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Delta Bloodbath: Oborevwori Assures Okuama indegenes Of Safe Return As He Visits Troubled Community

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Governor of Delta State, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday, visited the Okuama community of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state where 17 military officers and soldiers on a peace mission to the community were killed.

This was as he assured indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis of their safe return reiterating that “innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about”.

It was the first time Oborevwori was visiting the troubled community after he had earlier been allegedly denied access to the community by the military last month.

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The PUNCH gathered that the boat conveying the Governor and his delegation to Okuama took off from the jetty of the Nigerian Port Authority in Warri on Saturday morning.

READ ALSO: [JUST IN] Okuama Killings: Army Declares Eight Persons Wanted [FULL LIST]

In the governor’s entourage were top members of his cabinet as well as heads of security agencies in the state.

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The Governor was escorted to the community by operatives of the military Joint Task Force.

It will be recalled that the Okuama community had been cordoned off by the military authorities since the March 14 tragic incident which claimed the lives of the soldiers and some civilians.

Oborevwori, during a visit to President Bola Tinubu last month, had told State House correspondents that he had not visited the community because the entire area had been deserted by residents following the military operation in the area.

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READ ALSO: Okuama: Clark Blows Hot As Soldiers Invade His Country Home

Recall that on March 14, 17 military personnel including a lieutenant colonel, two majors and a captain were reportedly ambushed and gruesomely murdered around the Okuama community while on a peace mission over a disputed portion of land between Okuama, an Urhobo community and Okoloba, an Ijaw community on March 17.

Following the killing of the personnel, the Nigerian military had earlier declared eight persons including the traditional ruler of the Ewu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1 and a renowned professor and President-General of Ewu communities wanted for the killing of the soldiers.

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The Ewu monarch, barely 24 hours after he was declared wanted, turned himself in to the police in Delta, but was later handed over to the military for interrogation.

After spending three weeks in a military facility in Abuja, the traditional ruler was however released in the early hours of Friday and handed over to Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District.

READ ALSO: Delta Killings: Military Sets To Build Barracks On Okuama As Demolition Of Houses Continues

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Meanwhile, the released monarch of Ewu Kingdom, His Majesty Ovie Clement Ikolo, has applauded the three Senators from Delta State at the National Assembly for the key role they played in his release by the military.

The traditional ruler who visited Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in his Maitama, Abuja residence, in the company of his wife and some family members, shortly after regaining his freedom, expressed his gratitude to Senator Nwoko, stating that Nwoko not only visited the Chief of Defence Staff alongside other Delta Senators to intercede on his behalf but also visited him in his Asokoro cell.

He said, “The day you came to visit me was the day I regained my bearings. Your presence gave me hope”.

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Responding, Senator Nwoko stated that he was humbled to have been instrumental in the process and grateful that the collective efforts yielded positive results.

He encouraged the king not to be discouraged by the ordeal.

Who knows what could have happened if you weren’t detained? Perhaps it was necessary to prevent something worse”, the Senator said.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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