Metro

Edo Seals Unapproved Event Centres In Residential Areas

Published

3 years ago

September 20, 2022

The Edo State Government has threatened to seal any event centre without proper approval facilities, noting that the move is part of efforts to “eliminate nuisance from designated residential areas in the Benin metropolis.”

The Edo State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Urban and Regional Development, Isoken Omo, disclosed this after sealing an unauthorised event centre along Ihama Road by Freedom Junction, in Benin City.

She said the event centre does not have the required facilities needed to operate such a facility in a residential area.

She noted: “There is an event centre here that is being used illegally for events with no noise protection, no traffic arrangement and no parking.

“I have spoken to the owner of this place on several occasions to come and get approval but she has refused. So, we’re permanently sealing the place.”

The commissioner urged operators of clubs and relaxation spots to visit the Ministry for approval as the ministry has received several petitions about the noise and traffic nuisance generated from these spots.

“The people that have approval from the Ministry are those who would abide by the terms and conditions of that approval so the place would have been developed or constructed to take into cognizance the issues of noise and traffic nuisance,” she said.

She warned, “This is a notice to the public as well. For event centres, we have told them that if they want to use their places that are within residential areas that are not designated as commercial, they should come to get the right approval, get soundproofing for the noise and make sure that there is adequate parking space.”

According to her, members of the public should ask for proof of approval before booking to use event centres, noting, “For members of the public not to be swindled of their money, whenever you’re going to use an event centre, ensure that the centres have approval from the Ministry.”

“If there’s no approval, please do not use it because we will be going around on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and anytime there’s an occasion. If the place does not have approval, we will seal it. So, please, work with us so as not to make Edo State, Benin City in particular, a slum out of our attitudes and the way we take things.

“Members of the public should be aware that going forward, if we approach anyone who does not have approval for an event centre, we will seal it when the event is on. Be cautioned.”

Metro

BREAKING: Bodies Of 8 Missing Policemen Recovered In Benue

Published

18 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Lifeless bodies of the eight policemen who were declared missing after a deadly attack on security operatives at Agu Centre, on the border of Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State, have been recovered.

Dr Justin Shaku, Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA disclosed this to reporters in Makurdi on Monday.

According to him, “this brings the number of officers killed to 11 (10 policemen and one BSCPG)”.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, when a team of security operatives came under the attack of armed invaders.

Three personnel were immediately confirmed dead while eight others were declared missing.

Metro

Police Arrest Three Kidnappers Over ₦6.9m Ransom, Victim’s Murder

Published

18 hours ago

September 22, 2025

Editor

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed one of their victims after collecting N6.9 million ransom.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday.

Iringe-Koko identified the suspects as Hassan Mohammed (20) of Wandigah Town, Mandagali, Borno State; Bello Abubakar (25) of Roundabout Maura, Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed (23) of Hazari LGA, Bauchi State.

She said the arrests followed an investigation into the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara of Igwuruta-Atali.

According to the PPRO, the suspects also kidnapped one Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, at the same location, where they also collected a ransom of N3,500,000 before releasing her.

The statement read, “On 26th August, 2025, the Rivers State Police Command received a distressing report, suggesting the kidnapping of one Humphrey Wagbara, m of Igwuruta-Atali.

“Operatives of the Command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annexe, acting on this information and in a daring and coordinated operation on 19th September, 2025, at about 0200hrs arrested three suspects at different locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of the State in connection with the kidnapping of the victim.”

Iringe-Koko said during interrogation, the suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnappings in the State.

Among their past kidnappings are those of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, at School Road, Igwuruta-Atali, where they collected a ransom of N6,900,000 before killing the victim.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one G-3 rifle with Breech Number 10398, one magazine, one Itel phone belonging to Humphrey Wagbara, a kidnapped victim, three short daggers, one jack knife and one stainless short knife,” Rivers police imagemaker said.

Iringe-Koko added that the suspects and exhibits remain in police custody while detectives track other fleeing members of the syndicate and search for additional weapons.

The Command said it arrested a 48-year-old man, Emmanuel George, for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl (name withheld) in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

According to Iringe-Koko, George committed the offence on September 6, 2025, after luring the minor while she was sent on an errand by her aunt.