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Oil Spill: Obololi Community Bemoans Neglect, Pollution in Bayelsa

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Obololi community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa said that no relief had come their way after the Feb. 16 oil leak discharged crude and polluted the Obololi River and adjourning creeks.The National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) traced the source of the leak to a 16 inch Nun River-Kolo Creek underwater pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Goodnews Okoi, Chairman, Obololi Community Development Committee (CDC) said in a telephone interview on Tuesday that the coastline community is suffering acute water scarcity amidst cholera outbreak across Bayelsa.
The CDC Chairman lamented that following the pollution of the Obololi River which the people hitherto depended on for drinking and domestic use, they are compelled to resort to sachet water at exorbitant costs.
“We feel abandoned; this oil spillage has adversely impacted the entire community. We have suspended our fishing vocation as our farmlands and creeks are also not spared.“The cost of water had gone up by approximately 100 per cent to N50 naira per sachet and N800 per bag, the hardship is so much given the general economic hardship.“Sadly the operator of the facility has not shown any concern on the sufferings caused by the spill. In fact what the officials of SPDC tell us is that unless the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) concludes on equipment failure, SPDC will not act.“Also, we have been expecting relief from the state government following the visit of Bayelsa Commissioner for Environment.“The local government Chairman, Target Segibo offered to rehabilitate an existing borehole. They started repairs but the submersible pump failed and they are yet to procure another replacement,” Okoi said.The CDC chairman noted that the oil firm has yet to engage the community on the recommendations by NOSDRA to divert the river to enable access to the leak point.He explained that the community is nursing feats that creating a dam to divert the river will distort the navigability of the River.“This recommendation by NOSDRA is of great concern to us, how will boats that bring goods and merchandise and essential items come? The SPDC has to factor these concerns and make the operations have a human face.“Look at what we have been going through since the middle of February till date and the company has not provided any form of support in the face of the impact of the spill,” Okoi said.It was further learnt from Obololi community sources that recovery of spilled crude into plastic tanks was already ongoing.Michael Adande, a Spokesman for SPDC earlier said that the oil firm has shut oil feeds into the leaking pipeline.Adande pledged to update on relief, remediation and Response efforts but has yet to do so.

NEWS

NYSC Doctor Donates 155 Menstrual Cups to Policewomen in Jos

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Dr. Hope Adeyi serving at Police College Cottage Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has donated 155 menstrual cups to policewomen, wives of police officers alongside civilian staff.

The donation was made during the “Affordable and Hygienic Menstruation for Every Woman” outreach held at the Nigeria Police Staff College on Tuesday in Jos the Plateau State capital.

According to Adeyi, “The cost of sanitary pads has risen sharply nationwide, and for many families, it has become increasingly unaffordable.

“As a result, some women are now forced to use unsafe alternatives such as old rags, tissue paper, or improvised materials.

Unfortunately, these practices significantly increase the risk of reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infections, bad odour, discomfort, and reduced confidence,” she stated

The Doctor Copper highlighted the benefits of menstrual cups, saying, “Menstrual cups offer several benefits; they are safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly. A single cup can last up to 10 years when properly cared for. They only require regular washing with clean water, which is readily available in our community.

“They greatly reduce the financial burden of buying monthly disposable pads and help prevent infections by promoting cleaner and safer menstrual practices,” she explained.

She emphasized that providing the cups is more than a donation: “By providing menstrual cups to our women today, we are not just giving a product, we are offering long‑term relief, health protection, and empowerment. This project ensures that no woman in our community has to choose between her health and affordability,” she maintained.

The initiative she said was made possible by generous sponsors, whose contributions Dr. Adeyi thanked. “Your contributions go beyond financial support—they demonstrate a deep commitment to the dignity and health of women in this community. We thank you sincerely,” she said.

The NYSC doctor urged the women present to prioritize their health and dignity noting that, “Your health matters. Your comfort matters. Your dignity matters. Today’s outreach is a step toward ensuring that every woman in this community is supported, protected, and empowered,” she emphasised.

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NEWS

Mutfwang Congratulates Gen. Danjuma on 88th Birthday, Lauds His Philanthropy

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From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has extended his warm congratulations to Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 88th birthday.

In a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affiars Gyang Bere and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday described Gen.

Danjuma as “a symbol of excellence, an exemplary philanthropist, and a symbol of hope whose life has been wholly devoted to the defence, progress, and upliftment of humanity”.

Mutfwang praised Gen. Danjuma’s outstanding contributions to national life, citing his courageous military service, visionary business leadership, and transformative philanthropic work.

“You remain a priceless national asset and an extraordinary achiever who has enjoyed uncommon grace from God to lead, to serve, and to excel in diverse spheres of human endeavour,” he stated.

The Governor also highlighted Gen. Danjuma’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Nigerians through the TY Danjuma Foundation, which has become a lifeline to underserved communities nationwide.

Mutfwang on behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State wished Gen. Danjuma long life, sound health, renewed strength, and divine wisdom as he continues to offer wise counsel and mentor younger generations.

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CRIME

Enugu Police Arrest 25-Year-old Man over Alleged Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at about 6 a.m., swiftly responded to a distress call and arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25).

Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.

During the incident, the suspects stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card.

Police operatives immediately trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

Ina press statement sent by the Police public relations officer Enugu State Command, Daniel Ndukwe stated that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to positively identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect has since been arraigned in court and remanded in custody, while intensive efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, appreciates the timely support from public-spirited citizens that aided the swift arrest. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely security information.

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