Oghenekaro Etebo, which other core waffarians can we point to today in football. Driving Keke is now the last option for our footballers.

    ”My heart bled when the former goalkeeper of BISILO was caught as a Keke robber. What a great goalie I enjoyed watching in Essi college

    ”I still remember Jokpa and Believe, two brothers playing 5 and 6 in Omas united. The likes of Late Robert, Kalawowo, and gift just to mention a few.

    ”Clubs like an invincible leopard, bisilo, omas united”

    MC Olokpa further revealed that politicians will start to besiege the stadium for campaigns and start to give fake promises.

    He explained that the bamboozled Nigerian youths will still shout ”clear road for the Chairman”

    ”’Warri had light in some parts but now we are in 99 percent darkness

    ‘Warri had nightlife but today we rush home before 10 pm

    “Warri roads weren’t this bad but we have moved from bad to worst.

    ”Warri had some companies but we are left with non.

    ”Yet this year and next, the stadium will be cleaned up and as usual, we are going to receive them with open arms for them to come to lie to us again.

    ”I taught we said we are wise? (sic)

    “If you want to know how bad Warri has become, just go to Warri stadium.

    ”You don’t need to Enter through the gate, just stand from the fence and see the decay.

    ‘To those selling off our rights for a plate of beans, I hope you are proud of the state of this city.

    ”I hope you are enjoying the darkness and insecurities”

    Olokpa enjoined the people of Warri to put all hands on deck to ensure the restoration of the city.