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President Tinubu temporarily opens road linking Bonny Island for travellers

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President Bola Tinubu has temporarily opened the 37.9-kilometre Bodo–Bonny Road for public use, connecting Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area to Bonny in Bonny LGA, Rivers State.

The development brings significant relief to residents and travellers who have long relied on risky sea transport to access Bonny Island.

At the opening ceremony on Monday, President Tinubu described the project as a flagship achievement of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged citizens to comply with the regulations guiding its temporary use, noting that movement will not be allowed at night.

Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, the President said the road will be accessible from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, starting December 8, until its full commissioning in the first quarter of 2026.

President Tinubu said, “The dream of the Bonny Kingdom has come true; the dream of the Bodo Kingdom has come true.

“No more risky journeys through the busy Bonny River, no more expensive helicopters, no more untold hardships to reach this blessed island.”

He added, “For now, the road is open only for light vehicles from 7am to 7pm daily. Heavy-duty trucks, motorcycles and tricycles are barred until final completion targeted for March 2026.”

The President commended Julius Berger, particularly the Project Manager, for ensuring steady progress on the project.

He called for enhanced collaboration with the Rivers State Government to develop trailer parks at both ends of the Bodo–Bonny Road, warning that indiscriminate parking by trucks would not be tolerated due to the potential damage it could cause.

He also urged traditional rulers in Bodo and Bonny, alongside the state government, to provide 20 plots of land for the trailer parks.

Also speaking at the flagship ceremony, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for rescuing the project from abandonment.

He appealed for continued federal government support, saying, “This is the temporary opening of the Bonny–Bodo Road but Mr President it is a permanent joy for the people of Bonny, Bodo and Rivers State.

“We thank you for what you are doing for the people of the Niger Delta Region. Because of our natural environment, we face different obstacles, like Oliver Twist, we will ask for more.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, also appreciated President Tinubu’s commitment to the Ogoni people and pledged continued support for his administration.

On his part, Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Mr Tim Nippert, confirmed that 35 kilometres of the dual carriageway are fully motorable and assured that the remaining sections will be completed in the first quarter of 2026.

The Bodo–Bonny Road, which features 11 bridges, is the first federal road to link the mainland directly to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria LNG and other multi-billion-dollar oil and gas assets.

The project, valued in billions of naira, was awarded on December 11, 2014, with construction commencing on October 20, 2017. It is being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

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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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