Metro

Okaighele: Edo Community Begs Okpebholo, Benin Monarch For Intervention Over Growing Tension

Published

1 year ago

April 14, 2025

Editor

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The people of Orior Ozulua community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the state of governor, Monday Okpehbolo and Oba of Benin to intervene in the “growing tension, insecurity, and leadership crisis no currently threatening the peace and stability of of the community.”

According to them, at the centre of this crisis is “one Elder Osasere Egharevba, who has continued to unlawfully hold the position of Okaighele (Youth Leader) of our community,” alleging that he had spent “over 17 years, in violation of the community laws, which stipulates a 2-year tenure.”

In a peaceful protest to the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council, the community people said if not addressed, the matter could degenerate.

A petition titled: ‘Petition Against Elder Osasere Egharevba of Orior Community, Uhunmwode LGA: An Urgent Call for Intervention to Avert Breakdown of Law and Order,’ which was read by Ajayi Nehikhare, secretary, youth wing of the community, said the Osasere was appointed 2012, and since then he has remained in the office.

The petition reads: “Elder Osasere Egharevba was appointed as the youth leader in 2008. In 2012, he was promoted by His Royal Highness Osakpamwan Osemwengie the late Enogie of Orior Ozolua Community into the Council of Elders, a position that by custom and pronouncements of the Oba of Benin automatically disqualifies him from holding any position in the Youth Association and he can’t serve as the Okaighele (Youth Leader) and Odion (Elder).

“Despite this, Elder Osasere has refused to vacate the youth leadership position, thereby violating both the constitutional tenure limit and traditional protocols of leadership transition in our community.

“In 2023, he facilitated the appointment of a new Odionwere, who controversially reinstated him as Okaighele despite his status as a community elder and without the consent of the elders and youths of the community.

“Presently, our once peaceful community is under threat, with armed elements roaming freely, intimidating residents, and creating fear and instability. The possibility of violent confrontation and total breakdown of law and order looms dangerously.”

They, therefore called for a “transparent, constitutionally guided restructuring of youth leadership in the community.”

Metro

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

Published

13 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.