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Category: Delta Update

  • Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    Storm -water drain project to end Asaba flooding – Commissioner 

    The  Delta Government has assured residents of Asaba and its environs that its ongoing storm-water control project will  provide lasting solutions to perennial flooding in the capital city.

    The state Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads) Mr  Reuben Izeze, gave the assurance at an inspection of the multi-billion-naira flood control measures on Tuesday in Asaba.

    Izeze expressed optimism that the project would be  ready for inauguration by December by the governor.

    The commissioner stated that the project when completed, would help to achieve the original storm-water master plan for Asaba, ensuring that flooding would  be a thing of the past.

    “By the time the entire stretch is delivered, it will transform Asaba into a flood-free city.”

    Izeze commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for keeping faith with his administration’s promise of meaningful development, realistic reforms, peace, and security.

    “Firstly, let me commend the audacity and courage of His Excellency in keeping the covenant he made with the people of Delta.  This project is part of that promise.

    “Haven  inspected the work from chainage 0 to 650, I can confidently say the quality of work is not in doubt, ” he said.

    The commissioner noted that the consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise the project.

    ”The consulting firm has demonstrated capacity and experience to supervise this very important project,” Izeze said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project when completed,  is expected to bring relief to residents and visitors, transforming Asaba into a more livable city.

  • Delta State partners FG, Private investors for growth,  food security

    In a major investment drive, Delta State Government recently conducted a virtual townhall engagement with diaspora indigenes in a bid to acquaint them with ongoing development strides in the state.

    The interactive session featured over thirty participants across the globe and was addressed by the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen.

    It was a no-holds barred mostly question-and-answer session where Indigenes of the state asked questions based on information available to them regarding current social, economic and political developments in the state.

    In an opening remark, Mr. Ekedayen told the Delta State Diaspora that indigenes of the state had never had any better than now as the State Governor, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwhori had done so much in the state in a space of less than two years.

    Delta ranks highly in prosperity index

    Mass literacy:

    In response to a question about the quality of education in the state, Mr. Ekedayen insisted that Delta state had become a major educational hub in the country.

    He buttressed the assertion by the fact that, as of date, the state has a total of 1,200 primary schools, 498 secondary schools, five colleges of nursing, three colleges of education four state owned universities and two polytechnics.

    No child of school age in Delta State that is prevented from schooling due to any failure of support policy.

    Payment of bursary allowance to indigenes in tertiary institutions.

    With a total of nine, Delta ranks highly among states with such number of vocational institutions.

    Economy:

    With a debt profile of N436billion at the inception of the current administration, the figure has been reduced drastically to N249billion.

    While responding to another participant named Oghenero, Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that with the state’s monthly wage bill at N16billion and Federal Allocation averaging N40billion monthly, the state government is in full compliance with its obligation to the workers.

    Agriculture and Food Security:

    The Commissioner disclosed that the state had commenced massive agricultural initiatives through Public/Private/Partnerships (PPP) to ensure food security. He cited as example, a collaborative engagement with the state of Malaysia for the large scale cultivation of oil palm in the state.

    The state has also signed onto the latest initiative of the Federal Government in the area of animal husbandry as a counter measure to stem the tide in Farmers/Herders clashes and the surge in violent crimes by arm-bearing Fulani pastoralists.

    Mr. Ekedayen assured his audience that the Government of Sheriff Oborevwhori had instituted Farm Rangers, a security outfit to protect indigenes while on their farms.

    He however, observed that even though the menace of terrorist herders was not rampant in the state, the government was equal to the task of securing the farmers.

      Development of Seaports

      The Commissioner informed a questioner that the Warri and Koko Ports are Federal Assets, which decisions regarding their usage are under policy oversight of the Federal Government.

      Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the two seaports are not completely idle. He said the Koko Port had been concessioned to the Koko/Kwale Free Trade Zone, with about 6-7 companies being involved.

      He disclosed that the Warri port is currently underutilised based on “economic capacity.” The Commissioner revealed that Warri port may have become “a bit too shallowdue to silting, therefore requiring dredging.

      “These are mere challenges that are not insurmountable,” he said.

    • Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

      Delta Govt approves N275bn for 76 projects across the state

      State Commissioner of Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu describes the approvals as record-breaking, outstanding and deafening to critics.

      Delta  Government has approved over N275 billion for the execution of 76 projects spanning different sectors across the three senatorial districts of the state.

      The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who disclosed this to newsmen, said it was among the approvals given at the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) meeting for 2025 on Thursday in Asaba.

      Aniagwu, was in company of his counterparts in Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze; Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen; Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme;

      Others are the Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah; his counterpart in Warri Uvwie and environs, Prince Godwin Ejinyere, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

      Aniagwu said the governor was determined to ensure the people of Delta get value for every money spent on projects in the state.

      “Not long ago, we informed you that Gov. Oborevwori is not interested in joining issues with critics but will be responding to them with projects.

      READ ALSO: Shake up: Kano judiciary sacks corrupt officials

      “But little did we know that his response is going to be so outstanding and deafening that even those who have some audio challenge will hear the sound.

      “Today, Gov. Oborevwori led us to make history since the 34 years existence of Delta State where, in one Exco meeting over N275 billion worth of projects were approved for the good people of Delta cutting across the three senatorial districts.

      “These projects span different sectors targeted at giving value to our people; improving connectivity by way of roads, advancing their health by way of efforts in the health sector and, of course, urban renewal by making our cities much more liveable.

      “Virtually all the projects we approved today are coming with 40 per cent mobilisation without our government having to go and borrow, and that tells you how solvent we are as a state, thanks to the very accountable and transparent governance philosophy of Gov. Oborevwori.”

      He said the council also approved the remodeling of the Warri City Stadium, describing it as a bold step to ensure that legacy projects were not in short supply in the state.

      READ ALSO: The six zonal political system and Nigeria’s stability and economic development

      Aniagwu listed some of the approved projects to include: construction of Uruagbesa Oria-Abraka Road, phase 1; construction of Egodo-Ogbeinbene Road, and the construction of Faculty B at the Southern Delta University, Orerokpe campus.

      Others are: the construction of Amai-Aragba road; construction of Inam-Abbi access road; construction of internal roads at Ugbolu Hilltop Government layout (Phase 1); the construction of Umuoshimi Road with spurs to Ogbe-Aku and market road in Onicha-Ugbo;

      Also the construction of Okerenkoko – Pepeama – Kokodiagbene road with a spur to Teiteipur in Warri South-West, and the construction of Benikrukru Township Roads (Phase II), the rehabilitation of Bomadi-Gbaregolor road, the construction of Okwetolor – Okobia – Aragba Road;

      The construction of Ogbe-Isogban Road in Abavo; Owa-Ewere Road in Owa-Oyibu; approval for upward review of Ayakoromo bridge; the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Okpanam Road from Post Office Junction to Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass Junction.

      The council equally approved the construction of Iwride-Iyede internal roads (Phase 1); the construction of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja Road phase 2, and the construction of Okwighele – Amuokpokpor Road, among others.

      READ ALSO: Nigeria’s children of the dumpsites

      On his part, the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Mr. Reuben Izeze, commended Gov. Oborevwori for the massive provision of 40 per cent mobilisation for all the approved projects.

      He said that no government in the state had shown more commitment to the sustained funding of projects than the Oborevwori administration.

      Izeze added that the governor had cleared outstanding certificates owed contractors, including N8 billion previously owed on the Trans-Warri Road and bridges, as well as putting the project on the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) module.

      He said additional storm drainage work was approved to take care of Koka Junction and Achalla-Ibusa area, in addition to what CCECC construction company was doing around Winners’ Chapel on Ibusa Road.

      He said the council also approved the upward review of Ayakoromo bridge with provision for ISPO, adding that review of the design of cloverleaf on Effurun Roundabout to ensure property owners around the area were not encumbered was also approved.

      Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said the council  approved N1.6bn for the Contributory Health Scheme and a monthly release of N100m to ensure sustainability of the health coverage for the people of the state.

    • Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

      Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science

      Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), in Public Policy and Strategy by Novena University, Ogume.

      According to the university, the honour was conferred on the governor in recognition of his “outstanding accomplishments in the governance of the state.”

      The conferment took place on Saturday during the institution’s 5th combined convocation ceremony at Amai campus in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

      Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori thanked the university for the recognition, adding that the honour was a motivation and a challenge to press forward in his vision to advance the State through his M.O.R.E Agenda.

      READ ALSO: Breaking: Obasa stages comeback bid, says I remain Lagos Assembly speaker

      According to him, “Our administration’s MORE agenda is a policy document that embodies priorities for sustainable social and economic development.

      “We hope to achieve this through infrastructural renewal, comprehensive programmes for youth training, development, and empowerment.

      “Creation of a conducive business and investment environment for local and foreign direct investments.

      “So far, we have recorded remarkable successes in advancing urban-rural integration through massive road construction as well as micro-credit and capacity building support for SMEs.

      “Going forward, we will consolidate on the progress made and ensure sustainability of our policies and programmes”.

      He lauded the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Chuks Ochonogor, for his clear vision, industry and dedication to offering quality higher education.

      “I note with pleasure that as the first private university in Delta State, Novena University has continued to live up to expectation with increased enrolment, expanding academic curricular and infrastructure upgrades.

      “I salute your courage, determination, resourcefulness and resilience. It would have been easier to deploy your hard-earned resources to trade and commerce for faster returns on investment.

      READ ALSO: Buhari returns to Nigeria after testifying in $2.3bn corruption case

      “But you chose to invest in the youths of this country; we appreciate you for this and posterity will forever be kind to you.”

      Oborevwori commended the academic and non-academic staff of the university for their sacrifice, commitment and contributions to building the citadel of learning urging the graduands to put to work what they had learnt from the institution.

      “Today, the university has certified that you have acquired the requisite knowledge of your fields, analytical abilities, self-awareness, and the skills that the university degree implies.

      “I want to believe that you have also imbibed the values that this university represents, values of hard work, discipline, innovation, honesty, and accountability.

      “As you step out into the world today, you must be ready to embrace change, because we are living in a world of rapid changes. Change can be unsettling. It can create great tension, anxiety, and uncertainty.

      “But it can also open doors to wonderful new beginnings. So, you must be prepared for change, sometimes, changes in life may appear sudden, drastic, and dramatic.

      “But instead of deterring you, they should serve as a motivation for you to break new frontiers.”

      The Chancellor of the University, HRM King Alfred Diete-Spiff, said Novena University was a big lesson for the Nigerian state exemplified by hard work of the Pro-Chancellor.

      READ ALSO: Troops neutralise Abu Mosaje, terrorist commander, gun runner, 96 others

      He urged Nigerian leaders to work with vision, sincerity and conscience in building a better Nigeria.

      The Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Chuks Ochonogor, said the ceremony was a testament to 20 years impactful service to the people.

      “The university has enhanced the economy of the host communities by creating employments and profitable economic activities for the self-employed as well as contractors, traders and landlords.

      “The university which commenced academic activities in the 2005/2006 session with three colleges, now had seven colleges, including the Colleges of Medicine and Law,” he said.

      Welcoming guests earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Godwin Nduka, said the university ‘stands out’ as the first private university in Delta State.

      He said the university boasts of great diversity with the current Vice-Chancellor being the first Deltan to become head of the institution since inception twenty years ago.

      The Vice-Chancellor lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his numerous strides in the areas of prompt payment of salaries, including the new minimum wage, pensions, security of life and properties.

      At the ceremony, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, was among the graduands with Master of Science degree in Accounting.

    • Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

      Gov Oborevwori urges Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies

      Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has charged Nigerians to shun inflammatory remarks and divisive tendencies to ensure  sustainable peace, unity and development of the nation.

      The governor gave the charge at a special Interdenominational Thanksgiving mass in commemoration of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the Emmanuel The Saviour Catholic Church, on Sunday in  Asaba.

      Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said Nigerians emulate the  sacrifices and commitment of fallen heroes  and pursue the path of peace, unity, and justice.

      READ ALSO: Oborevwori Unveils Plans for Asaba International market, Others in 20025

      He called on all to pray for global peace at this time, especially for the peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestinian crisis  and the Russia-Ukraine war.

      The governor said the thanksgiving service was part of activities lined up to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, a day set aside to honour the nation’s fallen heroes and legionnaires.

      He said that it was also a platform for sober reflection on the past, present and future of the country.

      The governor noted that many compatriots paid the ultimate price to protect  the sovereignty of the nation  and preserve its unity.

      He lauded them for their bravery, courage and abiding faith in Nigeria.

      READ ALSO: Delta Govt, APC in War of Words Over Rumoured Gov Oborevwori’s Defection

      The governor challenged all to support the legionnaires  , their widows and children .

      The governor  said that the state government was committed to supporting the legionnaires in various ways.

      He also called on the legionnaires to reciprocate government’s gesture by organising themselves and embarking on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of ex-servicemen and that of their families.

      The governor urged those in positions of trust to lead with the fear of God  for them to be able to make the right choices and decisions that  would deliver good governance to the people.

      READ ALSO: Delta Gov Shuffles Cabinet, Aniagwu Takes Over Information Ministry

      In his sermon, Monsignor John Aduba, the Rector of Saint Joseph Pro Cathedral, Asaba, noted that the service was to celebrate members of the armed forces still serving and to remember the fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the unity of the nation.

      Aduba thanked them for their selfless service to the nation and reminded them  of the need to give special attention to the needs of the families of fallen heroes.

      The  ceremony to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day will be concluded on Wednesday at the Cenotaph, Asaba, with laying of wreaths.

    • EFCC Siezes Okowa’s Passport 

      EFCC Siezes Okowa’s Passport 

      The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has seized the international passport of Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State Governor, amid investigations into an alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion. 

      The funds, linked to the 13% oil derivation allocation from 2015 to 2023, reportedly lacked proper accounting under his administration.  

      Okowa, who also faces allegations of investing N40 billion in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and acquiring an 8% equity stake in a major Nigerian bank, was taken into custody on November 4, 2024.

       He has since been granted bail, with a requirement to submit his travel documents to the EFCC as investigations continue.  

      The agency is scrutinizing these transactions for potential mismanagement, as they aim to prevent any attempt to evade justice. 

      Okowa has denied the accusations, attributing them to political motives, and expressed confidence in clearing his name.  

      The EFCC’s probe into Okowa’s administration has reignited public discourse on the financial accountability of former governors.

    • Budget 2025: Delta State Govt engages indigenes in a Webinar

      Budget 2025: Delta State Govt engages indigenes in a Webinar

      Furthering a tradition of citizens’ participation, Delta state government last Sunday engaged indigenes in a global townhall dialogue to harvest their input into the 2025 budget of the state via a webinar.

       

      Sonny Ekedayen, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning says the webinar, the second in the series, represents Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s novelty of “running a people-centric governance model that takes citizen’s views seriously.”

       

      Mr. Ekedayen says, regardless of the location or status, indigens of the state were accorded opportunity through the webinar to interrogate government actions, decisions and policies in a bid to ensure greater accountability, transparency and robust citizens participation in the decision making process on the 2025 budget.

      Meet Sunday Ekedayen: Delta State's visionary Commissioner for Economic Planning
      Sonny Ekedayen, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning

      He informed Nigerian Anchor that the webinar was organised by Delta State Government through the Ministry of Economic Planning, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Civic Engagement and Civil Society led by Rex Anighoro.

       

      Mr. Sonny Ekedayen stated that prior to the webinar,  his office already held a physical citizens’ budget engagement comprising of the organised sectors such as the traditional institutions, community leadership, the clergy, private sector, women, youths, people living with disabilities and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

       

      ” There is nothing that can be more important than having engagement with the people whom the budget is being prepared,” Mr. Ekedayen said, emphasising:

      “I want to put it out there that the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is a peoplecentric Governor, everything he does and thinks is on how he can impact the people…and he takes the citizens views seriously.”

       

      The Commissioner enthused that the 2024 budget now being operated has recorded appreciable performance   because it is a product of citizens engagement.

       

      “In the past one year we have made some progress in our fiscal space,” he said.

       

      “We have a budget of N724.9Billion for the year 2024 with N316.7Billion budgeted for recurrent expenditure, which is 44% of the budget. N408.3Billion was budgeted for Capital expenditure, representing 56℅ of the budget,” he reported.

      He disclosed that, “As at half year, the revenue performance of the budget stood at N523.6Billion, representing 144.4℅, while reccurrent expenditure stands at N121.8Bllion out of 316.7Billion representing 76.92% performance.”

       

      He said, in terms of capital expenditure, “Government has spent N135.3Billion out of N408.3Billion earmarked, this represents 66.37℅ performance.” He called on the citizens especially those in the Civil Society to verify his claims.

       

      Showcasing some of the achievements of the Government in the year under review, he made it known that Delta State Government has committed N5Billon in ensuring that the salaries and promotion arrears of the Delta State State Civil Servants were paid as at when due in pursuit of strengthening industrial harmony and stability in the State.

       

      He also stated that a N40Billion loan guarantee was granted the Local Governments Councils to help clear their salary and promotion arrears backlog which demoralized the civil servants.

       

      Continuing, the commissioner mentioned that the State Government has ensured the employment of 3,000 teaching and essential non teaching staff for Primary Schools, averring that the Delta State Government takes seriously the good and welfare of it’s workforce both at the State and Local Government levels.

       

      Further, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, stated that there is a massive infrastructural development ongoing across the State especially in the Uvwie and Warri axis of the State with the engagement of Julius Berger to undertake major construction work which includes flyovers. He also made it known that the completion and commissioning of the massive State High Court Complex Asaba which construction has spanned nearly ten years was worthy of mention.

       

      Furthermore, he stated that the Delta State Government has reduced significantly it’s debt stock from N465.3Billion at the inception of the present administration to N303.4Billion as at 30th June 2024.

       

      Speaking about diversifying the Economy, the Commissioner spoke about Delta State Government bold and innovative steps to harness the Green Economic Space with a view of harvesting carbon credit for sale noting that this alternative and complementary revenue sources for the state will create thousands of jobs for Delta Citizens across board.

    • Delta recruits 120 officers to manage herders/farmers’ clashes

      Delta recruits 120 officers to manage herders/farmers’ clashes

      The Delta State Government has announced the recruitment of 120 State Livestock Management Officers to address herder/farmer clashes and ensure seamless farming activities across the state.
      The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, made this known on Thursday in Asaba while urging journalists to engage in farming to bridge the hunger gap and enhance food security in the country.
      Arenyeka explained that issues of criminality and the herder/farmer crisis fall within the remit of the Federal Government, adding, “As a state, we initially recruited 50 SLMOs and are now engaging an additional 70 officers to monitor farming activities across the 25 Local Government Areas.”
      He continued, “I believe those involved in the herder/farmer crisis are criminal elements pretending to be herders, and it is up to the Federal Government to tackle these challenges.”
      The Commissioner emphasised that addressing the current food shortage and ensuring food security requires everyone, including journalists, to participate in farming.
      He noted that agriculture has evolved from manual to technology-driven methods, stressing that it is the responsibility of Nigerians to feed themselves rather than rely on other countries.
      Earlier, the Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, encouraged the Commissioner to explore and deploy all available resources towards achieving food security and job creation, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
      He added that the state’s empowerment programme, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would extend to those involved in farming.
    • Delta Flags Off 4th Tranche of D-CARES to Boost Economic Resilience

      Delta Flags Off 4th Tranche of D-CARES to Boost Economic Resilience

      Delta State government commences the fourth tranche of Delta Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (D-CARES), doling out grants of varying sums to 97,365, bringing the total to 110,000 beneficiaries.
      At an event, today, Tuesday, 17th September 2024, at the Dome Event Centre in Asaba, presided over by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori, alongside key dignitaries, indigenes of the state had live-changing encounters as they were granted various sums in cash and tools to activate their economic potentials.
      The Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen announced a formal name change of the programme, now titled Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES).

      Meet Sunday Ekedayen: Delta State's visionary Commissioner for Economic Planning
      Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori (left) in a handshake with Mr. Sunday Ekedayen

      This initiative, originally designed as part of a national effort to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been instrumental in supporting the poor and vulnerable across Delta State.
      To date, over 110,000 beneficiaries have been impacted by grants, livelihood support, and improved rural infrastructure.
      The 4th tranche aims to reach an additional 97,365 beneficiaries across six platforms, including cash transfers, public works, livelihood support, rural infrastructure, agricultural inputs, and MSME support.
      The Commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.
      With over 200,000 Deltans reached since the programme’s inception, the D-CARES initiative continues to play a pivotal role in fostering economic resilience and inclusivity across the state.
    • Gunmen Ambush Delta Lawmaker’s Wife, Kill Police Escorts, Driver

      Gunmen Ambush Delta Lawmaker’s Wife, Kill Police Escorts, Driver

      Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot dead two mobile policemen and a driver while kidnapping the wife of a Delta State lawmaker, Mrs. Christy Uroye, along Jakpan road in Uvwie Local Government area of the state.
      It was learnt that the incident occurred on Monday, around 7 p.m.
      Eyewitnesses said the security personnel and the driver were killed on the spot before the kidnappers took Uroye away.
      “Unfortunately for the kidnappers, their getaway car had an accident while escaping, which enabled the woman who is the wife of a Delta State House of Assembly Member, Hon. Augustine Uroye, to escape,” an eyewitness said.
      A distressing video has circulated on social media, showing the aftermath of the attack. The footage depicts the fallen policemen and the commotion around Uroye’s SUV, with passersby seen grieving.
      It was gathered that Uroye is receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
      “Her condition remains under medical care as authorities investigate the incident,” a source said.
      The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incidents, stating that, “the operation was not successful.”