News
Ebonyi: Tears, agony as youths render family homeless over allegations of witchcraft
Every June 12 will remain an indelible date in the minds of the family members of Mr John Ekpono of Agharoza, Iboko, in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Little did they know that this fateful day would bring a bleak future to the entire family.
It was a scene of tears and agony as their houses and farmlands were destroyed by some youths in the area following a revelation by a certain man of God that accused them of being evil.
DAILY POST gathered that trouble erupted when a cleric made a revelation that Mr John Ekpono and others were responsible for the backwardness and other calamities befalling the community.
Convinced by the revelation, some youths in the area went on a rampage, burning down Ekpono’s houses, farmlands, and other valuables, accusing him of being evil.
Speaking with DAILY POST on Thursday, the victim’s son, Mr Chijioke Ekpono, who narrated their ordeal, stated that the masterminds have concluded plans to attack his family members.
He explained that the villagers organized a crusade in the village, and the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area sent security operatives to disrupt the program because no official permission was taken from the local government by the organizers.
Continuing, Chijioke further disclosed that he challenged the organizers of the crusade because his father’s name was mentioned as one of those responsible for evil practices in the community, which led to the burning of their family properties.
“They have concluded that we were the ones who sent security agencies and accused us of being against the pastor’s coming to call out names of evildoers.
“Agharoza village members rallied, conspired, and destroyed everything that my father labored for in life. They burnt down our houses, destroyed our farmlands, and many other things too numerous to mention. May God come to our rescue,” he said.
Reacting through a telephone conversation on Friday evening with DAILY POST, Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Barrister Stephen Emenike Nwakpu, confirmed the incident, describing it as uncalled for and barbaric.
Nwakpu stated that so far, no fewer than 30 persons behind the arson have been arrested, arraigned, and remanded in Abakaliki custodial center, while others are still at large.
Regarding the resettlement of the victims, the local government chairman said efforts are being made to ensure proper conditions for the victims.
When contacted on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ebonyi State Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the incident to DAILY POST.
He stated that an investigation into the matter has begun to arrest those still at large.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Ebonyi State has waded into the gross human rights abuse.
Reacting to the development in an interview with DAILY POST on Friday, the state coordinator of NHRC, Mr. Christopher Okorie, expressed concern that people could be so barbaric because of superstition.
Okorie frowned upon the practice of people relying on unfounded revelations and superstitions to witch-hunt innocent civilians in society.
He said that the commission was committed to ensuring that justice was done in the matter to serve as a deterrent to others.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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