“No Light, No Peace!” — Okpanam Youths Storm Delta Government House Over Blackout, Rising Crime

Tension boiled over in Asaba on Thursday as angry youths from Okpanam in Oshimili North LGA stormed the Delta State Government House, barricading the entrance in protest over an alleged deliberate blackout imposed by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and escalating insecurity in the area.

The protesters, chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards that read “Enough is Enough,” “We Say No to BEDC,” and “Stop the Exploitation,” marched through major roads in the state capital before converging on the seat of power.

Darkness Breeds Danger

In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Mr Lucky Okolo, described the situation as “economic sabotage and a threat to public safety.”

“For several years, Okpanam has been plunged into darkness with no reliable power supply,” the letter read.
“BEDC’s refusal to restore electricity while slamming us with exorbitant estimated bills shows total disregard for our lives and livelihoods.”

The youths decried how the lack of power has crippled small businesses, endangered lives, and fueled a wave of kidnappings and violent crimes under the cover of darkness.

“Our Community Has Become a Crime Zone”

The protesters blamed the power outage for the sharp increase in criminal activity, claiming that the absence of street lighting and security infrastructure has made the town a “hunting ground for criminals.”

“We are not safe in our homes, and we are not safe on the streets,” Okolo warned.
“The government must act before this situation explodes into a full-blown security crisis.”

They demanded urgent government intervention and accused BEDC of exploiting the people with estimated billing while doing nothing to resolve technical faults or improve infrastructure.

 Government Responds: Relief Coming?

Responding on behalf of the governor, Chief of Staff Mr Johnson Erijo acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the youths that the administration was in the final phase of passing a legislative framework to address power supply issues across the state.

“Your Governor hears you, and he shares in your pain,” Erijo said.
“Solutions are on the way, and your voices have been heard loud and clear.”

Uromi Killings: FG, Edo Launch Probe as Tinubu Demands Justice for Slain Kano Hunters

BENIN CITY — In the wake of the tragic killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State, the Federal Government and Edo State Government have jointly inaugurated a fact-finding committee to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring lasting justice.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who made the announcement yesterday while receiving a high-powered delegation from Kano State, revealed that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned and is personally invested in ensuring accountability.

“The President is not happy with what happened and wants this investigated thoroughly. Together, the federal and state governments have set up a committee to determine the remote causes and ensure this never happens again,” Okpebholo said at the Government House in Benin City.

The Kano State delegation, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, presented a detailed report to Governor Okpebholo, outlining findings from an internal investigation commissioned by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“We have screened and verified the identities of the deceased, their next-of-kin, and survivors. Sixteen lives were lost from five local government areas in Kano,” Gwarzo disclosed.

The report is expected to aid the newly formed Edo-Federal fact-finding committee, which will probe the underlying factors behind the attack and recommend actionable solutions.

Governor Okpebholo, expressing solidarity and sorrow, emphasized the long-standing bond between Edo and Kano States, particularly in commerce and inter-ethnic coexistence.

“We are peace-loving people in Edo. We welcome everyone and cherish our ties with Kano. This unfortunate event has opened our eyes to deeper national security and unity issues,” he stated.

He also reassured the delegation that the investigation will be transparent, and the public will be kept informed of the committee’s progress.

The Uromi killings, which sent shockwaves across the country, have sparked nationwide calls for justice, accountability, and improved security across state borders—particularly for civilians engaged in lawful livelihoods like hunting.

What Comes Next?

• The joint committee is expected to begin immediate consultations.

• The report submitted by Kano will serve as a foundational document.

• Victims’ families are expected to be compensated, and security measures reviewed in vulnerable regions.

As the nation mourns, attention now turns to the outcome of the investigation—and whether the tragedy will prompt broader reforms to protect lives and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s internal security framework.

Information Minister Did Not Dismiss Governor Zulum’s Security Concerns

The Office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation has noted a misleading caption by an online publication suggesting that the Honourable Minister, Mohammed Idris, (fnipr), dismissed the recent concerns raised by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, regarding the security situation in the state.

This is categorically false and a gross distortion of the Minister’s remarks. At no time did the Honourable Minister say “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.” Such a headline is not only sensational but deliberately crafted as a deliberate act of misinformation to stoke public misunderstanding and distract from the serious work the Federal Government is doing to address security challenges.

In his response to media inquiries on Governor Zulum’s remarks, the Honourable Minister acknowledged that while the Federal Government has made significant progress in restoring peace and security across many parts of the country, some areas continue to face security challenges.

He emphasized the ongoing efforts by the military and security forces, the sustained investments in security hardware and intelligence, and the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

The Minister further called on all stakeholders, including state governments, to continue partnering with the Federal Government to bring lasting peace to affected communities.

His comments were intended to provide context on the progress made, not to dismiss or downplay legitimate concerns.

We urge media platforms to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism by avoiding sensationalism and publishing only verified and accurate information. The task of rebuilding peace and security in our nation is a collective one that must not be undermined by reckless and irresponsible reportage.

Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.

10th April, 2025