Metro

Edo APC Chides Obaseki Over Demolition Of Private Properties, Says Due Process Jettisoned

Published

4 years ago

June 22, 2021

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State on Tuesday condemned in strong term the recent demolition spree of private properties in the state capital, Benin, by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration on the excuse that the owners violated extant town planning legislations.

The APC, in a statement signed by its state chairman, Col. (Dr.) David Imuse (rtd), and made available to Info Daily condemned the demolition of one property at 13 Aideyan Street, on the Ihama axis, and another housing over 60 stores, which was undergoing construction at 90, Akenzua Road, both in Benin City.

He insisted that the government did not follow due process, and there is no evidence that the owners were served notice of infringement or intention to demolish.

Imuse, while stating that “it is distressing that the Obaseki government is celebrating these demolitions like a rampaging occupation force, further noted that “such actions by Government is an illegality, and amounts to wilful and wanton destruction amidst excruciating unemployment rate, decayed infrastructure, a worsening governance system, and unprecedented poverty in our State.”

The party Chairman said whereas these properties did not drop from the skies, and have been under construction with the knowledge of the Edo State Department of Physical and Urban Planning, stressing that explanation that their owners failed to get relevant approvals as the basis for their demolition does not hold water.

He said, “They did not start the buildings overnight. Relevant authorities cannot say they were not in the know of their construction. Moreover, the owners meant well for the State by investing their hard-earned resources running into millions of naira, into the properties designed to create jobs for the youths of the State.”

He argued that in civilized climes a responsible government would have given the owners the option of paying fines and directives to redesign the said properties according to approved plans or gone to court to obtain relevant orders.

The party said, “Whereas previous demolitions targeted members of the APC, recent demolitions are targeting the same investors the government claims it is searching for; an indication which has further shown that the PDP government in Edo state does not have the interest of the people at heart, but is only out to repress and plunge our state into untold hardship.”

But in its reaction, Edo State government claimed occupants of the demolished properties were served notice.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical and Urban Development, Chris Abode, said owner of the property at 13 Aideyan Street, on the Ihama axis of the GRA in Benin City had earlier been served notice on his property.

He added that the notice was served on June 6, 2021, with a reminder to the owner to remove or demolish the building after it allegedly failed to meet necessary approvals.

The demolition is said to be connected with the conversion of the property, from a residential apartment to a hotel, without approval from the appropriate authority.

Metro

Kwara Traditional Ruler Kidnapped On His Farm

Published

24 hours ago

November 30, 2025

Editor

Gunmen have reportedly abducted a traditional ruler in Bayagan community in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Ojibara of Bayagan Oba Kamilu Salami, on Saturday.

It was gathered that the traditional ruler was kidnapped Saturday morning on his farm, while details of the incident were still sketchy.

Eyewitness disclosed that the attack happened suddenly and left the community in apprehension and confusion. Meanwhile, the incident had triggered fresh concerns over cases of insecurity across the country.

The Kwara State Police command was yet to confirm the incident as at when filing this report.

Metro

Sokoto Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Uncover WhatsApp Recruitment Channel

Published

2 days ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, believed to be behind rising criminal activities in parts of the state.

The suspects, including the alleged gang leader Usman Shu’aibu, were apprehended on Friday during an intelligence-led operation executed by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the suspects confessed to being initiated into the group through a private WhatsApp platform called Red Chamber.

The police noted that further investigation discovered the social media channel was created to recruit unsuspecting youths into criminal activities.

These, according to the statement, include ritual practices, the pursuit of supposed demonic powers, acts of homosexuality, and violent thuggery.

The police warned parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities closely, noting that criminal groups are increasingly exploiting digital platforms to lure vulnerable youths.

Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests respond directly to public concerns about the group’s operations, adding that efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing members.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven policing and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

In other news, two persons suspected to be hoodlums have been arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death in Akure, the state capital.

The suspects, identified as Shina Jacob, 25, and Felix Olalekan, 32, allegedly attacked the police inspector during an altercation at Oke-Arata within Arakale axis.

The killing of the police officer came a few days after a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was stabbed to death by a mentally unstable man in Oba-Ile area of Akure.

According to sources, after the inspector, who was recently transferred from the Anti-Cultism Unit to B-Division, was stabbed, the area was thrown into a state of panic as residents and traders hurriedly fled.

While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that the officer was rushed to the hospital after he was stabbed but gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.

“An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed. This unfortunate event triggered an immediate and coordinated police response.

“Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident. They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 years and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32 years.

“The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment. The follow-up operation conducted last night formed part of the Command’s sustained and strategic efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and prevent further breaches of public safety,” Ayanlade stated.”

Metro

Army, Air Force Crush ISWAP Fighters After Failed Chibok Attack

Published

2 days ago

November 29, 2025

Editor

Troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai, on Saturday stopped a major attack by ISWAP/Boko Haram fighters in Chibok, Borno State, before the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) moved in with airstrikes that killed many of the fleeing terrorists.

The report was contained in a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to the update, more than 300 terrorists launched a coordinated assault on Chibok around 3:00 a.m., attempting to break through military defensive positions.

Soldiers responded immediately, engaging the attackers in a fierce gunfight that lasted about two hours.

A security source quoted in the post said the troops acted swiftly and professionally.

“There was no casualty on our side, and no equipment was affected,” the source said.

As the terrorists began to retreat toward the Timbuktu Triangle, ground troops called for air support.

NAF combat aircraft were deployed to the route used by the fleeing fighters.

The airstrikes, guided by intelligence from the troops on the ground, hit several clusters of terrorists trying to escape.

Multiple waves of strikes were carried out, with both manned aircraft and an unmanned aerial platform targeting groups of fighters dispersing into the forest.

According to Makama, the combined efforts of the Army and the Air Force dealt heavy blows to the attackers, preventing them from regrouping after the failed offensive.