From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

The deputy governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa has said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration would prioritise the welfare of workers, including those at the local government areas as well as ensure security of lives and property in the state.

The deputy governor made this statement in Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Council of the state, during the inauguration of a 1000 capacity council hall, staff, and security vehicles in the council area on Monday. Idahosa commended the quality of leadership being provided in the council area by the chairman, Hon. Igbinake Omoruyi.According to a statement by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Idahosa noted that coming up with quality projects within four months in office shows that the council boss was committed to providing good governance in Ovia North-East.”We knew the kind of person we were giving leadership to in Ovia North-East as well as knowing he was going to work in line with the vision of this administration.”We were certain he was going to give good leadership. We are seeing the dividends of democracy in Ovia North-East,” he stated.Idahosa said that Omoruyi did not only make him proud, but had also not failed his people as the son of the soil.As for the council hall, Idahosa said it would be beneficial to the council workers’ welfare just like the staff bus.Similarly, the deputy governor said that the security vehicles would further boost security in the areaIn his address, the Chairman of the Council, Omoruyi, commended Okpebholo for giving him the free hand to carry out his official duties, which has culminated in the inauguration of these projects.On his part, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Igbinoba Omoregbe also praised Okpebholo and his deputy for providing the conducive atmosphere that was already yielding dividends of democracy for the people.Some APC leaders on ground to receive the deputy governor included Mr. Benson Edosomwan and Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo, amongst others.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Chairman of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ferdinand Ukwueze has expressed outrage over the murder of four children of the same parents by a spiritualist.It was reported that the children Kamsiyochukwu Ezema (7), Ezinne Ezema (6), Ujunwa Ezema (5), and Chinedu Ezema (2), were gruesomely murdered with a pestle by a pastor (names withheld) of a Sabbath Church located in the area.

The motive behind the dastardly act remains unknown as of the time of filing this report. Ukwueze, who visited the traumatized family, weekend, vowed that justice must catch up with the perpetrators.He ordered that the premises where the incident took place be sealed with immediate effect.The council chairman said “our community was shaken by the tragic and heinous murder of four innocent children in Ibagwa-Aka, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. I am deeply saddened by this act of senseless violence and extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victims.”Today, I visited the crime scene in the company of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the Civil Defence and other relevant security operatives to assess the situation firsthand and to ensure that immediate steps are taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.”Following preliminary investigations, law enforcement agencies have apprehended some key suspects in connection with the crime, while still searching for others yet at large.”Additionally, the premises reasonably believed, as alleged to be used for unauthorized herbal medicine operations, rendering of informal psychiatric services and other yet-to-be fully explained spiritual activities, alleged to be linked to the prime suspects and the crime scene have been sealed by the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Authority pending the outcome of investigation report by the Police.’He vowed that “we are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring that justice is served. I wish to assure the people of Igbo-Eze South that we will continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, enhance community safety, and prevent such grievous incidents from recurring.”We ask for the continued cooperation of law abiding members of the public, civil society organisations, as we urge anyone with relevant security information to exercise the liberty of assisting law enforcement authorities with the same, as confidentiality is always guaranteed.”Meanwhile the late kids’ devastated parents, Chinonso Ezema and Loveth Ezema, who were away during the incident, are demanding justice.“We want the police to thoroughly investigate this and ensure the culprit is brought to book,” the father said.

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters at various locations in the state. The EFCC confirmed this in a post shared on its verified X handle @officialEFCC, on Monday. It stated that the suspects, comprising 95 male and 25 female, were apprehended on Monday.

“The suspects were apprehendedfollowing credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud. “Items recovered during the coordinated operation include 26 exotic cars and expensive jewellery, smartphones, laptops and several incriminating documents, ” the commission stated. It said that the suspects were currently undergoing further investigation. According to the commission, the suspects will be arraigned in court, upon conclusion of investigation. (NAN)