The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual-related activities and sealed another property in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, as part of its ongoing campaign against criminal activities across the state.

The operation, conducted under the state government’s “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists,” involved personnel of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies operating under the supervision of senior security officials attached to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Speaking during the exercise, Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, Barrister John Izegaegbe, said the action followed intelligence reports and preliminary findings from security investigations in the area.

According to him, one of the properties sealed at Ebhoijie, Uromi, was linked to an ongoing murder and alleged ritual-related investigation.

“We are here on the marching order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and upon arriving, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case,” Izegaegbe said.

He disclosed that security operatives discovered the decomposed body of a gateman, identified as Mildah Dalandi, inside the building. According to him, medical experts who examined the remains estimated that the body had been in the apartment for about one month before it was discovered.

Security officials said the body was found on June 2, 2026, after residents reportedly raised concerns over a strong odour emanating from the premises.

Izegaegbe stated that two suspects, identified as Eweh Favour and Eweh Bright, are currently at large and have been directed to report to the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command within 72 hours to assist ongoing investigations.

“The suspects are on the run, but we are giving them 72 hours to report themselves at the Uromi Police Divisional Headquarters or Area Command to clear themselves and enable further investigation into the matter,” he said.

Following the discovery, security agencies demolished a bungalow located on Dr. Ebason Street, Uromi, which officials alleged was connected to the suspects.

“This house will certainly be brought down as the government will not tolerate criminal elements in the state,” Izegaegbe stated.

He further alleged that investigations and evidence recovered from the property suggested it was being used as an initiation ground for members of a cult group.

According to him, items recovered from the premises included laptops, machetes, battle axes, native pots, candles, a red-coloured liquid suspected to be used for ritual purposes, identity documents and photographs, including one reportedly bearing the inscription, “Singapore ritualist.”

Izegaegbe said the demolition was intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals involved in criminal activities across the state.

“This building is going down to serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements who are engaged in criminal activities in Edo State. We are warning them to leave the state or have themselves to be blamed, as the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration will not tolerate them causing havoc in the state,” he said.

The Edo State Government said investigations into the matter are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and strengthening security across communities in the state.

Benin City- The Chairman of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has issued a warning to Mr. Timothy Osemwengie, demanding an immediate end to what he described as sustained acts of online harassment, defamation and cyberbullying against him.

In a statement issued on June 15, 2026, Alenkhe alleged that Osemwengie had, for more than a week, published false, abusive and defamatory comments on various online platforms with the intention of damaging his reputation.

The Edo NUJ chairman said he had deliberately refrained from responding publicly to the alleged attacks, noting that his restraint should not be interpreted as acceptance of the conduct.

According to Alenkhe, cyberbullying, online harassment and defamation are offences punishable under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and warned that continued publication of such content could attract legal consequences.

Describing the notice as a final warning, he called on Osemwengie to immediately cease all forms of defamatory and harassing content directed at him.

Alenkhe stated that failure to comply would leave him with no option but to seek redress through appropriate administrative and legal channels, while presenting available evidence to relevant authorities for investigation and possible action.

“I expect immediate compliance,” he stated.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of social media platforms for personal attacks, cyberbullying and the spread of defamatory content, a trend that stakeholders have repeatedly urged authorities to address through existing legal frameworks.

Benin City- The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated the Presiding Bishop of the Church of God Mission International, Rt. Rev. Dr. Matthew Akhaze Okpebholo, JP, on the occasion of his 76th birthday, describing him as a distinguished servant of God whose contributions have positively impacted countless lives.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the Government and people of Edo State, Governor Okpebholo praised the cleric’s decades-long commitment to Christian ministry, education, healthcare, philanthropy and community development.

The governor noted that Bishop Okpebholo has remained a shining example of compassion, sacrifice and purposeful leadership, dedicating his life to the service of God and humanity while building institutions that continue to benefit present and future generations.

According to the governor, the bishop’s efforts in establishing schools, supporting healthcare initiatives, empowering individuals and providing spiritual guidance have contributed significantly to the social and economic development of communities within and beyond Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo further commended the cleric’s philanthropic interventions and investments in human capital development, which he said have created opportunities and inspired hope among many Nigerians.

He specifically recalled Bishop Okpebholo’s recent donation of a Geriatric Centre to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, describing the gesture as a reflection of his enduring commitment to improving healthcare delivery and giving back to society.

“As Bishop Matthew Okpebholo marks his 76th birthday, we celebrate a life devoted to faith, compassion and selfless service. His remarkable contributions to humanity remain a source of inspiration to many,” the governor said.

Governor Okpebholo prayed for renewed strength, sound health and many more years of impactful service for the cleric, whom he described as a true icon of faith and community development.

Davidson Ogbebor

BENIN CITY – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated Edo Queens Football Club following the team’s impressive victory over FC Robo Queens, describing the achievement as a source of pride for the state and a reflection of the talent, determination, and resilience of Edo athletes.

Edo Queens delivered a commanding performance, defeating FC Robo Queens 4-1. Chioma Moses scored a brace in the first half, while Precious Oscar and Mary Mamudu added second-half goals to complete the emphatic win.

The victory has strengthened Edo Queens’ bid for the 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six title, further underlining the team’s consistency and competitive edge.

Governor Okpebholo commended the players, coaching crew, management, and support staff for their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence, noting that the team’s success has reinforced Edo State’s status as a leading hub for sports development in Nigeria.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning the sports sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, athlete development, and policies designed to create opportunities for young talents across the state.

According to the governor, sports remain a vital tool for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and unity, stressing that the state government will continue to provide the necessary support for athletes and teams to compete successfully at national and international levels.

“Edo Queens have made the people of Edo State proud. Their achievement reflects the spirit of excellence, hard work, and determination that defines our people. I congratulate the champions and assure them of our continued support,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo also urged Edo athletes to remain focused and committed to their goals, assuring them that his administration would continue to invest in initiatives aimed at restoring and sustaining Edo’s position as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

He described Edo Queens as worthy ambassadors of the state and encouraged them to continue inspiring young girls and aspiring athletes across Edo State.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping incident reported at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City, describing the attack as unacceptable and a threat to the safety of residents.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate and coordinated investigation into the incident.

Okpebholo said security agencies had been instructed to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending those responsible for the attack.

According to the statement, the governor warned that his administration would not tolerate acts of criminality capable of undermining public safety, security, and peace in the state.

“The government will not relent until those behind this criminal act are identified, arrested and made to face the full weight of the law,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.

The governor also appealed to residents of Benin City and other parts of Edo State to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station.

He stressed that timely and credible information from members of the public would enhance ongoing security operations and assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime across the state.

Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that government would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Paul Okojie

When a father don’t discipline his children early in their life, they become his problem at his old age, that’s the case of Nigeria today. Nigeria’s security crisis has reached a level where difficult questions must be asked and uncomfortable truths confronted. The continued rise in kidnapping, banditry and terrorism across the country raises concerns not only about the capacity of the state to protect its citizens but also about the forces sustaining these criminal enterprises.

Across many parts of the federation, kidnapping has evolved into a lucrative industry. Criminal gangs now view human beings as commodities, reducing innocent citizens to bargaining chips in a dangerous marketplace of fear. Families, communities and organizations are routinely compelled to pay huge sums of money to secure the release and freedom of loved ones after horrific treatments. While such actions are often driven by desperation, the broader implications for national security cannot be ignored.

Every ransom paid to kidnappers potentially strengthens the operational capacity of criminal networks. The funds generated from these criminal activities can be used to recruit members, purchase communication equipment, establish intelligence networks and, most importantly, acquire weapons. The result is a vicious cycle in which kidnapping finances the tools needed for more kidnapping, terrorism and violent crime.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has become one of the most alarming consequences of this cycle. Nigeria’s porous borders, weak enforcement mechanisms and thriving black market have contributed to the widespread availability of firearms. Weapons that find their way into the hands of terrorists and kidnappers rarely remain confined to a single criminal operation. They circulate across regions, fueling armed robbery, communal clashes, political violence and insurgency.

The danger is not merely the presence of weapons but the normalization of violence they bring. Communities that once depended on traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms now increasingly confront armed actors with superior firepower. This development threatens the authority of the state and undermines public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Equally troubling is the growing division that insecurity is creating among Nigerians. Criminal violence often triggers ethnic, regional and religious accusations that deepen existing fault lines. Instead of uniting against criminality, communities frequently retreat into suspicion and blame. Such divisions serve only the interests of those who profit from instability.

It is therefore legitimate to ask who benefits from the continuation of insecurity. Criminal syndicates certainly profit. Arms traffickers profit. Those engaged in illicit financial transactions profit. While there is no publicly available evidence to support sweeping accusations against specific individuals or groups, history teaches that prolonged insecurity often creates beneficiaries whose interests are tied to the persistence of conflict.

This reality underscores the need for more robust investigations into the financing of terrorism, kidnapping and organized crime. Security agencies must not focus solely on the foot soldiers carrying weapons. Greater attention must be directed toward the financiers, suppliers, collaborators and facilitators who make these criminal activities possible.

Nigeria must also resist the temptation to allow insecurity to push citizens toward widespread civilian armament. As frustration grows, some communities may seek to acquire weapons for self-defence. While understandable, such a development could create even greater instability and lead to a future where armed groups operate beyond effective state control.

The challenge before the nation is clear. Government must strengthen intelligence gathering, improve border security, disrupt illicit financial networks, prosecute arms traffickers and invest in community-based security structures. Equally important, Nigerians must reject narratives that seek to divide the country along ethnic or religious lines whenever criminal incidents occur.

The battle against insecurity is not simply a military struggle. It is a fight for national cohesion, public trust and the future of the Nigerian state. If kidnapping remains profitable and illegal weapons continue to flow freely, the crisis will deepen. But if the financial and logistical lifelines sustaining criminal organizations are severed, Nigeria can begin to reverse the tide.

The time has come for decisive action. The nation cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle where fear finances violence and violence generates even greater fear. To do so would be to risk allowing insecurity to become a permanent feature of Nigerian life.

Abuja, June 12, 2026 — The House of Representatives has passed a landmark constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to address worsening insecurity and decentralize law enforcement.

The bill, which received overwhelming support during plenary presided over by Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, proposes a major alteration to the 1999 Constitution to allow each of Nigeria’s 36 states to establish and operate its own police force alongside the existing Nigeria Police Force.

The constitutional amendment is widely regarded as one of the most consequential security reforms since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Supporters argue that the current centralized policing structure has struggled to cope with the diverse security challenges facing different regions of the country, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, communal conflicts, and oil-related crimes in the Niger Delta.

Presenting the report of the Constitution Review Committee, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu urged lawmakers to support the proposal, describing it as a necessary response to the nation’s evolving security challenges. The House subsequently adopted the report and approved multiple constitutional amendment clauses relating to the creation of state police.

According to details of the bill, Section 214 of the Constitution would be amended to formally recognize both Federal Police and State Police formations. The National Assembly would retain authority to establish minimum operational standards, organizational structures, and regulatory frameworks governing state police services throughout the federation.

One of the key safeguards contained in the proposal limits federal intervention in state policing matters. Under the framework, the Federal Police may intervene only in situations involving a complete breakdown of law and order, upon the request of a state governor, or when a state police service becomes unable to function effectively due to financial, administrative, or operational difficulties.

Advocates of the reform maintain that governors, who are constitutionally designated as chief security officers of their states, have long complained about lacking direct operational control over police personnel deployed within their jurisdictions. They argue that state police would improve intelligence gathering, enhance response times to emergencies, and provide law enforcement officers with better knowledge of local communities and terrain.

The push for state police has gained momentum amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country. Recent incidents of mass abductions, attacks by armed groups, and persistent criminal activities have intensified calls for a more localized security architecture. President Bola Tinubu has expressed support for the reform, while consultations involving the Presidency, the National Assembly, security agencies, and state governments have accelerated efforts to amend the Constitution.

Despite widespread support, the proposal has also attracted criticism. Opponents warn that state governors could potentially misuse state-controlled police forces against political opponents or minority groups. Concerns have also been raised about funding, training standards, coordination between federal and state forces, and the capacity of economically weaker states to sustain effective police institutions.

For the amendment to become law, it must still secure approval by at least two-thirds of the Senate and be ratified by no fewer than 24 of the 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can be transmitted to President Tinubu for assent.

If ultimately enacted, the legislation will fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture and represent the most significant decentralization of policing powers since independence, potentially altering the relationship between federal and state authorities in the maintenance of law and order.

Davidson Ogbebor

The Managing Director of the Edo State Waste Management Board, Ambassador Dr. Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi, has personally supervised the ongoing maintenance and pushing of waste at the state’s dumpsite as part of efforts to enhance waste disposal operations and promote a cleaner environment across Edo State.

Speaking during an inspection of the exercise, Dr. Enehita-Inegbenehi stated that routine maintenance of the dumpsite is critical to ensuring operational efficiency, creating additional capacity for incoming waste, and preventing potential environmental hazards.

He emphasized that effective management of waste disposal facilities remains a key component of the state’s drive towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for residents.

According to the Managing Director, the ongoing maintenance exercise aligns with the government’s commitment to improving sanitation standards and strengthening environmental sustainability initiatives throughout the state.

Dr. Enehita-Inegbenehi also commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his unwavering support for environmental protection and improved waste management practices.

He noted that the governor’s commitment has continued to provide the necessary backing for initiatives aimed at keeping Edo State clean, safe, and healthy for all.

He reassured residents of the Board’s dedication to maintaining high standards of waste management and urged members of the public to support government efforts by adopting proper waste disposal practices and contributing to environmental cleanliness.

Paul Okojie

Today, as Nigeria marks another June 12, political leaders will once again deliver litanies of speeches celebrating democracy. There will be official ceremonies, public holidays, and lofty declarations about democratic governance. Yet beneath the fanfare lies an uncomfortable truth: June 12 is not merely a celebration of democracy. It is, first and foremost, a memorial to a man whose life was consumed by the struggle to ensure that the will of the Nigerian people prevailed over military dictatorship which had span for almost 34years after independence.

That man was Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

For this reason, June 12 should not simply be celebrated as Democracy Day. It should be formally observed as MKO Abiola Memorial Day, ensuring that future generations understand the enormous sacrifice upon which Nigeria’s democratic journey was built.

History records that on June 12, 1993, Nigerians participated in what remains widely acknowledged as the freest and fairest election in the country’s history. In a nation often divided by ethnicity, religion, and regional loyalties, Nigerians rose above their differences and voted overwhelmingly for MKO Abiola. The election demonstrated the possibility of a united Nigeria and reflected the genuine aspirations of the people.

But the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida abruptly annulled the election, plunging the nation into political uncertainty and outrage. The annulment was more than a political decision; it was an assault on the sovereignty of the Nigerian people. It sent a dangerous message that votes did not matter and that the military could overturn the people’s mandate at will.

Many politicians would have retreated in the face of such overwhelming state power. Abiola chose a different path.

Refusing to abandon the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians, he became the symbol of a nationwide struggle against military dictatorship. While others compromised, negotiated, or fled into exile, Abiola stood firm. He insisted that the June 12 mandate belonged not to him alone but to millions of Nigerians whose voices had been silenced.

His resistance came at a tremendous personal cost.

Following General Sani Abacha’s seizure of power in November 1993, Nigeria descended into one of trying time in its post-independence history. Political opponents were hunted down, journalists were imprisoned, newspapers were shut down, and civil liberties were routinely violated. Yet Abiola remained steadfast.

On June 11, 1994, nearly one year after the election, he publicly declared himself the rightful president of Nigeria at Epetedo in Lagos. It was a courageous act that challenged the authority of a military government feared throughout the country.
The response was swift.

He was arrested and charged with treason.

For approximately four years, Abiola remained in detention, much of it under harsh conditions. He was separated from his family, denied his freedom, and subjected to immense psychological pressure. Throughout his incarceration, he was repeatedly urged to renounce his claim to the presidency. He refused.

The struggle became even more tragic with the assassination of his wife, Kudirat Abiola, in 1996. She had become one of the most visible voices demanding her husband’s release and the restoration of the June 12 mandate. Her murder shocked the nation and underscored the brutality of the military era.

Yet even in the face of personal loss, Abiola did not surrender.

Then came the events of 1998. General Abacha died suddenly on June 8, raising hopes that Abiola would soon regain his freedom. Those hopes were shattered barely a month later when Abiola himself died in detention on July 7, 1998, before he could enjoy the liberty for which he had sacrificed so much.

His death transformed him from a political leader into a national martyr.

The irony remains profound. MKO Abiola won Nigeria’s most credible election, yet he never occupied the office to which he was elected. He never took the oath of office. He never governed the nation. He never exercised presidential powers. Instead, he paid with his freedom, his family, and ultimately his life.

It is therefore misleading to speak of June 12 solely as Democracy Day. Nigeria Democracy Day should be May 29 when Nigerians celebrated to handover of power back to Civilian rule.

Democracy did not sit in prison for four years. MKO Abiola did.

Democracy did not lose a wife to political violence. MKO Abiola did.

Democracy did not die in detention. MKO Abiola did.

The freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were purchased with sacrifices made by Abiola and countless other pro-democracy activists who challenged military dictatorship. To celebrate democracy while gradually forgetting the sacrifices that secured it would be a grave disservice to history.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari took an important step in 2018 by recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and posthumously honouring Abiola with Nigeria’s highest national award. Yet more remains to be done.

Nigeria needs a day of national remembrance dedicated specifically to MKO Abiola and all those who suffered and died defending democratic principles. Such a day would not diminish democracy; rather, it would deepen the nation’s appreciation of it. It would remind every generation that democracy is sustained not by speeches and ceremonies but by courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to justice.

As the nation reflects on June 12, it must remember that behind the date stands a man whose name has become inseparable from Nigeria’s democratic struggle. The day is significant because of what happened after the election as much as because of the election itself.

The most fitting tribute Nigeria can pay is to ensure that June 12 is remembered not merely as Democracy Day but as MKO Abiola Memorial Day, a solemn reminder that freedom has a price and that some patriots paid it in full.

That is the true meaning of June 12.

Benin City — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, united, and committed to strengthening democratic institutions as the nation continues to confront insecurity, economic challenges, and threats to public trust.

In his Democracy Day message, Governor Okpebholo said June 12 should serve not only as a remembrance of the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s democratic heroes but also as a call to action for citizens and leaders to safeguard the country’s democratic gains.

Reflecting on the significance of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the struggle led by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other pro-democracy activists, the governor noted that the lessons of that era remain relevant as Nigeria navigates contemporary challenges.

“June 12 reminds us that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. The sacrifices of our democratic heroes secured our freedom to choose our leaders, but the responsibility of protecting and strengthening our institutions rests on all of us,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo identified insecurity as one of the greatest threats to national development, citing kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities that have disrupted lives and livelihoods across parts of the country.

According to him, no democracy can thrive where citizens live in fear, stressing that security remains the foundation upon which economic growth, social stability, and national progress are built.

“Democracy means little to a family that cannot sleep peacefully at night or to a community living under the threat of criminal elements. Security, justice, and the protection of lives and property are essential dividends of democracy,” he stated.

The governor said his administration has intensified efforts to combat insecurity in Edo State through enhanced collaboration with security agencies, community-based intelligence gathering, strategic deployment of security resources, and sustained action against kidnapping and cultism.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives under the SHINE Agenda, including improvements in healthcare delivery through the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EdoHIS), rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, investments in education, youth empowerment programmes, and economic development projects aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s resilience, Governor Okpebholo said the nation possesses the strength and determination to overcome its current security and economic challenges.

“Nigeria has overcome difficult periods before, and we will overcome these challenges again. With strong institutions, responsible leadership, active citizen participation, and unwavering faith in our nation, we can build a safer, more prosperous, and more united country,” he said.

The governor also urged political leaders, public office holders, and citizens to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. He warned against divisive politics, misinformation, and actions capable of undermining democratic institutions.

As the nation prepares for future electoral contests, he called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful political engagement and issue-based campaigns, emphasizing that democracy flourishes when citizens participate responsibly and leaders remain accountable to the people.

“Democracy survives through participation, integrity, and respect for institutions. Let us remain committed to building a Nigeria where justice prevails, opportunities abound, and every citizen can live in peace, dignity, and hope,” the governor added.

Governor Okpebholo congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering good governance, enhanced security, and sustainable development across Edo State.

Signed:

Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State