Metro

Gunmen Kidnap, Kill Imo Monarch

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

The traditional ruler of Otulu community in the Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Joe Ochulor, has been murdered.

The monarch who was kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Saturday morning was killed in the evening of the same day.

A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned told our correspondent on Sunday that the king’s lifeless body was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in the neighboring Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night.

The source said, “The traditional ruler of Otulu community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has been killed. The lifeless body of the king was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night. He was abducted from his palace on Saturday morning.

“There is fear everywhere. Villagers are afraid because the traditional ruler was taken from his home on Saturday morning only for his lifeless body to be found on the same Saturday. This is horrifying.”

Contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the monarch’s killing stating that, “The story is true. It is an unfortunate circumstance but the state Commissioner of Police has declared the suspects wanted. We are on the trail of the suspects and we are doing everything possible to close in on the suspects and bring them to book.

“The command is open to anybody with useful information that will lead to the swift arrest of the suspects. We are assuring the public that this development is not above us. The CP is on top of the situation.”

The abduction and killing of the traditional ruler came just a few days after the ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Ife/ Akpodim/ Chokoneze ward in the same Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA , Chiedoziem Anyanwu, was assassinated in the presence of his wife.

The gunmen had arrived and demanded to see him. Upon confirming that he was the one they were looking for, they shot him and confirmed that he was dead before they left the scene.
PUNCH

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

5 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

24 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.