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Wike Places N200m Bounty On Culprits …Amaechi, A Rabble-Rouser – RSG …Buhari Condemns Rivers, Kaduna Attacks
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has placed a N200million bounty for information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the Omoku massacre.
Wike spoke, yesterday, after he led the Rivers State Security Council on a fact finding/sympathy visit to the families of the deceased.
He also visited those injured during the attack.
The governor also visited the sites of the crime where he received briefing from the Nigerian Police Area Commander, Mr Mike Nwafor and the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mr Osi Olisa.
He said: “We have placed N200million bounty for relevant information that will lead to the arrest of all those involved in this unfortunate act of violence.
“Anybody who is connected to this crime in any way will have his/her houses forfeited to the government. This place has been peaceful before this unfortunate mayhem.
“We will not allow another case of this violence. We have mobilised the security agencies to take the battle to the perpetrators”.
Wike said all those linked to the Omoku violence will face the full weight of the law.
“You cannot shed innocent blood and go free. We are working with all the security agencies to do everything possible to arrest the perpetrators. They must pay for this”, he said.
The governor commiserated with the families of the deceased, saying that the state government will support them in burying their loved ones.
He added that the state government will also settle the medical bills of those receiving treatment at different hospitals.
He said: “I am pained by this unfortunate mayhem. Enough is enough.”
The governor and the service commanders also visited the residence of wanted cultist, Don Danny where the Rivers State governor commended security agencies for working hard to improve the security of the state.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Mr Osi Olisa informed the governor that 17 persons lost their lives as a result of the attack.
In an interview, Prophetess Comfort Ordu, who lost her husband and three children, said they were dragged out of their home and killed by the perpetrators.
Some of those murdered in cold blood include: Favour Odili, Saviour Amirinze, Augustine Ordu, Precious Ordu, Wisdom Ordu, Jennifer Ohia and Innocent Ohia.
Others are: Reuben Idogu, Baby Idogu, Ngozi Ogbuanukwu, Oyi Ogadinma, Nwagaego Ogadinma and Uche Onige.
The governor was accompanied to Omoku by the Commander Officer, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen A.A. Bande, the Commander of Joint Task Force, Col M.N. Madi, Rivers State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Magaji and Rivers State Director of the Department of State Services, Mr Tosin Ajayi.
However, reactions have trailed the ugly incident that resulted in the killing of the son of Chief Eze Maziri and 16 others by unknown gunmen in Omoku Town, with Rivers people expressing shock and dismay at the dastardly act.
Maziri, in an interview with The Tide, said his son was returning from the New Year church service in the early hours of Monday, when the gunmen struck and killed him and his friend, among others.
The chief denied insinuations that his son belonged to any cult group.
“I never knew that such an unfortunate thing could ever happen to my son or any member of this community, and at the end, people say because they were not in the house at that hour of the day. Look at the number of corpses lying there, and we don’t know how it all happened.
“My son does not belong to any cult group. He was rather a very devout Christian. If people are claiming and making insinuations that he belonged to a cult group, what about his friend and the other 15 people bringing the number to 17 killed in cold blood on their way from church?”, Maziri asked.
In his reaction, the Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni stated that the police are aware of the incident but have not established a clear motive behind the killing of the people in Omoku.
Omoni stated further that investigations were underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the police would come up with details that led to the killings in the area soon.
The police image maker noted that the number of casualties cannot be confirmed at the moment.
Omoni said: “I can confirm the incident, but at the moment, we cannot confirm the conflicting number of casualties.
“The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and other tactical heads have been mobilised there to restore peace.
“The Commissioner of Police (Ahmed Zaki) has launched a manhunt for the bandits to ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
“When the DCP and the teams conclude their investigations, we will know the total number of people involved,” Omoni added.
“Investigations are ongoing, and we don’t want to speculate, but for now, we have heard so many stories, some said they were unknown gunmen, but investigations will unravel what actually happened”.
It was gathered that the unknown gunmen had operated at two different locations, Kirigani and Oboh axis of Aligu of Omoku, in a coordinated attack.
The killers opened fire on Christians that were returning from different churches around 12: 20a.m., after successfully crossing over to the New Year, and killed the number of persons.
It was gathered that over 26 persons were shot in the attack, 14 persons died on the spot, with 12 hospitalised.
Three persons among those hospitalized were later said to have died from gunshot injuries.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has taken Minister of Transportation, Chibike Rotimi Amaechi to the cleaners over his comments that the Omoku violence which led to the death of innocent Rivers indigenes was because Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike was arming militants.
Reacting to Amaechi’s comments, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Barr Emma Okah described the comments as false, saying, it was an infantile attempt by Amaechi to gain political mileage from the senseless killings of innocent Rivers indigenes.
The statement reads:
Our attention has been drawn to the regrettable indictment of federal security agencies by the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who claimed that the Omoku violence which led to the death of innocent Rivers indigenes was because Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was arming militants.
For the avoidance of doubt, Amaechi’s statement is false and an infantile attempt to gain political mileage from the senseless killings of innocent Rivers indigenes.
Over the last few days, there have been nationwide upsurge of violence, leading to the unfortunate deaths of Nigerians. Is the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi claiming that in all these instances, the governors of the respective states armed the killers?
In Southern Kaduna, several persons including a traditional ruler and his pregnant wife were killed. In Kwara State, a new year violence claimed several lives. In Yobe State, Boko Haram insurgents killed 5 soldiers while several community youths lost their lives.
Also in Lagos State, Badoo cultists killed a family of five, while over the last few days, Fulani herdsmen have killed scores of innocent Nigerians in Benue State.
We need not mention the scores killed over the last two weeks in Plateau, Adamawa and Zamfara States by Fulani herdsmen.
It is regrettable that the chief financier of APC National campaign would politicize a security challenge, effectively domiciled at the doorsteps of Federal Security agencies.
The fact that he made such statement at preccints of the Presidential Villa is a sad commentary.
For the records, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has funded and equipped security agencies in the state more than any other state governor has done. Rather than being commended for the sacrifice, ingrates like Amaechi see nothing in the genuine efforts of a patriotic leader, which Nyesom Ezenwo Wike represents.
In another development, President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned, in strong terms, killings of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers State and traditional ruler, the Etum Numana, Dr. Gambo Makama, and his wife, in Sango Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year.
President Buhari described the acts as ‘shocking and outrageous, reprehensible and unacceptable’, insisting that perpetrators must be brought to book.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari directed law enforcement agencies in both states to intensify their current efforts in order to speedily bring the perpetrators to face the wrath of the law.
“I have always maintained that nothing justifies the taking of the life of an innocent person,” the president said, adding that “people in our communities must learn to live peacefully.”
He appealed to the communities affected not to embark on reprisal attacks, but allow the security agencies to carry out comprehensive investigations to properly punish the culprits.
He commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured faster recovery.
Chris Oluoh & Susan Serekara-Nwikhana
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled plans to permanently relocate the dumpsite along the busy Port Harcourt Airport–Obiri-Ikwerre Road, describing the current location as both a public health threat and a damaging first impression for visitors arriving in Port Harcourt, the State capital.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during an inspection of a proposed replacement site, which is a disused burrow pit near Bambo Estate, off Eneka Road in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
The location is being assessed as a potential permanent dumpsite for the State.
Governor Fubara, who was conducted by the Board Chairman, Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), Dr Samuel Nwanosike, and its Managing Director, Dr Ibimina Wokoma, expressed concern about the environmental and health challenges posed by the existing site, which sits along a major entry point into the State.
“The kind of environmental hazards that we are facing there along the Airport–Obiri- Ikwerre Road; the smell on that road being the entrance into the State, we felt it’s not proper,” he said. “So, we are making alternative arrangements so we can have a permanent refuse dumpsite that meets acceptable standards.
“He added that the government would move swiftly to formalise ownership of the land and complete construction work on the access road to make the new site functional.“We have not concluded the issue of the burrow pit, but the access road, I think the government is doing something about it.
So, I will make sure that everything that needs to be done to ensure government owns this burrow pit is done,” he stated.
Governor Fubara also commended the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA) for what he described as a more assertive and improved approach to managing refuse across the State.In addition to the dumpsite inspection, the Governor also visited the Permanent Secretaries’ Quarters located in Elimgbu Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, to assess the extent of ongoing construction work on the facility.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Benibo Anabraba, to uphold the dignity of his office, protect the interest of the State, and discharge his duties with honour, respect, and responsibility.
Governor Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the new SSG, held on Monday at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
Describing Anabraba’s appointment as an act of divine favour, the Governor said positions of leadership are not attained by our own human effort but by God’s grace in our lives.
“Let me first congratulate you. I’m using the word ‘congratulations’ because a few of us, not by our power but by the special favour of God, find ourselves in exalted positions. It’s not because we are the best, but only by His grace.”
Governor Fubara noted that the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is one of great honour, occupied by only a few since the creation of Rivers State, and urged the new appointee to serve with humility and dedication.
He, however, expressed confidence in Anabraba’s capacity to deliver, citing his past record as a principal officer of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“This position is a rare privilege. Guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect. Protect the interest of Rivers State. When you leave office, let it be with honour, and that only comes through responsible service.
“I know you’re a dedicated person. This opportunity is not for show or display of power. It’s a call to duty,” he cautioned.
The Governor emphasised that the current administration is focused on restoring confidence of the people because peace has been achieved in the State.
He enjoined the new SSG to align with the vision of the administration and contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Rivers people.
“We are emerging from a very difficult period and must reassure our people that we mean well for them, especially now that peace has returned to Rivers State. By the grace of God, do your work well. Help us succeed in this assignment that God has given to us,” the Governor added.
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Nigeria’s First Lady Flags Off Renewed Hope Health Initiative In Rivers …Targets Measles, Rubella, HPV Vaccination For Children, Women
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated her commitment to expanding vaccine coverage nationwide, declaring that the ongoing Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign in Rivers State will surpass all previous records in scope and success.
Speaking through the wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, Senator Tinubu made this statement during the flag-off ceremony of the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Vaccine Sensitisation Campaign, organised under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
The campaign, implemented by the RHI in collaboration with the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, C-WINS, and international partners including WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and Vaccine Alliance, aims to protect millions of children and women from preventable diseases.
“We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the measles vaccine coverage achieved through this campaign exceeds that of the past,” Senator Tinubu affirmed. “Through technical and financial support, this partnership will ensure that by February, 2026, well-trained staff are deployed across communities to vaccinate all eligible children.”
Rivers State is among the Fourth Stream of Phase One states participating in Africa’s largest-ever health initiative, targeting over 106 million Nigerian children for vaccination against Measles, Rubella, Polio, and HPV. The local rollout is expected to commence in February, 2026, reaching children aged 9 months to 14 years across all 23 local government areas.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the risks of the targeted diseases, describing Measles and Rubella as “highly contagious and potentially deadly,” noting that Rubella can cause severe complications for unborn babies, if contracted by pregnant women.
“The best way to prevent both diseases remains vaccination,” she emphasised.
Narrowing down to efforts by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, and the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, led by Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, she noted how instrumental it has been in ensuring comprehensive outreach through an inter-sectoral approach involving education, women affairs, information ministries, traditional and religious leaders, and the security sector.
Senator Tinubu urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with health workers.
“The Measles-Rubella vaccine is safe, effective, and free in all our health centres. Please, ensure your children are vaccinated at the right time to protect them from these deadly infections.
“Let us all play our part in spreading awareness. Together, we can safeguard the health and future of our children,” she said, before formally declaring the sensitisation programme open.
In her goodwill message, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, commended the Renewed Hope Initiative for its sustained impact in Rivers State, noting that the Measles, Rubella, and HPV Sensitisation Programme marks “a significant step in promoting public health awareness, particularly among women and children.”
She highlighted the particular benefit to the girl-child through HPV vaccination, calling it “an investment in their future health and empowerment.”
The Rivers State Coordinator of WHO, Prof. Giwa Abdulganiyu, praised the collaboration between RHI and the State Government, describing the campaign as “a worthy step in the right direction,” and reaffirmed WHO’s continued partnership in achieving health for all.
Earlier, the RHI Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, welcomed guests, and reaffirmed the initiative’s goal of reducing the incidence of Measles and Rubella in the state.
“These diseases have the potential to cause emergencies and great distress in families. Today’s flag-off represents our collective determination to raise awareness and prevent such tragedies,” she added.