Metro

Town Union Tussle:Two Persons Shot In Delta

Published

6 years ago

January 6, 2020

At least two persons reportedly sustained severe injuries from gunshots, weekend, in Afiesere community of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State over leadership tussle in the town union executive.

It was gathered that violence broke out following an alleged attempt by a splinter group to topple the incumbent executive of the town union led by Mr. Victor Otumemine.

The splinter group, led by Mr. Francis Onobruchere and Mr. Sunny Akponana, it was further learnt, had, in the early hours of Sunday, rode in a van round Afiesere community, announcing that the Victor Otumemine-led executive’s tenure had expired and a new executive had come on board.

A community source said, while the splinter group protest was on course, certain horde of youths from the community emerged in violent resistance against the protesting splinter group led by Francis Onobruchere and Mr. Sunny

The reprisal group, ostensibly mobilised by the Victor Otumemine-led executive, insisted that the tenure of the existing exco will expire in August 2020 while describing the splinter group’s agitation as being sponsored to cause crisis in the community.

It was in the mêlée which ensued that gunshots by yet unidentified persons hit an indigene, Mr. Anthony Apiloko and a commercial motorcyclist, who were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

Expatiating on the incident, the community spokesman, Mr. Precious Orichadere, said it happened at about 8am on Saturday, when certain persons from the community were seen in a van announcing around town that the present exco’s tenure was over and another had come on board.

According to him, this was resisted by the community youths, which led to the group shooting of two persons when the group saw that they will be overpowered.

He said, “having shot the two persons and being afraid of reprisal attack, the group and its leaders escaped, leaving their vehicles behind; all these happened while the community President, Mr. Victor Otumemine, and other executive members, the community youth chairman were in Asaba for two days on invitation by the Delta State Police Commissioner.

“When the President, Mr. Otumemine was briefed on phone on the development, he quickly advised that the two persons shot be taken to hospital and should go to “B” Division Police Station, Agbarha-Otor and incident the case and also appealed l should ensure there is law and order; which l did.”

However, one of the leaders of the splinter group, Mr. Francis Onobruchere, debunked the allegations of plot to overthrow the incumbent exco and Saturday shootings.

He disclosed that the Victor Otumemine-led executive became restive when they were asked to give account of their stewardship, particularly, as it pertained to five missing transformers and certain monies accruing to the community.

Meanwhile, the State Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, could not confirm the incident when contacted, saying the Agbarha-Otor Divisional Police had not briefed headquarters on the matter.

(DAILY TRUST)

Metro

Commuters, Motorists Lament Slow Repair On Benin-Asaba Road

Published

1 hour ago

September 30, 2025

Editor

Motorists, traders, and residents along the Benin-Agbor Road have lamented the slow and chaotic spate of repairs on the federal highway, which, according to them has damaged their vehicles, disrupting transport, business activities, and general livelihoods.

Despite ongoing rehabilitation works by the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, road users said the efforts are moving too slowly to address the worsening conditions.

The road, which has shown signs of severe wear and failure since 2018, when former governor Godwin Obaseki labelled it a federal road, has deteriorated over the years due to poor drainage design and lack of maintenance.

A section of the road, stretching from the Christ Chosen Church of God main gate through Guinness Warehouse and Winners chapel, up to the Jehovah Junction, has been excavated and left with deep gullies which often leave heavy duty vehicles fallen in parts.

A resident of Ikhueniro near the bad stretch, Frederick Asuen, said since moving into his apartment in 2023, daily commuting has become a struggle.

“Since I parked into my apartment in 2023, it has been a nightmare coming into the city and going back home at close of work.”

“I had to be leaving my car, an SUV at home to use public transport. That is after repeated breakdown inside the gullies and expensive trips to my mechanic and Imma not alone.

” Many who live at Okhuahie and Uvbe using this road have all given up. And I praise the shuttle bus drivers and all commercial vehicles who have no option but to use this road daily. My brother it is like hell”.

He explained that journeys that should ordinarily cost ₦700 and between 60 and 90 minutes now costs ₦1200 and often last 3 to 4 hours, especially in the morning and evenings.

Tuesday Elemi who operates a bus along the route said the road’s condition has killed their operations.

He said the bad sections of the road have reduced the number of trips they can make daily.

“The bad state of the road has increased damages to our vehicles even at the risk of our lives occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or are parked for days,” he said.

“The end result is abandoned goods or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

Elemi added that besides vehicles experiencing damages and requiring frequent repairs, fuel consumption has also quadrupled due to longer travel times and diversions.

Metro

Auto Crash Claims Three In Edo

Published

2 hours ago

September 30, 2025

Editor

Three persons have been killed in a road accident that occurred near the Ogba River bridge in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.

A commercial motorcyclist popularly known as Okada rider and his two passengers were involved.

Eyewitness accounts said the accident occurred on Monday night.

The witnesses said the driver of an SUV car lost control and rammed into the okada rider killing him and his passengers.

Colleagues of the late okada rider took to the streets to protest incessant killings occasioned by accidents along the Airport road.

They claimed the driver of the car was into advance fee fraud known locally as Yahoo Yahoo.

One of the protesters, Abdullahi Usman, said the deceased okada rider was their Secretary.

“These yahoo yahoo boys do not care about another person on the road.

“The accident was very severe. It was the Divisional Police Officer at the Estate Police Station that calmed the situation.”

Edo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Cyril Matthew Zango, could not be reached for comments.

However, the Spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu confirmed the accident and said that investigation is continuing on the matter.

“I can confirm to you that the accident and the Okada rider and his passenger were killed. However, investigation is ongoing to bring anyone that is liable to justice.”

Metro

ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

Published

22 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.