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Tag: Edo State

  • Police confirm abduction of medical doctor in Edo

    Police confirm abduction of medical doctor in Edo

    Edo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a medical doctor and his brother in Edo State.

    It gave names of the victims as Abu Ibrahim Babatunde and Abu Tahir.

    Both men were kidnapped in front of their house at Ibira Camp, Auchi, Edo State, while attempting to open the gate.

    Dr. Abu did his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi.

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    Edo Police Command spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the incident was reported at about 8:30pm.

    Ikoedem said policemen from the Auchi Divisional Headquarters were immediately deployed to the scene in collaboration with vigilantes, Forest Guards, and Community Safety Partnership Volunteers who are well conversant with the forest terrain.

    She said aggressive search and rescue operations within the forest have been ongoing.

    The Edo Police spokesman assured the family and the general public that no stone would be left unturned to ensure safe rescue of the victims.

  • Kidnappers abduct medical doctor in Edo

    Kidnappers abduct medical doctor in Edo

    A medical doctor serving his housamanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi and identified as Dr. Abu Ibrahim Babatunde, has been abducted.

    Dr. Abu, a member of the Abu family of the Iyetse Clan, Utsogun Heritage Zone, was abducted in front of his residence.

    Sources said he was abducted in front of his house at Ibira Camp, Auchi, Edo State, while attempting to open his gate after returning from work.

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    It could not be confirmed if the kidnappers have demanded any ransom.

    Edo Police Command spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said she was yet to get details of the incident.

  • Okpebholo vows more crackdown on cultists, kidnappers in 2026

    Okpebholo vows more crackdown on cultists, kidnappers in 2026

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, said his administration is deploying stronger security strategies and technology to keep the people safe in 2026 and beyond.

    Governor Okpebholo, in his New Year Message, said 2026 would be a year of “Hope and Growth” for the state.

    The Edo Governor who thanked God for sustaining the state through 2025, said the journey has been of steady progress despite inherited challenges.

    Governor Okpebholo said the story of the state has been changing for the better despite inheriting insecurity, bad roads, weak institutions and low public confidence.

    He said his administration, under the SHINE Agenda, has made progress in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, economic development, and job creation.

    He said, “The challenges we inherited have not disappeared overnight. Our roads still need massive attention, food security and job creation require more effort, and remnants of violent touts and cult groups still exist in some areas. But we are confronting them decisively.

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    “We will not allow kidnapping or cult-related violence to thrive in Edo State. In 2026, we are deploying stronger security strategies and technology to keep our people safe.

    “Our security agencies have been fully briefed and are ready to respond swiftly to any threat to peace and order in our communities.

    “2026 is the Year of Hope and Growth — hope because we must never give up on Edo’s future, and growth because progress must be felt in every sector and in every part of the state,” he said.

    He pledged that no community would be left behind and no citizen ignored as his administration builds on the gains of the past year.

  • Oba Ewuare II: Edo PDP chieftains disown social critic

    Oba Ewuare II: Edo PDP chieftains disown social critic

    Two members of the State Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have dissociated themselves from a social media critic, Albert Obazee, following comments attributed to him about the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II.

    The party officials are the Edo PDP Organising Secretary, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, and the Publicity Secretary, Daniel Osa-Ogbegie.

    In a statement, Osa-Ogbegie said he was distancing himself from any posts, comments or narratives considered malicious, disparaging, disrespectful or irreverent towards the Benin Monarch, the Benin Kingdom, or anything regarded as sacred, historical, cultural or institutional to Benin.

    He urged members of the public to refrain from tagging, sending, associating or linking his name, image or platform with such content, either directly or indirectly.

    Osa-Ogbegie described himself as a proud son of Benin, noting that he remains bound by history, identity and conscience to the Benin Kingdom.

    He added that his commitment to Benin remains unwavering, stressing his deep respect and reverence for all that is connected to the Kingdom and its rich heritage.

    “My loyalty is, and shall always remain, to the Oba of Benin, who stands as the living personification of Edo in all its glory, dignity, continuity, and civilisation. Any attempt to suggest otherwise, or to drag my name into narratives hostile to the Benin throne or institution, is false, misleading, and unacceptable and would be treated as an act of war.

    “Let this serve as a clear notice to all concerned. Respect for Benin and the Oba of Benin is non-negotiable.”

    Ifaluyi-Isibor advised Obazee to be more circumspect in his words.

    He said Obazee would now be measured by his utterances even as he cautioned him to apply more decorum even when expressing anger.

    “I watched a snippet from his video where some unsavory comments were made and I think it was utterly wrong and unnecessary to make such comments at anyone much less the Monarch. We will hold our Monarch in high esteem and treat the throne with the respect it deserves. This is not optional.”

  • Okpebholo pays 13th month salary for Edo civil servants

    Okpebholo pays 13th month salary for Edo civil servants

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has delighted civil servants in Edo state by paying their 13th month salary.

    Workers at various ministries, including Information and Strategy, Lands and Housing, Environment and Sustainability, and Education in Iyaro, confirmed receiving the payment, describing it as timely and morale-boosting.

    Mrs. Rose Imonikhe, Director of Orientation at the Ministry of Information and Strategy, said the alert came as a pleasant surprise to staff.

    She said, “I woke up this morning, it was the alert that woke me up, the 13th-month salary. I’m grateful to the governor for what he has done. You can see me smiling, and that is how other officers in the Edo State civil service are smiling.

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    “This Christmas period, most people must have spent their December salaries. So this will help them enter the new year with something in their pockets. Those with children’s school fees to pay can do so without stress, and others who are renewing rents will also benefit.This 13th-month salary will go very far.

     “The governor has played his part; it is left for civil servants to do theirs by being more committed. He is in a haste to deliver the dividends of democracy, and the civil service is the channel through which this can be achieved,” 

    Mrs. Bridget Igbinovia and Onyinyechi Florence described the payment as a clear demonstration of concern for workers’ welfare.

    Director of Administration, Mrs. Egbe Jocy, said the payment would strengthen morale and productivity across the service.

  • Okpebholo boosts investors’ confidence in Edo

    Okpebholo boosts investors’ confidence in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his administration’s deliberate investment in security has strengthened economic activities and restored investor confidence in the state.

    The governor stated that his government has made significant progress in tackling cultism and other violent crimes, thereby creating a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

    Okpebholo made the remarks at the pre-launching ceremony of the Skyewise Group Tower in Benin City, the state capital, where he assured investors that their multi-billion naira investments in Edo State are safe and secure.

    He noted that insecurity, which previously discouraged investment, has been reduced to the barest minimum under his administration.

    Represented at the event by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor emphasised that no serious investor would commit resources to an unsafe environment.

    “The governor has asked me to assure you that your investment in Edo is safe and secure,” Idahosa said. “When we came into office, Edo was faced with serious security challenges, but as we speak, these have been reduced to the barest minimum. The issue of cultism is being decisively addressed.”

    He added that the improved security situation is already yielding positive results, with increased interest from investors and renewed economic activities across the state.

    “For business to thrive in any society, any state, any community, security must be addressed. And as we speak today, by the grace of God, everything about security is the priority of Mr. Governor.

    “I want to assure you that the government of Edo state will patronize to ensure that your business meets the strongest desire from Edo and not only from the citizens but from the government. And lastly, we are going to be praying for you because we are almost at the same age.

    Chief Executive Officer of Skyewise, Dr. Elvis Abuyere, said the demolition of the conglomerate’s business premises in Lagos and Abuja compelled them to relocate to Edo State, which provided a friendlier environment for their businesses to thrive.

    Dr. Abuyere praised Governor Okpeholo for boosting investors’ confidence in driving economic growth in the state

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    He said, “For those who have known us for over a decade, we are known for excellence, we are known for impact, and we are known for results.

    “For those who have been following us lately, you will realize that we have some challenges in Lagos. One of our premises in Lagos was demolished, and the one we have in Abuja was also demolished.

    “We had a discussion, and we thought it wise to begin the journey to Skye wisely. What we believe at the management team is that Benin and Edo state are an untapped market for our business.

    “For those who know us, you will realize that we are into investments, loan facilities, automobiles, luxury automobiles, and we believe that you know, when we’re putting this together, people are saying, “Ah, you are into luxury.

    “Why are you coming to Benin?” People don’t know how to buy new cars.

    “We want to increase that number and ensure that we have a high percentage of Nigerians driving a brand new car.

    “And that is one of the reasons we came to Benin. If you look at the showroom downstairs, you will see all the brand new cars from 2024 to 25, even 2026,” Abuyere said.

  • Edo demolishes kidnappers hideout in Estako East

    Edo demolishes kidnappers hideout in Estako East

    Edo State government has demolished structures and shanties suspectsd to kidnappers’ hideout at Obu/Oguda/Bua Cement Axis of the Okpella-Okene highway.

    The demolished structures, according to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, were discovered through intelligence reports and investigations.

    He said investigations showed they were used as operational bases from which kidnappers carried out their nefarious activities. 

    He noted the area served as a holding point where abducted victims were kept before ransoms were demanded and collected.

    According to him, “The axis has long been dreaded by residents and motorists, having gained notoriety as a haven for hardened criminals who instilled fear in the area. Several past attempts to flush them out reportedly proved abortive, making the location a major security concern for the Okpebholo-led administration.

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    “However, on December 20, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., the area fell to the superior strategic planning and resolve of the Edo State Government as the illegal structures were pulled down, restoring a sense of safety to the community.

    The demolition exercise was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, led by Town Planning Officer, Williams Ovenseri, who supervised the removal of the illegal shanties used by the suspected criminals.

    During the operation, the suspects reportedly resisted security efforts by blocking the Okpella–Okene Expressway at the Obu/Oguda/Bua cement Axis, allegedly using human shields. Despite the resistance, security forces maintained control and ensured the success of the operation.

    “With the demolition completed, the area, once a hotspot for kidnappings and attacks on motorists, has become relatively calm, while security agencies continue to maintain surveillance to prevent any resurgence of criminal activities.

    “The successful operation marks a significant breakthrough for the Okpebholo administration, underscoring its firm commitment to winning the war against crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Edo State.”

  • Ex-Edo information commissioner Charles Idahosa dies at 72

    Ex-Edo information commissioner Charles Idahosa dies at 72

    A former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Edo State, Charles Idahosa, is dead.

    Idahosa reportedly died in his sleep on Saturday afternoon.

    Popularly known as Charly T, he was said to have been in high spirits before his death and only took a nap from which he did not wake up.

    A close associate disclosed that Idahosa had earlier attended the wedding ceremony of a daughter of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and also shared rice with the needy shortly before his passing.

    Idahosa served as Commissioner for Information and Orientation under the administration of former Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion. 

    He also served as Political Adviser to ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole, was Chairman of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, and later emerged as the governorship candidate of the defunct Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

    While there has been no official statement from the family, a family member described the death as shocking.

    “Daddy was full of life this morning. As usual, he came downstairs to receive people. I don’t know what happened; it is shocking,” the family member said.

  • Fuel price drops to N800 per litre in Edo

    Fuel price drops to N800 per litre in Edo

    Owners of petrol stations in Edo State have begun adjusting the pump price of premium motor spirit, popularly known as fuel.

    The adjustment is coming one week after Alhaji Aliko Dangote announced a drop in petrol price to N699.

    Dangote had said consumers would buy fuel at N750 per litre from last Tuesday, but checks showed that no petrol stations in Edo were selling at N750 per litre as at press time.

    The price of fuel in Edo State had ranged between N895 and N940 per litre before Dangote announced the reduction.

    A visit to many Petrol Stations in Benin City metropolis showed that only Raptor Filling Station along Sapele road sold fuel at N800 per litre.

    Other Petrol Stations sold at between N840 and N900 per litre.

    Managers in most of the petrol stations visited declined to comment.

    Some said they were not among those under the Dangote free fuel distribution initiative.

    They said they were still having old stock and had yet to purchase fuel at the new price of N699 per litre from Dangote Refinery.

  • Why Edo State’s forest reserve claim doesn’t add up

    Why Edo State’s forest reserve claim doesn’t add up

    Sir: The recent declaration by the Deputy Governor of Edo State that the territories around Ajakurama and Abére fall within government-owned forest reserves has generated widespread confusion and unease. For many of us who know the history, the geography, and the lived realities of these communities, the claim is not only surprising but deeply troubling. Land disputes anywhere can inflame tensions, but when they involve centuries-old ancestral spaces, the stakes become even higher. It is therefore essential that matters of such gravity be handled with clarity, accuracy, and respect for historical truth.

    The people of Ajakurama and Abére have inhabited their lands for generations. These are not makeshift settlements carved out in recent years; they are communities with cultural identities rooted in these very spaces. Elders pass down stories of their origins, festivals are tied to specific locations within the landscape, and family histories are etched into the soil. Across Edo State, the concept of ancestral land is not a sentimental notion—it is a lived reality that shapes identity, economy, and tradition. That is why the sudden assertion that these same lands are state-owned forest reserve lands with such force and bewilderment.

    Within Ovia South-West LGA, it has always been common knowledge that the officially designated forest reserves lie far from the Ajakurama–Abére corridor. Past administrations have operated with this understanding; community records reflect it, and even routine field knowledge—known to hunters, farmers, surveyors, and local administrators—reinforces this fact. At no point in history were these communities listed, gazetted, or legally designated as part of any forest reserve. No notices were issued, no compensation was paid, and no boundary adjustments were ever announced by the state. To claim otherwise today requires clear, verifiable documentation, not vague assertions.

    The Edo State government has, over the years, made commendable efforts to govern transparently and uphold due process. This makes the current situation all the more puzzling. When government statements contradict historical and geographical facts known to the communities, they create an atmosphere of distrust that benefits no one. The deputy governor’s pronouncement has already triggered anxiety among residents who fear that their ancestral rights are being quietly rewritten without consultation or evidence. Such a sensitive matter cannot be left hanging in ambiguity.

    For the sake of peace, clarity, and justice, it is both reasonable and necessary to request that the state government act with openness. If documents exist showing that Ajakurama and Abére were at any time absorbed into forest reserves, these should be made public. Maps, gazettes, acquisition notices, and boundary delineations must be shared so that the truth can stand on its own.

    Conversely, if such records do not exist—as community knowledge strongly suggests—then the state should openly correct its position to avoid further misunderstanding.

    In resolving this dispute, it is equally important that the government clearly define the current boundaries of all forest reserves within Ovia South-West LGA. Boundary certainty reduces conflict, prevents administrative errors, and protects both government assets and community land rights. Moreover, direct engagement with leaders of Ajakurama and Abére is essential. These are peaceful, law-abiding communities that recognise the authority of the state. They are willing to dialogue, willing to cooperate, and willing to listen. What they cannot do—and should never be expected to do—is surrender their ancestral heritage to a claim they know to be inaccurate.

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    It bears repeating that the people’s demand is simple: truth. Their loyalty to Edo State remains intact, but loyalty does not cancel history. It does not erase community memory, nor does it negate legal and customary rights that predate modern governance systems. As the state continues to pursue development, investment, and modernisation, it must ensure that these aspirations do not come at the expense of the very communities whose cooperation is essential to progress.

    This is not the first time that land designation issues have surfaced in Nigeria, and history shows that transparency always produces better outcomes than unilateral declarations. The Ajakurama and Abére situation should be no different. The state government now has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to fairness by clarifying its position, sharing its evidence, and engaging the affected communities constructively.

    In the end, what is at stake is not just land but trust. And trust, once strained, requires deliberate effort to restore. The government must rise to this responsibility by ensuring that official statements reflect documented facts, not assumptions.

    The people of Ajakurama and Abére seek only justice, clarity, and respect for their heritage. No more, no less.

    •John Amabolou Elekun, Iju-Ajuwon, Lagos.