Metro

Umahi Locks Out Workers, Protesters Cite hardship For Lateness

Published

3 years ago

September 29, 2023

There was apprehension at the Ministry of Works, Abuja, on Thursday as protesting civil servants grounded activities after the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, locked out over 300 staff and directors who resumed work late.

The public servants, expressing their displeasure, also confined the minister to his office, demanding an apology from him.

Earlier, the minister upon resumption at 9.30am was said to have prevented workers who came to work late from gaining access to the ministry for over four hours.

However, after the gate was opened, the workers, comprising of both Housing and Works ministries, refused to enter the ministry and resorted to an impromptu protest, barricading the entrance gates.

It was gathered that they also prevented entry and exit into the building, thereby preventing the minister from leaving the office to receive the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who came to the headquarters on a courtesy visit.

One of the affected staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that workers were shocked over Umahi’s action, arguing that he did not take into cognisance the current hardship in the country and the fact that most staff reside in areas outside the city centre.

The staff said, “The minister, upon resumption around 9.30am, instructed security officers to lock the gate.

“Over 300 staff members, including some directors, were asked to stay outside and even when we tried to enter, the gatemen said it was on the order of the minister and nobody should enter the premises.

“Eventually, we had to call our colleagues who were already inside to inform them of what had happened. They came outside to join us, blocked the road and everywhere became rowdy.

“Even the Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had to turn back because of the crowd.

“After about four hours, the minister came down to address us, apologising that he didn’t give any directive.

“The union leaders had put off the lights so no one could do anything and that’s why everyone had no choice but to come outside.”

Giving further details, another staff said it was insensitive for the minister to lock out workers, hinting that the situation would have degenerated if the minister didn’t apologise.

“To me, it was insensitive for the minister to have done such a thing even though he denied it. Everyone in the country is just managing. Most of our workers stay very far from town and it is sad all of these happened today.”

Following the protest, which lasted hours, Umahi, while apologising, promised to consider some of the complaint made regarding the high cost of transportation.

He also urged the workers to support the transformative innovation of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration and urged them not to join the planned nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress.

Metro

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

Published

7 hours 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

2 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”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.