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Edo Police Rescue  Kidnapped AAU Students, Kill One Suspect The Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The students were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. One student, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was killed during the attack. The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19. State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma. Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, the commissioner said the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students. He said the commissioner...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT OPINION:Oríire Pupils, Makinde And The Children Of Ọ̀rúnmìlà   By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, July 14, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/oriire-pupils-makinde-and-the-children-of-orunmila/ Among the Yoruba, an enduring proverb echoes through generations: “Ọmọ Ọ̀rúnmìlà kò lè sọnù” - the child of Ọ̀rúnmìlà can never be lost.   It is a declaration rooted not merely in folklore but in the vast treasury of Ifa, where countless verses uphold the conviction that the offspring of the sage who witnessed destiny can never wander beyond the reach of providence.   Yet, hidden within the same sacred corpus, lies a haunting paradox.   Ifa preserves the painful account of a time when the child of Ọ̀rúnmìlà was not only lost but, in a cruel twist of fate, was sacrificed in error. That tragedy became the watershed that ended the practice of human sacrifice in Yorubaland. So, whenever anyone hastily labels the Yoruba—or ind...

Gunmen Attached Ekpoma Locality, Killed 300-Level AAU Student, Abducted Woman By Editor  Tension and anxiety have overwhelmed the Glad Tiding (GT) Extension area of Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of Edo State, after suspected kidnappers reportedly invaded the community on Sunday night, killing one person and abducting a woman. The deceased has been identified as a 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. The incident has left residents in shock, with many reportedly fleeing the area for fear of further attacks. The attack has thrown the entire neighborhood into confusion, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Ekpoma. However, as of the time of writing this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts to rescue the abducted woman are expected to be underway.

Gov Okpebholo Pledges N41 Million For Edo Returnees From South Africa By Editor  Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has pledged N1 million to each Edo indigene evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, saying the money will help them secure accommodation and rebuild their lives. The governor made the announcement on Monday while receiving the returnees at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City. He said the state government would also provide soft loans to enable the returnees to start businesses and reintegrate into society.  "Your success begins today. Many of you possess knowledge and skills in different areas. Once you identify what you want to do, come to us. We will give you a soft loan to start with because we want you to fully reintegrate into society," Okpebholo said. He added that each returnee would receive N1 million within 24 hours to help with accommodation.  "Between now and tomorrow, you will receive that money...

EBS Earns Wide Commendation For Live Coverage, Expert Analysis Of Edo LG Election ...As Rights Group, Residents Urge Station To Sustain Standard The Edo Broadcasting Service, EBS, under the leadership of the Acting Managing Director, Festus Alenkhe, has received widespread commendation for its comprehensive live coverage and incisive analysis of the just-concluded Local Government elections in Edo State. Throughout the election day, EBS TV provided uninterrupted real-time updates from polling units and collation centres across the 18 local government areas, ensuring that viewers across the state and beyond were kept abreast of developments as they unfolded. In a bid to deepen public understanding of the electoral process, the station also featured erudite university lecturers, political analysts and governance experts in its studio. The scholars provided top-notch commentary, context and analysis of the election throughout the day, a development that was widely applauded by...

  NANS To Shutdown  MTN, MultiChoice, Stanbic IBTC Bank Over Killing Of Nigerians In SA By Editor  The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared a nationwide protest against South African interests, threatening to shut down the operations of MTN and MultiChoice while urging Nigerians to close their accounts with Stanbic IBTC Bank. According to the student leader, the planned action is in response to South Africa’s treatment of Nigeria and Nigerians. He said NANS is prepared to mobilise students across the country to ensure the protest is carried out. “We are going to shut down MTN and MultiChoice. We will force Nigerians to close their accounts with Stanbic IBTC Bank,” the NANS President lamented.

EFCC Arraigns Miyetti Allah Head Bodejo Over Alleged $2.33m Money Laundering By Editor  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, before Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for alleged fraud. Bello Bodejo was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of $2.33 million. At the day’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu, drew the attention of the court to a 12-count charge application dated June 24, 2026 and filed June 25, 2026, urging the court to allow the defendant to take his plea, to which the judge granted his request. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which the prosecution counsel, Shittu, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service. Counsel for the defence, Ahmed Raji, however, prayed the court to admit his client to bail i...

Why Nigerians Must Realign Their Interest: The Case of Local Government Elections Local Government Elections in Nigeria are not popular. And that is the problem.With less than about 24 hours to the LG elections in Edo State, the silence on the streets is telling. Radio jingles are few, voter education is minimal, and many citizens are not even aware that an election is happening.  This apathy directly translates to low interest, low turnout, and ultimately, weak representation. It is a clear indication that Edo State citizens, and by extension Nigerians, have not yet fully aligned with the process that drives grassroots development. "We are looking in the wrong direction. Most of the national conversation, media coverage, and public energy is focused on Presidential, Governorship, National and State House of Assembly elections. Those elections matter. But the election that brings democracy closest to the people to your street, your market, your primary health center is...

GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO MOURNS ARCHBISHOP AUGUSTINE AKUBEZE, CONDOLES CATHOLIC FAITHFUL Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City, describing his passing as a painful loss to the Christian community, Edo State and Nigeria. Governor Okpebholo, in a condolence message, said the late Archbishop devoted his life to the service of God and humanity, leaving behind an enduring legacy of faith, compassion, integrity and selfless leadership. The Governor noted that Archbishop Akubeze distinguished himself as a humble shepherd and courageous advocate for justice, peace and good governance throughout his ministry, both as Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City and as former President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria. "Archbishop Akubeze was a man of deep faith, wisdom and uncommon humility. He dedicated his life to serving God and up...

Okpebholo Solicits Traditional Rulers Support To Curb Insecurity In Edo  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo is seeking stronger collaboration with traditional rulers across Edo State's 18 local government areas to tackle insecurity and other criminal activities. Speaking while receiving traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts on a courtesy visit to Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo said traditional rulers remain critical stakeholders in the fight against crime because of their close relationship with their communities. "There are so many security challenges, and the best people to help me fight insecurity are the traditional rulers. You know your communities because you know those who live there and those coming into the area," he said. The governor noted that several recent kidnapping cases involved local collaborators who were familiar with the movement and financial status of...

Egypt Coach, Hassan Blames  Officials, Alleges Partial After Emotional Defeat To Argentina By Editor  Hossam Hassan has accused match officials of denying Egypt a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup after the Pharaohs surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Argentina national football team on Tuesday. A visibly frustrated Hassan claimed his team had been "cheated" and subjected to unfair treatment, insisting crucial refereeing decisions went against Egypt during the thrilling encounter. "We have been cheated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice," the Egypt coach declared during his post-match press conference. Egypt looked destined for a historic quarter-final berth after taking a 2-0 lead. A goal by Mostafa Zico had earlier been disallowed following a VAR review, which ruled that a foul had been committed on Lisandro Martínez earlier in the attacking move. Zico eventually found the net again to double Egypt's advantage after Y...

  Anxiety Erupts In Ibadan As Yoruba, Hausa Groups Clash In Ojoo    By Editor  Anxiety and pain has erupted in the Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, following reported clashes between groups identified as Yoruba and Hausa residents. Security operatives attached to the Oyo State joint security outfit, Operation Burst, have reportedly been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation. Indigenes have been advised to remain calm, avoid the affected area, and await official updates from security agencies as efforts to bring the situation under control continue.

  FCT Police Apprehend Six Kidnappers, Recover ₦8.25m Ransom In Abuja     The FCT Police Command, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have arrested six notorious kidnappers and successfully recovered ₦8.25 million in ransom paid for the release of a female abductee in Abuja. Special praise must go to Disu and his crack team of VCRU detectives, whose intelligence-led investigations, sustained surveillance, and tactical precision were instrumental in dismantling the syndicate. Their bravery, swift coordination, and refusal to relent until the criminals were cornered exemplify the very best of modern policing. This feat did not happen by chance—it is the direct result of Disu’s hands-on leadership and the unwavering dedication of every officer on the ground. This breakthrough also reflects the stern backing of the Inspector General of Police, who has remained firmly on the case, holding Commissioners of Police across the country to strict account...

Edo Govt Demolishes Illegal Stalls, Eave Extensions Under High Tension In Egor Market The Edo Government on Tuesday demolished illegal structures, eave extensions and caravans built under a 132kV high-tension power line in Egor Market, Benin, following a sudden fire outbreak on the overhead line. The demolition exercise focused on eave extensions, illegal structures, and stalls located directly under the high-tension power line within the market and its environs. As the bulldozer moved in, store owners and onlookers scampered to salvage their goods while the structures were pulled down. Emotions ran high as some stall owners were seen crying profusely, complaining that the government did not give them enough time to evacuate their goods and property, as others commended the government for the action. Speaking to newsmen after the exercise, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), Mr Darlington Igabali, said the traders had bee...

Peacebuilding Begins With Every Citizen  By Odunola Esther Owolabi  For many people, peacebuilding sounds like work reserved for diplomats, security agencies or international organisations. The reality, however, is often much simpler. It begins with how people handle disagreement at home, respond to tension in the workplace or choose dialogue over confrontation in their communities. That was one of the strongest lessons participants said they would carry home after a leadership and peacebuilding programme organised by the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-Nigeria) in Abuja. For Bukola Taiwo Obatuga, the biggest takeaway was that peace education should not remain within conference halls or among development practitioners. "Peacebuilding is a necessity and it is a continuum," she said. "Everyone should learn how to build peace, even in the smallest ways. I want to help spread peace education to people regardless of where they live." ...

TUESDAY FLAT OUT (OPINION)Oríire: When Will Tinubu Bring Back Our Children?   By Suyi Ayodele (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, July 7, 2026) https://tribuneonlineng.com/oriire-when-will-tinubu-bring-back-our-children/ Eda Oníyò, Oriire. Has anyone heard any word said directly by the Commander-in-Chief since the attacks happened? ‎Mr. Peter Obi recently claimed that he was surprised to learn that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had not received any call from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Oyo incident which happened over 50 days ago. . ‎ ‎“But, to my utmost shock, I discovered that, contrary to my assumption that they had been in regular communication over the matter, Governor Seyi Makinde had not received a single call from President Bola Tinubu,” he said. Should it be like that?    A ruler's first duty is empathy. Shakespeare understood this. In King Lear (Act 33, scene 4), he admonishes those in power: “Expose thyself to feel what wretc...

Edo Security Squad Directs Businesses To Install CCTV In Premises  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  Edo State Security Squad has directed business owners across the state to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at their premises to strengthen efforts to tackle crime. Addressing journalists in Benin City on Monday, the spokesperson for the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, gave businesses until July 30, 2026, to install functional CCTV systems. He said CCTV cameras would assist security agencies in investigating crimes, identifying suspects and gathering crucial evidence. "Business owners are encouraged to install effective, working cameras within their business premises. We appeal to the general public and the business community to comply for everyone's safety," Idemudia said. "With your cameras, we can piece together certain things as professionals. Please comply with us to make Edo a safe place." The spokesperson also warned ...

 Edo CSOs, DSS Launch  Protest Against Social Vices, Urges Citizens To Expose Kidnappers, Cultists  Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin The Coalition of civil society organisations in collaboration with DSS in Edo state have embarked on one day peaceful sensitization protest against all form of social vices, such kidnapping, cultism, armed robbers, terrorism and other criminal elements. The protesters who converged in Museum premises at Ring road, carried written inscription on their flyers," Edo is united against terrorism and other social vices, Say 'No' to Kidnapping," marched through Edo State House of Assembly, went through Sapele road, to NBA axis, down to DSS office to register their grievances. Speaking, President Coalition of Civil Society, Comrade Solomon Idiogbe said the reason for the protest is put an end to the issue of insecurity in Edo state. He said to curb security in the state everyone must work together to address the menace. Idiogbe sa...

Olympic Day Run: Okpebholo Calls For Promotion Of Healthy lifestyle, Friendly Locality  By Editor  Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has described sports as important part of human culture that unite and promote healthy lifestyle and friendly community. The Governor made the assertion while addressing Edo athletes and other participants as he flagged off 2026 Olympic Day Run at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday. Governor Okpebholo who was represented at the event commended the Edo State Sports Commission under Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele for aligning with the global community in the celebration the legacies of Olympics founding fathers. " Olympic Day is a celebration of something simple but powerful: The Joy of moving together. Sport moves us. Not just our bodies, but our confidence. Our mindset." And the way we connect. When we move, we feel better - it keeps our mind and body strong and healthy. And when we move together, we lift each other. Sp...

  Edo Police Honour Five Officers For Exhibiting Excellence Performance  ...As Afolabi Gives Solar Fans, Bag Of  Rices To Officers Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin  For putting on excellence performance, Five officers of the Edo State police command have been honoured for their exceptional professionalism and outstanding contributions to the fight against crime, as philanthropist Mr. Afolabi Alayiwola donated five bags of rice and four solar-powered fans to support their welfare. Speaking during the presentation event at the Command Headquarters in Benin City, CP Monday Agbonika said the officers earned the recognition through their commitment, courage and operational successes in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across Edo State. Agbonika recalled that the Command had earlier showcased several major breakthroughs during its operational briefing, including the recovery of arms and ammunition, the arrest of suspected kidnappers, ...