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
