Metro

Edo APC Primary: Pro-Idahosa Protest Rocks Benin, Edo NUJ Chairman Reminds Them Of Attack On Journalists

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2024

Editor

There seems to be no end in sight to the crisis birthed by the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State as pro-Dennis Idahosa, a purported winner of the primary, took to the street of Benin to protest what they termed ‘no primary election conducted.’

The protesters who marched to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council, said the results announced by the Governor Bassey Otu-led committee at the rerun primary were the same results announced by a Returning Officer during the February 17th primary.

Recall that at the governorship primary conducted by the party on February 17th, Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the governorship primary committee announced Hon. Dennis Idahosa as winner of the primary, while Dr. Stanley Ogbeuaja announced Senator Monday Okpebholo as winner of the primary.

This created division and protest within the party which led to the National Secretariat of the party calling for a rerun primary in the state.

But taking a protest to the secretariat of the NUJ, leader of the protesters, Hon. Harrison Okpemen, while reading a communique, said the “primaries of 22nd February, 2024 did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.”

According to him, “aspirants were not given equal opportunities of being voted for by party members at the designated centers at the wards that make up Edo State.”

He added: “The party members present to vote did not have their votes cast recorded by any known office of the party’s National Secretariat. Quite clearly the result sheets used for the announcement of results were completed in the National Secretariat of the party as it did not flow from the reality on ground in Edo State.

“The said primaries of 17th and 22nd February, 2024 were not conducted by open secret ballot by APC as required by relevant provisions of APC constitution and the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo is not only unlawful, but a crass violation of the APC constitution.”

Receiving the protesters, Chairman, NUJ, Edo State council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, said though their complaints would be reported, the attack on journalists by party members during the 17th February would not be overlooked.

Alenkhe, who said he wouldn’t have ordinarily welcomed them to the NUJ premises as a result of the attack, reminded them to tell their leaders that the ultimatum given to the party has expired.

He said: “I wouldn’t have welcomed you here but as our job requires, we must do needful.

“You will all recall that during your party primary, some journalists were attacked by your party members. Their equipment were destroyed. We gave ultimatum to your party, and the ultimatum has expired. I want to remind you to tell your party leaders that we will take action.

“I want to say that we demand unresolved apologies from your party once again. Your party should buy all equipment destroyed, and their medical bills.”

Related Topics:#edo poll Edo APC Edo Guber

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Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

18 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.