Sacked boss of the defunct Edo Public Safety Response Team, Kelly Okungbowa popularly known as Ebostone on Wednesday assaulted two staff of the Edo Broadcasting Service at the government house.

The incident happened during an empowerment programme for 250 special people in the state at the Festival Hall, government house.

It was gathered that trouble started when nine others who were not captured in the programme stormed the venue, to protest their exclusion.

At that moment, the Edo Broadcasting Service cameraman at the venue was attacked by Okungbowa, who felt he (the cameraman) was recording the commotion.

The reporter, Juliet Aisien, immediately stood up to defend her cameraman and explain the need for Okungbowa not to assault her cameraman and that they belong to a state-owned outfit.

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Okungbowa, who was piqued at this point, hit the reporter on her shoulder when he attempted to slap.

Reacting to the development in a statement, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, condemned the act and described it as an attack on press freedom.

The statement signed by Festus Alenkhe and Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary respectively, reads: “The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, condemned in strong terms the assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS), who was assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) at a public function in Benin City on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

“The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.

“The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.

“The Union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately arrest Kelly Okungbowa, investigate him and bring him to justice.”

Recalled that in March, Governor Monday Okpebholo suspended indefinitely the activities of the Public Safety Response Team headed by Kelly Okungbowa.

There have been several complaints about the activities of the body, with the latest resulting in the death of a two-year-old girl on Wednesday.

At Ring Road in Benin, officers of the PSRT attempted to take over the steering wheel of a moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control.

The bus then veered off the road and rammed into a roadside POS kiosk where the young girl and her mother were standing, killing the child instantly.

Also in the same month, operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Okungbowa for alleged naira abuse.

In communities across Edo State, development is often spoken of in promises, big words waiting for action. But every so often, a name emerges that shifts the conversation from expectations to evidence. In IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN In Ovia North East Local Government Area that name is Kingsley Aibangbee… a man whose work has quietly reshaped everyday life. His approach is rooted in a timeless philosophy once echoed by an American president: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

For Aibangbee, this message is more than a quote, it is a blueprint.
September 2023 marked a turning point for Orenolomi Secondary School. Once a tired structure with fading walls and empty classrooms, the school had become a symbol of abandonment. But that changed when Aibangbee stepped in. With no fanfare, no political stage, he reconstructed the school completely, restoring not just a building, but the future of hundreds of children.

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Yet, for him, the work wasn’t finished. A school is only as strong as the people who keep it running. So he employed four teachers—paid directly from his own pocket—who remain on his payroll to this day. In an era where many wait for government intervention, his actions stood out as a reminder of what one individual can choose to do for the many.

But Aibangbee’s impact didn’t stop in the classroom.
Every student received free uniforms and writing materials a simple gesture that removed financial barriers for families and drew many children back to school. In homes where survival often competes with education, this support made all the difference.
Beyond education, the heartbeat of the community, its economy also felt his touch. A modern market now stands proudly in IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDI, built through his effort. What used to be makeshift stalls and risky trading corners has transformed into a structured, safer space where local traders can earn their living with dignity.

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Across the community, the message is resounding, Kingsley Aibangbee isn’t waiting for government rescue, political promises, or applause. His story reflects a quiet revolution, one built on service, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief that true leadership begins where the people stand.

In every corner of IGUOSHODIN–NEBUDIN, in every classroom, every uniform, every stall in the new market… his actions echo the challenge of that famous American quote. Not what your “country can do for you but what you can do for your country”!!!!

The Edo State government has expressed commitment to providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance after a closed door meeting with representatives of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation Nigeria Limited, NewCross Exploration and Production Limited in Benin.

The deputy governor, who served as chairman of the state boundary committee, noted that this is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Idahosa, who said “it is part of the state’s strategy to create employment opportunities,” pointed out that it is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo economic drive to turn the state into an investor friendly one.

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He also emphasised meed to resolve the lingering disputes, saying the boundary committee is proactively looking into and settling areas of concern regarding the issue.

“All communities that are in the boundary line between Edo and Delta States where there are communal disputes, we want to assure them that we are doing everything within our power, using diplomatic and democratic means to make sure this is resolved amicably,” he assured.

The deputy governor noted that under the SHINE Agenda of this administration, much has been done in the area of infrastructural development.

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“This has made it possible to access roads to major companies, communities, and, ensuring the security of life and properties across the state by investing aggressively in security,” he stated.

On the outcome of the robust interface with the oil workers, Idahosa said through deliberations at the meeting, both parties successfully forged a headway.

He said this has resorted to the invitation of the Edo State Boundary Committee for an on the spot inspection of operation sites in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.

He called on investors and multinational companies operating in Edo State to go about their businesses with ease as the Okpebholo led administration is investment friendly.