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Ojobo Town on Fire Over Community Leadership Elections.
Tension is brewing in Ojobo community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State as two persons have been feared dead, four others seriously injured and three houses set ablaze in a violence that emanated from the Community Amayanabo (Highness) election.
The incident was reported to have occured at about 3:23pm on Thursday afternoon when supporters of the two Amayanabo (Highness) contestants in the community clashed with both sides taking up weapons against one another.
A source who pleaded anonymity said two persons had been killed, four persons were seriously injured and three houses were burnt down in the ensuring fracas.
He said, “residents in the community have scampered for safety as supporters of the two contestants lock-horns in deadly battle.
According him, the military men who were invited could not withstand the pressure from the rioting youths, hence they reportedly fled the community.
The source added, “we are still running in the forest, two persons have been killed, and four persons have been injured. The boys chased out the military men that were invited to intervene”.
“One of the contestants of the highness position was declared winner, others opposed it. They immediately attack each other and it is very bloody now in the community”.
Another source who also reportedly pleaded annonimity narrated, “ln this election, the Oyateigha-3 quarter has decided to give the two delegates to the Angulu, Keke, Odogo and the Young families. One of the supporters (name withheld) collected so much money from a sponsor of one of the candidates in other to make himself a delegate against the wish of the entire quarters.
“After the postponement of the elections on Sunday as a result of the death that was recorded in the community which was also masterminded by the group of persons causing trouble.
“This morning I was told that there are foreign machineries imported into the community by (name withheld). Sincerely, I laughed at it because I felt it was a joke from the pit of hell. The reason I am giving this background story is to make us understand fully what is happening.
“While the election was going on, they only needed to communicate the resolution of the compound to the Eleco chairman, that they have already written a communique to the Electoral Body through the chairman informing him to effect the position of the quarter as zoned.
“It was while they were returning from the election scene that the sponsor of one of the candidates (name withheld) ordered the machineries to open fire on them.
“I was told that Adidas sustained injury on the chest region, Natty Angulu is lifeless, Ondukakpo Magada also sustained injury and about 3 people on critical conditions.
“All these are happening in the open glare before the Ojobo people. So let us get the facts straight before making conclusions irrespective of the group you support.
“The election has not been conducted yet when Puma Amadi supporters declared him winner.
Along the line, Ebibowei supporters also declared their candidate winner. This was the beginning of the riot in the community”, our source narrated.
It is not clear if the security agencies have visited the scene and put situations under control as at press time.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.