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Fubara Seeks Lasting Solution to Bille Gas Leak, Promises Upgrade of Health Centre
Fubara Seeks Lasting Solution to Bille Gas Leak, Promises Upgrade of Health Centre
By: Michael Mike
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for the immediate and permanent resolution of the gas leakage affecting Bille Community in Degema Local Government Area, while pledging to upgrade the community’s Primary Healthcare Centre to strengthen its capacity to respond to health emergencies linked to the incident.
The governor made the commitment on Wednesday during an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, attended by representatives of the Federal Government, Rivers State Government, relevant regulatory agencies, industry operators and leaders of the affected community.
The meeting reviewed the environmental and public health implications of the gas seepage and explored coordinated measures to address the situation.
Speaking after the meeting, Fubara said the state government had already undertaken an assessment of the affected area alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and industry operators, adding that the enlarged meeting was aimed at identifying the root cause of the leakage and agreeing on practical steps towards a lasting solution.
He said the discussions were productive and expressed confidence that further actions to be taken in the coming weeks would lead to the full resolution of the problem.
The governor also acknowledged the commitment of the Federal Government and its agencies, noting that efforts were underway to thoroughly investigate the incident despite the absence of known oil and gas infrastructure around the location of the seepage.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who led the Federal Government delegation, commended Governor Fubara for his proactive response and collaboration in addressing the crisis.
Ekpo dismissed claims that the Federal Government had neglected the incident, explaining that experts were deployed immediately after reports of the gas seepage emerged to investigate its source.
He said the unusual nature of the incident had made investigations more complex because there were no existing oil or gas facilities in the immediate area, necessitating more detailed scientific studies.
According to the minister, investigations are still ongoing, while government officials also engaged community leaders to secure their cooperation in achieving a sustainable solution.
He stressed that protecting the lives and safety of residents remained the Federal Government’s top priority, assuring the people of Bille that every effort was being made to eliminate the danger posed by the gas leakage.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission was committed to resolving the crisis in collaboration with industry operators.
She disclosed that plans were underway to provide immediate support to the community, including the supply of potable water and fire-fighting equipment to reduce risks while investigations continue.
Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of the Council of Chiefs, Bille Kingdom, Chief Rena Dappa, outlined the environmental and health challenges confronting residents and appealed for urgent government intervention to protect lives and livelihoods.
The gas seepage in Bille has raised concerns over environmental safety and public health, prompting joint intervention by federal and state authorities as investigations continue into its cause.
Fubara Seeks Lasting Solution to Bille Gas Leak, Promises Upgrade of Health Centre
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition during a raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 12:15 a.m. on June 30 by troops of the 20 Model Battalion deployed in Gassol, in collaboration with a team from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
The sources said the joint team conducted the intelligence-led raid on a suspected gunrunners’ hideout at Kwatan Nanido Village following credible information on illegal arms activities in the area.
Although no suspect was arrested during the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned at the location.
The recovered items have been taken into military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend members of the suspected gunrunning syndicate as operations continue to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and enhance security across the state.
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
By: Zagazola Makama
The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Fulani community leader, Alhaji Risku Muhammad, in Ohimini Local Government Area, urging residents to remain calm as investigations into his killing continue.
The condolence visit took place on Tuesday and was led by the Deputy Governor of Benue State, who represented Gov. Hyacinth Alia.
The delegation included the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), other security agencies and relatives of the deceased from different parts of the country.
During the visit, the delegation sympathised with the bereaved family and appealed to them and members of the Fulani community not to resort to self-help or reprisals.
They urged them to allow security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The delegation assured the family that the government and security agencies were committed to ensuring that those responsible for the homicide are identified and brought to justice.
Police authorities said the case was under active investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), adding that efforts were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state and called on all residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
Three cattle herders were reportedly killed and one other injured in an ambush by unidentified gunmen while grazing livestock in Gero-Rafin Bauna area of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Plateau, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, confirmed the incident and condemned the attack.
Babayo called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the bodies of the three victims were discovered in a forest after an extensive search by members of the community.
He alleged that the victims were brutally killed during the attack.
The MACBAN chairman further claimed that the latest incident came barely two weeks after four other herders were reportedly killed in the same general area, adding that their bodies had yet to be recovered.
Babayo urged the authorities to take urgent steps to improve security in vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
He also appealed to members of the affected communities to remain calm and allow security agencies to investigate the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators remain unclear.
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
Troops Recover AK-47 Rifle in Raid on Suspected Gunrunners’ Hideout in Taraba
Benue Deputy Gov. Visit family Slain MACBAN Leader, Urges Calm as Police Probe Killing
Three Herders Killed in Ambush in Plateau, MACBAN Calls for Investigation
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