Delta

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In a major political shake-up, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement was made by Senator James Manager during a press briefing attended by key PDP figures, including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

Also present were Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guor and other party leaders.

Manager stated that the governor’s move was in the best interest of Delta State’s development.

He confirmed that the entire PDP structure in the state has now merged with the APC.

A formal declaration is expected on Monday, cementing Delta’s transition to an APC-controlled state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu expressed profound grief and condemnation over the recent attack on Nigerian soldiers during a rescue mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State. 

Tinubu expressed his sadness in a statement released today. 

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 14, 2024, reportedly claimed the lives of several military personnel, including high-ranking officers. 

The President described the attack as unprovoked and cowardly, stating the sacrifices made by the brave servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to maintain peace and security in the nation.

Among the casualties were a commanding officer, two majors, one captain, and twelve soldiers, along with one civilian. 

Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, their colleagues, and loved ones.

He was quoted as saying, “I extend my profound condolences to the families of these fallen soldiers, their colleagues and their loved ones. The military high command is already responding to this incident. The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished..

He noted that any attack on the armed forces is a direct assault on the nation itself and vowed to relentlessly pursue peace and security across Nigeria. 

The President granted full authority to the Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff to ensure that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice swiftly.

He praised the heroism, courage, and patriotism of the fallen soldiers, noting that they join the ranks of the nation’s esteemed defenders who sacrificed everything for the country. 

President Tinubu equally reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to achieving peace and tranquilly in every corner of Nigeria, calling upon divine intervention to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and safeguard its armed forces.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Three inspectors from the Ogun State Police Command were caught on camera extorting money from commercial motorcyclists. 

The officers involved were identified as Inspector Ikhanorba Lucky, Inspector Paul Sunday, and Inspector Edwin Ekeogu. 

The incident occurred on October 19 at the Maawu bus stop in the Agbado area of the state during their visibility policing duty.

The officers’ inappropriate actions were captured on camera and shared on social media platforms, leading to public outrage. 

Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, condemned the officers’ behaviour, stating, “These officers were caught on camera flagrantly extorting money from commercial motorcyclists in contravention of the Police Act and Regulations.”

She emphasised that such actions tarnish the image of the police force. 

The State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, strongly condemned the unprofessional conduct of the three inspectors.

In response to the incident, the commissioner activated immediate disciplinary measures against the erring personnel.

He affirmed his commitment to maintaining professional standards within the force, ensuring quality service delivery to citizens, and upholding public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. 

The Ogun State Police Command has taken swift action to hold the officers accountable for their misconduct.

This decisive response serves as a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated within the force and aims to deter other officers from engaging in similar misconduct.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

A deeply disturbing incident has rattled the Agbarha-Otor community when a middle-aged pastor, whose name has been withheld, is facing allegations of brutally murdering a young girl. 

The victim’s lifeless body was found within the pastor’s residence in this rural Delta State community, with reports suggesting that a machete was used in the crime. 

The motive behind this shocking act remains unclear, but some sources speculate a connection to the destruction of a local shrine.

Outraged youths in the community initially sought to take matters into their own hands, but the situation was diffused by the prompt arrival of law enforcement. 

Human rights activist Israel Joe has called upon the Delta State Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the accused individual. 

This tragic incident has left the community in mourning, with many demanding justice for the young victim as the investigation progresses.