The heartbreaking incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has thrown the community into mourning after three of the children were confirmed dead, while the fourth is receiving treatment in critical condition at a hospital.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, police operatives attached to the Ogidi Police Division, alongside a rescue team, responded swiftly after receiving a distress report and immediately evacuated the children to a medical facility for emergency treatment.

He disclosed that despite the efforts of medical personnel, three of the victims were certified dead, while the surviving child is currently battling for life under intensive medical care.

Ikenga said the Command has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He confirmed that a female suspect is already in police custody and will assist investigators as the probe progresses.

“The State Criminal Investigation Department will carry out a thorough, professional, intelligence-driven and evidence-based investigation into the unfortunate incident,” the police spokesman stated.

He added that investigators are hopeful the surviving child, once medically stable and cleared by doctors, would provide vital information that could help unravel the mystery behind the tragedy and support ongoing investigations.

The bodies of the deceased children have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The Command expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and sympathising with residents of Ideani Community over the devastating loss.

Police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information capable of hampering investigations, and allow detectives to conclude their work.

The Command assured that further details would be made available as investigations progress.

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping in Ughelli and arrested two suspected criminals in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other incriminating items.

The command said one of the suspects allegedly planned to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal, while another was arrested during a stop-and-search operation linked to suspected armed robbery activities.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba.

According to the statement, operatives of the Ebrumede Division on August 4 intercepted three suspected armed robbers during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun.

Edafe said one of the suspects, identified as 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna, was arrested, while two others, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

He said a search of a bag belonging to the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a camouflage military polo.

“The suspects were transporting the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road before they were intercepted by the operatives,” the statement said.

He added that the arrested suspect remained in police custody, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In another operation, the police said operatives of the ‘A’ Division in Ughelli foiled a kidnap plot after acting on credible intelligence on July 31.

Edafe said intelligence reports indicated that a 26-year-old suspect, Jeremiah Kwane, allegedly attempted to recruit another individual into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, while a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges.

“The suspect is undergoing further investigation.” He added.

He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in combating crime and improving public safety.

The week-long activities began on Monday, August 3, with a birthday celebration attended by heads of sister security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, who offered prayers and goodwill messages in appreciation of his service and wished him success in retirement.

On Tuesday, the Anambra State Government organised a State Executive Council send-forth ceremony in his honour, recognising what it described as his outstanding contributions to security, peace and public safety in the state.

Speaking at the event, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, commended Orutugu’s leadership, describing him as an exceptional police officer whose tenure strengthened police-community relations, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and recorded notable successes in the fight against crime.

The governor noted that the retired senior officer’s collaborative approach to policing and strategic engagement with stakeholders contributed significantly to improving security across the state.

The celebrations climaxed with a ceremonial pull-out parade held at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, where serving and retired police officers, family members, government officials, traditional rulers, friends and other dignitaries gathered to bid him farewell.

The colourful ceremony, conducted in line with the traditions of the Nigeria Police Force, formally marked the end of Orutugu’s policing career after decades of service.

The parade featured the inspection of guards, ceremonial procession and presentation of honours, while colleagues and stakeholders paid glowing tributes to his professionalism, operational achievements and commitment to community-oriented policing.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government, sister security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders and residents for their support throughout Orutugu’s tenure as Commissioner of Police.

The command also wished the retired Assistant Inspector-General good health, a fulfilling retirement and success in his future endeavours, while assuring residents of its commitment to sustaining the security gains recorded under his leadership.

The collaboration, under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), is aimed at leveraging the annual August Meeting to sensitise women on their critical role in preventing crime and promoting positive values among young people.

The initiative followed a courtesy visit by the Anambra State POCACOV team to the Ministry of Women Affairs on Tuesday in Awka.

The delegation was led by the State Coordinator of POCACOV, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francisca Egbunike, alongside the POCACOV Women Leader and Ambassador, Lady Florence N. Mmakah (JP, AHNR), and other members of the campaign team.

Speaking during the visit, Egbunike stressed the importance of mothers, women leaders and caregivers in shaping the character and behaviour of children, describing them as indispensable partners in crime prevention.

She noted that the August Meeting provides a strategic platform to reach thousands of women across the state with practical messages on responsible parenting, youth mentorship, moral upbringing and early identification of behavioural changes that could expose children and adolescents to criminal activities.

The POCACOV team appealed to the Ministry to facilitate the inclusion of its advocacy sessions in August Meeting programmes across the state to deepen public awareness on preventive policing and youth development.

Responding, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, commended the Nigeria Police Force for adopting a proactive and community-based approach to tackling crime through POCACOV.

She described the initiative as timely and impactful, assuring the delegation of the ministry’s commitment to mobilising women across Anambra State to protect children and youths from negative influences while promoting responsible parenting, peace, discipline and good citizenship.

According to the police, the campaign will educate participants on the dangers of cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, bullying and other anti-social behaviours.

It will also encourage education, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and innovation as viable alternatives for empowering young people and reducing their vulnerability to crime.

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with government institutions, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, schools, civil society groups, youth organisations, women associations and community leaders to advance preventive policing and enhance public safety across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police to build a professionally competent, service-driven and community-oriented Nigeria Police Force.

Otiti made the call during the Guild’s monthly congress held in Abuja, where he warned that the growing trend of sacrificing professionalism for online visibility and web traffic was eroding the credibility of digital journalism.

He expressed concern that many online media practitioners had continued to undervalue their profession by publishing stories supplied by individuals and organisations without adequate editorial input or appropriate remuneration.

According to him, journalism is a specialised profession that requires investment, competence and integrity, stressing that practitioners must place premium value on the services they render.

“Many editors and publishers have sold themselves too cheaply simply because they want to promote their blogs. Media practice is a profession that demands investment, experience and credibility. When someone writes a news story for you to publish without any professional editorial input, it raises questions about the value you place on your own expertise,” he said.

The GOMEP-NG president maintained that journalists should not be treated differently from professionals in other fields, noting that lawyers, doctors and other service providers are duly compensated for their expertise.

“You pay legal fees before a lawyer represents you in court. You pay before receiving medical attention at a hospital. Why should professional media practitioners be expected to provide their services free of charge? If we fail to place value on our work, no one else will,” he added.

Otiti also frowned at what he described as the culture of excessive praise-singing among some online publishers, saying many expend time and resources promoting individuals who neither know them nor maintain any professional relationship with them.

He noted that such practices diminish the dignity of journalism and weaken the economic viability of online media organisations.

He urged members of GOMEP-NG and other online media practitioners to embrace professionalism, uphold ethical standards and develop sustainable business models that would strengthen the credibility of online journalism in Nigeria.

Otiti further stated that restoring public confidence in the profession would require discipline, ethical conduct and a collective commitment by practitioners to responsible journalism.

He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to promoting responsible online journalism through continuous professional development, strict adherence to ethical standards and sustained advocacy for the welfare of online media editors and publishers across the country.

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on his 68th birthday, describing him as a statesman whose leadership and enduring contributions have continued to shape the political and socio-economic development of Delta State and the Niger Delta.

In a goodwill message, Omo-Agege said Ibori’s tenure as governor was marked by purposeful leadership, courageous decision-making and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the state.

He noted that the former governor laid a solid foundation for infrastructure development, educational advancement and human capital development, while championing the interests of Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.

According to the former Deputy Senate President, Ibori’s influence has remained significant beyond his years in office, as he continues to provide guidance and mentorship to political leaders across party lines.

Omo-Agege described the former governor as a father figure whose commitment to peace, unity and the progress of the people has earned him enduring respect within and outside Delta State.

“Today, we celebrate not just another year in his life, but a legacy of courage, service and commitment to the people of Delta State and the Niger Delta region,” he said.

He prayed for God’s continued grace upon the elder statesman, wishing him long life, good health and renewed strength to continue offering leadership and wise counsel in the service of the nation.

The former Deputy Senate President also extended his best wishes to Ibori on behalf of his family, political associates and supporters, congratulating him on attaining another milestone in life.

By Dr. Maimoni Ubrei-Joe

LAGOS, Nigeria — An environmental advocate has called on Heritage Oil & Gas Company (Nig.) Limited to urgently contain an oil spill that has reportedly been flowing continuously in Uzere Community, Delta State, since June 27, warning that the pollution risks turning the area into “another Ogoni” if immediate action is not taken.

Dr. Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, an environmental and climate justice advocate, said the prolonged spill poses a serious threat to the environment, public health and the livelihoods of residents who depend on the area’s natural resources.

“The people of Uzere deserve clean water, safe livelihoods and a healthy environment, not prolonged pollution and neglect,” Ubrei-Joe said in a statement.

She urged Heritage Oil & Gas Company (Nig.) Limited to halt the spill without delay, undertake a comprehensive clean-up of affected areas, restore damaged ecosystems and compensate residents whose farmlands, fishing grounds and other means of livelihood may have been impacted.

The advocate also called for an independent and transparent assessment of the environmental and socio-economic damage caused by the incident.

“Our demands are simple: stop the oil spill immediately, clean up the affected environment, carry out a transparent assessment of the damage, compensate affected communities and restore Uzere’s environment,” she said.

Drawing parallels with the long-running environmental crisis in Ogoniland, Ubrei-Joe cautioned against allowing pollution in Uzere to worsen through delayed intervention.

“Uzere must not become another Ogoni. Environmental justice cannot wait,” she said.

The oil spill, which the advocate said has persisted since June 27, has heightened concerns among residents and environmental campaigners over its potential impact on water sources, biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Heritage Oil & Gas Company (Nig.) Limited had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of this report.

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has paid glowing tribute to elder statesman, renowned political scientist and former Minister of Information, , on the occasion of his birthday, saying Nigeria still needs his wealth of experience, patriotic counsel and unwavering commitment to democratic governance.

In a goodwill message, Dafinone described Prof. Oyovbaire as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished intellectuals and public servants whose lifetime of scholarship, principled leadership and public service has significantly shaped the country’s democratic evolution and political development.

The senator said the former minister’s distinguished contributions to academia, public administration and governance have continued to influence national discourse, while his commitment to constitutional democracy and good governance has earned him admiration across political and ethnic divides.

According to Dafinone, Prof. Oyovbaire has remained a respected voice of reason whose integrity, moderation and statesmanship continue to provide guidance to leaders and inspire younger generations committed to nation-building.

He further commended the elder statesman’s dedication to the growth of Delta State and the development of the Okpe Kingdom, describing him as a patriotic son whose contributions to the advancement of his people remain enduring.

“Your life’s work has been defined by intellectual excellence, principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. Through your distinguished career in academia and public service, you have made profound contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution, public administration and political thought, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of Nigerians,” Dafinone stated.

The lawmaker prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the former minister, asking for good health, strength, wisdom and many more years of impactful service to the nation.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes. May Almighty God continue to preserve you as a source of wise counsel and inspiration, and grant you many more years of peace, fulfilment and abundant blessings,” he added.

Oborevwori in a statement issued on Tuesday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said Oyovbaire’s remarkable career in academia, public service and governance had earned him national respect and made him one of Delta State’s most distinguished sons.

He commended the octogenarian for his unwavering commitment to peace, democracy and good governance, noting that his leadership as Chairman of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council has continued to foster unity and stability in the state.

Oborevwori also recalled Oyovbaire’s tenure as Minister of Information under the administration of former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, where he played a significant role in shaping government communication and public policy.

The governor noted that the professor’s vast experience and intellectual depth had remained invaluable to successive administrations in Delta State, adding that his contributions to political science, governance and public administration continue to inspire scholars, public office holders and younger generations.

“Professor Sam Oyovbaire is an exceptional scholar, accomplished administrator, respected statesman and leader whose life has been dedicated to the service of humanity,” Oborevwori said.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I warmly congratulate Professor Sam Oyovbaire, a father-figure, lifter of men, and great Nigerian patriot on this remarkable milestone. It is my prayer that this new year will bring you as much joy, love, and hope as you spread to others with your reassuring attitude,” the governor added.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday, describing him as a dynamic leader whose contributions to the growth and development of the state remain significant.

In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor praised Ibori for his leadership during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007, saying he inspired many through his vision, resilience and commitment to public service.

Oborevwori described the former governor as a great motivator and an inspirational leader who laid important foundations for the development of Delta State, adding that his impact continues to be appreciated by many across the state and beyond.

The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dynamic and inspirational leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State on his 68th birth anniversary.”

He prayed for God’s continued blessings, good health and long life for the former governor as he celebrates his 68th birthday on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

“May your special day be filled with joy and pleasant memories. Congratulations,” Oborevwori said.