Metro

Bayelsa Resolves Oil Well Dispute Between Three Communities

Published

3 months ago

July 12, 2025

The Bayelsa State Government has resolved a dispute between Egweama Nembe and Elepa communities in Brass and Nembe local government areas over the ownership of Elepa 1 and 2 oil wells.

Both communities accepted a decision reached by the state government on Friday in Yenagoa to ensure peace and security in the area while awaiting the outcome of ongoing litigation over the dispute.

The Elepa oilfields are currently being operated by the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited after divestment of the facilities by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria.

Addressing leaders of both communities at a meeting, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said the government had endorsed the sharing formula recommended by the Irorodamie Komonibo-led committee set up last year to mediate on the matter.

Ewhrudjakpo announced the allocation of 40 per cent of all royalties, employment chances and contractual jobs from Renaissance Africa Energy Company to Elepa, while Egweama and Nembe were allocated 30 per cent each.

He directed that the three contractors engaged under the company’s Free To Operate system for the supply of a tug boat, swamp buggy, and crew boat should come under one contract and share the profits accordingly based on the sharing formula.

Ewhrudjakpo commended the calmness of leaders and stakeholders of the area, explaining that the government’s position was informed by its overriding interest in ensuring peace among the feuding communities.

He urged them to talk to their people, especially the youth to maintain the existing peace, and patiently wait for the determination of the lawsuit over the ownership of the disputed Elepa 1 and 2 oil wells at the Court of Appeal.

He said, “We have carefully studied the recommendations in the report submitted by the committee we set up sometime last year to look into your dispute, chaired by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo. As a government, we have adopted the recommendation. So going forward, the Elepa community will have 40 per cent while Egwema and Nembe will get 30 per cent each, pending when the court will give judgment on the ownership case.”

He stated further: “This decision was reached after a thorough consideration of a lot of factors involved, and I believe it is in the best interest of the communities and that of the state to make this sacrifice.”

Responding separately on behalf of the communities, the Chairman of the Nembe Council of Chiefs, Chief Bright Ereware-Igbeta, the Paramount Ruler of Elepa Community, Chief Gelegukuma Apiri, and the CDC Chairman of Egweama Community, Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha, appreciated the relentless efforts of the state government to ensure that there is peace among the three communities despite their conflict of interest.

While thanking the government for the next parameters put in place in respect of employment opportunities and contracts, they agreed to remain peaceful, stressing there is no price too much to pay to enjoy peace.

The highlight of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Bayelsa State Government represented by the deputy governor and representatives of the three communities.

Metro

18-year-old Hangs Self, Police Launch Investigation

Published

8 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of an 18-year-old identified as Tersoo Veregh, who allegedly took his own life in Makurdi, the state capital.

According to Zagazola Makama, the deceased’s father, Mr. Veregh Nathaniel, of Iorkyaako Street, High Level area of Makurdi, made the tragic discovery around 2:00 a.m. on October 4, when he stepped out of his room to ease himself and found his son hanging from the ceiling.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Makurdi, led a team of detectives to the scene. The body was photographed and later taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Police authorities said an investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Metro

Police Intercept Illicit Drugs, Recover Pistols In Delta

Published

8 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The Delta State Police Command has intercepted a truck loaded with large quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

The truck, with registration number 3BGT 18LG, driven by one Dennis Uruma, a 52-year-old man from Igalamela Local Government Area of Kogi State, was intercepted by a patrol team of the Eagle Net Special Squad, Asaba, led by Commander SP Danyaya Yunusa.

The operation was conducted in synergy with the Office of the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Illicit Drugs and Human Trafficking.

The driver was arrested after the search, while the counting and measurement of the exhibits are ongoing.

In another development, on October 3, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, led by Commander CSP Nosa Alex, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a targeted raid on a suspected criminal hideout around the Basket Market area of Asaba.

During the operation, three suspects, Rabbi Godwin, 25, Lucky Nanakumo, 20, and David Igwe, 19, were arrested.

A search of the location yielded one fabricated Beretta pistol, which was recovered and secured as evidence.

Again, on October 1, 2025, the DPO ‘B’ Division, Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, led his surveillance team in a swift response to a distress report about a robbery incident around the BONSAAC axis of Asaba, where a female victim was dispossessed of her phone and other valuables at gunpoint by two male suspects.

Working with local vigilantes, the team established a discreet cordon and began a methodical sweep of adjoining streets.

The coordinated push paid off when officers intercepted one suspect, Amara Nwako, 21, a male indigene of Oko, while his accomplice fled into an uncompleted building.

A locally made pistol was recovered during a search of the immediate vicinity. Preliminary findings revealed a possible cult affiliation linking the suspect to a certain Arobaga secret cult.

According to Bright Edafe, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, all the suspects remain in custody, while a manhunt is underway for the fleeing accomplice.

(DAILY POST)

Metro

NDLEA Intercepts 174 Parcels Of Cocaine Hidden In Body Cream Containers

Published

8 hours ago

October 5, 2025

Editor

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine concealed in body cream containers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

This operation, which was part of its efforts to dismantle two major drug cartels, led to six separate cocaine shipments destined for the UK. On September 16, NDLEA operatives seized 13.4 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in cocoa butter containers.

A cargo agent was arrested, directing investigators to 56-year-old Hammed Taofeek Ode, identified as the syndicate leader.

After weeks of intelligence gathering, the NDLEA coordinated with police to apprehend Ode, who had spent over 27 years in various European countries before returning to Nigeria in 2024.

“During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought at over N150 million. He described himself as a businessman and real estate developer, ” the statement reads.

In another development, five attempts by a different cartel to export cocaine to the UK were thwarted between September 26 and October 2. On September 26, the NDLEA intercepted 2.1 kg of cocaine hidden in hair cream containers at MMIA, leading to the arrest of Smith David Korede. An additional 1.4 kg of cocaine was recovered from his location.

On October 2, two more suspects, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, were arrested after two UK-bound shipments were seized. In other states, including Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Edo, and Kogi, several suspects were also arrested with varying amounts of tramadol and cannabis.