Culture/Tourism
The Untold Story Of Rukpokwu Dance Group
It is an ageless cultural dance but its members must at least clock 18 years of age before joining the cultural troop. It has what is known as selected members who possess great dancing prowess.
The Federal Iregbu Dancing Group of Rukpokwu Community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has been a centre of attraction for the entire Ikwerre ethnic group of Rivers State. The Dance according to history, originated from the Epkeye in Rivers State and was adopted by the Rumuekini people and transferred to the Rukpokwu people.
Rukpokwu people, our correspondent learnt modernised the Iregbu Dance and popularised it to become a household name in the East of the Niger. It was one of those cultural dances that gave both the indigene and non-indigene equal right in the area of membership.
It is an ageless cultural dance but its members must at least clock 18 years of age before joining the cultural troop. It has what is known as selected members who possess great dancing prowess.
Our correspondent further learnt that the Federal iregbu dancing group of Rukpokwu admits both male and female dancers. Masquerades are not allowed in the dance, but dancers must appear in uniform in order to send the expected message and entertain properly.
Its measuring scale was good dancing and singing skills to enable any of its members fit well into any act, (that is: if the person is called to sing or dance, the person in question will do it well).
The Chief drummer (Osugbuala), of Federal Iregbu Dancing Group of Rukpokwu Elder Sunday O Worlu, told Culture and Tourism last week that the advent of churches destroyed many cultural activities.
Elder Worlu noted that cultural event was the main source of entertainment and joy for the locals as it brings them together during full moon periods.
The “Osugbuala” explained that during each Iregbu period, everyone will graciously embrace each other regardless of their previous misunderstanding.
He narrated how spectators were unconsciously responding to the tempting rhythm of the Iregbu Dance without proper coaching of its dance-steps.
In Festac festival in 1974 in Lagos State, the Iregbu Chief drummer hinted that the dance among the top dancing troop, that was invited by the then Lagos State Government to perform.
He admitted that though, the dancing troop did not win an outright prize then in Lagos State, but revealed that it has earlier won the overall prize at Rumuogba in 1973 at a dancing competition organized by the Obio/Akpor Local Government.
The most beautiful thing about the Iregbu dance was that it has about 12 xelophones, 2 drums and 2 bambo instrument (Ekere) which distinguished it from other cultural troops.
He said then that Paul Worika was in charge of the cultural centre and also helped in his little way to make the dance (Iregbu) a household name.
According to him, the only recorded achievement is that Iregbu leads the local music played in RSTV before its news in languages is cast uptil date.
The Iregbu Chief drummer, told Culture and Tourism how his drumming skills made him popular within and outside the state.
He pointed out that the drums and other instruments were difficult to play, saying that all instrument must have an extra strength for their chosen job.
Elder Worlu, also admitted that the dance is a natural game that does not require much training, hinting that all its instrumentalists manifest at a very early age.
The “Osugbuala” hinted that Iregbu was last played in 2004 at Rukpokwu adding that since age is not longer on his side, no much attention has been paid to it since then.
About revenue, he said that the Iregbu was a major source of income for all its members as they were hired between N15,000 and N30,000 as at then.
Just like the wrestling drum, he said, the Iregbu dance does not forbid anything. He informed The Tide On Sunday that the dance was predominantly patronised by all sectors of life then including churches.
He recalled how late Bishop of the Niger Delta North, Bishop Samuel Elenwo would not attend any invitation unless he was convinced that the Iregbu dance would be present.
He maintained that the dance has no form of ritual or diabolic thing, but a natural dance which its sole aim is to entertain and mimic some societal ills with a view to correcting them.
He regretted that the younger generation are no longer indicating interest in cultural activities.
He argued that cultural events remain the best way to entertain the local people.
The Iregbu arrow head, also called on government and other concerned authorities to pay more attention to the area of cultural activities.
He maintained that if all cultural centres in the state were revived, that it will among other things, create employment opportunities for the young graduates who may be willing to work in such centres.
Earlier, he has lauded the Rivers State Government over its determination to organise the CANIRIV annually, adding that, it is a welcomed development.
Wife of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ijeoma Emeka, has visited Onne Police Divisional Headquarters.
The visit of the Police Commissioner’s wife last week was geared towards familiarising herself with the police officers’ wives and attending to their needs.
The CP’s wife’s entourage was received on that day by the Onne Divisional Police Officer.
Ijeoma, in her remarks, said her mission was to familiarise herself and synergies with wives of police officers under her as regards their welfare
She emphasised the cleanliness of the barracks and working relationship to achieve the desired objective
Earlier, the Onne Divisional Police Officer, CSP Ugochukwu Ijeoma expressed gratitude to the CP’s wife for finding time to visit the Division.
CSP Ijeoma described her visit as a welcome development, saying the lectures delivered by the CP’s wife were memorable.
He said the inspection of the barracks was done in a novel manner and said the visit would improve the welfare of the women.
Ijeoma while speaking with newsmen said she has taken into account the state of the women under her as well as bettering their lives.
She said some palliatives were distributed by her., describing it as a rare privilege to host the wife of the Commissioner of Police
The Onne Divisional Police Officer urged residents of the area to be law-abiding and give the police relevant information that could lead to the apprehension of criminals.
He said the fight against crime must be a collective responsibility as the police are ever ready to cooperate with everyone to reduce crime.
Mr Echeng Eworo, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), has urged the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to shun bribery in the discharge of their duties.
Eworo, in charge of Zone nine, Umuahia, gave the charge yesterday during his one-day working visit to Ebonyi State Police Command, Abakaliki.
He said that the measure would ensure good service delivery to the people and also bring about free crime society for the citizens.
“You should keep on doing the good work of ensuring a free crime society for the citizens.
“You must shun all sorts of bribery, as the law will not allow anyone found wanting to go unpunished.
“Do not shy away from your responsibilities. Always stand for the right thing for effective protection of the people,” he said.
The AIG described the police as the leading agency in the protection of lives and property, urging the personnel to embrace professionalism on the job.
“The police is all about the people. Always ensure that you protect them, be objective and do what is right. Remember that all the units in the command were set up for a reason in crime fighting processes,” the AIG said.
Earlier, Mrs Augustina Ogbodo, the Ebonyi Commissioner of Police, thanked the AIG for the visit, adding that the personnel in the state had been dedicated to their duties.
Ogbodo, who gave a brief breakdown of her achievements since her assumption of office as 26th Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, said the personnel had nabbed suspected fraudulent employment syndicates in the state.
Other suspects arrested include suspected kidnappers, cultists, robbers as well as recovery of arms of various kinds.
She commended the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and the AIG on their supports to the officers and men in the command and promised to do more work at ensuring peaceful environment for the people.
Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), have eliminated scores of Boko Haram terrorists and rescued abducted victims in recent encounters in the Lake Chad Basin region.
The Chief of Military Public Information Office for MNJTF, Lt.-Col. Kamarudeen Adegoke, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in N’Djamena, Chad.
Adegoke said the troops of MNJTF Sector 4 in Niger, while on patrol along Kara–Diffa Road on Jan. 9, 2023, intercepted four persons suspected to be Boko Haram/ISWAP logisticians conveying about 1,000 litres of fuel.
He said the fuel was cleverly concealed in plastic bags inside a Toyota Highlander Jeep and was being transported from Maine Soroa to the Lake Chad Islands, possibly to suspected terrorists.
He added that the sum of N650,000 was also recovered hidden in the vehicle, saying that suspects and exhibits were in custody of MNJTF Sector 4 for further investigations.
Adegoke said the troops of Sector 3 (Nigeria), had in another incident on January 11, 2023, repelled an attempted infiltration by the Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals due to superior firepower.
He said that two terrorists were killed at the end of the encounter and one Rocket Propelled Grenade, seven bombs, two 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, seven mortar chargers and two wooden canoes were recovered.
According to him, the canoes were promptly destroyed.
“Similarly, on Sunday, unspecified number of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists also attempted to infiltrate Monguno in MNJTF Sector 3 (Nigeria) in the early hours of the morning but met the gallant and alert troops.
“Troops engaged the criminals in a fire fight forcing them to withdraw in disarray.
“The unrelenting troops pursued and engaged the criminals along their withdrawal routes neutralising three criminals while many fled with gunshot wounds.
“The troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle and 2 magazines after the encounter.
“Regrettably, a soldier paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in this encounter.
“Five young men suspected to have been abducted were rescued by the troops while five brand new boxer motorcycles were also captured from the terrorists during the encounter.
“Efforts are being made to ascertain the origin of the motorcycles and how they were smuggled into the Lake Chad Islands while the rescued young men are being profiled in the Sector Headquarters before further processing,” he said.
MNJTF spokesman further said that a total of 70 terrorists surrendered to troops of Sector 4 MNJTF (Niger) and troops of Sector 1 (Cameroon).
He said the surrendered terrorists would be treated in line with standard procedures for such surrenders which would include interrogation and profiling by the relevant authorities.
He added that the Force Commander (FC), Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Khalifah Ibrahim, had enjoined the troops to continue to maintain resilience and offensive posture until the criminals surrendered totally or are defeated completely.
According to him, the force commander reaffirmed the fact that the terrorists have been severely degraded and there is need to finally finish them off.
“He reminded the Force of the obligation they have to observe international humanitarian laws and to be professional at all times.
“The FC praised the courage and determination of the troops of the MNJTF and their commanders and paid tribute to the fallen hero and passed his deep condolences to the soldier’s family.
“He called on the people of Lake Chad basin region to continue to support the MNJTF and other security forces with useful information to help bring this conflict to an end.