News
Rivers Community Calls for Urgent Action to Address Pollution

Rivers Community Calls for Urgent Action to Address Pollution
By: Michael Mike
Kebetkache, in Rivers State has raised an alarm to the pollution committed in the oil rich state by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), calling on the oil exploration company, the government, global community, regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action to address these issues.
In a statement titled: “The Environmental Assault Committed by Shell in Rivers Communities” issued at the weekend to mark the World Press Freedom Day, the community said: “There is a threat to sustainable development in the Niger Delta. The environmental crisis of air pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change have become significant challenges for people and communities.”
The statement read: “This is the reason Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre use the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day to provide update on key environmental injustice cases in Rivers state. This is necessary to prevent misinformation and disinformation by people who do not understand the issues. It is important to note that the information ecosystem is crucial.
“The theme of the 2024 World Press Freedom Day is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis” and it is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis. In view of this, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, with her allied organisations present the environmental pollution issues in Ibaa and Obelle communities in Emohua local government area and Aminigboko community in Abua/Odual local government area.
“In 2016, people in Chukwure family compound discovered that their hand dug well was filled with crude oil instead of water that it was producing until that fateful period. The case was reported to the Shell the corporation carrying out activities in the locality.
“The family has been worried and concerned over their fate living such level of pollution. Part of the response by Shell to advocacy efforts to get justice for the family is Shell sealing off the affected well.
“A visit to the site on May 2nd 2024 showed that some family still live with the pollution. The family wants to be relocated to somewhere safe and secured and compensation paid for damages so far suffered by family members.
“Obelle community of Emuoha Local Government Area, Rivers State, is one of the sites where Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) carries out its oil extraction activities. In 1998 the well-4 head operated by Shell erupted with gas fire, burning over thirty hectares expanse of land, in the community for about three months.”
The community alleged that: “After burning for some weeks, SPDC added some chemicals to control it. The
chemicals were washed into the community’s aquifer, resulting to impacts on the people’s health and their source of livelihood. The only solution proffered by SPDC was to acquire these lands without alternative provision for farming. There was no compensation made to the community and the people have suffered untold hardship as a result of the insufficient land to carry out their farming activities and women are the worst hit in terms of displacement.
“Cases of environmental pollution are also reported in Aminigboko community, where environmental impact assessment is also under contention by community members. The issues have been reported to the Dutch National Contact Point, who intervened and made recommendations. The company has outrightly refused to address the issues since 10th February 2023 when the recommendation was made.”
The statement said Kebetkache in 2022 had conducted an environmental and socio-economic assessment in Ibaa community, and the key findings from the field revealed a widespread crude oil contamination in the seven groundwater and four soil samples covering a radius of about 6 kilometres based on the risk associated with undue exposure to crude oil contamination, the assessment recommended as an emergency measure that the impacted families and others within 1500 metres across the pipeline right of way be relocated to safe locations within the community, provision of safe drinking water for the community and the rectification of the cause of the leakage in addition to other long term remedies.
“Kebetkache is therefore using this medium to call on the government, global community, SPDC, regulatory agencies and relevant stakeholders to take urgent action to address these issues,” the statement added.
Rivers Community Calls for Urgent Action to Address Pollution
News
1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT

1,000 Northern Youths to Receive Training in ICT
By: Michael Mike
A thousand youth from across northern states of the country are to be trained on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as part of efforts at empowering youth from the region.
The training is part of efforts of United States (US) based organisation, Zumunta Association USA Inc. which planned to host its 2025 Annual Convention between July 14-25 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The association which was formed in New York, US in 1991 has since its inception given scholarships to over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria in the value of above N100 million.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President of the Association, Mr. Sunday Bitrus, said apart from the ICT Training, a medical outreach would be organised between June 14-23 at the Gudi General Hospital, Akwanga, Nasarawa State to provide top medical care for members of the public.
Bitrus, while disclosing that the association is non-partisan and non-religious organisation dedicated to representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nigeria, while also promoting a positive image of the country globally through the impactful actions of its members, said Zumunta Association remains committed to serving the needs of members, partnering with host communities and promoting unbiased, inclusive discourse on national development.
He noted that: “Our flagship Scholarship Programme has transformed the lives of
over 5,000 science students in Northern Nigeria, with over N100 million disbursed since inception. We receive more than
810,000 applications annually, a testament to the scale of need—and a call to action for donors and partners.
“We’ve spearheaded numerous palliative projects through partnerships with over 30 NGOs. Our work includes: School renovations; Health interventions; Community development initiatives across all 19 northern states and the FCT.
“In 2024, we joined hands with the government to enroll vulnerable populations into Essential Health Care Package
programmes, combating illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, and reducing under-5 mortality rates.”
He noted that during the Convention apart from the ICT Training and Medical Outreach, other activities lined up include Zumunta Golf Classic Tournament; Tennis Tournament, Business Meeting on Strategic Sectors such as Agriculture, Mining and Minerals, Health, and Housing; Gala, Awards and Fundraiser; Engagement with Traditional Rukers and Stakeholders.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO, (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the efforts of the organisation towards development of the country.
Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi said the scholarships to 5,000 students was highly commendable and that NIDCOM would want to collaborate with the association in more areas.
End
News
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing

Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
By: Zagazola Makama
A police patrol team was ambushed on Sunday morning by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State, resulting in the death of one officer and the disappearance of another.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. near Umuaka in Okigwe while the team was on routine patrol duties.
According to security sources, the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire without provocation.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
The team leader, Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing. He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
A massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.
Security reinforcements comprising tactical teams from Owerri, the military, local vigilantes, and hunters have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests and restore order.
Gunmen ambush patrol team in Imo, one officer killed, Police ASP missing
News
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**

Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
By: Zagazola Makama
A recently released video showing notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji expressing interest in surrendering and accepting peace has left many Nigerians speculating whether the once-feared warlord has finally developed a conscience.
However, contrary to popular assumptions, Turji’s decision appears less about remorse and more about reality. The video, which went viral over the weekend, is not the result of a moral awakening but rather a product of desperation.
“Turji is not laying down arms because he suddenly loves peace. He is doing so because his operational capabilities have been severely weakened.”
Three days before the video surfaced, Zagazola reported that Turji was actively seeking surrender following the killing of his operational commander, Danbokolo, who was the true engine behind Turji’s terror enterprise.
Danbokolo was reportedly neutralized during a joint operation coordinated by the State Services and the Hybrid Forces, a local security team made up of Civilian JTF.
“Let’s be honest, Turji was more of a spokesman. Danbokolo handled the heavy lifting — the ambushes, raids, and executions,” the source said. “Once Danbokolo was gone, so was Turji’s swagger.”
The once-fire-spitting Turji now finds himself walking a tightrope, stripped of influence and hunted by the very people he once terrorized.
While the circumstances surrounding his potential disarmament are still being delicately managed, insiders confirm that the collapse of his network has been swift and decisive.
It is believed this recent development points to the impact of sustained, intelligence-driven offensives against high-value targets in the region.
Now, the question remains: will the government accept Turji’s amnesty after the atrocities he committed against peaceful communities in the Northwest? That remains uncertain.
Will his surrender end banditry in the Northwest? CERTAINLY NOT.
Turji Surrenders Not Out of Repentance, but Survival Instinct — Sources**
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