Diri Sacks Bayelsa Monarch, Dissolves Community Structures Over Crisis By EgbemaVoice Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has removed the paramount ruler of Ogboinbiri community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Chief Okosughe Benson Eseimokumo, following a prolonged period of unrest in the area. In addition to the monarch’s removal, the governor also dissolved the community’s council of chiefs, its Community Development Committee, and the youth leadership structure. Diri announced the sweeping measures on Thursday at the Government House in Yenagoa, citing the need to restore order after a violent clash in the community earlier in the week. The incident reportedly resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property, prompting the state government to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew. To stabilise the situation, the governor directed his deputy, Peter Akpe, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Thompson Amule, to constitute an interim committee tha...

AJAKURAMA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, AJAKURAMA TOWN, EDO/DELTA STATES, ANNOUNCES THE PASSING OF MRS. FAITH KOYETIN THIKAN FILATEI The Ajakurama development initiative, Ajakurama Town, solemnly announce the passing of one of its esteemed daughters, Mother, Aunt, Sister, *Mrs. Faith Koyetin Thikan Filatei* who departed this life on the 27th April, 2026 after a brief illness. She was Born in 1972, Mrs. Filatei lived a life marked by dignity, compassion, and meaningful contributions to her family and community. Her passing represents a significant loss, not only to her immediate family but also to the wider Ajakurama community where she was known and respected. The family has formally announced that funeral rites will be held on Friday, 8th May 2026, as relatives, friends, and well-wishers gather to pay their last respects and celebrate her life and legacy. The Ajakurama community extends its deepest condolences to the Thikan Filatei family during this period of grief and prays fo...

PRESS RELEASE 2027: Pondi, Otuaro, Guwor, Other Delta South Stakeholders, Endorse Senator Joel-Onowakpo For Second Term  The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, was among key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress, Delta South Senatorial District, who, on Friday, endorsed the senator representing the district, Thomas Joel-Onowakpo, for a second term in the 2027 general elections. They expressed their support at the official declaration rally for Senator Joel-Onowakpo held at the Oleh township stadium in the Isoko South Local Government Area of the state. They also declared President Bola Tinubu as their sole candidate for the presidential election, and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the governorship poll. The other prominent stakeholders included the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency of Delta State in the House of Representatives, Julius Pondi; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi G...

*Ijaw Development: Group lunch Movement to Engage Critical Stakeholders By EgbemaVoice A group under the auspicious of Ijaw Political Grassroot Development Movement has been launched to constructively engage all relevant stakeholders, particularly government at all levels. The convener and Chairman of the group, Chief Mulade Sheriff PhD said the IPGDM is a socio-political pressure group that is saddled with the responsibility of drawing the attention of government at all levels and relevant stakeholders to the current state of underdevelopment prevailing in Ijaw communities across Delta State.  It is a known fact that Ijaw communities continue to lack basic developmental needs despite our enormous economic contribution to the growth and development of Delta State, and the nation at large. In his words, "We are therefore taking the responsibility to champion the cause of our people and to advocate for a change in the prevailing narrative of underdevelopment within Ijaw ...

By EgbemaVoice, The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro, has lauded the unwavering commitment of the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour to mobilising massive support for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu. Dr Otuaro also commended the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, for his strategic engagements across the nation towards President Tinubu’s re-election project. He made the commendation while applauding the leadership and members of the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour for the South-South Edition of their mobilisation rally held in Benin City, Edo State, from 23-24 April, 2026. Seyi and his entourage arrived Benin City on Thursday, and were received by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House. While congratulating Seyi and the renewed hope national youth tour’s leadership to the south-south zone, the PAP boss described the event as a reflection of the south-south youths’ solidarity with Tinubu a...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has celebrated Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh, popularly known as the ‘King of KFT’, on the occasion of his birth anniversary, describing him as a philanthropist and a dedicated servant of humanity. In a goodwill message issued on Saturday and signed by the Forum's national president Comrade Ozobo Austin and Secretary Comrade Tare Magei, IPF lauded Chief Uduboh’s contributions to the Niger Delta struggle, community development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation in the region. “Today, we join family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate a man of impact, Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh, the King of KFT, on his birth anniversary,” the statement read. The IPF described Uduboh as a “beacon of selfless service” whose philanthropic gestures have touched lives across Ijaw land and beyond.  “Chief Uduboh has consistently demonstrated commitment to the upliftment of humanity. His support for education, cultural advancement". The ...

By EgbemaVoice, This evening, I visited the Nigeria Police Force Area Command, Warri, following the tragic killing of Mr. Oghenemine Million Ogidi, a 28-year-old indigene of Ujevwu in Udu Local Government Area. During the visit, I met with the Inspector General of Police, ably represented by AIG S. G. Dogo, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi. I strongly condemned this senseless act and reaffirmed my commitment, as Senator representing Delta Central, to ensure that justice is served and that all those responsible are held fully accountable. I also met with members of the bereaved family, conveyed my heartfelt condolences, and assured them of my unwavering support until this matter is brought to a just and conclusive end. No family should have to endure such a painful and avoidable loss. The police authorities assured me that a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation is underway, and that every necessary step will be taken t...

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has condemned in the strongest terms the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of a defenceless youth, Mena Otidi by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman. Oborevwori in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the act as barbaric, unlawful and a grave violation of the sanctity of human life.  The Governor expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.  He noted that no citizen deserves to be subjected to such brutality and death, emphasizing that the protection of lives remains paramount under his administration. Governor Oborevwori commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for the swift and decisive disciplinary actions taken, including the approval for dismissal and prosecution of the officers found culpable.  He described the move...

By EgbemaVoice Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta South Senatorial District are set to converge in Oleh for the official declaration of the lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, as he signals his intention for a second term. The announcement was contained in a formal notice issued on behalf of the senator, inviting key party executives and stakeholders across the eight local government areas of Delta South to witness the declaration, an event expected to attract significant political attention within the state. According to the notice signed by Emma Amgbaduba, the declaration will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Oleh Township Stadium in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, with proceedings scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. The invitation specifically calls on all State Working Committee members of the APC from Delta South, State Executive Committee members, Local Go...

By EgbemaVoice, A grieving mother has raised serious allegations against law enforcement authorities, claiming she has lost two sons in separate police-related incidents, a development that is intensifying public outrage and calls for accountability. Speaking during a condolence visit, the distraught woman recounted her painful ordeal, stating that her first son died in 2022 under controversial circumstances after police reportedly claimed he was killed during a gunfire exchange. She maintained that the account surrounding his death remains disputed. Her anguish deepened following the recent killing of her second son, Oghenemine Ogidi, who was allegedly shot in Effurun, Delta State, in an incident that has already drawn widespread condemnation. The double tragedy has sparked renewed concern over the conduct of security operatives, with civil society groups, community leaders, and concerned citizens demanding an independent and transparent investigation into both cases. Obse...

PROTEST TURNS VIOLENT IN EKPAN AS POLICE VEHICLES ARE DAMAGED By EgbemaVoice, Tension escalated in Ekpan, Delta State, on April 29, 2026, following a protest at the Ekpan Police Station over the recent shooting incident involving ASP Usman Nuhu, which led to the death of Mene Ogidi. According to reports, a large number of youths, alongside members of human rights groups led by Harrison Gwamishu, stormed the police station to express their grievances over the incident. The protest, which initially began peacefully, later degenerated into violence after it was allegedly hijacked by miscreants. The situation took a destructive turn as several police vehicles were vandalized during the unrest. Despite efforts by security personnel to engage the protesters and restore calm through dialogue, the attempts were unsuccessful. However, officers on ground acted swiftly to prevent the station from being overrun by the agitated crowd. Their intervention ensured that the faci...

FORCE LEADERSHIP ORDERS DISMISSAL, PROSECUTION OF OFFICERS INVOLVED IN EFFURUN SHOOTING The Nigeria Police Force hereby provides an update on the disciplinary actions taken following the fatal shooting incident of 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State, which resulted in the death of Mr Mene Ogidi. Sequel to the earlier directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, all officers connected to the incident were immediately withdrawn from the Delta State Command and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they were subjected to expedited disciplinary proceedings. The Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), alongside other internal disciplinary processes, has concluded its review. Findings established unequivocally that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other extant regulations governing the use of firearms. His actions were unlawful, unprofessional, and a clear betrayal of the oath ...

By EgbemaVoice, The Delta State Police Command has condemned the extra-judicial killing of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, which occurred on April 26, 2026, in Effurun. According to the Command, operatives attached to Area Command Effurun acted on credible intelligence concerning the deceased, who was allegedly intercepted while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition. During the operation, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, reportedly discharged his firearm in violation of Force Order 237 and Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedures, resulting in the suspect’s death. Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, ordered the immediate arrest of the officer. He has since been transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will face the Force Disciplinary Committee for appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution. The Command reiterated its commitment to the rule of law, human righ...

How Ogidi Mena 28 years old, was Extra-judicially murdered by ASP Ogbegbe in Delta State The victim Mena went to the Effurun main park at Sapele Road to take delivery of a waybill. When he eventually got there, they told him to add money because the pack was a bit heavy. They curiously asked him what was in the waybill, but he told them someone sent him, and they asked him to open it. When they finally compelled him to open it, they saw a Beretta pistol with 4 live ammunitions. They quickly held him down, but he told them he was sent by his friend to help him pick up the waybill. He cried for mercy that he was ready to take them to the particular guy that sent him. The leadership of the motor park tied his legs and hands backward, blocked the gate of the park to prevent a possible attack from Mena's gang and then called ACP Aliyu Shaba to take over the matter, investigate, and unravel the men behind the gun running business. The Uvwie Area Commander then mandated their ...

Why an Egbema Son or Daughter Deserves the Warri North House of Assembly Seat _An Open Appeal to His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State_ Your Excellency,   The strength of Delta State lies in its diversity, and the wisdom of your M.O.R.E Agenda rests on equity, inclusion, and fairness for all ethnic nationalities. It is on this foundation that we respectfully make the case for an Egbema Kingdom son or daughter to occupy the Warri North House of Assembly seat.   *1. Warri North is a Shared Heritage, Not a Monopoly*   Warri North LGA is home to two major groups: Itsekiri, and Ijaw of Egbema Kingdom. Yet, since the return to democracy in 1999, the House of Assembly seat has not reflected this dual balance. Egbema Kingdom, with its 6 federal wards, over 40 communities, and significant voting population, has remained without direct legislative representation. Equity demands that rotation and inclusion be applied not just at th...

By EgbemaVoice,   A 65-year-old transport manager, Chief Augustine Nwalieze, has been allegedly killed by his gateman at his residence in Ajah, Lagos.The incident happened on Sunday morning. Chief Nwalieze, who worked with Okeyson Transport, was getting ready to go to church when the attack occurred.According to family members, he went downstairs to the parking area where he kept his car spare parts and solar panel. When his family noticed that his cars were still parked and he was not answering his phone calls, they became worried.They later became suspicious of the gateman after he gave different stories about where Chief Nwalieze was. The gateman first claimed that the man had gone out with a friend, but when the friend was contacted, he said he never saw him.Shortly after, the gateman ran away from the compound. Family members then searched the house and discovered Chief Nwalieze’s body in one of the flats downstairs. He was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed ...

By Egbemavoice, A disturbing incident has been reported in Effurun, Delta State, where a yet-to-be-identified young man was allegedly brutally killed in an extrajudicial act involving a police officer. According to human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, the officer identified as Usman Nuhu—attached to the Area Command—has been linked to the incident. Nuhu, who reportedly previously served in the now-disbanded SARS unit, is alleged to have a history of misconduct, including multiple accusations of excessive force and extrajudicial actions. Sources indicate that he had earlier been posted to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Illah before being transferred due to repeated complaints. While Usman Nuhu is said to be currently in police custody, concerns are mounting that he may not have acted alone. Allegations have emerged suggesting that other officers connected to the incident may be shielded, raising fears of a possible cover-up. The development has intensified public...

The Day 400 Nigerian Soldiers Were Captured in Sierra Leone If there is one thing history teaches us, it’s that the price of regional peace is often paid in the blood and freedom of our brave soldiers.  Look at this chilling front page of P.M. News from October 14, 1997. While many Nigerians were going about their Tuesday, news was filtering in of a massive setback for the Nigerian-led ECOMOG forces during the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone. The headline is a punch to the gut: "400 NIGERIAN SOLDIERS CAPTURED." At the time, Nigeria was the powerhouse behind ECOMOG, fighting to reinstate the ousted president, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.  The enemy was the military junta led by Major Paul Koroma, which had joined forces with the notorious RUF rebels. In a fierce battle for control of Sierra Leone's capital, the Nigerian troops found themselves in a "big setback." According to reports at the time: The soldiers were reportedly surrounded and taken prisoner by t...

By EgbemaVoice The Warri South-West Unity and Development Forum (WSWUDF) has reaffirmed its strong backing for Chief Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, rejecting claims against them as misleading and not reflective of grassroots realities. Speaking at a press briefing, the Forum’s Coordinator, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, stated that both leaders have demonstrated proven capacity and continue to deliver strategic representation at both state and national levels. The group highlighted Ereyitomi’s influence in the National Assembly and Guwor’s role as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly as key to strengthening Warri’s political relevance. The Forum, made up of stakeholders from all ten wards and across Ijaw and Itsekiri communities, cautioned against ethnic-driven narratives, warning that such politics could undermine unity and development. WSWUDF concluded by urging constituents to ignore “misleading campaigns” and remain committed to continuity, s...

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) to review pending disciplinary matters involving one hundred and sixty-seven (167) senior police officers over alleged breaches of professional conduct and other related offences. The exercise, which is currently underway at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal accountability, enforce discipline, and uphold professional standards across the Nigeria Police Force. The Force Disciplinary Committee, a key internal mechanism, is responsible for the review and determination of cases involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above. The process ensures a thorough, transparent, and fair examination of all matters in accordance with extant laws and regulations, with appropriate recommendations to the Police Service Commission. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, reaffirmed the commitment ...

By EgbemaVoice Nigeria’s deepening security and welfare crisis has taken a dramatic turn as retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force staged a high-profile protest at Aso Rock in the Federal Capital Territory, calling for immediate government intervention over what they described as years of systemic neglect, injustice, and economic hardship. The protest, which drew national attention, underscores growing concerns that the country’s security architecture is under severe strain—not only from external threats but from internal policy failures affecting those who once stood at the frontline of national defense. A Nation Failing Its Defenders The retired officers, many of whom dedicated over three decades—up to 35 years of active service to safeguarding lives and property, decried the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing it as exploitative, inadequate, and grossly insensitive to the realities of retired security personnel. According to the protesters, the current p...

By EgbemaVoice The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commiserated with renowned Niger Delta broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, following the death of his daughter. In a condolence message issued on Monday and signed by its national Spokesman Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, the forum described the loss as painful and unfortunate, noting that no parent should have to bury a child. The IPF, a body of media professionals of Ijaw extraction, expressed shock over the sad news and extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ayabotu, his family, and loved ones. “On behalf of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum, we sympathize with our brother, colleague, and veteran broadcaster, Chief Victor Ayabotu, over the untimely demise of his beloved daughter,” the statement read. “The death of a child is a wound that never truly heals. Imagine the depth of grief this has brought to the Ayabotu's family. We pray the Almighty God grants him, his wife, and the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable lo...

By EgbemaVoice, Retired police personnel and their families, under the aegis of the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, on Monday staged a protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, blocking one of its gates. The retirees said the demonstration was against the continued inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force in the Contributory Pension Scheme. They described the scheme as “fraudulent, illegal, inhumane, and obnoxious.” The protesters urged President  Bola Tinubu  to assent to the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025. According to them, the bill was transmitted to the Presidency on March 16, 2026. They argued that when signed into law, the legislation would exempt police personnel from what they termed a “slavery and untimely death-inducing pension scheme.” The protest was led by the National Coordinator of the forum, Raphael Irowainu. Speaking to journalists, Irowainu said the core objective was to press for immediate presidential assent. ...

By EgbemaVoice, A renowned ljaw veteran broadcaster, the anchor man of ljaw Request Programme organized every Friday of the week at Radio Delta Broadcasting Services (DBS) Warri, Alaowei Victor Ebipade Ayabotu is throne into mourning as he lost his first daughter, Miss Frances Funlayefa Ayabotu to the cold hands of death. The sad news occured early this month 7th April, 2026 as family, friends, loved ones and well wishers paid condolence visit to the veteran at his residence in Osubi, near warri, Delta State in order to sympathize with him and his immediate family. The graduate of Mass Communication died at the tender age of 30 after a brief illness. Alaowei Ebipade Ayabotu, popularly known as Egberigede is a sound ljaw news broadcaster who over the past five decades had been promoting and preserving the ljaw language, culture and tradition through consistent media advocacy, ljaw traditional marriages and burial ceremonies. At this trying time, ljaw leaders, well meaning in...

Officer Dismissed From Nigeria Police Force After Viral Video Shows Use of Personal POS Machine to Extort 51,000 Naira From Civilian A police officer accused of extorting money from Nigerians using a personal Point of Sale machine has been discharged from service, according to statements attributed to police authorities this week. The dismissal follows the circulation of a video in which the officer was recorded allegedly compelling a civilian to transfer 51,000 naira to an account he controlled. The footage sparked public outrage online and renewed calls for accountability within the force. In the video that went viral, the officer is seen during a stop-and-search operation reportedly demanding a transfer after detaining a young man. The victim was allegedly forced to make the payment via a POS machine the officer carried, rather than through official police procedures. Such conduct, if confirmed, violates Nigeria Police Force regulations which prohibit officers from using personal ac...