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Tag: Okpebholo

  • Okpebholo orders release of innocent students

    Okpebholo orders release of innocent students

    • Governor meets AAU SUG

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has again made it clear that the recent Ekpoma violent protest was not organised by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) and ordered the release of students.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, yesterday in Benin.

    Okpebholo described the incident as a criminal act carried out by non-students hiding around the institution to foment trouble and extort law-abiding students.

    The governor said this yesterday during a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where issues surrounding the disturbance, arrests and security concerns were discussed.

    According to Okpebholo, intelligence available to the Edo Government shows that the incident was orchestrated by a group identifying themselves as “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community,”

    “These are people who are no longer students, but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. “We will put an end to that,” the governor said.

    Okpebholo assured the SUG leadership that any genuine students who might have been arrested in the course of restoring order would be identified and released.

    “For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President.

    Read Also: Beyond the single narrative: The reality of Benue killings

    “That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible. The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was not a protest at all; it was an avenue to loot,” he added.

    The governor also dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the incident, describing them as false and stage-managed to mislead the public and create ethnic tension.

    “The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part,” he said.

    He condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise Edo communities would be brought to justice.

    “I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you.

    ”We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people,” he said.

    He emphasised that the Edo Government had nothing against AAU students, stressing that the institution remained closed and that there were no arrests within the university campus.

    Reaffirming the students’ position, the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University, Comrade Osadebamen Michael, said it was unfortunate that attempts were being made to link the unrest to the student community.

    “It is pitiable that some people want to associate what happened with students.

    ”We are here to formally debunk that students did not organise any protest,” the SUG President stated.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.

    The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu.

  • Ekpoma riot was sponsored from overseas, Okpebholo insists

    Ekpoma riot was sponsored from overseas, Okpebholo insists

    …says arrested AAU students culpable

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that sponsors of last week’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area, have been identified.

    The governor said the protest was a well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.

    He said there were strong indications that opposition elements, “possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.”

    The Edo Governor, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, said it was part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.

    Read Also: Okpebholo vows to tackle kidnappers

    The statement said security agencies have identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma and proposed sponsoring the organisation of coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.

    It said those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus, and others were faces identified on a viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson carried out.

    According to the statement, “Most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction. The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters. The government also emphasised that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    “There are also strong indications, the government said, that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.

    “Residents of Ekpoma are assured that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town. The public is urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports. They should remain calm and go about their lawful activities.”

  • Edo defers school resumption in central zone over insecurity

    Edo defers school resumption in central zone over insecurity

    • Okpebholo, CP relocate to Ekpoma

    Edo State Government has postponed resumption of public and private schools in Edo Central Senatorial District for second term.

    The postponement followed last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government, over incessant kidnappings in the locality.

    Several persons were injured in the demonstration and the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma was vandalised.

    Shops were looted and commercial activities paralysed in Ekpoma. A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, said the school resumption postponement was till further notice.

    He said the postponement was to address some exigencies to improve the welfare of the pupils.

    The commissioner said: “The new date of resumption will be duly communicated to the public in due course.

    “Parents, guardians and all education stakeholders within Edo Central Senatorial District are kindly requested to take note of this development and comply accordingly.”

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has relocated to Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West Local Government, to coordinate security operations against kidnappers in the locality.

    The relocation of the CP followed protest that rocked Ekpoma at the weekend.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo was said to have also relocated to Ekpoma from his Irrua country home where he spent the weekend.

    Commissioner for Public Security and Public Safety, Festus Ebea, joined Governor Okpebholo in Ekpoma yesterday morning.

  • Okpebholo vows to tackle kidnappers

    Okpebholo vows to tackle kidnappers

    Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has said measures put in place to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other crimes are yielding results.

    He said his administration had invested in modern security apparatus, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to confront criminals.

    The governor was reacting to a protest by residents of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government.

    He said kidnapping was being addressed, adding that security operations were ongoing across the state.

    Okpebholo noted that security matters were sensitive and not suitable for public debate.

    He said premature disclosure could undermine operational effectiveness.

    Read Also: Okpebholo loses Special Adviser

    Declaring his respect for constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protests, he warned against attempts by unscrupulous individuals or groups to exploit public sentiments to destabilise peace and security of the state.

    The governor said: “This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators.”

    He advised residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, noting they should continue with their daily activities.

    Okpebholo said he remained determined to win the battle against crime and restore lasting peace to the state.

  • Okpebholo vows to tackle kidnappers, cultism in Edo

    Okpebholo vows to tackle kidnappers, cultism in Edo

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that decisive measures put in place against kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes were already yielding results.

    He said his administration has made massive investments in modern security apparatus, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to confront criminal elements head-on.

     The Edo Governor was reacting to a protest by residents of Ekpoma, Esan West local government area.

    He said kidnapping was being seriously and strategically addressed, saying security operations were ongoing across the state. 

    Governor Okpebholo noted that security matters were sensitive and not suitable for public debate.

    He said premature disclosures could undermine operational effectiveness.

    Declaring his respect for the constitutional right of citizens to protest, Okpebholo warned against attempts by unscrupulous individuals or groups to exploit public sentiments to destabilize the peace and security of the state.

    According to him, “This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to take Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or any form of criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators.”

    Okpebholo urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, as well as continue with their normal daily activities.

    He said he remained determined to win the battle against crime and restore lasting peace across Edo State.

  • Okpebholo loses Special Adviser

    Okpebholo loses Special Adviser

    The Special Adviser on Arewa Matters to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Alhaji Danjuma Garba, has died.

    Garba died on Saturday afternoon after a brief illness.

    This was contained in a statement by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.

    The statement described Garba as a dedicated public servant and a vital bridge between the State Government and the Arewa community in Edo State.

    It said the late Garba’s commitment to fostering peace, unity, and mutual understanding among all residents of the state was exemplary.

    Okpebholo described the late Special Adviser as a “loyal aide, a tireless community leader, and a man of great integrity whose counsel was invaluable to the administration.

    “The news of Alhaji Danjuma Garba’s passing is a heavy blow to this administration and the entire Edo State family. He was more than a political appointee; he was a peacemaker who worked day and night to ensure that the diverse voices of our state were heard and harmonized. His sudden departure has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the Arewa community.”

    Okpebholo directed prayers be offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for the family to find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss

  • Edo NMA urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted doctors

    Edo NMA urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted doctors

    The Nigeria Medical Association, Edo State branch, has asked Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently secure release of two of its members who were abducted separately.

    It named the two doctors in the kidnappers’ den to be Dr. Abu Babatunde and Dr. Stephen Osamaye.

    Dr. Babatunde works at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi while Dr. Osamaye works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua.

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    Chairman of the Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, in a statement, also asked the Edo Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, to take action against rising insecurity in the state.

    ‎Dr. Oseghale said kidnappings have taken a toll on healthcare delivery in the state.

    According to the statement, “We write to formally notify your esteemed office of the abduction of two of our members, Dr. Abu Babatunde and Dr. Stephen Osamaye working at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua respectively.

    ‎”The safety and security of our healthcare workers are of paramount importance, especially in light of the critical roles they play in maintaining public health. So also is the security and safety of every resident of Edo State.

    ‎”The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned about this incident and the rising trend of insecurity in the state which negatively affects health care delivery.

    ‎”We urge your office to take immediate and effective action to ensure the safe return of our abducted colleagues and to investigate this incident thoroughly.”

  • Edo NMA urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted doctors

    Edo NMA urges Okpebholo to secure release of abducted doctors

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Edo branch, has asked Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently secure release of two of its members who were abducted separately.

    It named the two doctors in kidnappers den as Dr. Abu Babatunde and Dr. Stephen Osamaye.

    Dr. Babatunde works at the Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi while Dr. Osamaye works at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua.

    ‎
    ‎Chairman of the Edo NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, in a statement, also asked the Edo Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, to take action against rising insecurity in the state.
    ‎
    ‎Dr. Oseghale said kidnappings have taken a toll on healthcare delivery in the state.

    According to the statement, “We write to formally notify your esteemed office of the abduction of two of our members, Dr. Abu Babatunde and Dr. Stephen Osamaye working at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua respectively.

    Read Also: Okpebholo commissions low-cost dialysis centre

    “The safety and security of our healthcare workers are of paramount importance, especially in light of the critical roles they play in maintaining public health. So also is the security and safety of every resident of Edo State.
    ‎
    ‎”The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned about this incident and the rising trend of insecurity in the state which negatively affects health care delivery.
    ‎
    ‎”We urge your office to take immediate and effective action to ensure the safe return of our abducted colleagues and to investigate this incident thoroughly.”

  • Auchi Kingdom peaceful, progressive community in Edo – Okpebholo

    Auchi Kingdom peaceful, progressive community in Edo – Okpebholo

    Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has described Auchi Kingdom as peaceful and one of the most progressive communities in the state.

    Okpebholo made the remark at the 29th edition of the Auchi Day Celebration of Allah Most High, held in Auchi, the Headquarters of Etsako West LGA of Edo, on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book: “Otaru Aliru Momoh of Auchi Sacred Kingdom” was presented to the guests at the colourful event.

    Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Godwin Eshieshe, said the reign of the Otaru of Auchi, Aliru Momoh, had brought peace and tranquility to the community.

    “I want to congratulate our royal father for achieving this feat of 30 years on this throne.

    “I also congratulate him on his 92nd anniversary on this earthly world.

    “We take Auchi as a case study. The community has a very stable administrative processes, which the Otaru has entrenched, the governor said.

    He regretted that most communities in the state had issues, agitations, adding that the Otaru had ensured that peace and unity reigned in the area.

    “That cohesion has brought Auchi together and it is moving on the right direction.

    “I want to congratulate the Otaru for this noble feat,” he said.

    Okpebholo further lauded the Otaru “for speaking truth to power at all time.

    Read Also: Okpebholo affirms commitment to people-centred development in Edo

    “The Otaru has always stood firm and tall in all his decisions.

    “He has always been there in terms of wise counsel.

    “He is an icon and a builder of peace,” he said.

    The governor purchased five copies of the book for N5 million on behalf of the State Government.

    “And I should further inform us that the government will make sure some of the books are bought and sent to respective ministries,” he said.

    Also speaking, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole thanked the Otaru for supporting him through out his political journey.

    Oshiomhole commended the Otaru for his exemplary leadership qualities and effectively piloting the affairs of the community.

    “The Otaru has been there for me throughout my political journey.

    “All of us have respect for his leadership and today I feel very proud to be here to participate in the celebration of his biography.

    “Our royal father command the respect of his people.

    “I want to congratulate him on his 30 years on the throne and wish him long life on earth.

    “May Almighty Allah bless him and keep him safe in the kingdom” Oshiomhole prayed.

    Earlier, the Otaru thanked the governor and other traditional rulers for their unwavering support to him.

    “I thank you all for the prayers and encouragement individually and collectively.

    “I want to also thank sons and daughters of Auchi Sacred Kingdom for their good work, prayers, love and support.

    “The youths, I thank you for your patience and vibrancy, as well as the vigilance team for maintaining peace and fighting against insecurity.

    “I urge you all to continue to seek Allah’s praises, guidance and protection.

    “May he vanquish all evil in Auchi Kingdom and Nigeria in general and bless our communities with peace and prosperity,” the Otaru prayed.

    (NAN)

  • Okpebholo commissions low-cost dialysis centre

    Okpebholo commissions low-cost dialysis centre

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has commissioned a low-cost dialysis and diagnostic centre built by the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW).

    The dialysis centre, built in Benin City, the Edo State capital, charges a session of dialysis at N60,000.

    Governor Okpebholo said the initiative aligned with his vision for the health sector.

    Represented by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, Governor Okpebholo said quality health care required collaboration.

    He said his administration placed emphasis on strengthening health care infrastructure, expanding access, and encouraging private.

    He assured ENAW of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the centre operated according to best practices and high professional standards.

    President of ENAW, Bose Ogbeifun-Oviasu, said she conceived the project because her eldest sister suffered from kidney disease for many years before she died.

    Engr. Oviasu said other dialysis centres were being constructed in Okpella in Edo North and Ekpoma in Edo Central.

    She said the prices were reduced because Edos in diaspora were committed to contributing little resources to ensure the poor have access to the services.

    According to her, “We are opening a door to hope, healing, and human dignity. We dedicate this dialysis centre — a beacon of compassion, resilience, and service — to the people who need it most.

    “In 2004, my family faced a challenging journey when my beloved sister battled kidney failure. | witnessed firsthand the pain, exhaustion, and endless travelling required for treatment. More importantly, | observed her courage, and it became clear to me that many others were fighting the same silent battle, often without the means or access to care.

    Read Also: Okpebholo affirms commitment to people-centred development in Edo

    “It was during those long, uncertain days that a vision took root in my heart — a vision that no one should have to suffer alone or lose hope simply because they cannot afford or access lifesaving dialysis treatment.

    “The EDDC in Benin (Edo South) is completed and is now being commissioned. The ENAW Dialysis Center in Okpella, Edo North Senatorial District, has also been completed and is currently being fitted with dialysis machines and other medical devices in preparation for its commissioning soon.

    “I am glad to inform you all that the ENAW Dialysis Centre in Ekpoma, Edo Central Senatorial District, is currently under construction.

    “Each centre stands as a testament to what is possible when purpose meets partnership, when empathy leads to action, and when leadership is guided by love.”