Davidson Ogbebor

The Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. One student, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was killed during the attack.

The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the commissioner said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students.

He said the commissioner immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams for a joint rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.

According to the police, the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday at the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest, where security operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.

One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed.

The police said the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag and other incriminating items.

Agbonika commended the bravery, professionalism and resilience of officers and personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters whose joint efforts led to the successful operation.

He also appreciated the support of the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.

Speaking to journalists after their rescue, the three students said they were held in the forest by their captors, who repeatedly moved them from one location to another while demanding that they contact their relatives to raise ransom.

They said they were eventually rescued by the joint security team without any ransom being paid.

By, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

When the aircraft carrying dozens of Nigerians among them 41 Edo indigenes touched down in the nation’s commercial capital city of Lagos, after fleeing xenophobic violence in South Africa, many stepped onto home soil with little more than the clothes they were wearing. The homes and businesses they had spent years building were gone – dreams shattered overnight. Some returned with a single suitcase, while others came back with nothing at all. They were not thinking about politics or protocol. They wanted safety, dignity, and a chance to begin again: at Home!

For many of those of Edo State origin, that chance appeared to arrive on Monday when Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo received the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City and announced a ₦1 million grant for each person to support their resettlement.

The governor said the money was intended to help the returnees secure accommodation and meet immediate needs while the state government developed longer-term programmes to help them rebuild their lives. The announcement drew an emotional response from many in the hall, some of whom had endured weeks of fear before finally making the journey home.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Okpebholo told the returnees that their future should not be defined by the violence they had escaped.

“Your success begins today. Many of you possess knowledge and skills in different areas. Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to start with because we want you to fully reintegrate into society,” he said.

The governor stressed that the state’s intervention would not end with the cash grant. According to him, the government intends to provide soft loans and other forms of support to help those affected establish businesses, regain financial independence, and settle back into their communities.

“Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace here. Edo is safe, and Nigeria is safe,” he added.

His remarks reflected an effort to reassure people who had watched years of hard work disappear during the attacks in South Africa. While acknowledging the scale of their losses, the governor said preserving their lives remained more important than replacing property.

“They may have taken everything away from you, but your life is more important than the things they took. As a government, we will continue to support our people wherever they are. If they are in distress, we will rescue them and ensure they do not go through such experiences again,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo also recalled Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the struggle against apartheid, saying Nigerians had historically stood by South Africans during difficult periods. Despite the attacks, he urged the returnees not to allow bitterness to define their future or replace one form of hatred with another.

The stories shared by the returnees illustrated the human cost of the violence far more vividly than official statistics ever could.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Riches Evbagbe Unubun from Igor/Emuhi in Ekpoma said many had returned home after losing virtually everything they owned while sojourning in South Africa. He said some of them operated successful businesses and accumulated significant assets over several years before the violence erupted. Others had built homes, raised families, and established lives they believed would last.

Instead, many fled with only a few personal belongings. According to Unubun, some returned with what he described as “one luggage which is our breath,” a phrase that captured the reality of escaping with nothing except life itself.

He said there were people who had once owned several vehicles, thriving businesses and comfortable homes, but were now starting over from scratch. Some families, he added, also suffered bereavement during the crisis.

Unubun recalled the uncertainty surrounding the evacuation, describing the final days before departure as a period of anxiety and despair. Even after boarding the aircraft to Nigeria, many remained unsure what awaited them.

He said that uncertainty began to lift when officials from the Edo State Government met them at the airport in Lagos and asked a simple question: Who among them was from Edo State?

“This has not happened before. Where does this happen? How does it happen?” he asked.

For many of the returnees, he said, that moment represented the first sign that someone had recognised their suffering and was prepared to help.

Unubun thanked the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Dr Lucky Agazuma, and officials who coordinated the reception, saying their intervention restored hope to people who had almost lost confidence in the future.

He also pledged that many of the returnees intended to register to vote after settling down because they wanted what he described as the positive developments taking place in Edo State to continue.

The assistance announced by the Edo State Government forms part of a broader national effort to support Nigerians returning from South Africa following the latest wave of xenophobic violence. Several state governments, faith-based organisations, and private companies have also announced financial assistance and relief packages aimed at helping affected citizens restart their lives.

Federal officials have repeatedly stressed that the returnees were not deported because of criminal offences but voluntarily returned after the violence made their continued stay unsafe. The federal government has also emphasised that successful reintegration requires cooperation between governments, local communities, humanitarian organisations, and development partners.

Within Edo State, the Migration Agency has been profiling returnees to identify their skills, business backgrounds, and immediate needs. According to Dr. Agazuma, the exercise is intended to ensure that government support goes beyond emergency relief and provides practical opportunities for long-term economic recovery.

For many migration experts, reintegration extends beyond providing financial assistance. It also involves helping returnees regain confidence, reconnect with their communities, and rebuild livelihoods after traumatic experiences. The emotional scars left by displacement often last much longer than the immediate financial losses.

That reality was evident throughout Monday’s reception. While the ₦1 million grant attracted attention, many returnees said what mattered most was the feeling that their government had acknowledged their suffering and responded quickly.

The simple act of sending officials to identify Edo indigenes immediately after their arrival in Nigeria carried powerful symbolism for people who had spent weeks feeling abandoned and vulnerable.

For those who had escaped violent attacks, the reception at Government House represented more than a government program. It became a reminder that home remained a place where they belonged.

The financial support announced by Governor Okpebholo will not replace businesses destroyed in South Africa or restore years of investment lost to violence. It can not erase painful memories or undo the trauma experienced by families forced to flee. Rebuilding lives after such experiences will require sustained support, determination, and time.

However, the grants and promised soft loans offer something equally important: an opportunity to begin again. Whether the program succeeds will ultimately depend on effective implementation and continued support in the months ahead.

For now, the returnees have exchanged uncertainty for hope. After surviving violence thousands of kilometres from home, they have returned to a state that says it is prepared to stand with them as they rebuild their lives. In a story defined for weeks by fear, displacement, and loss, that commitment may prove to be the beginning of a different future.

Dr. Ebojele has his PhD. in Public Administration and is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Monday pledged N41 million in immediate financial assistance to Edo indigenes evacuated from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, promising additional soft loans to help them rebuild their lives.

The governor announced a grant of N1 million to each of the 41 returnees during a reception held at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, describing the intervention as part of the state government’s commitment to supporting citizens in distress.

Okpebholo said the funds, to be disbursed within 24 hours, would enable the returnees to secure accommodation and begin the process of reintegrating into society.

“Your success begins today. Many of you possess valuable knowledge and skills. Once you identify the business or trade you want to pursue, come to us. We will provide soft loans to help you get started because we want you to reintegrate fully into society,” the governor said.

He assured the returnees that they would not be abandoned, stressing that Edo remained a safe and peaceful place to rebuild their lives.

“Between now and tomorrow, each of you will receive N1 million so you will not be stranded. There is no place better than home. Nobody will chase you away from here. We have peace in Edo, and Nigeria is your home,” he added.

The governor urged them to look beyond the losses suffered during the attacks, noting that preserving their lives was more important than any property left behind.

“They may have taken everything you owned, but your life is far more valuable. As a government, we will continue to stand by our people wherever they may be. Whenever they are in distress, we will do everything possible to rescue and support them,” he said.

Okpebholo also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s historic support for the anti-apartheid struggle and urging peaceful coexistence despite the recent attacks.

Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Riches Unubun expressed appreciation to both the Edo State and Federal Governments for facilitating their evacuation and providing immediate support.

He said the returnees were grateful for the governor’s intervention and pledged their support for the state’s development.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Edo State Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, commended Governor Okpebholo for his prompt response and commitment to the welfare of Edo indigenes facing hardship abroad.

The returnees were recently evacuated from South Africa following renewed incidents of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals. The Edo State Government said the relief package forms part of broader efforts to assist them with rehabilitation and economic reintegration.

By Paul Omo Okojie

The media has long been regarded as the fourth estate of the realm, serving as a watchdog over government, business, and society. In a democracy, journalists have the responsibility to inform citizens accurately, hold those in power accountable, and provide a platform for diverse opinions. In Nigeria, however, public confidence in sections of the media has been tested by growing concerns over sensationalism, misinformation, political influence, and commercial pressures.

Many Nigerians increasingly question whether some media outlets are fulfilling their constitutional and ethical obligations. Critics argue that the rush to break stories first has sometimes taken precedence over thorough fact-checking, leading to inaccurate or misleading reports. In an era where social media amplifies every headline within seconds, even a small error can spread widely before corrections are issued.

Another concern is the influence of politics and ownership. Media organizations, like many institutions, often operate within financial and political realities. Where editorial independence is compromised by owners, advertisers, or political interests, reporting may reflect those influences rather than the public interest. Such perceptions can weaken trust in journalism and deepen political divisions.

Journalists themselves also face immense challenges. Poor remuneration, threats to personal safety, legal intimidation, and limited resources can make independent reporting difficult. These realities do not excuse ethical lapses, but they help explain the pressures under which many media professionals work.

It is important, however, to avoid painting all Nigerian journalists with the same brush. Across the country, many reporters, editors, and investigative journalists continue to demonstrate courage and professionalism. They expose corruption, document human rights abuses, and provide accurate reporting despite significant risks. Their work reminds us that ethical journalism remains alive in Nigeria.

The solution lies not in condemning the entire profession but in strengthening it. Media houses should invest more in editorial standards, rigorous fact-checking, and continuous professional development. Journalists must adhere to established codes of ethics by verifying information, correcting mistakes promptly, and maintaining independence from undue influence. At the same time, media owners should protect editorial freedom, while regulatory bodies should enforce professional standards fairly and without political interference.

The public also has a role to play. Citizens should verify information from multiple credible sources, question sensational claims, and support media organizations that consistently demonstrate accuracy and integrity. A healthy democracy depends not only on responsible journalists but also on an informed and discerning society and audience.

Ultimately, the credibility of the Nigerian media will be determined by its commitment to truth, fairness, accountability, and the public interest. Trust, once lost, is difficult to regain, but through ethical journalism and institutional reform, the media can continue to play its indispensable role in Nigeria’s democratic development.

Paul Okojie is a journalist/Media Consultant.

By Paul Okojie

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Diaspora Worldwide has expressed concern over reports of a proposed increase in the registration fees for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), warning that such a move would place additional financial pressure on Nigerian families.

In a press statement signed by its Youth Leader, Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, FMNES, FCILRM, the group said increasing examination fees at a time of widespread economic hardship could prevent many students from completing their secondary education.

According to the statement, education remains one of the nation’s most important tools for development, and policies that make access to public examinations more expensive could undermine opportunities for young Nigerians.

The organization called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, WAEC, and NECO to reconsider any proposed increase in examination fees and instead adopt measures that would make education more affordable and accessible.

The ADC Diaspora Worldwide also urged the government to strengthen funding for the education sector and introduce support programmes for indigent students, arguing that no qualified student should be denied the opportunity to sit for national examinations because of financial constraints.

The group reaffirmed its solidarity with Nigerian students, parents, and other education stakeholders, calling for policies that promote equal access to education and safeguard the future of the nation’s youth.

The statement was signed by Hon. (Dr.) Abdul-Malik Rabiu Jaafar, FMNES, FCILRM, Youth Leader, ADC Diaspora Worldwide.

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Chairman-Elect of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of Egor Local Government Area for their overwhelming support and confidence in him following his victory in the recently concluded local government election.

In a message of appreciation issued after the election, Eribo attributed the successful outcome of the poll to the grace of God and the unwavering support of residents across the local government.

He described the massive turnout of voters and the mandate given to him as a clear demonstration of the people’s trust in his vision for a more progressive and prosperous Egor.

The Chairman-Elect also commended the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Egor Local Government Area, including ward chairmen, party executives, youths, women, elders, campaign council members, polling unit agents, canvassers, volunteers and supporters, for their dedication and sacrifices throughout the electioneering process.

According to him, the victory was the product of collective hard work, unity and commitment by party faithful and the people of Egor, assuring that their efforts would not be forgotten.

Eribo emphasized that the electoral victory belongs to all residents of Egor, describing it as a triumph for unity, progress and the collective aspiration to build a local government that serves every community without discrimination.

Reaffirming his commitment to effective governance, the Chairman-Elect pledged to provide transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership focused on delivering sustainable development across all wards and communities in the council area.

He assured residents that his administration would remain accessible to the people while prioritising policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and accelerating development.

Calling for reconciliation after the election, Eribo urged political stakeholders and residents to put partisan differences behind them and work together in the interest of the local government.

“The election is over. It is now time for all of us to unite and build the Egor of our dreams. Together, we can usher in a new era of growth, peace and prosperity for our people,” he said.

Eribo concluded by thanking the electorate once again for the confidence reposed in him and promised to justify the mandate through dedicated service to the people of Egor Local Government Area.

By Davidson Ogbebor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States is mourning the death of veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.”

A statement issued by the senator’s office on Sunday announced his passing but did not disclose the cause of death. The family requested privacy while expressing appreciation for the prayers and support received from across the country.  

Graham, who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003, was one of the Republican Party’s most influential voices on national security and foreign policy. He was widely regarded as a leading advocate for strong U.S. military engagement abroad and was a close adviser to President Donald Trump on international affairs.  

President Donald Trump led tributes to the late senator, describing him as a “true American patriot” and one of the finest senators he had known.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump praised Graham’s decades of public service, saying he was a dedicated lawmaker who consistently placed America’s interests first. The president also extended condolences to Graham’s family, friends and the people of South Carolina, describing his death as a tremendous loss to the nation.  

Although Graham was an outspoken critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, the two later forged a close political alliance. Graham became one of the president’s most trusted allies in Congress, defending key administration policies and playing a prominent role in debates on judicial appointments, immigration and foreign policy.  

Throughout his congressional career, Graham served on several influential Senate committees and earned bipartisan respect for his extensive experience in defence and international relations. In recent years, he remained actively involved in efforts to strengthen sanctions against Russia and maintain robust American support for allies abroad.  

Political leaders from both major parties, as well as several foreign governments, have offered condolences, describing Graham as a consequential figure whose influence on American foreign policy will be remembered for years to come.  

Davidson Ogbebor

Governor Monday Okpebholo has described voter turnout in Saturday’s Edo State local government elections as impressive, while accredited election observers commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the exercise across the state.

The governor spoke after casting his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School, Esan Central Local Government Area, where polling commenced early with electoral officials and security personnel on duty.

Governor Okpebholo arrived at his polling unit at about 10:24 a.m. and joined other voters in the queue before casting his ballot at 10:40 a.m. He later interacted with residents and stakeholders before addressing journalists.

Commending voters for their orderly conduct, the governor said reports from across the state indicated that the election was progressing peacefully.

“This election is very peaceful and it is going smoothly based on the feedback we are getting from the field,” he said.

“The turnout is very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments. By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election.”

He urged residents to remain peaceful throughout the exercise and await the official declaration of results by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).

Accredited election observers also gave the exercise a positive assessment.

Speaking in Udomi, the Executive Director of the Initiative for Awareness of Civic Education for Citizens, Comrade Fidelis Nwoke, said observer groups deployed across the state had not recorded any major security breaches or disruptions during the poll.

According to him, his organisation and other accredited observer groups monitored polling units in Udomi, Igueben and other locations, where voting was generally peaceful and orderly.

“My organisation and several other observer groups have been fully accredited to monitor the Edo State local government election. Reports coming in from different parts of the state indicate that the process has been peaceful so far,” Nwoke said.

“We have monitored Udomi, Igueben and other locations. We observed that the exercise has been peaceful, orderly and smooth. Electoral officials arrived on time, voters have been able to cast their ballots and, at the end of the exercise, winners and losers will naturally emerge.”

Security personnel maintained a visible presence at polling centres visited by journalists, while voters queued patiently to cast their ballots.

At Udomi Primary School, where Governor Okpebholo voted, residents expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing the process as orderly, transparent and free from intimidation.

Three voters—Christopher Ejodamen, Timothy Uwaya and Lucky Okoawo—said they voted without harassment, adding that the peaceful atmosphere encouraged greater participation and reinforced public confidence in grassroots democracy.

The voters also expressed support for Governor Okpebholo’s administration, noting that ongoing infrastructure projects and development initiatives across Edo State motivated many residents to participate in the election.

Saturday’s poll was conducted across the 18 local government areas of Edo State to elect chairmen and councillors. The exercise was supervised by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), with accredited observers, journalists and security agencies deployed to monitor the process.

As voting continued in many parts of the state, observers expressed optimism that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed during the early stages of the election would be sustained through the collation of results and official declaration of winners.

By Paul Omo Okojie

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN — The Middle East moved closer to a wider military confrontation on Thursday after the United States launched another wave of coordinated airstrikes against strategic Iranian military installations in southern Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on facilities linked to U.S. forces and allies across the Gulf.  

The latest exchange marks one of the most serious escalations since the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict capable of disrupting global energy supplies, international trade and diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability.  

According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), American aircraft and precision-guided missiles struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets across the country’s southern coastline. The targets included air defence systems, anti-ship missile batteries, radar installations, drone launch sites, Revolutionary Guard facilities, logistics hubs and naval infrastructure in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Konarak, Bushehr and surrounding areas along the Strait of Hormuz.  

U.S. military officials said the operation was intended to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping after recent attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors through which a significant share of global crude oil exports passes.  

President Donald Trump defended the operation, insisting the United States would continue to protect its interests and those of its allies while maintaining freedom of navigation in international waters. He warned that any further Iranian attacks on American personnel or commercial shipping would attract a stronger military response, although he maintained that diplomatic contacts with Tehran had not completely ended.  

Iran swiftly condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and an attack on its sovereignty.

Within hours, Tehran launched retaliatory ballistic missile and armed drone attacks targeting U.S.-linked military installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and other Gulf locations. Air defence systems intercepted many of the incoming projectiles, although reports indicated that several military facilities sustained limited damage. Iranian authorities also claimed to have targeted U.S. military infrastructure and early-warning installations across the region.  

Latest Developments

The latest U.S. strikes triggered powerful explosions across several coastal cities in southern Iran, particularly Bandar Abbas and Sirik, where residents reported multiple blasts throughout the night. Iranian media also reported explosions near Bushehr and other strategic military sites, while emergency services responded to damaged facilities in parts of Hormozgan Province. Iranian officials said the attacks resulted in casualties and damage to military infrastructure, although independent verification remains limited.  

The renewed hostilities come at a particularly sensitive time for Iran following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian leaders have pledged that continued foreign military pressure will not weaken the country’s resolve, while senior commanders vowed additional retaliation if U.S. operations continue.  

Global financial markets reacted sharply to the renewed fighting. Oil prices climbed amid concerns that sustained military operations around the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt one of the world’s busiest energy corridors, pushing up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressures across international markets.  

Meanwhile, the United Nations, the European Union, Qatar, Oman, Turkey and several regional governments have appealed for restraint and renewed diplomacy. Mediators are continuing behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent the crisis from spiralling into a full-scale regional war.  

Security analysts warn that although neither Washington nor Tehran has formally declared war, the rapid cycle of military strikes and counter-strikes significantly increases the possibility of miscalculation, raising concerns that a localized confrontation could quickly expand into a broader conflict involving multiple countries across the Middle East.  

As the situation continues to evolve, governments worldwide are closely monitoring developments amid growing fears that the escalating confrontation could reshape the geopolitical and security landscape of the Middle East for years to come.

— Ends —

Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-The Edo State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement across the state ahead of the Local Government Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem, ANIPR, the Command said the restriction would take effect from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) to 6:00 p.m. on election day as part of measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly and secure electoral process.

According to the statement, the restriction forms part of a comprehensive security arrangement put in place by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard voters, electoral officials, sensitive election materials and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

The police said all vehicular and human movement within Edo State would be prohibited during the period, except for officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders and other essential service providers on official election duty.

The Command urged residents to comply fully with the directive, noting that security personnel had been strategically deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas to enforce the restriction and maintain public order.

It warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to guarantee a peaceful, free, fair and credible election.

He also encouraged eligible voters to conduct themselves peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring the security of lives, property and the integrity of the electoral process.