Author: Iduozee Efe Paul

At least 18 passengers travelling on the Benin-Auchi highway in Edo State were abducted by gunmen on Friday, September 5, 2025. The victims, who were en route to Abuja in a recently launched Edo Line bus, were forced into the bush after armed men intercepted the vehicle. Police operatives later arrived at the scene. A viral video from the incident showed vehicles parked on both sides of the highway as panic gripped commuters. Confirming the development on Saturday, the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Iyamu, said 16 of the kidnapped passengers had been rescued. “Sixteen of the passengers have…

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the killing of eight of its operatives and a civilian driver after gunmen ambushed a security convoy in Edo State. The attack, which occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, along the Okpella–Agenebode road, also resulted in the abduction of a Chinese national working with BUA Cement Company, Okpella. In a statement on Saturday, the NSCDC said the convoy, comprising 12 personnel attached to the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) Department, was providing escort duties when it came under heavy gunfire. “Armed men laid an ambush…

Concerned Civil Society Organisation in Edo state has frowned against the restoration of Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Edo state. The body said their return will bring back their illegal activities like extortions, destruction of property and brutalization of citizens. They also decried the brutalization of one of their members, Comrade Kelly Osunbor whose house was destroyed by suspected thugs in Amagba community in Oredo Local Government Area. Addressing journalists in Benin City, spokesperson for the Concerned Civil Society Organisation, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, said Edo State government should reinvigorate the Edo State Private Property Protection (PPP) law to boost the…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ovia federal constituency, Johnny Aikpitanyi, has raised concerns about the by-election in Edo State. According to Aikpitanyi, there was massive presence of vigilantes and thugs at polling units, particularly unit 7 in Oghede, Ovia North East Local Government Area, which hindered free expression of voters’ will.Aikpitanyi questioned the logic behind having over armed 150 vigilantes in a polling unit. “How can you see more than 150 vigilantes holding guns in a polling unit? It doesn’t make sense,” he said, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of invading polling units with thugs…

The All Progressive Congress (APC) South-South Stakeholders meeting held in Benin City, Edo State has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027. In a communique read by the APC Vice Chairman South South, Victor Giadom, the party also endorsed the four APC Governors in the South-South namely Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States following what they called their outstanding performances. The communique said, “The South-South commends President Tinubu for his reforms and policies to reposition Nigeria. We commend Mr. President for his uncommon love and support for the South-South region which clearly reflected in the emergence of…

The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has urged correctional officers to rededicate themselves to a correction service that leads with innovation, compassion, and respect for human rights while carrying out their civic duty as an officer. He made the appeal at a two-day training for Correctional Officers on Advancing the Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures organized by Prisons Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), funded by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), held in Benin. The Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, represented by the Deputy Controller General, Controller on Duty, Vera Elizabeth Ogwude,…

The National Association of Nigeria Students, Joint Campus Council, Edo State has appealed to the management of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and the Nigeria Police not to sweep under the carpet the alleged rape of a minor food vendor by a lecturer in the school. The appeal was contained in a statement on Friday by the Edo NANS chairman, Comrade Ojumoola Timileyin and made available to newsmen. The lecturer of the Department of Mathematics in AAU was alleged to have raped the food vendor (name withheld) in the school on July 7. The auntie of the alleged victim confirmed…

Angry youths in Auchi in Etsako West Local Government Area, on Monday staged a peaceful protest over gully erosion ravaging the community and incessant kidnapping activities in the area. The youths converged at the strategic Jattu Junction with their placards, calling on the government to address the gully erosion and incessant kidnapping. The youths under the umbrella of Auchi Youth Council (AYC) blocked the Jattu axis of the Benin-Auchi road. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Chalaman Momoh, said the protest was to draw the attention of the government and relevant authorities to the gullies and incessant kidnapping in…

The National Association of Retired Police Officers Contributory Pension Scheme, Edo State chapter, called on the federal government to exit the retired officers from the scheme, saying they are now living in abject poverty. The group made the call during a press briefing in Benin City. Addressing Journalists on behalf of the association, the state chairman, SP Anthony Nnachor Rtd, said the officers who served their country meritoriously could barely feed themselves while others were dying daily due to lack of money to treat themselves when they fall ill. Nnachor said, “We are here to let the whole world know…

Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company, has acknowledged the rising contribution of indigenous capacity and innovation to the growth of the energy sector. The company, which participated in the 13th Annual BusinessDay CEO Forum Nigeriain Lagos, also reinforced its commitment to responsible leadership and sector transformation through active participation. The CEO Forum, with the theme, “Nigeria: From Reform to Recovery,” brought together senior government officials, investors, corporate leaders and experts to discuss Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, and share strategic insights for national renewal and sustainable economic growth. Seplat Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, represented by the company’s…