The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Edo State

  • Slain police sergeant was fighting rival cult group, says CP

    Edo State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosun, has said that the Police Sergeant that was killed on Saturday night in Benin City was a member of a cult group.

    The late Police Sergeant identified as Oisa Monday Ehigie was killed at Nomayo Junction along Upper Sokponba road.

    He was an ordely to the Chairman of Ikpoba-okha local government, Dr. Eric Osayande.

    Cult related killings in Benin City and environs have been on the rise since last month.

    Several persons have been killed including a Medical Doctor of the University of Benin-Lagos Teaching Hospital.

    Odumosun said two other suspected cultists were killed in the shootout.

    He said he was surprised that a police officer was fighting on the side of a rival cult group.

    The Edo Police boss said several persons have been arrested while arms and ammunition were recovered in connection to the killings.

    According to him, “The information we have is that he was fighting in the side of one of the rival cult group. Cult war is either inter or intra. They are either fighting themselves or fighting another cult group.

    “I was surprised. He was not on uniform. Two members of other cult group were killed.”

  • Benin Tanker fire: Obaseki commends rescue team

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the gallantry of the rescue team that responded to the tanker fire caused by a collision involving a diesel-laden tanker and an Audi car in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis of the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

    In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, quoted the governor as saying that “the incident was regrettable.”

    According to him, “the governor is deeply saddened by the incident. He expressed his condolences with the families of the dead and prayed for the quick recovery of those who are hospitalised.

    “Worthy of mention is the gallantry of the rescue team comprising fire service officials from the Army School of Supply and Transport Barracks, the University of Benin and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). They showed bravery, which must be commended.”

    Osagie said the preliminary reports on the incident showed that one of the vehicles involved in the incident was driving against traffic, calling on road users to abide by traffic rules.

    Noting that the state government was particularly concerned about the fire incident and the attendant impact on other road users, he said, “the governor proposes that highly flammable products be moved by rail transportation, pipeline or at night when there is light vehicular traffic.”

    The governor’s aide extended the state government’s condolences with the families of the affected victims, and wished those still receiving treatment, quick recovery.

  • Edo group train civil servants on emergency response

    The Edo State Government in collaboration with Save Accidents Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) has organised one-day training for civil servants, security and allied personnel on emergency response.

    Tagged Basic Life Support (BLS) training, the session had in attendance civil servants and other government officials, including officials of Edo State Traffic Control and Management Agency (EDSTMA), drivers, Police officers, among others.

    Speaking at the training session, held at Government House in Benin City, on Friday, founder and coordinator of SAVAN, Dr. Edeaghe Ehikhamenor, said the training will bridge the knowledge gap in emergency response.

    He added that providing essential pre-hospital care during emergencies is needed as Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) and other forms of accidents are major causes of preventable deaths globally.

    According to him, the training will enable participants who are first responders during emergencies to be abreast of skills needed in providing paramedic services.

    Dr. Ehikhamenor noted that there are cases where first responders during emergencies bring in accident victims to hospitals as dead persons without carrying out the regular checks because of lack of relevant knowledge.

    He commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for partnering with the group to provide the training and urged that paramedics be added as first responders in the state.

    A participant, Mr. Eriyo Osakpolor, said that the session is an eye-opener as it provides a good foundation for Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) knowledge.

    According to him, “With this training, one can help accident victims and reduce the risk of fatalities in the event of a road accident.”

  • Kidnap of Edo APC Assembly candidate: Party chairman calls for calm

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State Chapter, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, has expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by security agencies in the state to rescue the kidnapped candidate of the party in the forthcoming elections, Mr. Michael Ohio-Ezomon.

     

    Mr. Ohio-Ezomon is contesting to represent Owan West Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly. He was kidnapped in his hometown on Wednesday by unknown gunmen.

     

    Ojezua made the party’s position known on the incident shortly after a joint security meeting between heads of security agencies in the state and the governor, at Government House, in Benin City.

     

    The State Chairman noted that it was too early to point accusing fingers at anyone, as investigation was still in preliminary stage.

     

    “It is not safe to jump into conclusions. I appeal that we should not be restive; we should have confidence in our government and allow security agencies to do their work,” Mr. Ojezua said.          

     

    Earlier, the State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said the security agencies are on top of the incident and called on the people to remain calm.

     

    He ordered the State Police Command to ensure that the kidnapped victim is rescued, urging the Commissioner of Police, who was in Owan West to get a first-hand assessment of the incident, and champion the investigation.

     

    Noting that the state government frowns at such incident, the governor cautioned political actors not to heat up the polity, but maintain a peaceful atmosphere as the elections draw closer.

     

    He called on the police to track down the kidnappers and fast-track the safe rescue of the victim.

     

  • Obaseki promises world-class NAFEST

     

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured of the state’s readiness to host a world-class National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) later in the year, to raise the profile of the cultural expo.

     

    Obaseki gave the assurance when he received a delegation of management of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), led by its Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, in Government House, Benin City, the state capital.

     

    According to the governor, Edo State has huge cultural assets to showcase to the world at the festival, and noted that the agitation for the repatriation of the over 6000 artefacts looted during the Benin Expedition of 1897 was ongoing. 

     

    He commended the Runsewe-led NCAC for repackaging the National Festival for Arts and Culture, with new offerings that were on display last year in Port Harcourt and charged the council to explore the huge potential in the state’s eco-tourism sector.

     

    He tasked the council to lead the way in the development of a  world-class tourism master plan that would drive tourist traffic to sites and destinations across the country.

     

    Obaseki told his guests that his administration was committed to developing the culture and tourism sector in the state, with ongoing work on implementable plans to reposition the sector to maximise its potential.

     

    In his response, the NCAC DG said the essence of his team’s visit was to convey a proposal of innovative components billed to be introduced in the 2019 edition of NAFEST as well as the timeline for the various cultural events. 

     

    Runsewe congratulated the Obaseki-led administration for winning the hosting right of the festival, and promised that the event would provide the state the opportunity to reinforce her place on the world’s culture map.   

     

    He explained that one of the additions to the festival is the Royalty Day, when all the states’ delegates will pay homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II.

     

    He lauded Obaseki’s introduction of culture club in schools as well as the culture information desk at the Benin Airport, which he said would help sell the state’s culture and tourist sites to visitors.

  • IFC commends Obaseki for stimulating private sector-led economic growth

    The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for his commitment to promoting economic development through partnership with the private sector.

    IFC Vice President, Middle East and Africa, Mr. Segio Pimenta, said this during a business meeting between the IFC officials and the state governor, at Government House, in Benin City, Edo State.

    Pimenta said the organisation has heard of all the good works the governor is embarking on and what the administration is doing to develop the state and its economy, which are geared towards making life better for the people of the state.

    He said the organisation is supporting progressive states that are doing well in various areas, with education as one of the major areas of focus, noting “Education is one area the state is getting our fundamental support. We look at human capacity index focusing on how we can help build human capacity in countries and states we operate in. This is responsible for the collaboration with Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EDOBEST) programme and BRIDGE.”

    He assured that the organisation will continue to support the state government’s educational programmes.

    Governor Obaseki thanked the delegation for the commendation and the IFC’s support, noting that his administration in 2019 is focused on the Benin Industrial/Enterprise Park and Free Trade Zone, Oil Palm production and education to drive sustainable economic development.

    In a presentation titled: ‘2019-2021: Driving Private Sector Participation through Policy Reforms,’ Obaseki said, he intends to drive economic growth and create jobs for Edo people.

    “We are focusing on three key projects now, namely: The Industrial Park, Oil Palm production and education. In terms of economic growth, we are leveraging on our key natural reserves like energy, land and other assets including our rich cultural heritage in Benin Kingdom,” he posited.

    The Governor said his administration will develop the capacity of Edo people to build a vibrant workforce and improve the ease of doing business, which will attract foreign investors to the state.

    On oil palm production, the governor said his administration is looking at the opportunity and possibility of re-establishing large oil palm plantation to make the state one of the largest producers of oil palm in the world, adding, “Our administration is working round the clock to ensure that what we do can compete globally, as such we have decided to first deal with the issue of concern to environmentalists by taking a forest audit and now we have been able to earmark close to 250,000 hectares of degraded forest land for agricultural purposes.”

    The governor said that the state government is exploring options in developing mechanized farming in the state, so that it can improve productivity and attain food security through efficient management of resources.

  • Obaseki urges spiritual rebirth

    As 20 Christian pilgrims begin the 2018 Pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Israel, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged them to allow their experience in the Holy Land lead to spiritual rebirth which will benefit the state.

    Obaseki, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Special Duties, Ms. Itohan Bazuaye, gave the charge in his farewell speech to the Pilgrims at Government House Chapel in Benin City, on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

    He admonished the pilgrims, “you must have a humble character and full reverence in your approach to a holy God in the holy land. You are going to Israel to experience and have an encounter with God and come back a changed and transformed person.”

    The pilgrims, who spoke to journalists, described the journey as divine and an opportunity to seek the face of God on behalf of the country.

    According to Mrs. Stella Esan, a civil servant said, “It is a divine favour for me to visit the holy land. We are going to ask God to intervene in the country especially as the elections draw near.”

    Mrs. Esan condemned the act of absconding, adding “It is not a good thing for pilgrims to abscond. It gives the country a bad image and makes the process of VISA procurement very difficult.”

    Similarly, Hon. Damian Lawani, a member of Edo State House of Assembly said, the visit to the holy land will provide an opportunity to pray for his family, the state and country.

    On absconding, he said, “It is unfortunate that people believe that this country has nothing for them. They should look at what they can contribute to the country because people also built those countries they are running to.”

    Secretary of the State Welfare Board, Sir Patrick Ihayere, said a contingent of 20 pilgrims consisting of 13 females and 7 males will be participating in the pilgrimage.

  • Obaseki orders investigation into kidnap of APC candidate for Edo Assembly

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has called for calm following the reported kidnap of Mr. Ohio Ezomon, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contesting to represent Owan West Constituency at the Edo State House of Assembly.

    The governor has also directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a rescue operation, even as the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Olusegun Odumosun is leading the investigation.

    In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said a rescue operation commenced immediately the incident was brought to the attention of security agencies in the state and the Police Commissioner, Mr. Odumosun has arrived the area to provide support to the team.

    According to him, “Governor Godwin Obaseki is on top of the incident and calls on the people to remain calm. He has ordered the Police Command to ensure that the kidnap victim is rescued. The Commissioner of Police has arrived Owan West. He is championing the investigation.”

    Noting that the state government frowns at such incidents, especially during the campaign season, the governor’s aide said Governor Obaseki has cautioned political actors not to heat up the polity, but maintain a peaceful atmosphere as the elections draw closer.

    He said the governor has ensured that the police get all the necessary support to track down the kidnappers and fast track the safe rescue of the victim, adding, “The governor is calling for calm and has assured the people that those who are responsible will be brought to book.”

     

  • Oba’s curse: Traffickers patronise natives doctors in neighbouring states

    Human traffickers in Edo State have devised means to avert the wrath of the curse of the Benin Monarch, Oba Ewaure II.

    Oba Ewuare II had last year placed a curse on human traffickers and those aiding and abetting human trafficking in the state.

    The Benin monarch who forced the native doctors in the state  to revoke the curses and oaths placed on trafficked victims declared that the trafficked victims were now free from their traffickers and whatever oaths they were placed on

    Oba Ewuare II warned those aiding and abetting human trafficking through the use of black magic and subjecting them to the oath of secrecies to desist from the act or face the wrath of the gods

    He had said that so long as the traffickers walk on Edo land and eat food cooked with salt and oil, the juju must kill them.

    Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) Nduka Nwanwenne, disclosed on Thursday that traffickers now take their victims to neighboring states to take oath.

    Nwanwenne spoke in Bénin City at a two-day training programme for journalist on Understanding and Reporting Modern Day Slavery organised by the O-Centre for Journalism Development (OCJD).

    He said the traffickers felt that the Oba’s curse would not be effective in other states.

    The NAPTIP Zonal Commander said the decision to use herbalist in neighbouring states was part of human traffickers ways to re-strategize.

    He said some transport firms were encouraging human trafficking despite attempt to educate them to help save lives.

  • APC supporters in free- for-all at court premises

    Supporters of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State on Wednesday clashed at the premises of the Federal High Court in Benin City, the Edo State capital during the hearing of the case between House of Representatives member, Hon Johnson Oghuma and Comrade Julius Abuda.

    Comrade Abuda has dragged Hon. Oghuma and the Edo APC to court over the conduct of party primary in Etsako Federal Constituency.

    Abuda is asking the court to declare him winner of the APC  Estako Federal constituency primary.

    Counsel to both parties hurriedly left the court when fight broke out between the two rivals supporters.

    Three persons were injured in the fracas.

    Comrade Abuda, in a statement, said it was shocking  for Hon Oghuma to bring thugs to the court premises.

    ”On Tuesday 17th January 2019, we produced our two witnesses, their lawyer G.C Igbokwe crossed examined us and we submitted our evidences to the court.

    “It was the day of the defendants, INEC, APC and Oghuma to produce their witnesses to be crossed examined by our lawyers.

    “Everything went on well. The court later adjourned to 20th February 2019, for further hearing and we left the court. One of Oghuma boy Nurudeen a.k.a,  (I (must do) led other thugs to attacked my supporters and lawyers.

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    “Johnny brought two branded buses loaded with thugs and armed policemen. Thank God it was witnessed by court staff. Why must a lawmaker voted bring untamed thugs to court knowing the implication”

    But Hon. Oghuma, who denied storming the court with thugs said he was not at the court premises when the attack took place.

    The lawmaker who said he was sure of victory at the court and the  general election said he won in the 31 wards at the party’s primary.

    “He must be out of his mind. Tell him I said so. Why do I need thugs for a case I know by the grace of God I will win.

    “If there was disagreement between his boys who insulted my lawyer Barr GC Igbokwe SAN and one of my men who could not bear his attitude challenged him even when I was not there now amount to my bringinning  thugs to court. He Abuda was not even in court.

    “Abuda claimed there was no primary but I won the primary and I tendered all the result sheets and every necessary documents that proved there was primary and I won 31 wards as against the one ward he won.”