Metro

Traore: Edo CSO Community Protests Continued Detention Of Activists

Published

1 year ago

May 5, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Civil Society Community in Edo State, on Monday in Benin protested the continued detention of two human rights activists, Kola Edokpayi and Hadson Oracle.

The CSO groups who protested under the coalition, Civil Society Community in Edo State, caused gridlock at the city centre; Oba Ovonramwen Square and adjoining roads in the city

Edokpayi and Oracle
were reportedly arrested by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) over an alleged plan to organise a pro-Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso’s protest.

Ibrahim Traore is the military president of Burkina Faso.

The planned protest was, however, called off after their meeting with the Commissioner of Police.

Despite the cancellation of the planned protest and meeting with the CP, the duo were still picked up by the DSS on April 30th.

The CSO groups said they met with the leadership of the DSS who promised to release them on Friday but failed to meet up with their (DSS) earlier promise.

The civil society community lamented that to worsen the situation, the rights activists have been denied access to their lawyers, family members and associates, adding that this denial has fuelled speculation that they may have been moved to Abuja.

A statement signed by the Spokesperson and Legal Adviser of the group, Rev. David Ugolor and Abraham Oviawe, the CSO groups expressed disappointment that the DSS did not meet its promise of releasing their comrades.

“This has given rise to growing concerns within our community, especially as it appears that the continued detention may exceed the period permissible under the law.

“We also wish to revisit the understanding reached at the meeting regarding the reasons for the arrest, which we had understood to have been amicably addressed by the Edo State Commissioner of Police.

“We remain concerned about the implications of this development on the longstanding and collaborative relationship between the Civil Society community in Edo State and your esteemed office- a relationship that has been built over the years on mutual respect and open dialogue.

“In light of this,we respectfully request an update on the current status of Mr.Edokpayi and Mr.Oracle,including confirmation of any transfer,as is being speculated in some quarters. We would also appreciate clarity on any plans concerning their possible release.

“Additionally,we humbly urge your office to facilitate access to legal representation and family visits for the detained individuals,in accordance with their constitutional rights and our shared commitment to justice and fairness.

“Please be assured that our preference for diplomacy and engagements rooted in our desire to maintain peace and partnership.”

Metro

16 Passengers Lose Lives In Lokoja–Okene Highway Tragedy

Published

3 hours ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

At least 16 persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal road accident along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.

In a post shared on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama, he said the tragic incident occurred at about 9:20 a.m. on Friday near Aku village around the Osara axis of the busy highway.

Security and traffic safety sources told Zagazola Makama that the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD carrying 22 passengers from Jos, Plateau State, to Lagos.

“Security and traffic safety sources said the accident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BUU 17 ZD, conveying 22 passengers comprising 21 males and one female from Jos, Plateau State, en route to Lagos,” Makama said.

According to the sources, the vehicle reportedly lost control while moving at high speed, veered off the road and plunged under a bridge, leading to multiple casualties.

Preliminary findings attributed the accident to driver fatigue.

The sources disclosed that 16 occupants of the vehicle, including 15 men and one woman, lost their lives in the crash, while six other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Emergency responders were said to have arrived at the scene after receiving a distress call and immediately evacuated the injured victims to medical facilities in Osara and the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja for treatment.

The remains of the deceased victims were deposited at the Ankuri Mortuary in Lokoja.

Authorities, meanwhile, advised motorists to obey speed limits, ensure adequate rest during long-distance trips and strictly comply with road safety regulations to avoid preventable accidents and loss of life.

Metro

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

Published

3 days 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
‎
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
‎
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
‎
‎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
‎
‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
‎
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.”
‎

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

5 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”.