News

Edo: PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Gunshots, Death During Campaign

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2023

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its counterpart-All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state have engaged in a war of words over the suspension of the PDP’s campaign in Edo central senatorial district as a result of the death of an individual in Ewu, Esan Central local government during its campaign on Wednesday.

A statement by the Director of the PDP Campaign Council in Esan Central, Anselm Ojezua said the party had to suspend its campaigns because of the incident for police to do its investigations and to avoid further possible incidents.

He said that “due to the unfortunate incident, the party has decided to suspend all political campaign rallies until the police come up with their investigation and findings.

But a statement by Godswill Inegbe for the APC candidates in Edo central called on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and avoid turning the area to a war zone.

Part of the statement read “Barely 37 days to the Presidential Election, which is the first round of the 2023 general election, the political atmosphere in Edo Central is in turmoil, because of the increasing violence and mayhem trailing the electioneering campaigns of a faction of PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District.

“Just yesterday, Wednesday, 18th of January, 2023, a life was lost in ward 07, in Ewu Kingdom, Esan Central LGA, while another life is in a medical life support system in Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), as a result of the violence and maiming that took place during a political rally of a faction of the PDP in Edo Central” where it mentioned the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun and the senator representing Edo Central in the senate, Clifford Ordia as the leaders of the campaign.

The statement said the APC was worried that, if no urgent steps were taken by the relevant security agencies, “the attacks within the ranks and file of the factionalized Edo PDP leaders, will intensify as we approach the election date, and if this persists, there is no gainsaying that, violence in the pre-election period, such as we are now, will lead to voter apathy, as nobody wants to die, because of voting in an election.”

But Ojezua in a counter statement carpeted the APC’s statement saying “While the PDP campaign Council states unequivocally that the incident did not take place at the venue of the campaign but nearby, we are surprised however at the twisted narrative of the Edo Central APC to the incident.

“As a Peace loving political organization, we decided not to allow ourselves to be drawn into any diatribe with the APC. However, we call on all security agencies to look into the incident as it seems the adage, the witch cried yesterday, the child died this morning, is coming to play in this happening.

“While we have placed our campaign rally on hold to mourn the dead, we appeal to relevant security agencies to come to our aid as the failed APC has an agenda of mayhem and bloodshed.

“The PDP still remains a better alternative considering the abysmal failure of the APC to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

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.