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Gbelebu, Marindoti Communities Recount Farmers, Villagers Clash As Okpebholo Meets With Them

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By Joseph Ebi Kanjo 

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Thursday met with leaders and members of Gbelebu, an Ijaw community and Marindoti, a cocoa farm settlement where he sued for harmony and assured them of government support.

Recall that on February 21, 2025, Info Daily reported that the agrarian community of Gbelemotin in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State witnessed a heavy clash between cocoa farmers in the locality and some alleged produce thieves.

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The clash resulted in devastating attacks on seven farming communities namely: Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola Village, Taiye Camp, Eto Camp, Dipe Community, Bala Dele Community, and Thousand Community.

READ ALSO: Farmers, Alleged Produce Thieves’ Clash Left Many Dead In Edo Community

Many people were feared killed and many houses burnt in the attack and counter attacks that occurred on Thursday.

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But in a press release, the Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, on Friday, February 22, 2025, said that five persons were killed and four others injured in the clash between the cocoa farmers and some alleged produce thieves.

The clash, however, escalated on Sunday, February 23, 2025, leading to 22 persons’ death, while several others were injured.

But in a visit to the area on Thursday, March, 2025, as part of his efforts in restoring peace to the area, Okpebholo said “my core mission as Governor is to restore peace and bring development.”

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READ ALSO: ‘We’d Always Been Victims’ – Gbelemotin Indigenes Clear The Air On Clash With Cocoa Farmer

He added: “My core mission as Governor is to restore peace and bring development, and yet, instead of focusing on development, criminality persists.

“I assure you that my administration will gradually bring meaningful development here,” the Governor assured.

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Leaders from Marindoti and Gbelebu communities recounted that the crisis erupted when hoodlums attempted to steal farm produce from farmers in Marindoti’s farm settlements but were confronted by a newly formed local vigilante group.

They lamented the long-standing menace of farm theft and pleaded with the Governor to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property, ensuring that farmers could work without fear of attacks.

 

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Metro

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

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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.

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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

Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.

The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.

‎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

‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.

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.

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“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

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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.

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Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

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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”.

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Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

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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.

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READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

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.

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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.

READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

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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.

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