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Insecurity: RSG Deploys More Security Personnel To Ogoni Communities
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has said that the State Security Council (SSC) has directed the deployment of more security personnel to troubled Ogoni communities with a view to restoring peace.
Speaking, last Saturday, when he led the State Security Service Commanders to Kono-Boue and Kereken-Boue towns in Khana Local Government Area, Wike said that the security agencies have been mobilised to go after the cultists operating in parts of Ogoniland.
The governor said: “We will do everything possible to make sure that those involved in these criminal cult activities don’t go free.
“You have to cooperate with us to get the killers. Those who have perpetrated these crimes are known to community members. No armed robber operates in a place without local support. Therefore, support us with credible information.
“I feel so sad that these cultists have killed our people and displaced some communities in the area. We have taken measures to restore peace”, he said.
He said that the State Security Council has adopted new strategies to build the security framework in communities troubled by cultists.
Wike said: “Tell your people to come back. I have come here with the security service commanders to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to restore peace.
“Over the last few days, we have deployed security personnel to the troubled areas. Beginning today, we are going to deploy more security personnel to different Ogoni communities to protect our people”.
Wike charged parents to monitor their children, advising that communities must take measures to discourage youths from becoming cultists.
The governor said that the state government would support displaced communities and families of victims of the cult-related attacks in Ogoniland.
He assured the leaders of the area that the Rivers State Government would complete the road abandoned by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In his remarks, Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Mr Lahteh Loolo explained that cultists have displaced some communities in the area, and commended the Rivers State governor for his sustained response which reduced the level of casualties suffered by the communities.
He said that with the new strategies introduced by the Rivers State governor, the security challenge facing the area would be resolved.
In his response, the Traditional Ruler of Kono Boue, Chief Ezekiel Manson, expressed happiness with the intervention of the Rivers State governor, saying that when the cultists attacked the community, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his personnel responded positively.
He claimed that there were no cultists among those who were killed and displaced in the community.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has debunked claims that it is not sensitive to the plight of Ogoni people, noting that some of the major infrastructural projects undertaken by the present administration are cited in the area.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, disclosed this, last Saturday, during a live radio programme monitored by The Tide in Port Harcourt.
Nsirim, who was reacting to insinuations by some Ogoni stakeholders that Governor Nyesom Wike was yet to visit the area despite the spate of violence that has led to loss of lives and destruction of some property in some communities there.
But the same day the permanent secretary responded to the criticism, the governor led top government and security officials to some communities in Ogoni to see things for themselves, and also interact with the people.
However, while insisting that security was the business of all, Nsirim stated that the support Governor Nyesom Wike has given to security agencies was unprecedented, stressing that the governor has shown leadership in steering the ship of state.
According to Nsirim, “We need to make this point very clear. The governor, as an individual, cannot fight insecurity. Security is a collective business. And he has shown leadership. He stands as one governor who has given the highest support to security agencies to fight insecurity in this country.
“A few weeks ago, ‘Operation Sting’ was launched, and if you were there, you will see the massive kind of resources government has put into that operation. It is a comprehensive change of the security architecture in this state.
“Now results are coming, and because of that, a few days ago, he had to give additional 40 patrol vans to the Nigeria Police Force. That is a governor that has political will to tackle insecurity. And the governor is doing what he is supposed to do.
“For people to say that the governor is not doing enough…… The governor is not the police, he is not the Department of State Services (DSS), he is not the Armed Forces, and he is not the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
“He (Wike) will put in the political machinery, the support of government at all times. And he has done that within the last four years, and he is still doing that. The governor is a lover of the Ogoni people, and he has demonstrated that in political appointments, and in development projects.
“One of the biggest road infrastructure that is going on in this state now is linking Ogoni communities. So many things are happening in Ogoni land. And the governor, as a patriot, will continue to carry the interest of Ogoni people along in the governance of this state,” Nsirim stated.
The permanent secretary expressed the need for all stakeholders to close ranks and ensure that bad elements within the society were identified and handed over to the appropriate authorities so that peace would reign.
“The truth of the matter is that security is our collective business. We need to work together as a people, and then, ensure that the bag eggs within our society are exposed and handed over to the security agencies,” he advised.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.