News
Planned Onshore Divestment: Community Calls for Payment of Farmland Damages by SPDC
Planned Onshore Divestment: Community Calls for Payment of Farmland Damages by SPDC
By: Michael Mike
People of Ejalawa Community in Oken-Ogosu in Egbalor Ebubu/Eleme in Rivers State are set to truncate the planned selling of Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited’s onshore property, insisting that court order for the payment of damages caused their farmland should be made first before any other consideration.
The community equally has the federal government to ensure that the oil company pay its adjudged debt due to degradation of farmlands before it is allowed to wound up its onshore business in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Community, Erastus Olungwe,in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, said Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State presided by Justice T.G Ringim has ordered Shell and two others to pay N800 billion to the community for the damages caused to farmland and others by oil spillage in 2019.
Olungwe, in the statement said: “The court also ordered multinationals to promptly and expeditiously remediate Ejalawa land to International Agricultural Soil (IAS). We want to draw attention of Federal Government to an important legal development that concerns the community as regard environmental pollution.
“Based on this background that court in Owerri has rightly recognized the severity of the oil spillage and taken measures to seek redress for our community hence the judgment delivered in Suit No FHC/OW/CS/05/2020 a case between Chief Isaac Obor-ntito Torchi ,and 87.vs Shell and 4 others.”
He lamented that the environmental pollution caused by oil firms has had a detrimental effect on many communities causing risk to our health, natural resources and overall well-being of the community, adding that Shell despite the legal order seek to liquidate its assets, including the property that is crucial to the realisation of our rightful compensation.
He noted that: “The oil firm has made a public notice of her intention to sell her entire shareholding without first complying with the Order of Court. That is the Order mandating Shell to compensate Ejalawa community with the sum of N800 billion as well as clean the community.”
Olungwe further maintained that the impending sale threatens to deprive the community of the just restitution that has been adjudicated upon and, consequently, prolongs the anguish and hardships they have endured.
He urged the federal government to restrain Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigerian from selling or parting with any of its property until it has fulfilled the Order of the Court.
Planned Onshore Divestment: Community Calls for Payment of Farmland Damages by SPDC
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
By: Michael Mike
As Christians begin Lent and Muslims commence Ramadan, the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged Nigerians to use the rare overlap of the two sacred seasons to strengthen unity and reject divisive tendencies.
In a statement released on February 18, 2026, the institute described the simultaneous observance as more than a calendar coincidence, calling it a powerful symbol of shared values and collective responsibility in a nation grappling with insecurity and social strain.
IPCR said both seasons—marked by fasting, prayer and reflection—offer an opportunity for citizens to look beyond religious differences and recommit to peaceful coexistence. It stressed that the moral lessons of compassion, self-restraint and generosity embedded in Lent and Ramadan should translate into everyday interactions among Nigerians.
The institute warned against extremist narratives that distort religious teachings for narrow interests, noting that such interpretations undermine national stability. Instead, it encouraged faith leaders and communities to amplify messages that promote tolerance, dialogue and mutual respect.
According to the institute, true spirituality is measured not only by acts of worship but also by how individuals treat neighbours of different beliefs. It added that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength capable of fostering resilience rather than division.
“With both faiths engaged in solemn reflection at the same time, Nigerians are presented with a timely reminder that we share a common humanity and destiny,” the statement noted, urging citizens to work together toward a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, who signed the statement, extended goodwill wishes to Christians and Muslims, expressing hope that the sacred period would inspire reconciliation, understanding and renewed commitment to national unity.
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
An operative attached to a security unit in Niger State has died following an accidental discharge of a rifle at his duty post in Shiroro Local Government Area.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the operative, identified as Abubakar Iliya, 35, who was attached to a special hunters unit stationed at Galadiman-Kogo, reportedly fell from a sentry post.
During the fall, his cocked rifle disengaged and discharged, striking him in the abdomen and causing fatal injuries.
His remains were later evacuated by his unit for burial in accordance with customary rites.
Operative dies in accidental discharge in Niger
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
A canoe conveying seven passengers capsized while in transit between Jata and Kami Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, leaving several persons missing.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 16 when the canoe, carrying six females and one male passenger, overturned during the journey.
The passengers were identified as Mustapher Yakubu; Sahura Yakubu and her child; Zarifa Yakubu; Mommy Yakubu; Lizatu Yakubu; Zaratu Yusuf; and Sumaiya Ibrahim, all from Jata/Bmagara via Kami Village.
Rescue teams, including police and local divers, were immediately mobilised to the scene. The boat driver and his conductor were rescued alive, while search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining passengers.
Authorities said further updates would be provided as rescue operations continue.
Boat mishap leaves passengers missing in Niger
IPCR Sees Lent, Ramadan Overlap as Call for National Healing
Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers, recover rifle in Akwa Ibom
Tragedy in Plateau: Carbon monoxide exposure claims 37 lives at Wase mining site
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