Urhobo Group Demands Apology from Sahara Reporters Over Alleged Defamation of Petroleum Training Institute,Effurun

By Wilson Macaulay,

WARRI.

Engr.Dr.Samuel Onoji.
Principal & Chief Executive Officer, Petroleum Training Institute,Effurun.

The National Urhobo Vanguard Apex Body has issued a stern condemnation of Sahara Reporters over what it described as “malicious and misleading falsehoods” against the management of the Petroleum Training Institute (P.T.I), Effurun, Delta State.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, and jointly signed by Hon. Bamwa Austine (Chairman) and Chief Daniel Umukoro, the group described the publication as a calculated attempt to dent the reputation of the institute and mislead the general public with unverified claims of flooded classrooms and snake-infested hostels.

The body, which represents a coalition of Urhobo interest groups across the nation, said it carried out an independent assessment of P.T.I facilities and found the allegations to be baseless and malicious.

“As a socio-cultural watchdog committed to truth and transparency, we visited the campus and discovered that all classrooms, hostels, and equipment are in excellent condition, with modern drainage systems in place to prevent any form of flooding,” the statement read in part.

The group further warned that if Sahara Reporters fails to tender a public apology in three national dailies within seven days, legal action would be taken to seek redress.

“This kind of journalism is unethical and dangerous. It undermines institutions that are working hard and progressing. P.T.I remains one of the most respected academic institutions in the Niger Delta,” the statement added.

The National Urhobo Vanguard Apex Body called on the general public to disregard the false report, noting that such publications only serve to distract from the developmental strides made by the institute.
The body referred the public to the Sahara Reporters’ report that called for its reaction,citing part of it.

“Despite ₦39 Billion Budget, Students At Nigeria’s Petroleum Training Institute Study In Flooded Classrooms, Snake‑Infested Hostels.”

“Despite a ₦39 billion federal allocation, many classrooms at PTI, Effurun are allegedly flooded.

“Hostels are reportedly infested with snakes, creating a hazardous environment for students.”

According to the body,the report cited anonymous testimonies from students who claimed their lecture halls were submerged, and hostels were crawling with reptiles, posing serious safety risks.

“Unfortunately, Sahara Reporters did not include photographs or videos to support these claims. What you see above represents the central assertions made in their article,” the apex body noted.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.