Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Daniel Onyejekwe, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly stabbing his neighbor, identified as Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, Delta State. Reports indicate that an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic loss of life.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.”

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Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja. An argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times. The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.

SP Edafe assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation was concluded.

Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sidelined his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, in the hierarchy of influential figures in the state.

During the 2025 New Year State Banquet at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara lauded former Governor Peter Odili as the alpha and omega of Rivers politics.

Addressing prominent political figures and stakeholders, Fubara assured Rivers people of his administration’s commitment to good governance and its determination to thwart any attempts by detractors to disrupt the government’s agenda.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chukwudi Nelson, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the support of key political figures, including former governors Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sir Austin Opara, and former deputy governor Sir Gabriel Toby.

He credited them and others with laying the foundational structures of Rivers politics and emphasized their continued influence in shaping the state’s future.

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“This year, we will protect the integrity of this state at all costs. We won’t allow anybody to take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight; we will address issues firmly,” Fubara stated.

Fubara dismissed his opposition’s capacity to challenge his administration effectively, saying: “The beginning and the end of politics in this state is Sir Peter Odili. If he is with us, alongside other respected leaders, who do they have?” he questioned.

The governor described Odili as the “right face and image” of Rivers State, commending his contributions and those of other distinguished leaders in shaping the state’s legacy.

He criticized the opposition for relying on superficial displays of support, contrasting it with the organic backing his administration enjoys.

Reflecting on 2024, Fubara acknowledged the challenges faced by his administration but maintained that the successes outweighed the setbacks.

Reiterating the “Rivers First” policy, he vowed to prioritize the safety and welfare of the state’s residents while raising the bar for governance.

“We will continue to protect lives and provide essential services. Raising the bar is our way of showing that we are undeterred by distractions. God sometimes allows the activities of evil people to keep righteous people vigilant,” he noted.

Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers

Why smoking cigarettes, taking alcohol not sins – Pastor Damina

Pastor Abel Damina, the founder of Abel Damina Ministries and Power City International, has sparked widespread debate following his New Year’s Eve sermon.

During the Tuesday service, he boldly stated that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are not sins, challenging long-held views within many Christian circles.

According to Pastor Damina, these acts have often been misrepresented as sinful, even though they are not inherently so.

He emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of scripture, urging Christians to avoid attaching spiritual condemnation to personal choices that do not violate biblical principles.

“I’ve told you alcohol is not a sin. I’ve told you cigar is not a sin. If you like, put it on newspaper headline, I said it,” Damina stated.

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However, he made it clear that he was not encouraging such behaviors, cautioning his audience to exercise wisdom.

“Am I saying you should smoke? You should have sense from your father’s house to know that cigar will cut short your life. Am I saying you should drink alcohol? You should know that if you drink alcohol, you will lie down inside a gutter. Your shirt and trousers will disappear. You should have the sense to know that.”

Damina’s sermon also addressed the theological basis for his views, challenging traditional interpretations of sin and morality.

Referencing the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he questioned the belief that their sin resulted from eating fruit from the forbidden tree.

“Adam and Eve ate nothing,” he said. “Adam and Eve didn’t eat anything. Were you there? You were not there. So how do we know whether they ate something or not? Jesus was there. Was Jesus there in the Garden of Eden? Yes. Can Jesus explain to us what happened? Yes.”

Citing Mark 7:18-21, he argued that sin is not caused by what one consumes but by the condition of the heart. “If they (Adam and Eve) ate, it’ll go to their stomach. It’ll digest and go to toilet. They’ll be free,”

Damina said. “There’s nothing a man eats that enters his heart. It’ll go to the digestive system, and it’ll go out somehow. It is what comes out of a man that defiles a man, not what goes in. What makes you a sinner is what you’re thinking, not what you’re eating.”

Why smoking cigarettes, taking alcohol not sins – Pastor Damina