News

Killing of 7 suspected kidnappers: PDP accuses Okpebholo of losing control of Edo

Published

2 days ago

March 31, 2025

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Sunday, alleged that the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps, SSNC, Friday Ibadin, was an indication that the Monday Okpebholo-led government had lost touch with security in the State.

Gatekeeper reports that the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday announced the suspension of the Commander of the State Security Network Corps and all illegal vigilantes following the March 27, 2025, killing of seven suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area in the state.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, made available to newsmen in Benin City, opined that the suspension of the Commander was a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

Nehikhare also added that the government’s classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game the government has come to master.

He posited that the February 5, March 2025, mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, which the governor allegedly chose to ignore.

He noted that the Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

The PDP publicity secretary noted that it was distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

He stated that the action was an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.

According to him, Edo State PDP is deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the state, which has now culminated in the gruesome killing of innocent travelers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.

“The recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master.

“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP. Friday Ibadin (Rtd.), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed. The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people are paying the price with their lives.

“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings.

“This is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state”, he said.

The party, however, demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators of the killings of the seven travelers to prevent further loss of lives

It said the government must ensure that all those responsible for the killings, including their sponsors, face the full weight of the law.

It also demanded the comprehensive audit and overhauling of the Edo State Security Corps, advocating that the security structure be reviewed to eliminate unregistered groups and ensure accountability in operations.

Another demand is the deployment of Federal security agencies, stating that an intervention becomes necessary to stabilize the situation following the alleged state government’s apparent inability to maintain law and order.

“Implementation of a New Security Strategy: The PDP calls for a non-partisan security summit involving all stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and opposition parties—to map out an effective security blueprint for the state”, he added.

While stating that the safety of Edo people cannot be sacrificed at the altar of incompetence, he added that Governor Okpebholo must rise to the occasion and take decisive actions or accept that his administration has failed and step aside for those who can secure the lives and properties of our people.

Nehikhare opined that Edo State cannot continue on this perilous path, assuring that PDP remains committed to advocating for the protection of all citizens and ensuring that justice prevails.

News

BREAKING: Wide jubilation as Natasha lands in Kogi amid security concerns

Published

8 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has landed in her consistency despite moves by the state government and the Nigeria Police to stop the homecoming.

The Kogi State Police Command had issued security alerts urging the suspended lawmaker to shelve the planned rally.

Details shortly…

News

Homecoming rally: Hold Akpabio, Ododo, Yahaya Bello responsible if violence erupts — Senator Natasha

Published

10 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Suspended Kogi central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed her enthusiasm to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents on Tuesday.

She further asserted that any violent activities during the visit should be attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Usman Ododo, Kogi governor, and Yahaya Bello, the former governor of the state.

The lawmaker, who stated that she is looking forward to a peaceful homecoming, made this known in a post on her verified Facebook account on Tuesday.

She wrote, “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today. However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Òdodo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”

Despite speculations that she had cancelled her visit, Natasha reaffirmed her commitment to returning to her constituency for the Sallah break.

The senator, who emphasised her statutory role in representing her constituents, expressed her eagerness to engage with them during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“As the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remains committed to engaging with her community and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation,” the statement continued. “Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents.

“We would like to assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a successful and joyous event. We invite all members of the community to join us in marking this special occasion.”

Her planned visit comes just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns.

Business

inDrive introduces essential, safe delivery tips for customers

Published

14 hours ago

April 1, 2025

Seyi Babalola

inDrive, the urban mobility platform, has unveiled a list of essential delivery tips to help customers ensure the safe delivery of their items.

The list of essential delivery tips includes making a wise choice of courier, labelling of the item with the recipient’s name and address, indicating the fragility and weight of the item to a courier, choosing the right vehicle to transport the item(s), documentation of the item or package’s condition by taking a photo, wrapping the package with recycled materials, checking the courier’s rating and comments, camouflaging the contents of the package, delivering in person expensive items like high-end electronics, cash or jewellery.

The list of essential tips was released against the backdrop of recent findings by the company, which analysed 5,000 comments left by Nigerians about their experiences with deliveries in 2024 and their appreciation of the most unusual deliveries and comments.

According to the study, the top five delivery categories include Food (17%), Clothes (15%), Electronics (10%), Documents (4%), and Medicine (2%). Other notable categories are textiles and cosmetics, which show the broad spectrum of everyday needs for which Nigerians rely on delivery services.

Speaking on the findings, Timothy Oladimeji, spokesperson for inDrive and Senior Business Development, stressed that the platform has introduced many innovations to give users a memorable and safe delivery experience.

“At inDrive, people trust us to deliver everything from daily essentials to meaningful gifts and special purchases. That’s why we are committed to making our service as reliable and secure as possible. Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible growth in new clients in Nigeria, with person-to-person (P2P) deliveries – such as parcels sent between friends, family, or individuals – tripling and B2B deliveries growing sixfold.

In 2024, we introduced improvements to geo-tracking, enhanced courier selection based on ratings and feedback, and made ordering even more seamless. We always encourage users to choose couriers carefully, using our convenient rating system to ensure the best experience. While we strive to provide a safe and efficient service, we also recommend that users take extra care when sending high-value items, just as they would with any delivery service.”, Timothy said.

According to him, it is better always to select a courier with good ratings and positive feedback to ensure a safe and reliable delivery experience.

Food deliveries took the lead, with items ranging from simple everyday meals to elaborate and carefully curated delicacies. While the most common food package is simply labelled “Food” (64%), some senders specify unique dishes, reflecting Nigeria’s rich culinary traditions.

Among the most exotic and rare deliveries are 42 tubers of yams, 5 litres of soup, a bag filled with small chops, a box of pizza, a bowl of goat meat (asun), shawarma and ice cream. Clothes are also major items that dominate as many fashion-conscious Nigerians frequently send clothes through delivery services.

Some of the unique fashion items spotted among deliveries include autogele i.e elaborate headgear used in traditional Nigerian fashion, aso-oke and asoebi i.e fabrics worn at special occasions and weddings, vintage shirts, waist trainers, wedding dresses, veils, and petticoats. Other unique items that have been delivered include esoteric crafts, a fragile bonsai tree, air fryer, bass guitar, PlayStation 5 game disc and excavator keys.

Another significant trend is the delivery of gifts, with flowers, surprise presents, and hampers being among the most commonly sent. The Nigerian love for celebration and appreciation is evident in these thoughtful deliveries.

It noted that the safe delivery tips are also available on the inDrive app.