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.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed profound grief over the death of the immediate past Catholic Archbishop of Benin City, Augustine Obiora Akubeze, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the Catholic Church, Edo State and Nigeria.

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, the Governor said the late Archbishop devoted his life to the service of God and humanity, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, compassion, integrity and selfless leadership.

Governor Okpebholo noted that Archbishop Akubeze distinguished himself as a humble shepherd and fearless advocate of justice, peace and good governance throughout his ministry, both as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and as former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

He described the late cleric as a man of deep faith, wisdom and uncommon humility whose commitment to truth, unity and the welfare of the less privileged earned him admiration across religious and social divides.

According to the Governor, “Archbishop Akubeze dedicated his life to serving God and uplifting humanity. He was a strong moral voice who consistently stood for justice, peace, unity and the welfare of the poor.

“His passing is a great loss not only to the Catholic Church but also to Edo State and the nation. We have lost a respected spiritual father whose counsel, integrity and unwavering commitment to truth inspired many within and beyond the Church.”

Governor Okpebholo extended his heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, as well as the family of the late Archbishop.

He assured the Catholic community of the Edo State Government’s solidarity during this period of mourning and urged the people of the state, irrespective of religious affiliation, to pray for the peaceful repose of the departed cleric.

The Governor prayed that Almighty God would grant Archbishop Augustine Akubeze eternal rest and give strength and comfort to all who mourn him, urging the faithful to uphold the enduring values of faith, love, service and integrity that defined his life and ministry.

Edo State Government (EDSG) has disclosed plans to rehabilitate and overhaul the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center in Benin City to restore it as a public monument and a hub to attract all cultural activities across the State and beyond.

The Secretary to Edo State Government Musa Ikhilor Esq disclosed the plan while receiving members and executives of Aiguobasinmwin movement world-wide and Coalition of Benin social cultural organizations who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Benin City.

Ikhilor said aside from the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center, the Edo State Government will also renovate some areas in the palace of the Oba of Benin that needs renovations.

He noted that the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center would have been renovated and rehabilitated a year ago but lack of budgetary allocation affected the plans of the government.

“The issue of the dilapidation of the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center is what should have been handled last year. In fact the governor sent the then Managing Director (MD) of the Public Building and Maintenance Agency to visit the place and see how it can be restored.

“The agency did a survey and came up with a plan on how to overhaul and rehabilitate the cultural Center. But lack of budgetary allocation affected the plan but now we are reviewing that plan. Aside from the cultural Center, the palace of our revered monarch, the Oba of Benin is also inclusive in the plan.

“Some renovative work needs to be carried out in the palace. The issue of Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center and the Palace of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Ewuare II is being looked into by the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.

The SSG added that the Cultural Center attracted a lot of fun attending cultural events, assuring the people that the Okpebholo led administration will restore the Center and ensure it attracts cultural events and activities in Edo State and across the Country.

“I recall that at a point the main event hall was Urokpota Hall, then came the cultural center and it became the center of events.

“Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center should be a public monument and a hub for cultural activities.
As a government we are going to ensure we revive it because there are a lot of activities that can take place here, it is what this government will do”, he concluded.

The Commissioner for Art, Culture and creative economy, Hon. Chris Okaiben said Edo culture is one of the greatest in Nigeria, noting that advancing into the creative sector will bring endless benefits to Edo people and the State at large.

He said his Ministry is planning to organize the creative content and about 1,700 persons have indicated interest and it will scale up the opportunity to promote the achievement of governor Monday Okpebholo.

“The Ministry will promote the good intentions of the government, promote and encourage tourists destinations for those intending to visit Edo State.

“I am glad to report that our Royal father the Oba of Benin invited me and informed me that as part of his 10 years coronation, it will begin with the Edo Festival. The plan for the celebration is on”, he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Coordinator General Coalition of Benin Social cultural Organization, Mr. Amas Osazee commended governor Monday Okpebholo on his achievement so far on securing the lives and properties of Edo people.

“I want to thank the governor for not playing politics with the returned artifacts of His Royal Majesty. He has done well in that aspect and he made it known to us that he will never play politics with such. We wish him well in managing the affairs of the State.

“As a group, we appeal to the State government to renovate the Oba Akenzua II Cultural Center. The State of the structure is questionable and not what many people wants to see. We appeal to the governor to redirect his focus to that because we are cultural people and believe in the legacy of the monarchy and the State government”.

The President of Aiguobasinmwin movement world-wide Iyamu Osaro Culture said the group is always in defense of the culture, the rights of Benin people as well as the right of the Oba of Benin.

He noted that the group has played a significant role in ensuring that the present administration came on board and restore the identity of the Edo people balkanised by the Obaseki led administration.

“Our support for governor Monday Okpebholo is not for personal gains but for the administration to restore the identity of the Benin people and we are all glad that the said identity has been restored by this government “.

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele Road, stating that the concrete pavement being laid is designed to last up to 80 years before requiring major maintenance.

The governor made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection tour of the project in Benin City, describing the road as a long-term investment in the state’s infrastructure.

Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the funding that made the project possible, saying the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development was evident in the quality of work being executed across the country.

“It is a quality job they are doing here. Everything is going on well,” the governor said.

“I have nothing else to say but to thank President Bola Tinubu for providing the funds. What you are seeing today is the result of somebody who has worked hard to make these resources available. That is why you are seeing this level of development in Edo today.”

According to him, the President has remained committed to ensuring that critical infrastructure projects are completed on schedule through the timely release of funds.

“Throughout this Sapele Road, you can see concrete pavement all the way. These are not empty promises; this is serious and expensive work,” he said.

“It is a quality job that will last for at least 80 years before we even need to think about major maintenance.”

Residents who spoke during the governor’s inspection commended the ongoing reconstruction, saying the project had significantly eased traffic congestion and improved vehicular movement along the busy highway.

Mrs. Pat Ogie, a pensioner, recalled that motorists and commuters previously spent long hours in gridlock on the road but noted that traffic had improved considerably since construction commenced.

“Before the coming of Governor Okpebholo, we used to experience heavy traffic on this road, but that has become a thing of the past. God will continue to bless our governor,” she said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Justina Osaghae, a trader, praised the quality of the reconstruction, describing it as a major boost to road transportation and economic activities in the state.

The Benin-Sapele Road is one of the major arterial routes in Edo State and forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the state.

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY– Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called for stronger collaboration between the state government and traditional rulers to combat insecurity and other criminal activities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The governor made the appeal on Thursday while receiving traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts during a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in the fight against crime, noting that their close relationship with local communities places them in a strategic position to support ongoing security efforts.

“There are so many security challenges, and the best people to help me fight insecurity are the traditional rulers. You know your communities because you know those who live there and those coming into the area,” the governor said.

He observed that investigations into recent kidnapping incidents had revealed the involvement of local collaborators who possessed detailed knowledge of residents’ movements and financial status.

“Our people know those who are wealthy and those who are not. They know the movement of people within the community. If we must stop insecurity in Edo State, we must work together to achieve this purpose,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo urged the royal fathers not to provide protection or encouragement to criminal elements, stressing the need to discourage young people from engaging in crime.

“Let nobody encourage crime. Our children should not be involved. They should understand that crime is dangerous. The President is not happy about the security situation in the country, and I am not happy as well,” he said.

The governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election, expressing confidence that Edo State could deliver significant votes for the President.

Responding on behalf of the visiting monarchs, the Ojuromi of Uromi, HRM Anslem Edenojie II, passed a vote of confidence in Governor Okpebholo, commending his administration’s developmental strides across Edo State.

The monarch assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of traditional rulers in promoting peace, security and sustainable development throughout the state.

By, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele

It has been more than two decades! For residents of Obaseki Street and neighboring communities in the Ikpoba Hill area of Benin City, life was full of anxiety whenever the dark clouds began gathering. Every rainy season brought with it for this long period of time the same cycle of destruction. Aging roads disappeared beneath muddy floodwater, deep gullies widened with every downpour, and homes developed serious cracks. What of businesses? They shut their doors. Investments in building homes were washed away as families relocated. Those who braved the odds lived with the fear that the next heavy rain could wash away everything they owned.

Indeed, for this long, erosion crisis stood as one of the state’s most stubborn environmental challenges. Successive administrations attempted different interventions, yet the flooding persisted. Residents resigned to date. But all that story is beginning to take a different turn under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

While on a recent inspection of ongoing projects in Benin City, the governor visited the site of an ongoing underground drainage system construction at Obaseki Street. Unlike previous interventions that merely repaired damaged roads, this project was awarded with a design to tackle the root cause of the flooding by directing stormwater safely into the Ikpoba River through a modern underground drainage network.

This is not a reaction to erosion after it occurs, but one that aims to prevent it from happening in the first place with an impact reaching far beyond a single street.

To understand the gravity is to commend this effort..As it were, flooding along the Benin–Auchi Road disrupted movement and business around strategic public institutions, including the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court and the Edo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During heavy rainfall, vehicles struggled through flooded sections, court users and electoral officials found access difficult, while commercial activities slowed considerably. The nearby High Court corridor also experienced recurring drainage problems, making the entire Ikpoba Hill axis one of the most difficult places to navigate during the rainy season.

The new underground drainage system is changing that reality by restoring free movement while protecting vital public infrastructure from repeated flood damage. For Governor Okpebholo, the solution lies in addressing what earlier interventions overlooked, such as the old underground drainage channel that had become blocked over time, leaving rainwater with nowhere to flow. As floodwater accumulated, it spread into roads, homes, and open spaces, gradually creating the devastating gullies that threatened both lives and property.

Governor Okpebholo’s intervention involves constructing a modern drainage system supported by line drains extending for about two kilometers before discharging safely into the Ikpoba River. It is an engineering solution intended to provide long-term protection rather than another temporary repair.

For residents, however, this technical explanation simply confirms what they have always known. The water had nowhere to go. Instead, it flowed through their compounds, weakened their foundations, and turned every rainy season into a period of uncertainty.

Today, the strongest evidence that the project is making a difference comes from the people who have lived with the erosion for decades. Eighty-year-old Mercy Omoruyi recalled watching one government after another promise solutions without visible results. She said Governor Okpebholo’s intervention is the first she has seen move beyond promises into actual construction. To her, the project is already protecting lives and property that had remained at risk for years.

Kelvin Malagu, who has lived in the community since 1994, described the drainage project as the first meaningful government response to the erosion crisis in decades. According to him, landlords who abandoned their properties because of the advancing gully are beginning to return, encouraged by the pace of work and the confidence that the area can once again become safe.

Another resident, Tayo Omodogbe, said he spent more than 26 years worrying that his home could collapse during every rainy season. Today, he said, residents are beginning to look forward to the rains with less fear and greater hope.

Their testimonies reveal something deeper than appreciation for a government project. They reflect the gradual return of public confidence in a community that had almost accepted flooding and erosion as unavoidable facts of life.

The Obaseki Street project also illustrates Governor Okpebholo’s style of governance. Rather than relying solely on reports from officials, he has consistently visited project sites across the state to monitor progress personally, question contractors, and interact directly with residents. This approach has become a recurring feature of his administration’s infrastructure program.

Beyond Obaseki Street, the governor inspected the Ikpoba Hill Flyover, the Adesuwa Flyover on Sapele Road, extensive stormwater drainage projects, and road rehabilitation works spread across the three senatorial districts. Together, these projects form part of a broader effort to improve transportation, reduce flooding, and modernise public infrastructure across Edo State.

Officials in the Ministry of Works say the Obaseki Street intervention was approved soon after the governor became aware of the severity of the environmental challenge. They say it as a comprehensive project aimed not only at rebuilding damaged roads but also at eliminating the persistent flooding that has affected residents, motorists, and public institutions for decades.

Infrastructure is often judged by what people can easily see. Flyovers become landmarks. Highways attract headlines. New public buildings quickly become symbols of development. Drainage systems rarely receive the same attention because they remain hidden beneath the ground. Yet it is often the infrastructure people can not see that makes everyday life possible.

Governor Monday Okpebholo knows that a well-designed drainage network protects roads from premature failure, prevents homes from collapsing, safeguards businesses from repeated losses and allows schools, hospitals, courts and government offices to continue functioning even during heavy rainfall. This is why the Obaseki Street project carries significance beyond its location. It represents an investment in resilience, public safety, and long-term urban planning.

The project objective is already becoming clearer as the rainy season peaks. It is performing as designed and is very certain to stop floodwater. It is restoring confidence to homeowners, reviving economic activities, preserving public infrastructure, and protecting one of Benin City’s busiest corridors from a problem that has lingered for more than 20 years.

For the people of Obaseki Street, success will not be measured by speeches or ceremonies. It will be measured on the morning after a heavy rain when children walk to school on dry roads, shop owners open their businesses without fear, families sleep peacefully through a storm, and residents look out of their windows to see flowing drains instead of advancing floodwaters.

That day has finally arrived, and Ikpoba Hill will no longer be remembered as a symbol of erosion and despair, but as proof that even the oldest problems can be solved when vision is matched with action, and promises are backed by purpose.

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

BENIN CITY— The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of two new Special Advisers as part of efforts to deepen inclusive governance and enhance stakeholder engagement in the state.

The appointments were announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

According to the statement, Mr. Francis G. Okoyo has been appointed Special Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, while Mr. Momoh Ahmed Musa will serve as Special Adviser on Islamic Religious Matters.

The state government said the appointments reflect the governor’s commitment to purposeful, inclusive and people-centred governance, as well as his determination to strengthen engagement with critical stakeholders across different sectors of society.

The statement noted that the appointments are in furtherance of the administration’s SHINE Agenda, which serves as the policy framework guiding the government’s development initiatives and service delivery.

The government expressed confidence that the newly appointed advisers would bring their experience and expertise to bear in supporting the administration’s efforts to promote effective governance and address the needs of Edo residents and stakeholders.

The appointments take immediate effect.

The statement was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor.

Davidson Ogbebor

The campaign for the re-election of the Executive Chairman of Egor Local Government Council and the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, received another boost as leaders and residents of Oguedion Oghede-Ivbioba in Ward 1, Evbuotubu, declared their support for his second-term bid.

The campaign team was received by community elders, traditional leaders, party members, women, and youths, who expressed confidence in Eribo’s leadership and pledged their support ahead of the forthcoming local government election.

Speaking during the visit, representatives of the community commended the council chairman for what they described as his humility, accessibility, and commitment to grassroots development. They maintained that his administration had delivered visible projects and responsive governance, assuring him of Ward 1’s backing at the polls.

The elders noted that the chairman’s performance had strengthened public confidence in the local government administration and expressed optimism that a second term would enable him to consolidate on ongoing developmental initiatives across Egor.

Responding, Hon. Eribo appreciated the warm reception and the continued support of the people of Ward 1. He reiterated his commitment to his “Egor First” agenda, promising to sustain ongoing projects and expand development to all communities within the local government.

According to him, his administration remains committed to inclusive governance, improved infrastructure, and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of residents.

The Ward 1 visit forms part of the APC campaign tour across communities in Egor Local Government Area, where party leaders are engaging residents and presenting the administration’s achievements while seeking renewed support for another term in office.

Davidson Ogbebor

The Executive Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, Hon. Osaro Osa Eribo, on Sunday supervised the commencement of repair works on the failed section of the busy Five Junction in Benin City, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of residents.

The road, a major traffic corridor used daily by thousands of motorists, commuters, traders and residents, had deteriorated considerably, causing hardship and disrupting the free flow of traffic.

Speaking during the inspection, Eribo said governance should be driven by the needs of the people rather than jurisdictional considerations, stressing that his administration would not ignore infrastructure challenges simply because they fall under another tier of government.

According to him, the decision to intervene was informed by the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of residents and ensure safer, smoother movement within the local government area.

The council chairman said the intervention aligns with his administration’s “Egor First Agenda,” which places the welfare of the people above bureaucracy, politics and unnecessary debates over responsibility.

He maintained that effective leadership is measured by the ability to respond promptly to the needs of the people, adding that the council would continue to initiate practical solutions to improve the living conditions of residents.

Observers described the road repairs as another demonstration of the council chairman’s commitment to delivering people-oriented governance and improving public infrastructure across Egor Local Government Area.

The intervention at Five Junction is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance road safety and provide immediate relief to commuters and other road users while reinforcing the administration’s resolve to pursue development projects that directly impact the lives of the people.