Metro

Fire Destroys Goods Worth Millions In Rivers

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2023

Editor

Goods and property worth millions of naira were destroyed in two separate fire outbreaks in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State respectively on Thursday.

The first was recorded at the Marine Base axis of the metropolis opposite the Plank shade market.

Eyewitnesses said the fire started from a shop at the plank shade in the morning, as thick black smoke was seen billowing into the atmosphere.

One of the eyewitnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity said the fire was almost put out by residents and shop owners before the arrival of the firefighters.

He stated, “I was just called upon that there was fire in Marine Base. So when I came to the place, it was opposite the plank shade but the boys around did well to see that they stopped the fire.

“Fire service came later and completed what the boys started but smoke is still coming out.”

Another resident, who gave his name as Obi, said initially when the fire service personnel came, some boys started chasing them and stopped them from doing their job.

“But they (firefighters) were later allowed and the fire was put out. Though a lot of damage has been done and people have lost properties and valuables,” he explained.

Meanwhile, another fire was recorded at a parking space in the Rumueme axis of Mile 4 along Ikwerre Road on Thursday evening which also destroyed several properties.

The PUNCH correspondent who visited the scene noted that a rented space was used by a trader to store items including furniture and mattresses, but the cause of the inferno could not be ascertained.

One of the affected residents said, “I just locked my door and I went out. When I returned, I saw a crowd. Reaching here, I saw all the mattresses at the back have burnt. It affected my window and most of mu things got lost.”

Another resident said, “We just saw the fire but we could not identify where it started from. I picked my phone and started calling the fire service. Though they were not picking but they later came. There is this man that stored many goods. Some of the goods just came in.”

Speaking, an official of the Federal Fire Service said they got to the scene as soon as they received the distress call and expressed happiness that some properties were salvaged by residents.

Meanwhile, residents of the state have called on the state government to make the state fire service functional in order to promptly respond to such emergency situations.

Metro

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

Published

27 minutes 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

2 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.