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DELTA STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE MURDER OF SITE ENGINEER BY EMPLOYEES

The Delta State Police Command has launched an investigation into the murder of Chigozie Udalor, a site engineer who was killed by his employees after discovering he had a substantial amount of money in his bank account. According to the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, the police received a report on December 12, 2024, from Hyacinth Nnalue, stating that his cousin, Chigozie Udalor, had been missing since December 10, 2024. Udalor was the site manager at Nnalue’s fish pond in Bod camp Akwukwu Igbo community. Upon receiving the report, the DPO commenced an investigation and later transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to carry out a technically driven investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, David Tacho and Daniel Orshio, on March 31, 2025. According to Edafe, “Investigation revealed that David Tacho is a brother to one Victor Tacho who conspired with Pius Daniel, (both presently at large) and Daniel Orshio, and murdered the victim.” The preliminary investigation showed that all four suspects were employed by the deceased, but they discovered he had some money in his Moniepoint account and conspired to kill him. They used a hammer to hit him on the head, tied him, and buried him in a shallow grave at the site. Edafe stated that the two suspects, David Tacho and Daniel Orshio, are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the other two suspects, Pius Daniel and Victor Tacho. The body of the deceased has been exhumed and is awaiting autopsy.

A TRIBUTE TO THE GENERALISSIMO OF OKPE IDENTITY:REV. DR. CHARLES ERERAINA OSUME (May 6, 1938 – December 26, 2024)

By:PROF. O. IGHO NATUFEPRESIDENT GENERALOKPE UNION (WORLDWIDE) On December 26, 2024, a mighty heart stopped beating in Mereje, the heart of the Generalissimo of Okpe Identity, Rev. Dr. Charles Ereraina Osume. As we join the Osume Family and friends to mourn his passing, we must at the same time celebrate his Life for the legacies he has bequeathed us. Mereje has blessed Okpe Nation with illustrious children, including Mr. Thomas O. Ake, the Founding President of the Okpe Union and Rev. Dr. Osume who exemplified the true characteristics of a patriotic Okpe son as evidenced in his commitment to the promotion and defence of Okpe interests globally. A Founding Member of the Okpe Union of North America, as well as a Founding Member of the Okpe Voice, Rev. Dr. Osume demonstrated his leadership skills and influenced scores of fellow Okpe nationals on issues affecting Okpe Nation. It is a glorious coincidence that we are eulogizing Rev. Dr. Osume today, less than two months to the 95th Anniversary of the Founding of Okpe Union in 1930. His quiet disposition is loaded with persuasively powerful thoughts, logic and reason. A consummate peace-maker, Rev. Dr. Osume was always guided by truth and justice in resolving conflicts. He believed in speaking truth to power. When Okpe Voice established the Institute of Okpe Studies in 2008, Rev. Dr. Osume was the logical choice as the Founding Director. And when the Institute metamorphosed to the Centre for Okpe Studies in 2024, he played a pivotal role in the appointment of the leadership of the Centre. He served Okpe Nation without asking for what Okpe Nation can do for him. He was constantly challenging himself on what he can do for Okpe Nation as demonstrated by his series of selfless services to Okpe Nation. Thanks to his tireless and selfless services, he led the Okpe Christian Assembly (OCA) in producing an Okpe Language Bible, to ensure that Okpe Nationals can communicate with God via the Bible in Okpe Language. The Okpe Union shall collaborate with the OCA in actualizing the dreams of Rev. Dr. Osume and the OCA. Towards this end, the DPG of Okpe Union’s Home Region, Dr. Lucky Akpere shall liaise with Exegete Dr. A. Nathaniel Agbikimi of the OCA to map out the modalities of the collaboration. Rev. Dr. Osume also laid a solid foundation for the study and research in Okpe History when he published his seminal book entitled The Okpe People, a book which established beyond doubts that Okpe is a distinct ethnic nationality and not a “clan” of any other nationality anywhere in the world. I was honoured when in 2005 he asked me to write the Forward to The Okpe People. I can declare very proudly that we all grew out of the pages of The Okpe People. It was gratifying when in early September 2024, Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Osume asked Okpe Union to acquire 1,600 copies of The Okpe People, which we promptly agreed to. This acquisition makes Okpe Union the custodian of The Okpe People, a responsibility which we cherish greatly. In honour of Rev. Dr. Osume, the National Executive Council of the Okpe Union has decided to give a copy of the book to each participant at the 95th Anniversary of the Okpe Union at its Annual General Assembly on May 15 – 18, 2025. This tribute will be incomplete without saluting the gallantry of Mrs. Florence Osume. She stood by and supported Rev. Dr. Osume for almost six decades of their marriage through the rigours of life in Nigeria, the harsh wintery years in the Canadian cities of Winnipeg and Waterloo, in the provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, respectively, and the warmth of Dallas, Texas, USA. Her immense contribution to the propagation of Okpe Identity must be recognized. We salute you, our dear wife, Florence. We thank you and your children, Nathan and Joy, for allowing us to share Rev. Dr. Osume with you. We also salute the Osume Family for inviting us to participate in the funeral services of Rev. Dr. Osume. We pray to God to grant Mrs. Florence Osume, Nathan, Joy and the entire Osume family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We pray for his transition to be smooth and peaceful. We give thanks to God for the successful life of Rev. Dr. Charles Ereraina Osume. May God bless his soul.

DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT REITERATES COMMITMENT TO PARTNER WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed the state government’s willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government for the overall socio-economic development of the state. The Governor made this known during the inauguration of the reconstructed 9.6km Abraka – Oben Road and the flag-off of the reconstruction of failed portions of Abraka – Agbor Road (Phase 1) in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state. Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that his administration remains committed to partnering with the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government for the transformation of the state. “The Government of Delta State believes very strongly and firmly that we are partners in progress with the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu,” he said. The Governor commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for initiating the reconstruction of the Abraka – Oben Road and called for the completion of the road to Benin. He also thanked President Tinubu for his support for the NDDC board, urging him to continue to do more for the people of the Niger Delta. Governor Oborevwori noted that the Delta State Government has shown verifiable commitment in its interventions on federal roads across the state. He cited the rehabilitation of the Benin – Sapele road and the Benin – Warri highway as examples of the state government’s interventions. Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, thanked the NDDC for heeding President Tinubu’s directive to reconstruct section one of the road from Abraka – Oben. He commended Governor Oborevwori for his interventions on federal roads in the state and urged governors across the country to see interventionist agencies as partners in progress and not as competitors. Chairman NDDC Governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, commended the executive management for giving vent to the board’s directives. Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Sam Ogbuku, said the NDDC is working well under the full guidance of President Bola Tinubu to improve infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

MOB SET 2 KIDNAP SUSPECTS ABLAZE IN DELTA

Akpo Ojo Two kidnap suspects were set ablaze by a mob in Mosogar Community, Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident occurred on Thursday evening. Sources said the ordeal of the two suspects began when four men were accused of attempting to kidnap a lady, after she had raised an alarm, attracting curious people within the vicinity. The four men on noticing that the evil design had been exposed fled the scene, while residents chased after them and succeeded in apprehending two of the suspects, while the other two escaped. The suspects were subsequently, hacked to death before being set ablaze by the mob. The development was confirmed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who gave no further details.

RE-OPEN SAPELE POLYTECHNIC, DELTA COMMUNITIES APPEAL TO GOVERNOR OBHOREVWORI

The host communities of the abandoned Sapele Polytechnic, Deghele-Iriabome in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to the state government to reopen the institution after 15 years of abandonment. The polytechnic, which was established in 2010 by former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, had its construction commence in 2012 but was left uncompleted. Chief Lucky Onoghete, the Duke of Elume District in Okpe kingdom, emphasized the benefits of reopening the school, stating, “Reopening the school will revitalise the socio-economic fortunes of the Deghele-Iriabome twin communities and extend beyond.” He urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to undertake a site visit and evaluate the scope of the projects being implemented on site. Stanley Eta Eshanomi, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Youth Mobilisation, noted that the communities had submitted several letters to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, requesting the continuation of the project, but to no avail. “We are delighted that our elder brother has emerged now as the governor of the state and we implore him to heed our plea,” he said. Eshanomi further emphasized the need for a state government-owned higher institution in the Okpe-Sapele-Uvwie federal constituency. “We urge the governor to visit the project site and assess the situation firsthand, subsequently informing his constituents of the optimal plan for the abandoned school,” he added. Victor Okweji, the Community Liaison Officer for the project, highlighted the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities for the local community. “We have been mobilising our people to clear the site and are appealing to the governor to revive the moribund project,” he said. However, when contacted, the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyerhovwo Tonukari, stated that the polytechnic was not included in the handover documents provided to him at the ministry.

DELTA STATE RECORDS SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE UNDER GOVERNOR OBOREVWORI

Delta State has witnessed a substantial growth in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), reaching an impressive ₦110 billion annually under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This remarkable achievement was revealed by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a recent interview on Arise TV. Aniagwu According to Aniagwu, the governor’s strategic approach to revenue generation has been instrumental in driving this growth. By focusing on expanding the tax net and empowering residents, rather than imposing burdensome taxes, the administration has created an enabling environment for economic growth. “Our strategy is designed to promote economic participation, rather than merely extracting revenue,” Aniagwu explained. “By investing in human capital and opening up new communities, we are enabling residents to contribute to the economy in a meaningful way.” Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transparency and accountability has also been a key factor in the state’s revenue growth. Aniagwu praised the governor’s open-door policy, which encourages constructive feedback and ensures that residents are informed about the use of their tax contributions. Sherrif Oborevwori The commissioner noted that the state’s IGR has increased significantly under Governor Oborevwori’s administration, rising from ₦70 billion to over ₦110 billion. This growth is a testament to the administration’s effective revenue generation strategies and its commitment to promoting economic growth and development in the state.

DELTA STATE LAND DISPUTE TURNS DEADLY: FATHER AND DAUGHTER BEHEADED

A gruesome land dispute in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, has resulted in the beheading of a 70-year-old man, Mr. Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs. Atagoshi. According to reports, Mrs. Atagoshi, a secondary school teacher and pastor’s wife, had purchased a piece of land in the community, which was later claimed by some individuals. The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson DSP Bright Edafe revealing that the assailant lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue. “The suspect called the woman, saying he wanted to discuss the land issue. He then took her and her father into the bush, killed them, and beheaded them,” Edafe said. In a shocking twist, vigilantes apprehended a suspect, Emeke, with two human heads, which were later identified as belonging to the father and daughter. Emeke was subsequently mobbed and set ablaze by angry residents. The headless bodies of the victims were found in the bush. Edafe added that the main suspect is currently on the run, while efforts are ongoing to arrest him. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the deadly consequences of land disputes in the region.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF WARRI SUSPENDS PRIEST FOR SECRET MARRIAGE IN US

The Catholic Diocese of Warri has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from the priesthood following his secret marriage in the United States. The suspension was made known in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated January 16, 2025, and jointly signed by Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and Chancellor/Notary Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo. According to the statement, Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA, on December 29, 2024. The footage of the marriage had been widely circulated on social media. “By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 §1,” the statement said. Bishop Ewherido officially decreed that Oghenerukevwe is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry. “As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect,” the statement added. The Diocese of Warri had earlier reached out to Oghenerukevwe, requesting the submission of documents required to initiate the process of releasing him from his canonical obligations. However, he went ahead to get married before the process was completed. The statement concluded by saying, “May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation.”

EK CLARK DEFENDS DELTA GOVERNOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, CALLS FOR EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DELTA STATE

Prominent Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) E.K. Clark, has defended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori amidst criticism from Senator Ned Nwoko. In an open letter, Clark applauded Oborevwori’s developmental achievements and urged him to address the neglect of Ijaw communities. Clark pointed to the ongoing transformation of Warri and other areas, including three flyovers, a cloverleaf, and road expansions worth ₦78 billion. “Warri is reclaiming its position as a commercial hub,” Clark noted. He also commended Oborevwori’s financial management, which has seen over ₦300 billion in inherited debt cleared within months. Dismissing Senator Nwoko’s accusations of underperformance, Clark described them as unfounded. “Governor Oborevwori has prioritized the people’s welfare over political patronage. I challenge Senator Nwoko to substantiate his claims,” he stated. While praising the administration, Clark emphasized the need to address long-standing inequalities in Ijaw areas. He called for the completion of key projects, the establishment of a tertiary institution in Ijaw territories, and the upgrading of the Burutu Maritime Academy to a university. “Ijaw communities remain sidelined, with only the Kpakiama Bomodi Bridge to show for decades of governance. This disparity must be rectified,” Clark asserted. He expressed optimism in Oborevwori’s ability to drive lasting development across Delta State, urging him to remain undeterred by distractions. “Governor Oborevwori is enhancing democracy and development in Delta State. He should continue his good work with determination and fairness,” Clark concluded.

GOV. OBOREVWORI SUSPENDS AIDE ACCUSED OF FRAUD

The Delta State Government has announced the suspension of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Morals and Diaspora, Favour Obakoro, aka Vida Modelo, with immediate effect. According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, the suspension is to enable the security agencies carry out a proper investigation into allegations made against her of using her position as a government official to obtain monies fraudulently from different persons. The alleged fraudulent activities were announced by the Very DarkMan who said many Deltans had reported her actions to him, hence the need to bring her up for the governor to do the needful. VeryDarkman released multiple figures of millions she allegedly defrauded Deltans using her office and even threatening them if they continue disturbing her.

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