News

Alleged Cable Theft: Edo Community Thrown Into Darkness; Monarch Fingers BEDC Officials

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2023

The Traditional Ruler and residents of Ugbegun community in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State have cried over an alleged vandalization of Benin Electricity Distribution Company , BEDC, a development that has thrown the community into total darkness for over six weeks.

The community also fingered a staff of BEDC caught vandalizing armored cables.

They explain that the suspect was handed over to the police for prosecution but was later said released in a suspicious manner which further worsened the situation.

They claimed the action of the community leaders and vigilantes in apprehending the said BEDC staff and handing him over to the police was behind the reasons why the BEDC officials had remained adamant in restoring electricity to the “peaceful agrarian community. ”

According to the community, the plan to cover up the crime perpetrated by the said officials has crippled business activities in the community, calling on the BEDC management and other relevant authority to come to their aid.

Speaking on the development, the traditional ruler of Ugebgun, His Royal Highness, Samuel Obade (JP) and the Itohan of the community, Chief Mathew Emiohe lamented over the suffering of the community due to non-availability of electricity occasioned by the cable theft.

Obade said, “We have been mandated to defend our facilities in our domain and that we have always done. Sometimes in August we increased our vigilance arising from what we heard from neighboring clans and we caught someone in Ikiogbe substation but he ran away. We caught the second person vandalizing armored cable at the sub-station and was handed over to the police.

RRAD ALSO: Hope Rises For Edo Residents As Oshodin Drags Akobe To Stage

“This last one that happened was the Engineer in charge of Igueben sub-station called Charles. The vigilante saw him red-handed. A day before they saw him take a ladder from someone’s house, climb the high tension and loosen the cable with the pretense that he was clearing grass around the transformer.

“We have a force station in Ugbegun with over five staff and if he has no ulterior motive he should have ask the staff to come and clear grass around the sub-station. The vigilante saw Engineer Charles on motor bike with another person behind him holding the armored cable. We called in the police but they were neither here nor there.”

Corroborating the position of the traditional ruler, Emiohe called for the immediate restoration of power, saying residents have been thrown into total darkness since the theft.

Contacted, the Public Relation Officer, BEDC, Evelyn Gbewen, denied knowledge of the incidence, saying they are yet be briefed on the matter.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

11 minutes ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

32 minutes ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

2 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.