“The task force is, however, taking necessary measures to keep criminal elements out of the communities, ensure that only the genuine inhabitants return and that the people are protected from the activities of criminal opportunists who may want to take advantage of the situation”, he said.

“I paid him the monies between December 1, 2007 and April 2008.
“This man came to my house asking for loan.“I asked my security details to investigate him.

By Tina Akannam Dutse—The former military intelligence officer, Alhaji Sagir Mohammed, has observed that the offer of amnesty by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to the Niger Delta militants will not work, saying that it is obvious that not all the militants leaders are ready to surrender their arms. Alhaji Mohammed who made this observation in […]

By Dennis Agbo ABAKALIKI—TWO suspected ritualists are now in custody of the Ebonyi state police command, following their arrest by Ezillo community vigilante  when the suspects allegedly attempted to perform ritual in Ebonyi River in Ezillo,  Isihelu council area of the state. The vigilante that arrested the suspects alleged that the ritualists were in the […]

The prosecution of the Chairman of Police Equipment Foundation (PEF), Chief Kenny Martins, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of N50 billion has taken a new twist.

By Enyim Enyim ONITSHA—The Director of Pharmaceutical Services in Awka, Sir Gozie Anyachebelu has been kidnapped by unidentified men in front of his house, last Friday night. Anyachebelu was said to be going to his house at Ifite road, Awka,  from St. Paul’s church at about 7pm, when a blue Mercedes Benz 200 overtook him […]

THE European Union Delegation to Nigeria yesterday announced that it had set aside 80 million Euros (N16.4 billion) to support local government councils in the Niger Delta with a view to aiding development of the region.

According to him, the utter neglect of the community, unabated ocean encroachment, lack of medical facilities and unemployment of the youths were reasons why he and his followers took up arms against the Federal Government.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) announced at the end of its meeting yesterday that it has secured a loan facility of about N32.8 billion ($225m) from the International Development Association (IDA) to assist it mitigate the spread of HIV/AIDS.

By Bala Ajiya DAMATURU — Disaster struck on Tuesday night at Sabon-Layi Dagare village in Nangere Local Government of Yobe State when a rain storm destroyed property, killing one Jummai Shehu Isa while several others suffered various degrees of injury. Eyewitness said “almost one hundred houses were blown off by the rain storm that lasted […]

UMBRELLA organisation for senior staff associations in the country, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has expressed concerns over the spate of industrial crises in the nation’s university system.

By Isiaka Oyibo LOKOJA — RESIDENTS of Okengwe district in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State have fled the area following a violent clash yesterday among youths in the area, which resulted in the deaths of six persons and scores injured. Confirming the development, Chairman of Okene Local Government, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, said houses […]

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, admitted yesterday that the 2007 election was disrupted by the battle between then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He also appealed to the general public to desist from spreading fake rumours concerning the recent crisis in Gbaramatu kingdom, saying it did more harm than good.

The Senate, yesterday, advanced the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) despite strong reservations by senators from the Niger Delta region on its lack of consideration of the interest of the oil- producing region.