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Uromi Killings: Edo Slams IPOB Over ₦‎6 Billion Compensation Claim

Uromi Killings: Edo State Condemns IPOB’s ₦6 Billion Compensation Demand

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The Edo State Government has dismissed as baseless the allegation by the Indigenous People of Biafra that Governor Monday Okpebholo allocated N6bn to compensate “Fulani terrorists” in the wake of the Uromi killings, where 16 hunters from Kano State were lynched. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua, condemned the claim made by IPOB, calling it a malicious attempt to incite ethnic division and destabilise the peace of Edo State. The statement described the accusation as not only false but also a dangerous distortion of facts aimed at sowing discord within the state. “The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to a recent press statement issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, a proscribed terrorist organisation by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in which it falsely accuses Governor Monday Okpebholo of allocating N6bn to compensate so-called ‘Fulani terrorists’ and alleges betrayal of the people of Edo State,” Itua said. “We consider this publication not only inciting but also a vile attempt by a terrorist group to distort facts, sow ethnic division, and destabilise the peace and unity of Edo State.” The controversy stems from an incident that occurred on March 28, when 16 hunters from Kano State were brutally lynched in the Udune Efandion community of Uromi. Following the killings, Governor Okpebholo visited Kano to appeal to the families of the victims and to prevent any reprisals. A subsequent delegation from Kano State also visited Edo to discuss compensation for the families of the deceased hunters. However, IPOB, in a release on April 21, alleged that the Governor had paid billions of Naira in compensation for the northern hunters, a claim that the Edo government swiftly refuted. “No compensation of N6 billion was approved or paid to any group,” Itua stated, calling the figure “fictitious, malicious, and deliberately misleading.” The government also criticised IPOB for attempting to exploit the tragic incident to advance its agenda of ethnic disintegration and violence. “It is a familiar strategy of IPOB to spew falsehood and incite hatred under the guise of activism,” the statement continued. “Their desperate attempt to drag Governor Okpebholo into their agenda of violence and ethnic disintegration will fail.” Governor Okpebholo’s administration, according to Itua, has been committed to justice, peace, and the safety of all Edo residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. The statement reaffirmed the government’s rejection of any efforts to incite ethnic violence and emphasised that Edo State is known for its unity, hospitality, and progressive values. “We reject IPOB’s attempts to use blood-stained rhetoric to cause unrest in our land,” the statement read. “Efforts to export their terrorist ideology into Edo State are dead on arrival.” The Edo government called on security agencies to investigate the sources of the inciting publication, emphasising that no group, no matter how loud, should be allowed to threaten public peace or incite ethnic violence.

EFCC arrests 47 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, February 15, 2025 arrested 47suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Ekpoma, Edo State. The suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them include 14 exotic cars, laptops and phones They have made useful statements and would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Gov. Okpebholo renames Edo State University

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has renamed Edo State University. This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor o9n Monday. The statement reads; “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Exeellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the change of the name of “Edo State University, Uzairue,” to now be known as “Edo University, Iyamho” with immediate effect. “Accordingly, all documentations in respect of the Institution henceforth shall reflect the above change.” Edo State University was founded in 2016. On 23 March 2016, the university was approved by the National Universities Commission as Nigeria’s 41st state university. The University offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes.

Edo Governor, Okpebholo suspends recruitment into cicvil service

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of recruitment into the State’s civil service until further notice. The Governor has also ordered for a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May-November 2024. In a communication notice signed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Musa Umar Ikhilor on Friday, the Governor accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the State’s civil service. The notice read: “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State. “Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process. “For the avoidance of doubt, this Administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercise should be merit based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes. “In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May, 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government. “Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive.”

Okpebholo suspends Market Unions, Associations in Edo

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has suspended all Market Unions and Associations in the State with immediate effect. The Governor has also ordered the Police and other security agencies to arrest defaulting leaders of the various suspended Unions and Associations without any delay. The decision of the Governor was contained in a communication notice issued by the Secretary to State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and dated 19th November 2024. The Governor said the decision was informed by the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State. He said reports abound that the Executives of the Unions and Associations either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of staple food at the detriment of the low income earners in the State. The statement read: “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State. Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple food at the detriment of the low income earners and generally, the citizens of the State. “Their actions have ultimately led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple food in the State, thereby making life unbearable for the common Edo man. “Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature which should not be allowed to thrive. “While Edo State Government appreciates the role of market traders and their contribution to the economy of our dear State, it will not however serve as justification to allow a few individuals under the guise of Market Unions Executives and for their selfish reasons, continue to hold the entire State to ransom through their selfish and extortionist activities. “Following from the foregoing, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the activities of all Market Unions in Edo State with immediate effect. “Security Agents have been put on alert, and any person or group who decides to flout this directive would be held accountable.”

Edo suspends consultancy services

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago01 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the immediate suspension of all consultancy services and related providers in the State’s public service. In a communication notice issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, “all financial transactions and related services with affected consultants and service providers are to be put on hold immediately, pending a review by the Review Committee, established by the Governor, submits its report. “All Accounting Officers, Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies are expected to take note and comply strictly with this directive.”

Edo: Okpebholo appoints Gani Audu as Chief of Staff

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect. In an official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, Audu’s appointment will help Governor Okpebholo in driving meaningful reforms in the State. “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect,” the official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government read. Hon. Audu, born 18th August 1969, obtained an HND from Auchi Polytechnic in 1994, a PGD in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University in 2011 and an M.Sc in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja in 2024. Hon. Audu was an elected Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010. He was elected member Edo State House of Assembly (Etsako West Constituency 1) from 2015 to 2023. Hon. Audu was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2020 Edo State Governorship elections.

Edo Guber: Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State. In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure. Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki. Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state. The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance. Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure. Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024. The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.