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Rivers denies blocking Wike-led pro-Tinubu rally, says stadium under construction

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Nyesom Wike & Siminalayi Fubara

The Rivers State Government has denied blocking the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, for a rally organised by a support group for President Bola Tinubu on Friday.

Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State, Amb. Desmond Akawor, had accused the state government of denying the group’s request to use the stadium for the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas of the state.

Wike, while speaking at the rally—which was later moved to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area—said that if the government denied the group access to public facilities, they would forcefully move in and hold their event.

However, the state government described the allegations by the FCT minister and his allies as false, stating that the stadium was currently under reconstruction and unsafe for public use.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, made the denial in a statement issued on Friday titled ‘Rivers State Govt Denies Blocking Pro-Tinubu Group from Using Yakubu Gowon Stadium’, with the sub-theme ‘Shows Facility Is Under Reconstruction.’

Sirawoo said the claims by Wike and Akawor were “false and misleading,” stating, “The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.”

The permanent secretary, who said he inspected the facility on Friday, added that the allegations were baseless.

Sirawoo said he inspected the stadium alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, under the guidance of the site engineer, noting that “the level of ongoing reconstruction made it impossible for any group to use the facility at this time.”

He advised political leaders in the state to place the interest of Rivers State above political ambitions, noting that there is life after politics.

Sirawoo added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed and is at the forefront of efforts to ensure the re-election of Tinubu.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Sports, who also serves as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said his office did not receive any formal request for the use of the stadium.

Green described the allegation as baseless, noting that “even the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is a Rivers State Government–owned facility.

“The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who led government officials on the inspection tour, said the stadium is currently in a delicate condition, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch.”

While stressing serious safety hazards in the VIP sections and other areas under reconstruction, the commissioner said the contracting firm, Monimichelle, “remains committed to the safety of lives and property and would not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any event, regardless of political affiliation.”

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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So Sad: Father Dies While Rescuing Daughter From Midnight Fire, Both Perish in Minna Tragedy (Photos)

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A father’s ultimate act of love has ended in heartbreak after a devastating midnight fire claimed both his life and that of his six-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

The tragedy struck at approximately 2am on March 2, 2026, when fire broke out at the residence of Ikechukwu Michael Njoku, 45, situated within the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in the Sabon Gari area of Minna.

According to accounts shared on Facebook by family acquaintance Offor Oscar Onyinye, Njoku was jolted awake by the smell of smoke and the sight of flames rapidly engulfing his home. Without pause for his own safety, he plunged into the inferno to rescue his young daughter, Esther, who was trapped inside the children’s room. Though he managed to pull himself out of the blaze, little Esther did not survive — she died instantly.

Njoku himself emerged from the fire with severe burns across his body. For nearly two weeks, he clung to life, battling his injuries at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. His struggle ended on March 16, 2026, when he succumbed to his wounds — fourteen days after he had thrown himself into the flames for his child.

His wife and three other children survived the inferno but sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalised at IBB Specialist Hospital, where they continue to fight for recovery.

Father and daughter are to be laid to rest on March 27, 2026, in their ancestral hometown of Mebiokpa Okposi Ohozara in Ebonyi State.

“In just one night, a family lost so much — a father gone, a daughter gone, and others left in pain and trauma,” Onyinye wrote in a tribute that has since resonated widely across social media, with many describing Njoku as a hero whose love for his child knew no bounds.

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I Thought It Was A Joke — Nigerian Man Recounts What He Witnessed During “R@ping Festival” In Delta (Video)

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A video making rounds on social media has triggered widespread reactions after capturing a disturbing incident reportedly occurring in Ozoro, Delta State.

According to multiple posts online, there are claims that several women have been ass@ulted in the area during what some users are describing as a local gathering.

There are also warnings being shared online advising women and girls in the area to stay indoors, with concerns that those outside may be at risk. Some posts further allege that individuals who are unaware of the situation, including visitors and students, may have been affected.

Ozoro is home to Delta State University, and many online users have expressed concern about the safety of students and residents.

The situation has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling for urgent attention, proper investigation, and protection for those in the community.

Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the police has begun arresting some of the defaulting men.

Watch the video below..

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