News

Hoodlums Steal N30m Goods From Lagos Shop, Couple Tackles Guards

Published

3 years ago

April 3, 2023

A media consultant, Omokioja Eto, and his wife, Helen, have accused the guards securing the Ikota Shopping Complex of aiding armed robbery suspects who burgled and stole goods valued at N30m at their shop at the complex in the Ajah area of Lekki, Lagos State.

PUNCH Metro gathered that after business owners plying their trades in the complex closed business transactions, they locked their shops, and left their property in the care of the guards employed to secure the complex.

Things, however, took another turn when armed robbers, during an operation on March 7, 2023, broke into the couple’s shop and stole property, including mobile phones worth N30m.

Speaking with our correspondent, Eto, while lamenting over the development, said the armed robbers had unfettered access to the complex because the security guards on duty claimed they forgot to close the complex’s main gate.

Eto said, “The robbery was shocking because the security gate is inaccessible even to shop owners at night; our shop is just a stone’s throw from the gate and it would have taken at least two hours to cut through the shop’s security system.

“The guards told us that they forgot to close the gate and this makes us strongly see the guards as the main suspects. A representative of HFP Properties Limited that is managing the shop contracted the security affairs of the complex to a company, Finesse Security Limited that posted the guards to the complex. Both the facility management company and the security company did not immediately notify us of the robbery.

“It was one of our employees that informed us. Since the break-in on March 7 till date, the security company has not called to sympathise with us. Instead, the managing director has been evading our calls and text messages. We learnt he travelled abroad after the robbery.

“We reported the case at the Ajah police station and the guards were arrested. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, and we are doing everything to support the police investigation despite our predicament. We hope they will bring the culprits to justice.”

Also lamenting over the development, Helen, who had been conducting business on the complex for about two decades, said the shop that was looted was her family’s source of livelihood, adding that her family’s life savings and bank loans were used in purchasing the goods that were stolen.

She said, “We took bank loans for the business plus our life savings all of which are gone. This is a wicked plan against us in our old age with children still in school, other dependants and various bills.

“We plead that the police should help us to get to the bottom of the looting to save us from early deaths as our blood pressures have gone up sharply because this is our main source of livelihood. A list of the goods looted from the shop was attached to my statements at the Ajah Police Station and the SCID, Yaba.”

Contacted for a reaction on Sunday, the complex’s facility manager, one Mr Obaseki, simply said, “I cannot talk to you now. I am under medication.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, when contacted, confirmed the robbery incident in a text message sent to our correspondent.

“Yes. An investigation is ongoing at the SCID,” the text message read.
PUNCH

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.