The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Benin City

  • Pension arrears: Edo to verify, pay pensioners in batches

    In line with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s commitment to clear pension arrears in the state, the Edo State Government has announced the commencement of physical and documentary verification for payment of pensioners in batches 48, 49 and 50.

    In a statement, the Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Pension Bureau, Mr Saylor Juwobor, urged all pensioners in batches 48, 49 and 50 to present themselves for physical and documentary verification at the Imaguero Hall, Benin City from Wednesday, April 17 to Thursday, April 18, by 9.00am each day.

    He said, “pensioners in batches 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 who failed to participate in the previous verification exercises are urged to take advantage of the scheduled forthcoming screening alongside pensioners in batches 48, 49 and 50.”

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    “State Government Pensioners in batches 48, 49 and 50 and the spillover batches of 37 to 47 are advised to check the list of pensioners scheduled for the screening on the Notice Board in the Pensions Bureau’s Office at the former Ethiope Building, Oba Ovoranmwen Square (King Square) Benin City, from Monday April 15th and Tuesday April 16,” he added.

    He urged affected pensioners to come to the venue of the verification exercise with their “Pension Authority; Retirement Letter; Letter of First Appointment; Pension I.D. Card; Biometric Slip; and Bank details including bank name and Account Number.”

    Juwobor explained, “Upon conclusion of the verification exercise, the outstanding pension arrears of those screened will be credited into the pension account of each pensioner after necessary documentation by relevant agencies involved in the payment process.”

  • Can Obaseki win the war on cultism?

    Leviticus Okon, a member of Eiye Confraternity, was on his way to kill his third victim, a member of Aiye Confraternity, when policemen accosted their vehicle along Second East Circular road in Bénin City. Other occupants in the Toyota Camry car took to their heels but Leviticus was not lucky. He was apprehended and a locally made pistol was found on him.

    Police interrogators later discovered that Leviticus was responsible for some killings in the ongoing cult war between Eiye and Aiye confraternities. Several persons have been killed in the cult war in different parts of Bénin City and environs.

    The area worst hit by the cult killing is Upper Sokponba where several persons including a police Sergeant, Monday Ehigie and Manager of the hotel owned by Osaze Odewingie, Osato Okunkpolor were killed. Upper Sokponba begins from the popular Third Junction up to Abraka in Delta State. What worsen the situation in Upper Sokponba is that cultists now robbed people of their belongings.

    Residents in Upper Sokponba now rush home before 7pm or it would be difficult for them to get tricycle also known as Keke to take them home. Notorious areas along the Upper Sokponba are Erediauwa, Aifuwa, Three House, Nomayo, Uyiosa amongst others.

    Activities of the cultists and robbers have crippled business activities in the area especially for the beer parlour operators and traders who sell petty things at night to eke a living. Mr. Ogbemudia who owns a chemist near Three House said he now closed his shop by 7:30pm instead of 9pm. Ogbemudia said business was not booming as usual.

    It is now a nightmare for Tricycle operators at Aifuwa, Three House and Avbiama Junction to stay behind till 8pm. Before the recent cult killings, the tricycle operators used to work till 11pm. They said many of them have been robbed and beaten by cultists and robbers.

    One of them who pleaded anonymity said he has been robbed four times.

    “They used to carry bottle, knives and sticks. I have been robbed four times. They would beat us and take our money away.”

    On why they did not report the security situation to the police, he said they have reported severally but the policemen sent to the area only set up road block to extort money from commercial drivers.

    Last month, suspected cultists invaded the Oba Akenzua Secondary school and stabbed two students.

    Speaking to newsmen when he was paraded, Leviticus described the war between Eiye and Aiye confraternities as a generational war that would be difficult to stop.

    Leviticus who claimed to have killed only one person said the other cultist escaped with bullet wound.

    His words, “the first person I shot did not die. The other one died. We were on our way to kill another person when we were arrested.

    “The one we killed is a bus conductor. He is a member of Aiye. The fight is generation fight. The fight does not end.”

    But Governor Godwin Obaseki has vowed to tackle cultists and cult related activities in the state because of hundreds of investors willing to invest in the state.

    Governor Obaseki who noted that the investors had to be assured that the state is safe and secure for their businesses to thrive said his priority is to providing security and tracking of cultists and cult related activities.

    Obaseki spoke at an interdenominational church service to celebrate peaceful elections in the state and victory of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9, House of Assembly elections. The APC won all the 24 seats in the Edo State House of Assembly.

    He vowed to invoke the full wrath of the law on cultists adding that plans were on to set up a Special Security Squad on cultism in collaboration with the Nigerian Police.

    According to him, “I am going to go heavily on cultism. We are setting up a special squad on cultists. We must make Edo safe and make people know Edo is safe to do business.

    “I am giving full effect to the law on cultism. I will also not accept thuggery and ‘Agbero’ in this State. If we find anybody collecting revenue illegally. We will take appropriate action to deal with whoever is involved.

    “Security is now my number one priority. We have started investing in security. We have raised the Security Trust Fund and it is the sustainable ways of dealing with security. We will be knocking on your doors to support the Security Trust Fund.

    “We have a lot of economic plans. We have to convince the investors that Edo is save. The issue of cultism is going to be my next agenda. We already have a law in place against cultism. I am going to give full effect to that law. Please if you have any person or relation who is involved in cultism, tell them to desist from it.

    “In the next several months, I am going to go tough on cultism. With the new Commissioner of Police of Edo, we have set up a Special Squad on cultism, to deal with offenders and render it history in the state,” he said

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    The governor called on parents to urge their children and wards to stay away from cult-related activities as no one will be spared if caught in the act, adding that the necessary laws on cultism which were passed by the state House of Assembly will be effectively used.

    Governor Obaseki however said there was no excuse for non-performance on the part of the APC given the massive support from Edo people to the party’s candidates particularly in the state House of Assembly election.

    “Every achievement made by my administration so far has been divinely directed as God directs my everyday activity.

    “This victory throws up a lot more responsibility as the victory in the election shows the people trust our administration and we can’t afford to fail them.

    “All the 18 local government chairmanship seats in the state are occupied by members of the APC. All the newly elected 24 Edo State House of Assembly members from various parts of the state are APC members.

    “So with our party’s dominance of the political space, we have no excuse not to deliver. I want to rededicate myself and this administration, and reinforce our earlier promise to put Edo people first at all times and to make life more comfortable and better for them.”

    Edo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure, had in his statement urged Governor Obaseki to tackle cult activities before it gets too late.

    Kure suggested the setting up of a committee to look into ways of providing lasting solution to stopping cult activities in the state.

    He stated that secondary schools in the state were becoming citadel of cultism instead of learning.

    In 2018, the Edo State House of Assembly repealed the 2004 anti-cultism law and replaced it with a new law which prescribed 21-year jail term for secret cult members and 7-year imprisonment for anyone who harbours a cultist. The Bill also prescribes that all offences under the law shall be by summary trial and empowers the police to arrest suspected cultists without a warrant.

  • Man docked for N.56m fraud

    A 45-year old man, Friday Okodede, has been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N560, 000 from one Golden Aganimonuyi.

    Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Goru Samuel, informed the court that the offence was committed on July 13, 2018 at Oko Central Road, Benin City.

    Sergeant Samuel said the accused person collected the money to supply windows, protector and iron bars on false representation knowing same to be false.

    Samuel said the offence is punishable under section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol II laws of the defunct Bendel State now applicable in Edo State.

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    Hearing Friday pleaded not guilty to the one count charge preferred against him.

    Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.U Iluobe, granted the accused bail to the sum of N100, 000 and a surety in like sum.

    The case was adjourned to April 30, 2019.

  • Man remanded for allegedly defiling minor

    A 33-year old man, Isaac Ugbogun, has been remanded in prison custody for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Thomas Ojo alleged that the offence was committed on February 3, at 11, Onaiwu Street, Owina, Uzebu quarters, Benin City.

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    He said the offence is punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code Cap 48 II Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, now applicable in Edo State.

    The victim gave her evidence in camera.

    Magistrate D.I. Adamaigbo adjourned till April 3.

  • US backs Edo State’s anti-human trafficking model

    The United States Government has praised the Edo State Government’s anti-human trafficking model.

    U.S.  Chargé d’ affairs David Young pledged the U.S. Mission’s commitment to expanding the scope of its collaboration with states such as Edo, which serve as a source or transit point for human trafficking.

    Young spoke Tuesday during a visit to the state, with a view to understanding the socio-economic factors that perpetuate trafficking in persons in the state and efforts towards eradicating it.

    At a courtesy call on Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu at the Government House in Benin City, the envoy said: “We are pleased with the important progress that has been made to combat trafficking in persons in Edo State, through the Three Ps: Prevention, Protection and Prosecution of those individuals involved in human trafficking.

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    “This is one of the issues the U.S. government is focused on, as it is a horrific crime and we recognize its long-term effects on people who are trafficked to other countries.”

    He also visited the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he had an audience with Oba Ewuare II.

    Chargé Young emphasised the pivotal role of traditional institutions in eliminating the scourge of human smuggling.

    “We note that the Benin monarchy has taken the lead in statewide efforts to prevent young people from being trafficked.

    “Survivors with whom we have interacted confirm that the King’s nullification last year of all oaths sworn by trafficking victims had a remarkable impact, by neutralizing the psychological hold of the trafficking syndicates and encouraging survivors to return home.

    “This, in addition to the laudable efforts of the Oba Ewuare II Foundation, continues to bring freedom to many,” the envoy noted.

    Chargé d’ affaires Young also met trafficking survivors at Idia Renaissance Center, a non-government organization focused on ending human trafficking in Edo State.

    He also participated in a round-table discussion on trafficking and illegal migration with representatives of the Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

     

  • Suspected cultists injure pupils

    Academic activities were disrupted yesterday at Oba Akenzua Secondary School and Ihogbe College, Benin City, as suspected cultists invaded the schools and injured pupils.

    The schools are located on ICE Road, off Wire Road, Benin City.

    Teachers and pupils ran for safety when the cultists started shooting and attacking pupils with knives and cutlasses.

    Witnesses said the cultists came to attack a target, but some pupils, who are members of a junior rival cult, pelted them with stones.

    The witnesses said the cultists later stormed the schools and injured pupils.

    A pupil, who was severely injured, was taken to hospital.

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    When our reporter visited the schools, there was heavy security presence.

    Two of the suspected attackers arrested by the police cried, claiming they were innocent.

    Edo State Commissioner for Education Mr. Emmanuel Agbale said no pupil was killed in the attack.

    He said policemen were drafted to the area and the cultists were chased away.

    Agbale said security would be tightened in the area.

     

  • Children prevent robbers from stealing dad’s car

    Two children have prevented two robbers from stealing their father’s car.

    The children struggled with the robbers and took over the control of the steering from them, which made the car to hit a wall and somersault.

    It was gathered that the father of the children, simply identified as Doctor, parked to drop his children at Brother Pius Nursery and Primary School, Akenzua Street, off Airport Road, Benin City, when the robbers ordered him to step out of the car.

    The man stepped out and the suspected robbers/kidnappers entered the car and drove off, with the children inside.

    Sources said the children struggled and took over the control of the steering from the robbers/kidnappers and the car veered off the road, hit a building wall before somersaulting.

  • Cult members invade Edo school, injure students

    Academic activities were disrupted at the Oba Akenzua Secondary school and the Ihogbe College when suspected cultists invaded the school and injured many students with knives and cutlass.

    Ihogbe College and Oba Akenzua are adjacent each other and located along ICE Road off Wire road in Benin City.

    Teachers and students scampered for safety when the cult members started shooting and attacking students.

    Witnesses said the suspected cultists were heading for a target in the area some students who are members of junior rival cult group started throwing stones at them.

    READ ALSO: Police arrest two suspected cultists for ‘chopping-off man’s wrist’

    The witnesses said the cult members stormed the school and started inflicting injuries on any student.

    One of the students was said to have been fatally injured and was rushed to the hospital.

    When our reporters visited the school, there was heavy security presence. Two of the suspected attackers that were arrested by the police were crying insisting that they were innocent.

    A resident in the area said activities of cult related attacks have been on the rise in recent times.

    Edo State Commissioner for Education, Mr, Emmanuel Agbale, said no student was killed in the attack.

    Agbale said policemen were quickly drafted to the area and the cultists were chased away.

    He said both students of both schools have always been engaging in fight.

    Agbale said security would be beefed up in the area and that plans were on to merge both schools as one.

    The Commissioner said the schools would not be shut down due to the attack.

  • Youth Corps member backs Obaseki’s health programmes

    Impressed by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s youth-centric health programmes as well as the planned health insurance scheme in the state, an Edo youth, Miss Asika Obehi Constance, has embarked on a health awareness campaign across major markets and hospitals in Benin City.

    The campaign engaged medical and physical education experts in raising awareness and providing moral support to cancer victims and survivors.

    It held in major markets, including Santana Market, New Benin Market as well as Faith Mediplex and Central Hospital, all in Benin City, the state capital.

    Miss Obehi, in a chat with journalists, said that she organised the health awareness programme in support of the numerous health policies of the state government and wanted to show support for result-oriented and people-focused developmental strides of the governor.

    A physical health educator, Miss Obehi, is a youth corps member attached to EdoJobs, the state government’s skills development agency.

    She said the cancer awareness campaign is a community development service with a campaign team of 50 persons, including three medical doctors, two health educators and three cancer survivors.

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    According to her, “It was a sensitisation campaign that took us to market places like Santana Market and New Benin Market, in Benin City, to enlighten and educate the women about cancer. We shared flyers and taught them how to check themselves for breast cancer, which is common cancer among women.

    “We needed to raise awareness because a lot of people only get to know about the ailment when it is at an advanced stage. So, we wanted to enlighten the people and also throw our weight behind the governor’s health initiatives.”

    She said that at the medical centers, including Faith Mediplex Central Hospital, the team spoke to cancer patients and gave them moral support and gifts.

     

     

  • EDPA revokes sublease deeds of 24 abandoned properties

    The Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) has revoked sublease deeds of some abandoned properties in the Bendel Development and Property Authority (BDPA) Estate in Ugbowo axis of Benin City, the state capital

    The agency said that the deeds were revoked in line with the clauses 2(j) and 3(a) of the deed of sublease and following several abandonment notices published in local and national newspapers.

    In a statement by the Executive Chairman, EDPA, Isoken Omo, the agency said that trespassers on the revoked plots will be prosecuted, asking those with enquirers to contact the agency for further clarification.

    The affected plots are located on A close, 9th, 18th, 11th, 19th, 2nd, 14th, 16th, 7th, and 15thstreets.

    According to her, “The general public’s attention is by this notice drawn to the fact that the following abandonment notices placed in the Observer Newspaper of May 2, 2018 (page 9) and ThisDay Newspaper of May 2, 2018 (page 47) and Final Notice to Repossess Abandoned Properties at BDPA Estate Ugbowo, Edo State placed in the Vanguard Newspaper of January 21, 2019 (page 28) and the Observer Newspaper of January 22, 2019 (page 19), the subleases of the following properties have been revoked forthwith by Edo Development and Property Agency (EDPA) by virtue of Clauses 2(j) and 3(a) of the Deed of Sublease.”

    The affected plots are: Plot 23, A Close; Plot 176, 9th Street; Plot 178, 9th Street; Plot 179, 9th Street; Plot 181, 9th Street; Plot 182, 9th Street; Plot 261, 18th Street; Plot 172, 11th Street or Lucky Street; Plot 41, 3rd or 19th Street; Plot 100, 3rd Street or 19th Street; Plot 101, 3rd or 19th Street; Plot 87, 2nd Street and Plot 229, 14th Street.

    Others are Plot 230, 14th Street; Plot 224, 16th Street; Plot 148, 7th Street or Jonathan Akpoborie Street; Plot 72, 7th Street or Jonathan Akpoborie Street; Plot 159, 11th Street; Plot 167, 11th Street; Plot 186, 15th Street; Plot 132, 7th Street or Jonathan Akpoborie Street; Plot 195, 15th Street; Plot 146, 7th Street or Jonathan Akpoborie Street and Plot 104, 3rd or 19th Street.