Metro

Nigerian @64: :CSOs Protest In Edo,Demand Restoration of Fuel Subsidy, Others

Published

1 year ago

October 1, 2024

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Edo State on Tuesday took to the streets of Benin, demanding the restoration of fuel subsidy, improvement of security, revert to single legislature among others by the Bola Tinubu administration.

The protesters caused traffic gridlock on the ever busy Mission Road and its adjoining streets.

The coalition who moved from the Kings Square (Ring Road) chanted solidarity songs while bearing placards with different inscriptions: ‘restore fuel subsidy’; ‘we are hungry’; ‘end insecurity,’ among others.

The coalition, which included: African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Talakawa Republic; Take it Back Movement and Faculty of Peace Organization, during their to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council secretariat, Benin City, lamented that the removal of fuel subsidy, insecurity and floating of the naira have made life very difficult for Nigerians.

Speaking, Take it Back Movement coordinator in Edo State, Dr Lawal Haifz, said they were on the streets to demand that restoration of fuel subsidy, improve on security so that farmers could go to farm.

Haifz also bemoaned the free fall of the naira and urged government to restore the hope of the common man.

According to him, “We are here to protest the current situation in Nigeria. People are really suffering. We demand the restoration of the fuel subsidy. Insecurity has made it impossible for our people to go to farm and that is why you can no longer buy foodstuffs.

“We don’t need the Senate and House of Representatives at the same time .The money spent on the two House can go a long way to take care of Nigeria needs. The so called minimum wage cannot even buy a bag of rice . There is extreme hunger.”

Also speaking the convener of Faculty of Peace Organization, Comrade Kelly Osunbor, said the Nigerian political class are just being wicked. He queried where the money distributed to voters during the Edo State Governorship election on the 21st of September came from ?

“They tell us that there is no money,where did they get the money shared to voters during September 21 election came from? Just calculate the #10,000 to #20,000 distributed to voters ,and they said there is no money. These guys are just being wicked. My father hoped for better Nigeria,he is dead now. He did not see a better Nigeria. Today we are hoping for a better Nigeria.

“Government does not provide anything. We sink our own borehole and the fuel God has given to us freely is what they are using to punish us. Let me tell you that they are calling for revolution. If a parasite goes into its host, it will never stop until it finishes the host,the Nigerian political class is like a parasite..They are calling for revolution,and they must get revolution. We have tried BEVAS,it did not work, we have tried IReV,it did not work. We have tried Athahiru Jega, that one did not work. So,the only thing they will hear is revolution.” He said.

The coalition moved from the Kings Square (Ring Road) chanting solidarity songs while bearing placards with different inscriptions like. ‘Restore fuel Subsidy’, ‘We are hungry”. ‘ End insecurity ‘ among others and caused traffic gridlock on the ever busy Mission Road and it’s adjoining streets.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

2 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

4 hours 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.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.