News

Community Seeks Police Intervention Over Alleged Plans by Neighbouring Communities To Cause Communal Crisis

Published

5 years ago

November 11, 2020

The inhabitants of Oke-Oroma village in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State are seeking Police intervention and protection over alleged impending plans by neighbouring Amagba and Obazagbon villages to promote communal unrest.

Oke-Oroma in a petition by their solicitor to the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command and made available to Journalists in Benin, stressed that inhabitants of the community had become weary of alleged imminent plans by the said neighbouring villages whom reportedly are in connection with top government functionaries to invade them in the guise of searching for the fleeing Inmates of the recent jail breaks in the state which they claimed to have taken up refuge at Oke-Oroma village.

The petition reads in part; “That on Saturday November 7, 2020 some youths of our clients neighbouring villages, Amagba and Obazagbon started jubilating, shooting guns into the air, shouting and boasting to the hearing of our clients that they have the backing of top government official who had given them clearances to sieze our clients village.

“While the jubilation and chanting rent the air, the jubilating thugs confirmed that, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and his other cohorts had met with top government official to help, said villages, apply and secure armed policemen to accompany them into our clients village in the guise of rearresting absconded Inmates of the Benin and Oko Prisons who are not even in their community; thereby, using it as a medium to commit and or accomplish the intended crimes as planned by Amagba with the help of Obazagbon Village whose aim is to wipe out the leadership of our client’s community in other to have full control of same.

“This plan came up again, after our clients revealed the two villages initial plans through it petition dated September 2, 2020 to exploit through the recently conducted Governorship Election of September 19, 2020, as medium to enter into our clients community and cause mayhem afterwards.”

According to the Solicitor, the decision to explore this means is connected to a continuation of several incidents of attack, particularly the one in February 19, 2020, allegedly orchestrated by same neighbouring villages against the people of Oke-Oroma which left many dead, property worth millions destroyed in the process.

The Solicitor affirmed that, peace was gradually returning to the community and inhabitants settling down after the turbulent crisis when a new one is being allegedly hatched by the neighbouring Amagba and Obazagbon communities, adding that this could portray the image of the state in bad light if nothing is done to arrest the looming crisis.

He said everal persons from the neighbouring villages were alleged to have masterminded the past attacks that drew the attention of the authority for interventions following similar petitions from the Oke-Oroma over lingering boundary dispute.

The Solicitor, however, urged the Police authority to intervene and stop the allegation of intending crimes in the locality

Recall that the leadership of Oke-Oroma had raised similar alarm that they received threats of attack from the afformentioned villages which was however, documented and presently being investigated at the AIG Zone five, Benin City after the said attacks were successfully carried out by same villages.

Meanwhile, responding to the allegation, one of the accused, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, admitted to have informed the state government of the activities around the village.

He noted that, “the level of kidnapping activities have become alarming, and would be unfair to let criminal activities continue without firm attention”.

I can’t denied what I said, I was the one who alarted the authority about criminal events there. I was accused by the authority of letting criminal to operate unhurt. I told them those criminal elements are not from Amagba but from nearby village. By reporting their activities, I don’t think it’s wrong

He disclosed that those who engaged in such act are detractors who wants to smear his name and integrity.

News

Read How Ex-Edo IDP Became A PhD Student In US Varsity

Published

2 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

Ishaku Amos, a native of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, on Wednesday narrated how his life was transformed from displacement to academic excellence.

Amos, who currently pursues a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois, Chicago, in the United States, spoke when he paid a visit to the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) at the Home for the Needy Foundation in Uhogua, Edo State.

The excited Amos, who once lived in Home for the Needy Foundation,
said the organisation played a decisive role in changing the course of his life.

According to him, after completing his undergraduate studies at Edo State University, Iyamho, he secured a scholarship for doctoral studies abroad.

He narrated how he left Nigeria in August with the support of Pastor Solomon Folorunsho, Coordinator of the IDP Camp in Uhogua.

“I had never travelled outside Nigeria before. I grew up in the North and in the camp, so everything was new to me. Having him accompany me made the transition easier and gave me confidence.”

Amos explained that adjusting to life in the United States would have been difficult without that support.

“It was a new culture, a new system and a different weather. But I was prepared. I was guided on what to expect and how to adapt, so I didn’t experience culture shock. He made sure I was comfortable before returning to Nigeria.”

Speaking on his past, Amos described himself as a victim of terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.

“Anyone who says these things are not happening should listen to my story.

“I know what I suffered. People sometimes talk because they have not experienced it. When you have lived through killings and displacement, you can never deny the reality,” he said.

He expressed deep gratitude to the Home for the Needy Foundation, saying words were not enough to appreciate what the organisation did for him and thousands of others.

“They changed my narrative and my understanding of life. Despite our trauma, they never gave up on us. They paid for our exams even when we failed and had to try again. They kept telling us to focus and try one more time.”

Amos said his experience has inspired him to give back to society and support vulnerable people in the future.

He also appealed to the Borno State Government and lawmakers from his area to support displaced indigenes.

“They know we exist and that we are Borno indigenes, but we have been ignored for too long. We are calling on them to clear outstanding school fees and provide scholarships. We will continue to call until something is done.”

News

Minister Suspends Aide Over 2027 Governorship Election Write-up

Published

4 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has formally distanced himself from a political article titled “Malagi 2027,” which speculated on potential scenarios ahead of the 2027 Niger State governorship election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the minister’s office clarified that the article was published without authorization by one of his aides, Sa’idu Enagi, emphasizing that the opinions expressed do not represent Idris’ views or intentions.

“The write-up and all its contents are hereby vehemently disclaimed,” the statement affirmed, urging the public to disregard the publication.

The statement noted that the minister remains fully dedicated to his duties at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and has no interest in, nor tolerance for political distractions or premature electioneering.

It further stressed that he neither approved nor directed the publication of the write-up.

Following the incident, the minister has ordered an immediate investigation, and the aide responsible has been suspended with immediate effect.

The statement also underscored the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship between the minister and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, highlighting their joint commitment to the development and stability of the state.

“Speculations about the 2027 elections would be inimical to these noble objectives,” the statement added.

The disclaimer was signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the minister.

News

How To Calculate Your Taxable Income

Published

12 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

Contents

Current Personal Income Tax Brackets (2026 Onward)

Personal income tax applies to:

*Residents: on worldwide income

*Non-residents: on Nigeria-sourced income

For employees, tax is usually deducted at source under the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system.

Current Personal Income Tax Brackets (2026 Onward)

Nigeria operates a progressive tax system, meaning income is taxed in layers. Only the portion of income within each band is taxed at the applicable rate.

Annual Taxable Income (₦)	Tax Rate
First ₦800,000	0%
Next ₦1,400,000 (₦800,001 – ₦3,000,000)	15%
Next ₦9,000,000 (₦3,000,001 – ₦12,000,000)	18%
Next ₦13,000,000 (₦12,000,001 – ₦25,000,000)	21%
Next ₦25,000,000 (₦25,000,001 – ₦50,000,000)	23%
Above ₦50,000,000	25%

Your tax bracket refers to the highest (marginal) rate that applies to any portion of your income.
For example:

₦10 million → 18% bracket

₦60 million → 25% bracket

Steps to Calculate Your Taxable Income

1. Determine Your Gross Income

Add all annual earnings, including:

Salary and wages
Bonuses and allowances
Business or professional income
Rental income and other earnings

2. Subtract Allowable Deductions and Reliefs

These include:

Pension contribution: 8% of salary (employee portion)
National Housing Fund (NHF) (where applicable)
Rent relief: higher of ₦500,000 or 20% of annual rent paid
Other approved deductions (e.g. life insurance premiums, eligible mortgage interest)

Note: The former Consolidated Relief Allowance (CRA) has been abolished.

3. Arrive at Taxable Income

Taxable income = Gross income – deductions and reliefs

4. Apply the Progressive Tax Rates

Tax each portion of income according to the applicable band.

Worked Example

Annual gross salary: ₦15,000,000

Pension (8%): ₦1,200,000
Rent relief: ₦600,000

Taxable income:
₦15,000,000 − ₦1,200,000 − ₦600,000 = ₦13,200,000

Tax Breakdown:

First ₦800,000 @ 0% = ₦0
Next ₦2,200,000 @ 15% = ₦330,000
Next ₦9,000,000 @ 18% = ₦1,620,000
Remaining ₦1,200,000 @ 21% = ₦252,000

Total tax payable: ₦2,202,000
Marginal tax rate: 21%
Effective tax rate: ~16.7%

Important Notes

Low-income earners, including those below the minimum wage threshold, may be fully exempt.
PAYE administration may vary slightly by state.
For exact figures, taxpayers should consult their state internal revenue service or a licensed tax professional.

Source: Tribune