News

Two Policemen Killed, Ammunition Carted Away As Armed Robbers Invade Police Headquarters In Edo

Published

5 years ago

November 10, 2020

Editor

Less than 24-hour Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Babatunde Kokumo, issued an ultimatum to hooodlums who hijacked the EndSARS protest and carted away arms and other items to return them, daring armed robbers yesternight (the same night CP issued the ultimatum) let loose in the the state.

The criminals, on Monday night, invaded the Divisional Police Headquarters at Igueben, the seat of Igueben Local Government Area of Edo state, killing two policemen, injuring many security personnel and carting away a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

The two policemen, who lost their lives to the sudden attack by the rampaging hoodlums, were Monday Asoata, an Inspector, and Esangbedo Ezekiel, a Corporal, with their bodies already deposited in an undisclosed morgue in Edo, while the injured policemen were currently receiving treatment in hospitals in the state.

Sources at Igueben, who spoke in confidence through the phone, revealed that the armed robbers arrived at the divisional police headquarters around 8 p.m., throwing dynamite into the befitting police station to gain access and destabilise the police personnel on duty.

Amid sporadic gunshots, the hoodlums then headed for the police station’s armoury, thereby looting the arms and ammunition, which they hurriedly carted away.

The killed policemen made efforts to prevent the armed robbers from attacking the station and looting the armoury, but they were shot at close range, with photo of one of the dead police personnel lying face down on the floor, in a pool of blood, in-between benches, tables, chairs, a COVID-19 water bucket, kegs, plates and other items that littered the reception.

Shortly after the attack and killing of the innocent policemen, residents of Igueben trooped to the streets of the ancient town, protesting the gory and horrifying acts, just as they urged Obaseki and Edo Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo to ensure thorough investigation, arrest of the criminals and to ensure diligent prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to others.

The protesters attributed the “premeditated” attack on the divisional police headquarters to external invaders, which they said might have been as a result of the October 19 looting and razing of few police stations in Edo and attack on the two correctional centres in Benin, the state capital, leading to escape of 1,993 inmates, who immediately returned to crimes.

Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, a Superintendent of Police (SP), through the telephone, confirmed the attack on the divisional police headquarters.

He said: “On November 9, 2020, at about 19.30hrs, hoodlums suspected to be armed robbers, invaded the police station at Igueben. Immediately, the police personnel mobilised to repel them.

“During gun duel, one of the suspected armed robbers was shot dead, two policemen were wounded and they were taken to the hospital. One motorcycle, suspected to belonging to the robbers was confiscated by the police. No policeman was killed in the attack.

“The police are doing their best to weed out criminal elements in that axis (Igueben) of the state. As I speak, normalcy has returned to that part of Edo.”

Recall, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Babatunde Kokumo had yesterday issued a seven-day ultimatum to hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protests in the state to return the stolen arms, ammunition and other items or face dire consequences.

He also promised handsome rewards for persons with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the criminal elements who were involved in the looting and to recover the stolen arms, ammunition and other valuables.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

8 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.