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Tag: Edo State

  • Tension as gunmen kill woman, abduct husband in Edo

    Tension as gunmen kill woman, abduct husband in Edo

    Gunmen have reportedly killed a woman and abducted her husband in an attack that sparked tension in Ubuneke-Ivbiaro community in Owan East Local Government of Edo State.

    Sources said the incident, which occurred around 8:00 p.m., saw the assailants invade the residence of Mr Arimazoya Abona, shooting his wife in the neck before taking him away into the bush.

    One of the sources told NAN on Tuesday that neighbours, drawn by gunshots, rushed to the scene only to find the woman lying lifeless in front of the house, drenched in her own blood.

    The source said Agbona, believed to be in his 70s, had already been whisked away by the attackers, adding that the incident occurred on May 18.

    “In a desperate attempt to rescue the abducted man, community youths mobilised and pursued the gunmen into the forest, but their efforts yielded no success.

    “Security agencies swiftly responded, with personnel of the Nigeria Police from Afuze Divisional Headquarters and the Nigerian Army visiting the crime scene.

    The woman’s body has since been deposited in a morgue,” the source said.

    The abductors were said to have reached out to the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release.

    Confirming the incident, CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson of the police in Edo, said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the crime.

  • Edo Assembly Deputy Speaker resigns, gives reason

    Edo Assembly Deputy Speaker resigns, gives reason

    The Deputy Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko (PDP- Esan North East II) has voluntarily resigned her position due to the minority status of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Assembly.

    Oligbi-Edeko was elected Deputy Speaker of the 8th Assembly on June 16, 2023, and served in that capacity until her resignation.

    In her resignation speech, the former deputy speaker said that she resigned her position to allow for justice, fairness, and equity for all the constituencies.

    She thanked the leaders and members of the PDP for finding her worthy to represent her constituency in the assembly.

    Lawmakers in the House took turns to praise her unwavering dedication, passion for public service, and the high level of integrity she consistently demonstrated throughout her tenure.

    Many of the lawmakers described her as a committed leader whose contributions left a lasting impact on the legislative process during her tenure as deputy speaker

    Meanwhile, Mr Osamwonyi Atu (APC-Orhionmwon East), has emerged the new deputy speaker after a unanimous vote by members.

    Following the former deputy speaker’s resignation, the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC-Esan West) moved that all the entitlement due to the office of the deputy speaker should be accorded her.

    The motion was seconded by the minority leader, Charity Airobarueghian (PDP-Ovia North East 1), while other lawmakers supported and adopted the motion.

  • Uproar as Edo assembly appoints new PDP whip

    Uproar as Edo assembly appoints new PDP whip

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday nominated Mr Eugene Inegbeboh (PDP, Igueben) as the new Minority Whip of the Edo State House of Assembly.

    His nomination came following the defection of the former Minority Whip, Mr Yekini Idiaye (Akoko-Edo I), to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    At the plenary in Benin, the Speaker of the House, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, read a letter from the state PDP chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, officially nominating Inegbeboh for the position.

    The announcement, however, triggered a rowdy session after Mr Addeh Isibor (APC, Esan North-East I) challenged the legitimacy of the nomination, claiming that Aziegbemi’s chairmanship was being contested in court.

    His objection was quickly countered by other lawmakers, including Minority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, who described Isibor’s claim as misleading.

    Agbebaku intervened to calm the situation, stating that the House had no authority over internal party matters and urged members to let the issue rest.

    Meanwhile, the House also passed a bill to establish the Edo State Public-Private Partnership Agency, aimed at enhancing infrastructural development across the state.

  • Police arrest 95 suspected cultists in Edo

    Police arrest 95 suspected cultists in Edo

    The police in Edo state have arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered two locally-made pistols, one single-barrel shotgun and 24 live cartridges/ammunition in the sustained intelligence-driven raids of their enclaves in Benin and environs in the past week.

    The suspected cultists, according to Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), belonged to the notorious Maphites, Eiye and Aye confraternities, and were suspected to be responsible for the cult supremacy killings in Edo.

    Yamu said: “Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, fdc, urges parents and guardians to keep a tab on the activities of their children and wards, in order to curb the menace of cultism.

    “Edo CP further warns youths in the state to desist from joining unlawful societies that can only dim their future, and ultimately claim their lives or those of other innocent persons.”

     

  • Gunmen kill man, abduct pregnant wife, sister in Edo

    Gunmen kill man, abduct pregnant wife, sister in Edo

    The Police Command in Edo State has confirmed the killing of one Friday Pius and the abduction of his pregnant wife and her sister by suspected kidnappers in the State.

    The incident happened in Uluoke community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of the st6ate.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said police operatives have been deployed to the area.

    According to him, the operatives are working with local vigilantes and hunters to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the attackers.

    “The Command is aware. Necessary deployments have been made in that regard. Our men have sustained bush combing and rescue operations with a view to rescuing the victims,” Yamu stated.

    The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, when gunmen stormed the residence of the deceased between 1am and 2am.

    Witnesses said the assailants shot Pius dead and kidnapped his pregnant wife and her sister, leaving behind his three children crying beside their father’s corpse.

    Residents were said to have been afraid to respond to the gunshots until the attackers had fled.

    “When people finally came out after the gunfire stopped, the man was found in a pool of his own blood, and his wife and her sister had been taken away,” a community source said.

    In response to the incident, the source said women from the community took to the streets in protest, demanding improved security and government intervention.

    One of the protesting women, who identified herself as Rashidetu, said the protest was not just about the killing and kidnapping, but the general insecurity in the area.

    “We can’t go to our farms anymore. Herdsmen have taken over, uprooting cassava to feed their cows and kidnapping or killing anyone who tries to stop them,” she said.

    She called on the security agencies to urgently address the growing insecurity in the area, noting that residents now live in fear and have lost access to their livelihoods.

  • EHICHIOYA EZOMON: Idumabi Community in Edo State convenes for reunion at Easter

    EHICHIOYA EZOMON: Idumabi Community in Edo State convenes for reunion at Easter

    By *Ehichioya Ezomon*

    This weekend of the 2025 Easter Celebrations of the death and risen of Jesus Christ, all roads lead to Idumabi Community in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo Central of Edo State, Nigeria, for the annual Easter Convention on the platform of Idumabi Development Association (IDA) Worldwide, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registered Trustee for the Community.
      With the expected attendance of Idumabi Sons and Daughters from within and outside Nigeria, the Convention, which holds every Easter season, is a period for socialising and get-together, to take stock and discuss issues affecting the Community.
      Topmost on the agenda are the welfare of the people, and self-help and self-finance developments that have been the bedrock of the Community; while also exploring avenues to attract government’s intervention for the provision of basic amenities. 
      The Convention also offers an opportunity for the recognition of worthy Sons and Daughters, and outsiders, who have, over the years, contributed immensely to the development of the Community.
      This year’s Convention on Sunday, April 20, 2025, is unique in the sense that the last one took place in 2021, with subsequent Conventions shuttered due to the lingering economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and demise of several community people, thus necessitating postponement of the gatherings as a mark of last respects to the beloved departed.
      The Convention proper will be preceded by a grand reunion party on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Community Square, featuring a Live Band, and other side attractions, and a sumptuous entertainment of varying cuisines, the flagship being “pounded yam (iyan) and ohiele (ogbono)/ikpekpan (egusi)/edin (banga) soups,” for which Esan people of Esanland are famous and renowned globally. So, as they say in local parlance, “Rice and Stew Very Plenty (RSVP).”
      Notably, this Convention is powered by the IDUMABI DEVELOPMENT FORUM (IDF), a miniature body within the larger Association, formed to conceive fresh ideas, and add impetus and drive to whatever developmental plans are earmarked for implementation in the Community. 
      The Forum, inaugurated on November 20, 2024, has Members drawn from an array of diverse professions and backgrounds; and they are in charge of organising the Convention, so as to attain a seamless and successful outing befitting, and adequately compensating for the few lost years.
      Days to the Convention, the Organisers, who have been coordinating activities via weekly Zoom meetings with those on ground in the Community, say they are ready and good to go, with the planning, protocol, logistics and catering departments working in tandem for a memorable and an unforgettable occasion.
      For the safe arrival and departure of all attendees to the Convention, a full-month Mass has been booked with the Community-based Catholic Church, covering pre, during and post-the Convention periods.
      To our Sons and Daughters, who are coming home for the first time, or after a long absence, and the invited Guests and well-wishers, who may not be aware, Idumabi Community is host to the first cutting-edge private institution of higher learning in Esan Central – the Mudiame University, Irrua (MUI).
      Approved and established in 2021, the University is founded by Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh, the Managing Director of Mudiame International Limited, who is a strong pillar and an illustrious son of Idumabi Community. So, the University is a tourist destination of some sorts for the Convention goers.
      The National President of Idumabi Development Association Worldwide, who doubles as the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Dr Godfrey I. Adudu, and the Committee Secretary and Vice Chairman of IDA, Lagos Branch, Mr Precious S.E. Idiake, welcome everyone to this year’s Convention with open arms of joy, friendship and fellowship. Idumabi Oyee, Oyee! Esan Oyee, Oyee!! Bhabulu! Egbe fubhare!! God bless you all!!!

  • After Uromi 16, another set of ‘hunters’ from Kano nabbed in Edo with arms, ammunition

    After Uromi 16, another set of ‘hunters’ from Kano nabbed in Edo with arms, ammunition

    The Edo State Police Command has disclosed that another set of four hunters who came from Kano State were intercepted by operatives of the Edo Security Network with arms and ammunition when they arrived in the state.

    This is coming barely two weeks after 16 hunters from Kano were killed in Uromi.

    Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, Moses Yamu, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen late Saturday night.

    He said the discourse became necessary in order to dispel the misinformation currently ongoing on social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at a hotel in the state and handed over to the police.

    According to the statement, contrary to the report, those apprehended were hunters and not herdsmen.

    In the statement, the suspects were named as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu.

    According to the statement, items – three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers were recovered from the suspects.

    The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command is aware of misinformation on social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street after Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, Orogbeni Quarters and handed over to the police.

    “The command wishes to inform the general public that four suspects: Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station.

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen. They were from Doguwa in Kano State, heading to Uvbe community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing.

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    “The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, wishes to use this opportunity to discourage residents of the state from circulating wrong information capable of causing unnecessary tension

  • Edo Guber: Ighodalo gives reasons why he’s challenging Tribunal’s verdict

    Edo Guber: Ighodalo gives reasons why he’s challenging Tribunal’s verdict

    The flag bearer of the Edo Guber election, Asue Ighodalo has given reasons why he is challenging the verdict of the Edo Petition Tribunal judgement.

    Hear him: “I have instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision which we consider a huge travesty of justice.

    “This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn,” Asue Ighodalo, Edo Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship candidate in September 21, 2024 election.

    He spoke in response to the Wednesday verdict by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election.

    Read Asue Ighodalo’s reaction published in extenso hereunder:

    STATEMENT ON THE EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL

    My good people of Edo State,

    “Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment in our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21st, 2024 Governorship election in our dear State.

    “While we all may not agree with the verdict, we however remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy. Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.

    “As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement. However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)

    “From the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey. For us, it has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear Pathway to Prosperity for all Edo People while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.

    “I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision which we consider a huge travesty of justice. This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn.

    We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.

  • Tension as Edo Gubernatorial Election Tribunal set to deliver verdict, Wednesday

    Tension as Edo Gubernatorial Election Tribunal set to deliver verdict, Wednesday

    The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has scheduled its judgment for Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

    Recall the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2024 election. Okpebholo triumphed over Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).

    The tribunal had reserved judgment in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who are challenging Okpebholo’s victory. They are alleging electoral irregularities such as over-voting, ballot non-serialization, improper collation, and computation errors.

    Throughout the hearings, the petitioners called 19 witnesses and subpoenaed a Senior Technical Officer from INEC’s ICT department, who presented 154 BVAS machines to support the over-voting claims.

    INEC, Okpebholo, and the APC are the first to third respondents in the case marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024. INEC did not call any witnesses to counter the petitioners’ claims. Okpebholo called one witness, while the APC called four before closing their defense.

    The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, announced that the judgment date would be communicated to all parties by the Secretary of the tribunal.

    During the hearings, the petitioners’ lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), formally adopted their final written address. INEC’s counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the case lacked merit and urged the tribunal to dismiss it, pointing out that the petitioners’ polling unit agents had signed the result sheets and could not distinguish between what they heard and observed.

    Agabi further criticized the petitioners for failing to present alternative results or credible evidence to support their claims, describing the allegations of non-compliance as weak. On behalf of Okpebholo, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) emphasized that the APC candidate won through valid votes, countering the petitioners’ claims about non-serialization of materials and over-voting.

    APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, also adopted the final address, stating that the petitioners failed to provide enough witnesses to support their case and criticized their limited focus on just five polling units out of over 4,000 in the state.

    In response, petitioners’ counsel, Ken Morzi (SAN), clarified that their complaints were confined to 765 polling units and argued that the case should be assessed comprehensively, not just by the percentage of contested polling units. He stressed that their primary issue was with the transformation of 25 votes into 525 at the collation centers.

  • Okpebholo’s victory: Edo governorship tribunal set for judgement

    Okpebholo’s victory: Edo governorship tribunal set for judgement

    The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will on Wednesday, deliver judgment in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo.

    The PDP and Ighodalo are challenging the decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner of the poll.

    They alleged that the election was marred by irregularities.

    The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had, on March 3, reserved judgment in the petition after parties adopted their final written addresses.

    The tribunal will deliver  judgment in the three petitions marked: EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 and EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.

    The tribunal had, on Jan. 31, admitted in evidence, 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System Machines (BVAS) that were used during the conduct of the disputed governorship poll.

    The electronic devices were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of INEC, Anthony Itodo, and admitted in evidence by the panel.

    The petitioners had subpoenaed INEC to produce the BVAS machines that were used in 133 polling units where election results are being disputed.

    INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured a total of 291, 667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got a total of 247, 655 votes.

    Dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

    The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    However, APC and Okpebholo urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions for being baseless, arguing that the petitioners had failed to substantiate the allegations in their petitions.