Metro

Bayelsa Resolves Oil Well Dispute Between Three Communities

Published

11 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

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

17 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.