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Tag: Etsako East

  • Edo demolishes kidnappers’ hideout in Etsako East

    Edo demolishes kidnappers’ hideout in Etsako East

    Edo State government has demolished structures and shanties suspected to be the kidnappers’ hideout in 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 investigations.

    Ebojele said the investigations showed they were used as bases by kidnappers for holding abducted victims before ransoms were demanded and collected.

    According to Ebojele, “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.

    “However, on December 20, 2025, 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 was carried out by the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, led by Town Planning Officer, Williams Ovenseri.

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

    The CPS added: “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.”

  • Etsako East leaders fault alleged claims of marginalisation of North Ibie

    Etsako East leaders fault alleged claims of marginalisation of North Ibie

    Leaders from the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State have  dismissed the allegation of political marginalisation of “North Ibie” region, describing the claims as false, misleading, and mischievous.

    The clarification followed a publication credited to Abdullahi Shuaibu, accusing political leaders in Etsako East council area of sidelining the “North Ibie” area in the sharing of political positions since 1999.

    In a statement by the Chief Administrator of the People of Imiegba Village Square (Home and Abroad), Three Ibie, Etsako East, the leaders said that there was no officially recognized area known as the “North Ivie” in the local government. 

    According to him, the correct structure consists of the three Ibie Clans namely the Imiegba, Itsukwi, and Imiakebu and the Okpekpe Clan.

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    Ekiogwe expressed concern that the claims of marginalization was capable of creating tension and disunity among the people of Etsako East, noting that  the allegations were purely self-serving and intended to mislead the public.

    “The so-called Abdullahi Shuaibu is unknown to our political, traditional, and community leadership structures. His purported representation of the zone is false, fraudulent, and does not reflect our collective reality,” the statement read.

    He added that the zone had benefited immensely from political inclusion over the years, producing several prominent figures who have held strategic elective and appointive positions at both local and state levels.

    Ekiogwe noted that the zone has, over the years, produced prominent political figures who have made significant contributions to governance at various levels. 

    Among them are two members of the Edo State House of Assembly, the late Hon. J.B. Momoh and Rt. Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh as well as a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abubakar Momoh, who currently serves as a Federal Minister.

    He added the zone has also produced two substantive council chairmen, Engr. Abubakar Momoh and Hon. Benedicta Attoh; an acting chairman, Hon. Attoh; and four vice chairmen,Edward Imanobe, Haruna Yaro Yaro, Benedicta Attoh, and Charles Dagana all of whom have played key roles in advancing the development of Etsako East.

    Ekiogwe further said zone also produced the current Etsako East APC Chairman, Mr. Okponokhe, further proving that the

    Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone has not been marginalized in political participation or representation.

    He noted that APC in Etsako East had consistently upheld equity and fairness in political zoning, adding that the party’s recent decision to zone the Edo State House of Assembly seat to the Three Ibie/Okpekpe zone further demonstrated inclusiveness.

    He cautioned individuals against using the media to propagate divisive narrative or to seek political recognition outside established party structures, stating that “loyalty to one’s political party and due consultation with leaders remain the only credible path to elective offices, not media propaganda”.