Metro

Bayelsa: Again, Host Communities Shut Down NCDMB Building, Reject Training Of 100 Youths

Published

5 years ago

September 29, 2021

Editor

Hundreds of protesters on Wednesday, again, besieged and shut down activities at the headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The angry protesters at the early hours of Wednesday stormed and barricaded the main entrance to the content tower, preventing visitors and workers from gaining entrance into the building.

The aggrieved youths said they rejected the offer of training just one hundred youths from the earlier agreed and approved 1000 youths from over 850 communities in the eight local government areas of the state.

Recall on Monday the protesters besieged and shut down activities at the headquarters building of the NCDMB, over the expiration of agreement and non-commencement of trainings for youths of the Oil and Gas communities.

The protesting youths who chanted solidarity songs to press home their demands, vowed never to accept anything less than 1000 youths for the first phrase of the training.

Speaking to DAILY POST, state chapter Chairman, Host Community of Nigeria producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), HRH Boma Kerekebina, said they were embarking on this peaceful protest based on their earlier agreement signed and approved by all stakeholders.

He stated that they will only accept the number of persons approved by the Bureau for Public Prosecution in a document which is 1000 youths in the first phrase in Bayelsa, adding that any other manipulation by the board will be totally rejected.

The Chairman, who was represented by the Sagbama Local Government coordinator, Mr. Safa Perekebina, disclosed that even after the board took away hundred slots from their approved 1000 and promised to train 900, they have resorted to playing tricks with the agreement.

He said, “Till now no date or venue have been communicated to the youths for the training after all documentation but rather officials of the NCDMB keep making flimsy excuses.”

According to the Executive Secretary HOSTCOM, Mr. Ofoni Ebimobowei, after several meetings, the board resorted to delay tactics.

“They told us that they can only train 100 youths because they have only N105 million naira, which we told them is unacceptable. The budget has been done and approved since 2019, and they delayed till now and they are telling us another lies, we will not accept it,” he said.

In his brief, Chief Dogibara Allison, said all they want is to make peace and the only way to go is abide by the earlier agreement, noting that the small way for the NCDMB to give back to the society is to train youths from the host communities in Bayelsa State.

When reached on the board’s reaction, the media officer to NCDMB, Mr. Obinna Ezeobi, said the board is not an agency responsible for training of youths in the state, but are for the oil and gas industry.

He added that the board will respond officially to any other claims.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

36 minutes ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.