Metro

Outrage, Protests In Edo Community Over Alleged Plan To Impose Traditional Ruler On Indigenes

Published

2 years ago

April 28, 2024

Tension and uneasy calm at present pervades IlIushi community in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State following an alleged plan by the state government to impose one Fidelis Okowele, an alleged non-indigene as the Onogie (king) of the agrarian community.

The alleged plan to install the non-indigene as the Onogie of the small community has led to protests by the indigenes of Illushi.

Singing solidarity songs, the protesters, who were armed with placards and banners, stormed the Secretariat Complex of Esan South East Local Government Area and the Office of the Directorate of State Security (DSS), both in Ubiaja, demanding immediate halt to the alleged government’s plan to install Mr. Okowele as the traditional ruler of the agrarian community, just as they insisted that he is not a bonafide indigene.

The protesters called on both the Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Commissioner of Police to decisively intervene to forestall any possible breach of the tradition, custom, law and order, as well as peaceful coexistence of the people of Illushi.

The protesters’ spokesman, Mr. William Ajonota fumed, charging that Mr. Okowele is not a native of Illushi but from Onogolo and hence, cannot become the Onogie.

He said: “Illushi Community vehemently oppose and reject the plan to install a non-native as Onogie on the good people of Illushi.

“We urge the government to urgently take a second look at its plan and set the machinery of justice in motion against any plan to impose Fidelis Okowele as the Onogie of Illushi.”

In the protest letter, which was jointly signed, by Elder Okolo Abamu, Elder Pius Oifoghe and Augustine Igwe, the youth leader, they reiterated their resolve as a community not to surrender to the “unacceptable plan to install a non-native as the Onogie of Illushi”, an action which they dolefully predicted will result in crisis.

The Vice Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Area, Mrs. Susan Otekpen, who received the letter of protest on behalf of the Chairman of the council, Hon. Lius Imhandegbelo advised the aggrieved protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner in order to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

Mrs. Susan Otekpen assured that the matter will be channelled to the appropriate government quarters for an amicable resolution of the dispute.

Persistent efforts to speak with Mr. Okowele proved futile as his mobile phone was serially engaged.

Metro

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

Published

7 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

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.