Latest News in Edo State Today – 4th July 2024

Stay updated with the latest news from Edo State on July 4, 2024. Highlights include Governor Obaseki’s inspection of the College of Health Sciences, political challenges from the APC, ongoing battles against cultism, a tragic murder case, and UNIBEN students protesting power outages.

Governor Obaseki Inspects College of Health Sciences Ahead of Accreditation

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, visited the ongoing construction site of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology to check the progress before an upcoming accreditation visit. This inspection is crucial as the college is preparing to start academic activities soon.

Governor Obaseki, along with members of the state’s Executive Council, toured the site to ensure everything is on track. After the visit, he mentioned that the college’s management team is actively working with the government to finish the infrastructure. He added that the process for admitting students is almost complete.

“We expect an accreditation team to visit in two weeks. We are checking the progress to correct any issues before they arrive. By the next academic year, the school should be accredited and ready for students,” Obaseki said.

Dr. Moyo Kasim, the Provost of the College, assured that the management is dedicated to making the school the best in the country. The college aims to provide top-quality training for healthcare workers in Edo State and beyond.

APC Challenges Governor Obaseki on Street Walk with PDP Candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown a challenge at Governor Godwin Obaseki, asking him to walk through the streets of Benin City with the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo. This challenge was issued by Dennis Idahosa, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC, during a campaign event in Oredo Local Government Area.

Idahosa criticized Governor Obaseki for being disconnected from the people and suggested that a public walk would reveal his unpopularity. He also promised that a new APC government would continue the developmental projects started by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, especially in areas like flood control, rebuilding schools, and improving security.

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC’s governorship candidate, pledged to work for Edo State’s progress if elected. He criticized the PDP candidate’s lack of achievements and stressed the need for unity within the APC to win the upcoming election.

Edo State’s Battle Against Cultism: New Laws and Continued Challenges

Edo State has been fighting against cultism with strict laws and enforcement measures. In December 2018, the state government passed a law prohibiting secret cults, which includes a 21-year jail term for members and seven years for anyone who harbors cultists.

Despite these measures, cult-related activities continue to be a problem. Governor Obaseki has set up a special task force to address this issue and review all cult-related incidents. The new Secret Cult Prohibition Law aims to ensure swift justice and harsh penalties for offenders.

However, challenges remain, as some top security operatives and government officials are alleged to be members of cult groups. The persistent issue of cultism highlights the need for ongoing efforts and stronger enforcement to protect the residents of Edo State.

Tragic Murder of 72-Year-Old Woman in Afuze

In a tragic incident, the Edo State Police have exhumed the body of Mrs. Vero Akazuma, a 72-year-old female trader, who was murdered and buried in a shallow grave on a farm in Afuze, Owan East Local Government Area. The incident occurred on June 17, 2024, when a regular customer lured her to the farm under the pretense of selling corn.

Instead of selling corn, the farmer, identified as Michael, killed Mrs. Akazuma, stole her money, and buried her body before fleeing. The police, with the help of local vigilantes, found the grave and exhumed the body following extensive investigations. The police are currently searching for the suspect, who remains at large.

This incident has left the family in deep sorrow, with her son calling for justice. The case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community cooperation in addressing violent crimes.

UNIBEN Students Protest Power Outage

Students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) blocked the Benin-Ore Highway on Wednesday to protest a prolonged power outage on their campus. The outage has severely affected their preparation for the upcoming first semester examinations, just two weeks away.

The power cut resulted from a dispute between the university and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over a significant increase in electricity charges. The students, carrying placards and chanting slogans, demanded a resolution to the power issue.

“We have had only one hour of electricity every day since this issue started. We are tired of studying in the dark,” said John Afolabi, one of the protesting students. The protest caused significant disruption to traffic, leaving many passengers stranded.

Dr. Benedicta Ehanire, the university’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the university Senate was meeting to resolve the issue. The protest highlights the broader challenges faced by educational institutions in Nigeria due to rising electricity costs and the need for reliable infrastructure

Family Members Seek Justice For Murdered Girl In

Benin City

The family of Celi Profit Enoh, a young woman who was allegedly murdered by her lover in Benin City, is fervently calling on relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. They are deeply concerned that certain individuals may be attempting to obscure the truth and sweep the matter under the carpet by claiming that the suspect suffers from mental health issues.

Celi’s tragic death has left her family devastated and seeking answers. To garner public attention and support, Celi’s father and her three-year-old child made a poignant visit to the corporate office of ITV and Radio Glass House on Airport Road. They hope that by bringing the case to the media, they can prevent any potential cover-up and ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted.

The grieving father, holding his young grandchild, walked into the ITV and Radio Glass House office with a heavy heart. He spoke passionately about his daughter’s life, her dreams, and how they were brutally cut short. He emphasized that Celi was a loving mother whose life revolved around her child. Her sudden and violent death has not only shattered their family but has also left a void that can never be filled.

In his plea to the media and the public, he expressed his fear that justice might be compromised. The narrative being pushed by some parties, suggesting that the suspect’s mental health should absolve him of responsibility, is deeply troubling to the family. They believe that this claim is a tactic to evade justice and are determined to see the legal process carried out fairly and transparently.

The father shared details of the family’s ordeal since Celi’s death, including their struggle to navigate the legal system and their encounters with law enforcement. He highlighted the importance of a fair trial and the need for the authorities to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves. The family’s presence at the media office was a call to action, urging the public and the authorities to stand with them in their fight for justice.

The three-year-old child, too young to understand the full extent of the tragedy, clung to their grandfather during the visit. The sight of the child, now motherless, served as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of the crime. The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent further injustices and ensure that no other family has to endure a similar ordeal.

By reaching out to ITV and Radio Glass House, the family aims to keep Celi’s case in the public eye, ensuring that it does not fade into obscurity. They are determined to see the perpetrator held accountable and to have the legal system recognize the gravity of the crime, regardless of the defenses put forth. Their ultimate goal is to achieve justice for Celi and to honor her memory by ensuring that her death leads to meaningful action against such heinous acts.

The family’s visit to the media outlet was not just a plea for help, but a powerful statement of their resilience and commitment to justice. They stand as a testament to the enduring love of a family seeking truth and accountability in the face of unimaginable loss.