Metro

Weeds, Faeces Take Over Abandoned 400- seater Lagos Theatre

Published

3 years ago

August 24, 2023

Weeds and faeces have taken over the 400-seater Lagos State Theatre located in the Oregun area of the state, which was destroyed by protesters during the EndSARS agitation.

It was gathered that all installations in the theatre that were meant to promote tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and the arts together with sports had been looted, with the facilities being overrun by faeces.

The theatre which was unveiled on April 24, 2019, by former President Muhammadu Buhari has remained fallow for three years since the destruction.

The PUNCH correspondent who visited the theatre, which was built by the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, observed that the entire premises, including the security building before the entrance into the theatre, had become a dumpsite.

It was also observed that the foyer between the three-apartment restroom and the staircase that led to the theatre itself was littered with faeces with stench oozing from the area.

When The PUNCH correspondent strolled into the main theatre, it was observed that a part of the roofing along the passage was dangling and nearing collapse, while the entire place was bushy.

A resident of the area identified simply as Azeez, who frequents the premises, claimed that the lootings were perpetrated by some miscreants during the protest after the place had been abandoned by the government.

“These two big slabs were where the generators used to be located. They removed all the engines and left the shed. The government only came here to take away empty soundproofing. There is nothing anyone can do to stop them. A lot of things happened.

“The soldiers and the policemen even came here at a point. Most of the installations were stolen during the protest. Some people from the ministry would come and take pictures and go. But nothing has happened since the building was burnt,” Azeez told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Wunmi Seriki, dismissed the claim that the theatre had been abandoned, stating that the contract for the renovation of the building had been awarded.

“The theatre has not been abandoned. We are about to take action on the place. It is about to be renovated. It has been contracted out already. Work will soon start there.

“Although I cannot confirm the exact date, I can assure you that work will soon commence. I will let you know at a later date. We are aware that some of the installations and facilities have been vandalised since the time of the EndSARS,” she said.

However, the spokesperson for the State Ministry of Works, Mr. Odunuga, was not available to confirm this as of the time this report was filed.

Meanwhile, corroborating Seriki on the renovation of the theatre, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the reconstruction of the theatre would begin in earnest.

“It is still on the table. I cannot give you a timeline, but something will be done about the theatre soon. Don’t forget that it was not the only place that was vandalised at the time. They burnt a lot of the BRT buses,” Akosile said.
PUNCH

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.