Metro

Hoodlums Raze 10 Houses, Kill One In Enugu

Published

3 years ago

December 28, 2022

The Oruku community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State was thrown into chaos on Wednesday morning as hoodlums suspected to be loyal to some powerful individuals prone to war with neighbouring communities razed 10 houses.

The PUNCH gathered the houses were burnt between December 25 and Wednesday, December 28, 2022 morning.

Among the houses burnt on Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday morning included the palace of the late traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Mba, who was killed by paid operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactical Squad on December 26, 2020 by some powerful community leaders.

Others affected are the house of the former local government chairman, Hon. Ejike Ani, and his younger brother, Agozie Ani.

It was also gathered that one man whose identity is yet to be ascertained was equally killed during the burning of the houses.

One of the victims, Agozie Ani, in a message sent to our correspondent, decried the burning of his house, adding he lost everything to the inferno.

He said, “Over 10 houses were burnt in Oruku from 25th December 2022, including my own, Hon. Ejike Ani and the late Igwe Emmanuel Mba’s houses.

“They also shot and killed one man on Christmas Day. Our crime was supporting Gov. Ugwuanyi’s peace deal on Oruku – Umuode crises and he abandoned us,” Ani lamented.

Meanwhile, two videos showed burning houses said to be that of the Agozie Ani and another showing a burnt house said to belong to Ejike Ani.

The arsonists were overheard calling them unprintable names.

In one of the video seen by our correspondent, one of the arsonists was overheard saying “this is the house of idiot Ejike Ani, the devil that bring ruin to Oruku by joining the weakling called Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. This is his house – this is the boys’ quarter, this is also his many building.”

“His house should also look like his own group. We have built him a new house so that his house will look like his own group. He is a human being. This one is the second building. He is the one that causes all the problems we have in Oruku. We have built a story building for him now because the bungalow doesn’t fit him any longer as the former local government chairman, who is destroying the Oruku.”

In a second video showing a burning bungalow, a background voice said “Agozie Ani this is your own house. We have built two storey building for you. This is the house of the vengeance. This is your home since you feel that there was no strength, we want to show you that there’s strength. This is the beginning, you will stay outside to come and implement your governor’s peace. You and others have been boasting to deal with us but we are already dealing with you and your useless governor.”

Meanwhile, the renewed attack followed a judicial panel set up by the Enugu government to look into the Oruku – Umuode communal conflict.

However, the findings and recommendations of the panel had since been submitted to the state government but not much has been heard about its implementation.

No fewer than 12 prominent people from the community who supported Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s peace initiative had been killed and over 100 houses razed down since December 26, 2020.

The murderers and arsonists were believed to be working for some powerful personalities including a military general involved in the protracted communal conflict in the area in the last two decades.

When contacted on the telephone, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said “I don’t have information on this”.

Metro

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

Published

15 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

3 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.