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ENDSARS: Ex-Edo Commissioner Demands N1b Compensation Over Son’s Death

Published

5 years ago

December 15, 2020

Former Commissioner of Agriculture, Edo State, Dr. Johnson Erimafa, Tuesday, demanded from the Edo State Judicial Panel of Inquiry for victims of SARS and related abuses for compensation of N1 billion for the death of his only son murdered in cold blood by police officer in 2003.

He said though no amount of money can compensate for the loss of his son, which eventually led to his wife divorcing him, but that the panel should prevail on the government to pay him the sum of N1billion to help assuage his pains.

Dr. Erimafa, a retired Mathematics lecturer from the Ambrose Alli University and ex-Commissioner of Agriculture told the panel that his son, Paul Erimafa,18, was brutally murdered by a happy-trigger police officer, Sergeant Kalijaye when he was on his way to watch the Big Brother Africa in a cyber cafe close to his house.

Erimafa who chronicled the incident, said the pathetic aspect of it was that the killing took place right at the front of the Chief Justice’s house.

“So, police abducted him and took him round, they wanted to smuggle him into the State House, of course I don’t know for whatever reason they wanted to smuggle him to State House but the police at the State House did not allow them enter.

“So, they started carrying him about. You can imagine, from about 8:30pm that they abducted him, until 3am, they shot him dead in the front of the Chief Justice’s house, just opposite the deputy governor’s house.

“You can imagine, it is supposed to be a safe area where you don’t expect anybody to harass a child or any person but unfortunately, right in the front of Chief Judge’s house, the then Justice Constance Momoh.

“He was accused of nothing rather they said he was being suspected. What do you expect them to say? He was alone, he has no knife and gun but right there, they fired five shots, two into the air, three others on him but the first two, because they came out and in the front of the CJ’s house, you have the CJ’s security details, about eight of them, four police and four civil security details and these people were looking at them, the way the whole things were going.

“He said I will shoot you and the boy asked why will he shoot him?

“Then, when he wanted to shoot him, the boy struggled with him and the boy forced him to throw away the gun and the boy raised alarm which drew the attention of the security details who were at the CJ’s house who asked what is the matter? So, my son started telling them the story.

“The police now took his gun, and fired him on his two legs and the boy fell immediately and he was crying.

“The policeman abandoned him and ran to the State CID to invite his patrol team.

“As at then, the boy was already groaning in pains. So, the policeman said so you are still alive? He fired him in his abdomen.

“You can see that the man really wanted the boy to be dead”, he said.

He said that his late son who was about gaining admission into the university to study political science had it in mind to be the president of the nation when he grows up but his dream was truncated by the trigger-happy police officer for no reason.

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

Published

13 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.
‎
‎ 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
‎
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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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 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

14 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.