Okuama Killings: Beam Your Searchlight To Bayelsa Govt. House To Fish Out Amangbein, His Accomplices, Group Tells Army Boss

Following the heinous murder of four army officers and twelve soldiers at Okuama community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, the military has been urged to shift their focus to Bayelsa Government House as it intensified its operations to apprehend the prime suspect, Endurance Okodeh, also known as Amangbein, and his accomplices.

The Urhobo Renaissance Assembly made this call in a letter addressed to LT. General Taoheed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, signed by it’s President, Austin Esiri.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday, 14th March 2024, has left a deep scar on the Nigerian Army and the families of the fallen heroes.

According to the group, all indications point to Endurance Okodeh, alias General Amangbein, a notorious figure hailing from Gbomtoro community in Bayelsa State. Known for his involvement in crude oil bunkering activities in the waterways of Bayelsa, adding that Okodeh has a history of confrontations with the military, resulting in the loss of lives on the side of security personnel.

In light of these circumstances, the group suggested that the military reorient its search efforts towards the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa, where Endurance Okodeh is believed to have significant ties and influence.

This strategic move, according to the group, is aimed at optimizing the chances of capturing the wanted criminal and bringing him to justice for his alleged involvement in the brutal killings that have shaken the nation.

The group also noted that as the pursuit of justice continues, the call for a targeted and calculated approach underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the right individuals are held accountable for their actions.

The group said that the resolve to apprehend Endurance Okodeh and his associates remains unwavering, as the nation seeks closure and justice for the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“Available reports have it that the Commanding Officer of 181 Batallion, Nigerian Army, Bomadi, Delta State, Lt. Col. A. H Ali, who was gruesomely murdered alongside 3 officers with 12 soldiers of the batallion on Thursday, March 14th , 2024, was a cog in the wheel of Amagbein illicit crude oil business, since he assumed command of the Brigade in Bomadi.

“The murdered Army Commander was therefore marked down for elimination by Amagbein and his boys. And he seized the opportunity of the Okuama/Okoloba crisis to execute his vengeance on the officer and his troop on that ill fated Thursday.

“The mother of Amagbein hails from Okuama, Ughelli South LGA in Delta State, while his father is from Gbomotoru, an Ijaw community in the Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

“The search for Amagbein by the Military should go beyond Gbomotoru Community. The military operation in that axis is bound to be futile, its brunt is borne by innocent law abiding citizens of the community.

“The operation should home – in on the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa. Amagbein and his cohorts are known allies of Governor Douye Diri. The fugitive and his militants worked as thugs for Douye Diri re – election in 2023.

“For the above reason, the governor is very protective of Amagbein and his boys. He has now and then, played host to them in government house. They go in and out for operations for illegal operations. It is their safe Haven.

“As valuable political allies, Gov. Diri sees this incidence as pay back time, Amagbein and his boys presently take refuse in the Government House Yenagoa. They are being shielded from justice.

“Hence, we implore the military efforts to apprehend him should shift focus to the Bayelsa State Government House.

“We request that the searchlight should also be beamed on his siblings, especially the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelesa State, Mr. Lucky Okodeh.

“Also to be put under surveillance is the Chairman of Bayelsa State Waterways Security, Mr.Weris Tike. This would provide a lead to the whereabout of Endurance Okodeh (Amagbein) and his gang of murderers. Both men work hands in gloves with the fugitives.

“The unleashing of anger and reprisal on innocent Ijaw and Urhobo community, is not proper. The military should stick to the Geneva Convention in operations like this,” the letter read in part.

The Full Letter To The Chief Of Staff:

URHOBO RENAISSANCE ASSEMBLY
72, Afiesere Road, Ughelli, Delta State

ATTENTION:

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
LT. GENERAL TAOHEED LAGBAJA
NIGERIAN ARMY HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA

Dear Sir,

ON-GOING MILITARY OPERATIONS TO APPREHEND ENDURANCE OKODEH, A.K.A. AMANGBEIN AND HIS ACCOMPLICES IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF 4 ARMY OFFICERS AND 12 SOLDIERS AT OKUAMA COMMUNITY, UGHELLI SOUTH LGA, DELTA STATE.

THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES SHOULD SHIFT FOCUS OF THE SEARCH TO THE BAYELSA GOVERNMENT HOUSE, YENAGOA.

It is very sad. Words are not enough to express our deep sympathy to the Nigerian Army and the families of the officers and soldiers gruesomely murdered by one Endurance Okedoh and his gang of brigands at Okuama town, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, on Thursday 14, 2024. It is most unfortunate that what happened cannot be reversed.

May the good Lord grant the gallant officers and soldiers eternal rest. Their service and supreme sacrifice to Nigeria, our fatherland would remain indelible heart of the Nation and Deltans in particular.

Apart from writing to send this open condolence, we demand that the perpetrators of the heinous crime be apprehended and brought to justice. Hence, we support the current military effort and operations to arrest the killers.

We however take strong exception to the present ruthless reprisals and siege by the military on the communities of Okuama and Gbomotoru. As two wrongs don’t make a right. The innocent people of both communities should not suffer for the crime of a handful of brigands.

All fingers seem to point at Endurance Okedoh, aka General Amagbein of Gbomtoro community in Bayelsa State. Since the military has zeroed in on him as the culprit, the right place to apprehend him is the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa.

Endurance Okodeh’s notoriety as a crude oil bunkerer is well known across the waterways of Bayelsa State. There are records of his brazen assaults on the Military Joint Task Force in the region that had led to the killing of military personnel and other security agents who stood on his path.

Available reports have it that the Commanding Officer of 181 Batallion, Nigerian Army, Bomadi, Delta State, Lt. Col. A. H Ali, who was gruesomely murdered alongside 3 officers with 12 soldiers of the batallion on Thursday, March 14th , 2024, was a cog in the wheel of Amagbein illicit crude oil business, since he assumed command of the Brigade in Bomadi.

The murdered Army Commander was therefore marked down for elimination by Amagbein and his boys. And he seized the opportunity of the Okuama/Okoloba crisis to execute his vengeance on the officer and his troop on that ill fated Thursday.

The mother of Amagbein hails from Okuama, Ughelli South LGA in Delta State, while his father is from Gbomotoru, an Ijaw community in the Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

The search for Amagbein by the Military should go beyond Gbomotoru Community. The military operation in that axis is bound to be futile, its brunt is borne by innocent law abiding citizens of the community.

The operation should home – in on the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa. Amagbein and his cohorts are known allies of Governor Douye Diri. The fugitive and his militants worked as thugs for Douye Diri re – election in 2023.

For the above reason, the governor is very protective of Amagbein and his boys. He has now and then, played host to them in government house. They go in and out for operations for illegal operations. It is their safe Haven.

As valuable political allies, Gov. Diri sees this incidence as pay back time, Amagbein and his boys presently take refuse in the Government House Yenagoa. They are being shielded from justice.

Hence, we implore the military efforts to apprehend him should shift focus to the Bayelsa State Government House.

We request that the searchlight should also be beamed on his siblings, especially the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelesa State, Mr. Lucky Okodeh.

Also to be put under surveillance is the Chairman of Bayelsa State Waterways Security, Mr.Weris Tike. This would provide a lead to the whereabout of Endurance Okodeh (Amagbein) and his gang of murderers. Both men work hands in gloves with the fugitives.

The unleashing of anger and reprisal on innocent Ijaw and Urhobo community, is not proper. The military should stick to the Geneva Convention in operations like this.

They Army’s trial and error tactics to arrest Amagbein and his boys, merely dissipates energy and scarce resources. The focus should be on the Bayelsa Government House.

It is said that when you want the eye of a fish you go to the head. There are reliable reports that point to the Bayelsa Creek Heaven as the present hideout of Amagbein and his boys.

Once again, the Nigerian Army should accept our heartfelt condolences for the untimely death of its personnel, wickedly plotted and executed by Amagbein.

Signed:
AUSTIN ESIRI
PRESIDENT.

Dr. Agbolaya, Family/Political Associates congratulates Her Highness, Gladys DUROORIKE EMIKO-ATUWATSE , Iye-Olu Atuwatse III on her 70th Birthday.

Front line Chairmanship aspirant for Warri South Local Government Council in the forthcoming 2024 Delta Local Government Councils Election and Chieftain of the PDP, Amb. Evang. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP, MNIM, has felicitated with Her Highness, Iye-Olu Ogiame Atuwatse III, Gladys Duroorike Emiko Atuwatse and Olori Atuwatse II on her 70th birthday Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Dr. Agbolaya on behalf of his family friends and political associates praised the celebrant Iye- Olu Ogiame III and Olori Atuwatse II describing her as a nice, loving and victorious mother with God fearing heart in supporting women and people of Warri kingdom for the past years with her initiative support programs.

The Warri South Chairmanship hopeful also prayed God to continually grant her good health , more strength and wisdom to live as she steps into the septuagenarian circle.

Dr. Agbolaya, while congratulating Iye-Olu Ogiame Atuwatse III and Olori Atuwatse II said Her Highness has been an epitome of a great mother whose kindness have been felt by the people, adding that as a wife to the former Olu of Warri kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse II, she has always shown care to all a sundry.

The Warri South Council Seat top contender described Iye-Olu Atuwatse III
and Olori Atuwatse II (Mother of the 21st Olu of Warri) Ogiame Atuwatse III as a highly successful businesswoman and also highly revered in the society.

Amb. Dr. Agbolaya congratulated the Olori and wished her a happy platinum milestone birthday.

Delta State House of Assembly Adopts A Draft Legislative Agenda for the 8th Assembly

Tuesday , the 19th day of March, 2024, the Delta State House of Assembly meticulously and painstakingly scrutinised, considered and adopted the Draft Legislative Agenda of the 8th Assembly as a working document for the House.

This is a very laudable initiative, being that this is the second time the State House of Assembly would be adopting a Legislative framework to guide its activities and functions in a way that promotes high level of synergy with other arms of government to enthrone good governance in the State.

This concept and structure was framed to permeate due diligence and accountability in all sectors of the State’s economy, and it clearly defines the goals and agenda of the State Legislature in support of its statutory functions of lawmaking, oversight and representation, which in every estimation should be in the best interest of the people of Delta State.

As one who chaired the ad hoc committee that produced this historic and people oriented document, I want to vehemently commend my dear colleagues for their show of parliamentary solidarity in ensuring that we have a Legislative framework that defines our actions and inactions for the mutual workings of the House in synergy with other arms of government.

This is the way to go, and hopefully, we look forward to having a robust administration of the M.O.R.E Agenda of His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. This Legislative framework is perfectly in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda, for which the goal and objective is to give Deltans meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security of the State.

Once again, I most profoundly congratulate all of us for making this happen. It’s indeed a groundbreaking achievement.

Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi,
Majority Leader,
Delta State House of Assembly.

All African Games: Clinch victory against Ghana’s Princesses, Sports Minister Charges Falconets

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has charged Nigeria’s U20 female national team, the Falconets to clinch victory against Ghana and defend their gold medal in the women’s football final at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.

During his visit to the team’s camp on Tuesday March 19, 2024 amidst their preparations for the crucial final, Minister Owan Enoh stressed the significance of their mission, emphasizing the national importance of bringing home the gold.

He stated, “It matters for me to visit you all, it matters to our president and all Nigerians that you’ve come this far. The goal is to win the gold medal on Thursday, and it is an important goal for you and for the country.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s previous triumph in women’s football at the African Games four years prior, Minister Owan Enoh reminded the Falconets of their responsibility to uphold that legacy. “Four years ago, we won gold in women’s football in Morocco, so you all have the responsibility to defend that title and return to Nigeria with the gold medal,” he asserted.

Despite the heightened stakes as they face the host nation, Ghana, Enoh expressed confidence in the Falconets’ ability to rise to the occasion, underscoring the significance of their victory as a launchpad towards the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in Colombia.

According to the statement released by the S.A media to the Sports Minister, Diana-Mary Nsan, quoted Coach Christopher Danjuma, expressing his gratitude to the Minister for his support, assuring that the team would spare no effort in making Nigerians proud. “We appreciate the Minister for supporting the team, and we promise to go the extra mile to achieve success,” Coach Danjuma affirmed.

The team’s captain, Oluchi Ohaegbulam re-echoed the same sentiments, affirming the squad’s commitment to exerting maximum effort in pursuit of the gold medal. “It is a privilege for us to represent the country, and we promise to work hard and give one last push towards gold,” the captain declared.

As the Falconets gear up to face Ghana in the women’s football final, the entire nation stands behind them, rallying in support of their quest for victory on Thursday night March 21, 2024.

DHQ Probing Bayelsa Governor Diri’s Link With Wanted Gang Leader That Murdered 16 Officers, Soldiers

Syndicated Report

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is currently probing the link between Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and wanted leader of the killer gang, which murdered 16 officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state, on Thursday, March 14, 2024, Endurance Okodeh, alias Amangben.

The military authorities are also working on an intelligence report that Amangben was being harboured by Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Impeccable security sources said the military has established a link between the Bayelsa Governor and the suspected killer of the soldiers.

Amangben, whose father hails from Igbomotoru community, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, is a notorious oil bunkerer.

He was said to be widely recognised as a political ally of Governor Douye Diri.

The military authorities have zeroed down on Amangben as the leader of the gang, which murdered 16 officers and soldiers of the 181 Batallion of the Nigerian Army on peace-keeping mission in Okuama, on Thursday.

Amangben’s mother hailed from Okuama, an Urhobo community in Delta State.
Speculations that he has fled to his paternal community in Bayelsa state, apparently informed Sunday’s raid of Igbomotoru community by troops in search of the wanted kingpin.

It was gathered through intelligence gathering by military chiefs probing the fate of the falling soldiers that Amangben headed the team of political thugs, who supported and delivered Governor Douye Diri in the last gubernatorial election in Bayelsa state.

To this end, the military authorities are working on the lead that Douye Diri could provide the ambience of Government House, Yenagoa, as safe havens for Amangben and members of his gang, to evade arrest and justice.

Impeccable sources within security circles revealed that the military arrived at the conclusion following Sunday’s futile outcome of the raid on Igbomotoru community, a place initially suspected to be harbouring Amangben and his fleeing boys.

One reliable source said, “Since the MIlitary has come to the conclusion that Endurance Okodeh, alias Amangben, led his group to kill the soldiers, the best place to look for him is the Government House.”

“Amangben’s benefactor, Governor
Douye Diri, might have provided the Government House for him to hibernate in order to evade arrest by the troops searching for him.”

“Governor Douye Diri may consider the current travails of Amangben as affording him the best opportunity to help the boy who has been there for him in his political journey. Amangben has backed Douye Diri in all his political carreer.”

“Amangben in particular played pivotal roles in the re-election of Governor Douye Diri in the last gubernatorial election by heading the private security squad, which reigned terrors on the opposition elements, killing and maiming them in desperation to ensure Douye Diri wins at all costs.”

“There is a like likehood that Amangben and members of his gang are being sustained in the Government House, Yenagoa,” the source stated.

Similarly, the military authorities are said to be on the manhunt for the Chairman of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Mr. Lucky Okodeh and Chairman of the state’s Waterways Commitee, Mr. Weris Tike, due to their relationship with Amangben.

The council boss is a sibling to Amangben while Tike is an ally of the suspected killer.

The military are working on the permutations that the council boss and Tike were in the best position to help with information that could lead to the arrest of the prime suspect in the murder of the soldiers.

Consequently, the Bayelsa council chairman and Tike have gone underground as the military intensified efforts to bring Amangben to book.

“The military authorities have decided that since the Southern Ijaw Council chairman and Chairman of Bayelsa State Waterways commitee have been running deals and are close allies of Amangben, then they must know his whereabouts and provide valid information that can lead to the arrest of Amangben. This latest development has compelled Lucky Okodeh and Weris Tike, to also take-off,” added the source, which pleaded anonymity.

Killing of Soldiers: Mulade Condemns Act, Calls For Calm, Says Delta Need Peace To Develop

A Delta State-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has condemned in its entirety the heinous and barbaric killing of soldiers who were reportedly on a peace mission to restore law and order in Okuama, a Delta community, over dispute with its neighbour, Okoloba.

The renowned peace and environmental rights activist condoled with the Nigerian Army over these needless killing and appealed to the feuding Okuama and Okoloba communities to sheath their sword, while calling on the Military high command and Delta state government to institute an enquiry and bring to book perpetrators of this dastardly act.

Speaking further, he urged the warring groups to embrace peace for the sake of development and growth of Okuama/Okoloba, who, as the same descendants as original root. He further advised and appealed to them not to fall into the hands of war mongers/instigators, whose primary occupation and means of survival relied on communal/ethnic crisis, thereby positioning themselves as negotiators/leaders.

The Ijaw leader, once again, appeals strongly to Okuama and Okoloba communities who are brothers and sisters, with long history of inter-marriages, to sheath their sword and allow peace to reign.

It is worthy of note that Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the executive governor of Delta State, needs peace to attract investors to grow the economy of Delta State, and create employment opportunities for our teeming youths.

Delta Govt Calls For Calm over Okada Riders’ Protest in Capital

Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, Monday, called for calm over protests by Okada and tricycle riders in the state capital.

Ukah in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba, after inspecting the scene of destruction in company of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu and Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko condemned the action of the protesters for the wanton destruction and vandalisation of property at the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA Secretariat.

He said the Capital Territory Development Agency was in touch with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the leadership of Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association, COMTOA, and representatives of the Arewa community with a view to resolving issues that led to the Monday’s rampage.

While appealing to residents of the capital territory for patience and cooperation, Ukah noted that Delta was known for communal living and warned that the State Government would deal decisively with anyone found to be disobeying laws of the land.

He therefore called for calm while Government deals with the issues that led to the rampage.

Oborevwori greets Peter Mbah at 52

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Sunday, congratulated his Enugu State counterpart, Dr Peter Mbah, on his 52nd birth anniversary.

Governor Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, commended the governor for excellence in implementing his audacious transformation agenda in Enugu State.

He described the governor as an astute businessman and impactful administrator, and extolled him for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the state and the nation.

He stated that Mbah’s unique approach to governance had lifted the fortunes of Enugu State indigenes through his achievements in health, education and infrastructural renewal.

Governor Oborevwori said that it was heart-warming to note that the oil magnate turned-politician had, by dint of hard work, discipline and creativity, won the hearts and respect of Enugu State people and other Nigerians.

“Since your emergence as Governor of Enugu State, you have continued to ensure good governance, predicated on ‘Building a peaceful, secure highly developed and prosperous state for all’.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I heartily rejoice with you, an outstanding professional, a promise keeper and my brother governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, as you attain 52 years.

“On this auspicious occasion, I celebrate with your family, associates and friends and thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by amazing grace and remarkable accomplishments,” Oborevwori added.

Guwor congratulates Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon on his conferment as Bolouwei of Oporomor Kingdom

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of States Houses of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has felicitated with Rt Hon (Chief) Funkekeme Solomon on his conferment as the Bolouwei of Operemor Kingdom.

Rt Hon Solomon, a former Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly and presently the Senior Policy Adviser to the Government of Delta State, was Saturday March 16, 2024 conferred with the Chieftaincy title of Bolouwei by His Royal Majesty, Dr John Ekioemi Oweiagbe, Gbesa 1, the Pere of Operemor kingdom at Ojobo town, in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor was among the cream-de-la-cream of the society that witnessed the epoch making event put together to climax the first anniversary of the Royal Father on the throne.

The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, congratulated Rt Hon Funkekeme Solomon for yet another milestone in his service to humanity.

Guwor stated that Chief Funkekeme Solomon has proven to be a great leader in all ramifications, including politics, governance and community development, stressing that his choice as the new Bolouwei was a reward for consistent hard work and commitment.

The Speaker however reminded the Bolouwei that his present position in Operemor Kingdom, comes with certain new challenges and urged him to stay focused in his drive for a better society.

Saying that the Pere of Operemor Kingdom and his subjects desire nothing but development, Rt Hon Guwor enjoined Chief Funkekeme Solomon to avail the people his wealth of experience, contacts and connections to attract prosperity to the locality.

The Speaker admonished the people of Operemor Kingdom to be at peace with one another, including their neighbours, as development can only thrive in atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

He, on behalf of his constituents of Warri South West and the Delta State House of Assembly, rejoiced with the new Bolouwei and prayed for God to grant him the wherewithal to succeed in his service to Operemor Kingdom, the state and the society at large.

Oborevwori felicitates former Okpe Council Boss, Asini at 86

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated elder statesman and former Chairman Transition Committee, Okpe Local Government Council, Chief Joseph Asini as he clocks 86 years on Friday.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori lauded the renowned Okpe leader for his contributions to the development and growth of Delta State.

He recalled that Asini has continued to play significant roles in the development of the state as a pioneer Deputy State Chairman and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Okpe Local Government Area.

The governor specifically lauded Chief Asini for his steadfastness in providing leadership for the Okpe people and committing to the success of his administration, adding that he would continue to treasure his counseling at all times.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate our father and leader of inestimable value, Okakuro Joseph Asini, the Oghweibor of Okpe Kingdom on the occasion of his 86th birth anniversary.

“It is my pleasure to join your family, friends and well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 86 years.

“It is my prayer that divine light would continue to shine on you as you soldier on in your quest to provide amazing service to God and humanity,” Oborevwori stated.