Nine Arrested in Deadly Aagba Arson Linked to Land Dispute

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in connection with the April 5 arson attack on the Aagba community in Surulere Local Government Area, which led to the death of a 70-year-old woman, Rachael Bamidele, and left nine houses destroyed.

According to a statement from the police spokesperson, Adewale Osifeso, the fire and subsequent looting were part of a targeted attack related to a long-standing land dispute between Aagba and a neighboring community. Preliminary investigations suggest that the arson was systematically executed, aiming at individuals involved in an ongoing civil case over the disputed land.

Among those arrested is Salawudeen Ismaila, 33, a native of the neighboring Oko community, alongside eight other suspects. The police also recovered three unregistered Boxer motorcycles during their investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects who remain at large.

The statement further assured that calm has been restored to the village, with residents returning to their homes, and authorities emphasized that the situation would be closely monitored. The police cautioned against any form of vigilantism or unlawful actions, reaffirming their commitment to upholding law and order.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, dispatched specialized units to ensure public safety and prevent further disturbances. He also reiterated the command’s firm stance against any acts of brigandage, urging residents to rely on the legal system for conflict resolution.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

“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.