News

Edo: Our Community Under Siege, Lands Destroyed, Okomu Leaders Cry Out

Published

4 years ago

September 1, 2022

Ijaw leaders (Izons) of Okomu kingdom in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, under the aegis of Okomu and Ijaw Emancipation Movement, have called for urgent intervention by relevant security agencies over the invasion and attack of their community by armed persons and some alleged security personnel.

The leader of the movement, who is the Soweibiwei of Okomu, Chief Lawrence Yanboh, alleged that some suspected armed security personnel, “besieged the quiet and peaceful Okomu community in four gunboats.”

Yanboh alleged that the houses, buildings and vehicles belonging to leaders of the community were destroyed, their outboard engines carted away and stores were looted during the invasion.

He, however, accused some traitors in Okomu of aiding the invasion.

He noted that himself, Chief Ologuma Sanky, Chief Godspower Yanbor and Engr. Jomini Jafa l’s houses were invaded and huge sums of cash were taken away by the invaders, while two vehicles and a Yamaha 9.9 outboard engine belonging to Mr Segun Ogori were taken away.

According to him, also affected were Alfred Yanbor and Tobei Realm, whose store was looted and cash was stolen.

He added that tores belonging to Ebiaye Yanbor and Samuel Yanbor were looted, while the buildings of Dimiyen Makilolo, Ugula Abula and Godfrey Sankey were vandalised.

Yanboh said a store belonging to Mama Yema was looted aside destroying her building while the treasurer, of Coop society, Mercy Lawrence Yanbor had her cash stolen.

He said: “They selectively, invaded the houses of persons identified as members of the movement or supportive of the agitation, where properties, including vehicles as well as shops, worth several millions of naira, were destroyed.

“Several persons have been rendered homeless and subjected to living in the nearby bushes with the attendant exposure to hunger and starvation, and health hazards or even death. Individuals and their properties that were ascertained to have been destroyed and or lost.

“About three weeks before the invasion, a section of the leadership of the movement comprising himself, Chief Godspower Yanbor, Ogori and Jomini Jafa had left for the Gbaramatu Kingdom, where they sojourned and were, to appeal for solidarity, before the incident occurred.

“The Okomu and Ijaw Emancipation Movement had, sometime around April/May 2021, cried out against the oppression of the Ijaws and the Okumu Kingdom in Edo State, and gave the Edo State Government a 21-day ultimatum to address their demands which are: The return to Okomu of the crocodile (Igere) of the Okomu people by the Iyase of Ude community which was taken from the Okomu people in 1980; the creation of Okomu Local Government Council Area which had been recommended by the boundary adjustment commission years ago.

“The immediate recognition of the Okomu traditional institution and in particular, the Pere of Okomu. The immediate establishment of at least Five Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools in the Okomu Kingdom.

“It is unfortunate that none of these demands has been met until this sudden invasion to suppress the agitation or struggle.

“The Movement remains undeterred and shall continue its struggle until Jesus comes, therefore, the Federal Government is called to urgently look into this matter before it degenerates into something else.”

News

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

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.
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‎ 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.”
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‎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
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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.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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.

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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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

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.”

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.

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.

“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.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.