Metro

One Feared Killed As Masquerade, Worshippers Clash In Enugu

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2023

Editor

A young man identified as ‘Cross,’ from Amankpo Umu-Ezike, Aku, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been feared killed when masquerade worshippers clashed at Nua community in Aku community.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer of Igbo-Etiti Police Division, Chinedu Okike, and other residents of Aku sustained gunshot injuries during the fracas.

It was learned that no few than 100 locals were hospitalised following the incident.

The spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the incident said one male suspect has been arrested in connection with the clash, adding that normalcy has been restored in the community.

According to an eyewitness, who pleaded for anonymity, the clash occured at Elu-Orie Nua Aku around 4p.m., on Monday.

In his words “The fight started when Odo masquerade worshippers in their numbers accompanied one Odo masquerade called Ugwuishihe to Elu-Orie Nua as tradition demands for final visitation before departing to the spirit world on August 31, 2023.

“As the Odo masquerade with her worshippers got to Elu-Orie Nua, some boys from Nua in their numbers started stoning them from all angles. As the worshippers advanced, the boys, who were suspected to be from Nua, started shooting at them. In the process, the DPO of Ogbede Police Division was shot alongside other people.

“Most people started running for their lives as the DPO got shot and the men of Nigeria Police Force, who were on ground with the DPO to ensure a peaceful passage of the Odo masquerade in all the villages had to use tear gas to repel the shooters.

“The two police van they came with were damaged by Nua boys, when they were throwing stones at the police people.”

The source also said that one Mr. Kenneth allegedly among those shooting at the worshippers was later apprehended by the police and those shot taken to hospitals.

However, when newsmen visited Attah Memorial Hospital, where one of the victims was taken to, Cross was seen lying on hospital bed with gunshots injuries, including the one that damaged his manhood while piercing through his thigh.

The DPO who was injured, said: “We only went to Aku to ensure there was peace and order as Odo masquerade and her worshippers visit different villages today. “

We passed through Obie village unhindered only for Nua people to come out and started attacking us.

“I was injured and our vehicles were damaged. Our duty was to ensure that there peace in all communities but the enemies of Police came out to attack us,” he explained.

Reacting to the incidence, Vice Chairman of Igbo-Etiti LGA, Jude Amunabor, condemned the attack and promised that both state and local governments would get to the root of the matter.

He assured his people that government would punish anyone who took laws into his hands.

It was gathered that two factional masquerade groups have been laying claims as to the authentic group, whose date should be generally accepted as the only day when the Odo Masquerade should return to the spirit world after the annual festival.

While a group at Nua village Aku had claimed to have paraded and sent the Odo Ugwuishihe Masquerade to the spirit world on August 7, those of Aku had ignored them, insisting that it was on August 31, that the masquerade should have its final journey.

Metro

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

Published

42 minutes 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

2 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.