Metro

Two Feared Dead As Itsekiri/Benins Clash Over Development Levy In Edo

Published

6 years ago

March 6, 2020

Two persons were said to have died while several others injured in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State as a result of a clash between Itsekiri and Benin youths in oil-rich Ologbo community.

The entire community was deserted when journalists visited the community Friday as soldiers were sighted patrolling the place. Commercial activities were paralysed as hostilities resumed following reprisal attacks on some Itsekiri youths.

According to Vanguard, the busy streets in the community, including the market were empty and shops were locked up as the town was devoid of any human activities.

As at the time of the visit, many residents locked themselves indoors while others were said to have temporarily relocated to neighbouring villages.

But the leader of the Itsekiri in the area, Chief Johnson Atseleghe, the Iyatsere of Warri, blamed boys loyal to the Enogie (Duke) of Ologbo as the cause of the crisis.

Vanguard quoted him saying, “The cause of this latest clash is caused by the Enogie of Ologbo boys. Somebody was laying a foundation for a building and some boys led by Osazuwa went there to collect ‘deve’.

“The man said he has N30,000 but they refused and demanded N100,000. The man is my in-law. My son went there and offered additional N20,000 but They still refused. Before they knew what was happening, they shot my son and two others.

“One of the boys they shot is a big shot in eiye confraternity. It now escalated to a cult war. A lot of people are now in hospital. The police has intervened. We signed a peace accord. The Commissioner of Police told us to address our people. I came but the Enogie did not come.

“After the peace accord, we came and got report that they have destroyed some Itsekiri houses in town. They burnt their property. The major problem we are having is the Enogie boys. They used the palace as refuge. We begged the Enogie to ask the boys to leave the Palace.

“The fight in Enogie palace is cult fight. It is not our boys. Our boys going to work today were attacked. If he used his palace as place for cultists, the other rival group will come there to attack.”

Councillor representing Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha, Felix Edogiawere, said steps have been taken to curb the crisis with the move to arresting key players in the crisis.

“It was one Osazuwa that went to collect development money. He went to where they were building a house and demanded money. That was how the fight started. Prince Johnson’s son, Giwa went to asked Osazuwa why he went to demand money.

“There was no attack at the Enogie Palace. They shot one boy. He is dead now. They went to attack another man and used a machete to inflict injuries on him.”

A visit to the palace of the Enogie showed a deserted palace with some youths sitting around the premises where some of them said they were not cultists but free borns of Ologbo community.

(VANGUARD)

PHOTO: File

Metro

16 Passengers Lose Lives In Lokoja–Okene Highway Tragedy

Published

7 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
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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

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”.