Metro

Fire Guts Shops At Edo Market Building

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2024

An early morning fire incident on Thursday razed a commercial building in Benin City, Edo State and destroyed goods said to be worth over N50m.

The inferno reportedly occurred at about 4.am at the building on Second East Circular Road, opposite New Market in Benin City, the state capital.

The PUNCH gathered that a majority of shopowners in the building traded used clothes and foodstuffs.

A couple identified simply as Ndidi and Blessing who operated two shops in the building, were said to have lost goods worth N10m.

“We have lost goods worth N10m and our source of livelihood. The government should please come to our aid,” Ndidi lamented.

The fire started after repeated electric sparks from a wire connected to an electricity pole in front of one of the shops and spread to other stalls, threatening the surrounding buildings.

The timely arrival of firefighters from the Edo State Fire Service was said to have saved the situation from degenerating.

However, a trader simply identified as Madam Grace who was said to have lost over N40 million worth of goods alleged foul play and said that she was the target.

She said, “I went to market to buy goods and returned to the shop by 2.am and there was power outage at the time.

“I took my goods into the shops and went to my house. By 5am, I was informed on the telephone that my shop was on fire. I have prayed for those responsible for the inferno. I have lost N40m worth of goods,” she added.

“Apart from Madam Grace, Ndidi and his wife, other traders were said to have lost good worth about N30m,” an eyewitness told our correspondent.

However, when contacted, Edo State Fire Service official in the control room, who identified herself simply as Faith, Thursday night, she said those who were on duty when the fire started were called and promptly went to the scene to put out the fire and prevented it from affecting houses close to the shops.

“Yes, our officials were called when the fire started and the fire was put out. They were also able to prevent the fire from spreading to houses close by,” she added.

Metro

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

Published

7 hours 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.