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Cult Clash: Again, Cleric Cries For Police Help Over Threat To Life By Cult Group

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

Editor

One Reverend Kingsley Ebose has cried out for the second time due to a second attack and attempt on his life, his family and that of one Mr Igbinobaro and his family whom he stated he has been aiding for more than a year now.

The cleric reported that on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at about 8.30pm, he was with one Mr Lucky Igbinobaro and his family in the church apartment, when they heard gun shots and when he looked he saw about 8 men with guns and axes putting on black, white and yellow outfits in the premises.

He stated that he knew it was the Black Axe cult group, and that they started calling out his name, demanding that the Reverend should prove that one Mr Osemwemgie and his family members whom are under his care, and that they would not leave him and his family and the people of Oke Community to rest until the family’s whereabout was known.

Narrating his ordeal to the press, the Cleric stated that the cult boys had earlier issued him with a stern warning the first time, and that this time they made it clear they were giving him a second warning, and if there would be a third time, they would not show him mercy.

“They went further to threaten to kill me and my entire family members, saying that I was proving stubborn. They apprehended and shot Mr Collins Igbinobaro in the leg as a warning note. The injured man is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while the Reverend stated he and his family manged to escape with the rest of Mr Lucky igbinobaro’s family,” he added.

Before this recent attack, the Reverend stated that two months ago on January 2, 2023 at about 6pm to be precise, he had pleaded with the Edo state government and the Nigerian Police Force to come to the rescue of his family as his private residence was among several homes attacked by the invading cult group, popularly known as ‘Black Axe,’ as they tore people’s homes apart, searching for their prey.

According to reports by residents, in the fracas that ensued two young men were shot dead while three others who sustained gunshot injuries were receiving treatment in the hospital.

Speaking to the Press in Benin City at the weekend, Rev. Kingsley stated that the cult group were about six persons in number and that they came with sophisticated weapons, including AK 47 riffles and axes, and that they came in a black Mercedes Benz car. He stated that he had to address the press because of “the fear of the unknown” especially as many residents had fled their homes for fear of a repeat action by the cult groups after the first attack two months ago.

He noted that during the last attack, the cult boys shot sporadically in the air as they stormed his residence, demanding to see one Mr Lucky Igbinobaro and his family who he aided for the past one year now.

He said the cult group had mandated him to provide either Mr Lucky Igbinobaro or his family because they would know the whereabouts of their son.

The Reverend also stated that the cult group boasted that they do not search and stop, and that they would find their target, even if it took decades, hence why he continued to ask for intervention.

According to the clergy, the cult group said they have also been looking for one Mr Osemwemgie Bethelite for the past 6 years and that they will not rest until they found and killed him.

“They said Mr Osemwemgie is responsible for the clash between them and another cult group popularly known as Vikings (Arobaga), and that for exposing the video of the death of his late brother who was murdered by this cult group which led to the loss of some of their members to the rival group”, the clergy said.

He noted that the group also vowed that he will not go unpunished, that he must pay for his action.

He added “After a serious search around my house, they couldn’t find Mr Lucky Igbinobaro and his family, who unfortunately do not live with me in my personal apartment, unknown to this cult group, they therefore told me to pass the message to the family, that they will find them and if they could not provide their son, Mr Osemwemgie, they will all be killed.”

Rev. Kingsley however said that the cult group did not harm him, but that they burnt down his house, and threatened to return if they could not locate the where about of the said Mr Lucky and his family.

Reporting the case at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City on January 3, 2023, Rev. Kingsley Ebose called out to the government to come to his aid because his life was under threat.

The Cleric stated he had to cry out once again to the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to come to his rescue.

News

UNICEF Advocates Six Months Maternity Leave From Working Mothers In Bauchi

Published

9 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Bauchi state government to initiate a six months paid maternity leave to working mothers in the state.

Dr Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF’s Bauchi Chief of Field Office, stated this in a news conference in Bauchi on Tuesday to market the 2025 breastfeeding week.

According to her, the six months maternity leave would help the mothers to initiate the six months exclusive breastfeeding for their children and help in improving their health status in general.

“We really need the state government, the health system to play their roles to support the mothers.

“If the state government has a policy for six months paid maternity leave, that would play a huge role in the better nutritional status of children and initiation of exclusive six months breastfeeding for the mothers.

“Staying with the child automatically ensures better care and hygiene of the child, making them free from diarrhea which is one of the major causes of malnutrition,” she said.

Rafique added that unless women were fully supported, it would be difficult for them to do the right things like initiate breastfeeding on time, continue exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and initiate complementary breastfeeding till 24 months.

She, however, called on the state government to also come up with breastfeeding corners for working mothers to feed their children after resumption from the six months maternity leave.

Rafique said that if mothers didn’t have a good private place to feed their children, it would be difficult for them to continue feeding by working, performing and contributing towards the state’s progress and the country at large.

“These are the foundation for having a healthy, intelligent, productive next generation.

“There is a formula we need to promote which is one, six and 24.

“One means that the first hour of the baby must be initiated with breastfeeding, six means that a child must be exclusively breastfed for a good six months and then the initiation of complementary feeding along with the continuation of breastfeeding till 24 months,” she explained.

Earlier speaking, Mrs Philomena Irene, UNICEF’s Nutrition Specialist in Bauchi, revealed that over 15 states have extended paid maternity leave to working mothers across the country like Kebbi, Borno, Kaduna, Plateau among others.

“We want the media to help us amplify the benefits of breast milk, the benefits of breastfeeding both to the mother, the child and even the society at large,” she said.

On his part, Mr Abubakar Sale, the Bauchi state Nutrition Officer, appreciated UNICEF for supporting the state in terms of improving the healthy living of pregnant women and children, not only on nutrition but other aspects of health.

“The government is trying its best to see to the improvement in especially exclusive breastfeeding and other nutrition indicators in the state.

“We are doing our part together with other partners and media practitioners are very important to amplify or inform the members of the society the importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that in our next survey, we will be able to improve,” he said.

News

Tinubu Gives D’Tigress $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honour

Published

11 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew.

Tinubu also rewarded all team members and staff with a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate.

In addition, the President conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

This was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet hall, Abuja.

The triumphant D’Tigress alongside their officials, were warmly welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, at the New Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa at 5:05 pm.

On behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima received the team in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Also in attendance at the reception were Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

The D’Tigress arrived after clinching their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, outplaying Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This win marks their seventh overall championship, reinforcing their supremacy in African women’s basketball.

The ceremony at the Presidential Villa mirrors a similar reception President Tinubu hosted a week earlier for the national female football team, the Super Falcons, who recently secured their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.

Tinubu’s remarks, delivered by Shettima at the reception noted, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President hailed Rena Wakama’s strength and inspiring young girls in the country.

“Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu said the administration is prioritizing sports as a crucial driver of national development and economic growth, viewing it as more than entertainment but also infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a tool for youth employment and transformation.

He also recognised the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for its efforts in athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-driven development, with visible positive results.

“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you. The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

News

Step-by-step Guide For Checking 2025 WASSCE Results

Published

11 hours ago

August 4, 2025

Editor

Following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination results on Monday, the West African Examinations Council has provided a step-by-step guide to help candidates access their results online.

To check your results, candidates are required to visit the official result portal at http://waecdirect.org and follow the instructions carefully.

Here is the step-by-step guide for checking 2025 WASSCE results.

Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 7-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 4123456789).
For examination year < 1999, enter your 8-digit WAEC Examination Number.
(This is your 5-Digit centre number followed by your 3-digit candidate number eg. 19865001)
Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2002
Select the Type of Examination
Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up