Community In Kebbi Asks Mining Company, El-Tahdam, To Vacate Its Land To Stem Violence

April 25, 2025

District Head of Maginga in Yauri Emirate, Kebbi State, has asked a Mining company, El-Tahdam, to vacate the land it allegedly occupied illegally to stem the consequences of confrontation with the community.
A letter by the District Head, Abdulmalik Nuhu Wara, dated 24th April, 2025 and addressed to the Managing Director of El-Tahdam Exploration Limited, called on the company to “stay off” the communities, warning El-Tahdam against breeding “chaos, unrest and insecurity.”
The letter, titled: “Notice of Demand to El-Tahdam Exploration Limited,” which was signed by the District Head and sixty–three other stakeholders of Maginga, said that the host communities did not grant the company it consent for Exploration Licence N0. 45689 EL and Mining Lease N0. 62680 ML or any other licence.
Full text of the letter reads thus:
“We, the undersigned members of Libata, Kabirba, Kwanga communities of Warra District, of Ngaski Local Government Area, Kebbi State, and which members, among others, include the District Head of Maginga, Village Heads, religious leaders of Warra, Libata, Kabirba and Kwanga, together with individual families/land owners who own the lands (measuring 5.4 KM2) situate at Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and which lands are covered by the mineral titles, being: Exploration Licence No. 45158 EL, and Small-scale Mining Lease No. 46216 SSML, have resolved as a matter of urgency to issue this notice of demand in the best interest of the general members of our communities. We, the signatories of this letter comprise of Districts/Village Heads, owners of the lands which are subject of the aforementioned mineral titles, stake holders in various ramifications, and members of the Host community which is pivotal to the smooth operation of mining activities.”
“We have been dismayed by the sad development that your company, EL-TAHDAM Exploration Limited, was purportedly granted an Exploration Licence No. 45689 EL and Mining Lease No. 62680 ML over areas of land in respect of which, the land owners had already given their consent to Three Crown Mines Limited and over which Three Crown Mines Limited had already been granted Exploration Licence No. 45158 EL since the 8th day of June, 2023.
“We wish to categorically note and humbly but firmly emphasise that we neither know your company nor welcome it to our community. Ultimately, we are not ready and willing to deal or relate with it as far as the land in respect of which the company was purportedly granted the Exploration Licence and Mining Lease, is concerned. You know very well that WE DID NOT AND NEVER GAVE THE SAID COMPANY, EL-TAHDAM EXPLORATION LIMITED, OUR CONSENT FOR THE SAID EXPLORATION LICENCE NO. 45689 EL and MINING LEASE NO. 62680 ML OR ANY OTHER LICENCE OR LEASE AT ALL!
“The consent which your company claims it obtained and on the basis of which the company was wrongfully granted an Exploration Licence and Mining Lease, was vehemently disclaimed by the persons you claimed gave the said consent. Thus, one Abdullahi Usman from whom EL-Tahdam claims to have obtained the consent, has stated and impressed on the Mining Cadastre Office that he does not own any portions of land in the area forming the subject of the mineral titles in question.
“Equally, one Murtala Musa of Warra town and the then secretary to the District Head of Maginga who also signed and/or endorsed the purported consent of Abdullahi Usman on behalf of His principal (the district head) without his principal’s prior authority, after he subsequently found out the truth, wrote and served a letter of disclaimer to the Mining Cadastre office intimating them that he did not give consent to your company as he does not own any lands forming the area covered by your EL and ML. Murtala Musa had explained in the letter that he was deceived into singing or endorsing the said consent. In fact, both Abdullahi Usman and Murtala Musa deposed and swore to affidavits to the effect that they did not give consent to EL-Tahdam company as far as the mineral title areas are concerned.
“It is imperative to reiterate that the only company that was given consent over the land in question by the owners of the said lands, is Three Crown Mines Limited and the consent was given out of an established trust and cordial relationship of the communities and Three Crown Mines limited. It is also crucial to emphasize that we have signed a Community Development Agreement with Three Crown Mines Limited as required by the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act and Nigeria Minerals and Mining Regulations.

“You have peddled lies to the effect that we, the members of the Host community (ies) have executed a Community Development Agreement with your company, El-Tahdam Exploration Limited and that the company has since commenced the execution and implementation of the agreed terms as contained in the fictitious community development agreement. It is necessary to state here and as you are aware, that, as community leaders, we have never had any contact with you or your company, El-Tahdam Exploration Limited, let alone signing a community development agreement with you or/and your company, EL-Tahdam Exploration Limited. No single project is or has ever been under execution by El-Tahdam exploration Limited in any of our communities and as we know very well that your company has no sites at all within our domain. How could we have executed a Community Development Agreement when we the members of the community have never had any discussions or deliberations in respect of same with the said EL-Tahdam company!
“Moreso, it is critical to bring to your attention, (as you may be aware) that Three Crown Mines Limited has already and since compensated us over the area in respect of and over which your EL TAHDAM company was purportedly granted EL and ML. This is because the said Three Crown Mines Limited had since been granted Exploration Licence (EL) and Small-Scale Mining Lease (SSML) over the said area long before the (wrongful) grant of your company’s mineral titles over the same area) and long commenced exploration and exploitation activities. Pursuant to the said mineral titles, Three Crown Mines Limited has also been executing developmental projects in the community, thereby bringing about socio-economic development and progress of the Host Community, to the sufficient satisfaction of the members of the community.
“Furthermore, it may interest you to know that your attempts to, by all means, force your way onto our lands has unsettled the host community, causing avoidable pandemonium, unrest, and trauma. Your company’s unholy determination to trespass upon our lands and force your company on us, have equally interfered and interrupted the flow of social and economic benefits due to the community from Three Crown’s mining activities. All these and more, are indications that your company and the land owners cum the host community cannot co-exist peacefully.
“In view of the above and more, we cannot, therefore, in good conscience, co-operate and relate with El Tahdam company over areas of land in respect of which the land owners have already been compensated and legitimately taken (and still taking) benefits from another company (Three Crown Mines Limited) which had earlier been granted EL and SSML over the area, and which still subsist; and over which area the said Three Crown Mines Limited has applied for grant of Mining Leases.
“We wish to kindly note that the host community has been living in peace and co-existing with all other persons who live and carry out businesses in the Host Community. This rather unfortunate development of granting your company EL and ML over the said area of land which the community had already given to Three Crown Mines Limited, is a recipe for crisis in the community, as evident in the past activities of the company. With all sense of seriousness, we cannot and we will not allow a company which was foisted on the community by what seem to be a deliberate wrongful grant of an EL and ML over a land in respect of which consent was not given, to have access to the said land and continue to ferment trouble in our peaceful community.
“The lands in respect of which your company was wrongfully granted EL and ML, are farmlands and source of livelihoods to the land owners. The cornerstone of fair and sustainable development in the mining industry is the willing participation of all parties involved. It therefore, needs no mentioning that the Government cannot force unwilling land owners and host community on a willing miner or company. Hence, we implore you not to trespass on the lands in question and any forceful attempt to enter upon the said lands by your company shall be met with an unrelenting legitimate resistance!
“Please accept the assurance of our highest esteem as we humbly hope that your company, EL-Tahdam Exploration Limited would appreciate and abide by our communities’ collective position.”

Minister Wike Angry With Council Bosses For Failure To Pay Teachers After Receiving Funds

Greenbarge Reporters

April 24, 2025

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike is not happy with chairmen of the six Area Councils of the territory who have refused to settle the salaries of teachers and workers despite the fact that funds have been released to them, even for the payment of the new minimum wage.
According to him, the Area Council Chairmen had failed to pay the teachers despite releasing approved funds.
The Minister, who spoke to newsmen today, April 24, expressed dismay over the non-payment of the entitlements of the primary school teachers who are responsible for the education of young children.
He emphasized that primary schools fall under the purview of the Area Councils.
Wike asked the chairmen to report in his office immediately for a meeting to resolve the issue around the teachers’ strike that had lingered for months now.
The Minister however appealed to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience while the issues are being resolved.
“It’s unfortunate and we have to tell ourselves the simple truth. The Area Council Chairmen, after I have approved money to be sent to them for them to be able to pay the teachers, they were unable to do that. In fact, I got the report yesterday and I have been able to summon all of them.
“I don’t know why people don’t have conscience that these are teachers who take care of our children and you are happy that you are not paying them their salaries. This is primary school teachers, not secondary school teachers. It’s the responsibility of the councils; they are in charge of the primary schools.
“So, I have summoned them to a meeting and also continue to appeal to NUT to give them some time that these things will be sorted out.”
The minister reviewed the updates on the key road projects that he had inspected, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work.
He reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to meet its obligations to ensure timely completion.
“Generally, we are happy with the quality of work that is being carried out by all the contractors. We on our part will do everything possible to keep to our own obligation so that they will not find excuses why they were unable to fulfil their own obligation.”
On the costs of the projects, Wike said that the financial details would be provided during an account of stewardship.

The Lawless Gavel: Nigeria’s Descent Into Judicial Conquest, By Basil Odilim

Greenbarge Reporters

April 24, 2025

There is something far more dangerous than banditry in our forests and kidnapping on our highways. It is the silent, polished crime happening behind the oak-paneled courtrooms of Nigeria. It is the smiling face of a judge who has traded his conscience for a brown envelope. It is the silk-wrapped arrogance of a lawyer who now makes his living not from defending the innocent but from perverting justice. This is Nigeria’s new civil war—a war waged not with guns but with gavels.
How did we get here? Where else in the world do judges sit over cases they have already sold, while lawyers draft legal arguments not for the court, but for bribes? Where else is justice so bastardized that those who dare to speak the truth are punished for contempt, while those who auction judgments are garlanded as “My Lord”?
Even the politicians, the most notorious wreckers of society, now tremble before the judiciary. Not out of respect, but fear—fear that one judge’s signature can erase elections, destroy legacies, or declare the dead as winners. The judiciary is no longer a separate arm of government in Nigeria; it is the shadow emperor. And like all emperors, it demands loyalty, not to the Constitution, but to the cartel.
What we are witnessing is not corruption—it is judicial conquest. A conquest where the law no longer serves the people but enslaves them. A conquest where judgments are passed, not in the courtroom, but in the corridors of power and the vaults of banks. A conquest where the very soul of justice is auctioned to the highest bidder, while the poor, the innocent, and the hopeful are trampled like vermin.
Our fellow citizens killed by kidnappers and herdsmen, our compatriots watching their children go to bed hungry, the sick who cannot afford a single drug, classrooms without teachers or equipment, and roads that have turned into death traps–these tragedies shouldn’t have happened. They are the direct consequences of a nation conquered not by foreign invaders but by judicial gangsters. When justice is broken, everything else falls apart.
Travel across Nigeria. Look around at the palatial homes in exclusive neighborhoods, the marble-floor offices in Abuja and Lagos, the latest bulletproof SUVs, and European sports cars gliding over cratered roads. Then, walk into the first-class lounge at the airport or board an international flight—take a moment to ask: Who are these people? What do they do for a living? You’ll find they’re not our professors, not our engineers, not our innovators or inventors. No, it is the new emperors of Nigeria—participants in the judicial conquest. Lawyers, judges, fixers, court clerks-turned-billionaires. Fearlessly, they’re parading their newfound treasure and nobility in a broken republic.
The silence has been too long, and too many are afraid to speak. But what do I do? Join the terrified public? Then, what will I tell Him who gave me my voice? What will I say to my father in his grave—the man who spent all he had to give me an education—if I choose silence over truth? Shall I keep quiet for fear of those who, by the weight of their atrocities, should be running for their lives whenever the truth is aired? No. I will not.
And let me say this with the burden of fairness: I’m sorry I have to say this painful truth, because amid all this decay, there are still a few good lawyers and judges—men and women of honor caught in a rotten system they can’t reform alone. But even their silence is being weaponized against them. Their courage must rise now more than ever because history teaches us that every fallen great civilization collapsed from within—once their judicial systems were sold to the dogs.
Let the world not be deceived. Nigeria’s greatest tragedy is not poverty. It is not insecurity. It is not even political corruption—it is the weaponization of the judiciary against its own people.
No society survives long when its courts become crime scenes. No republic thrives when its judges become executioners (killers) of truth. And no nation has a future when its Constitution becomes a napkin for thieves in silk.
Until we reclaim the judiciary, Nigeria will remain a conquered people—not by colonizers, but by those sworn to protect them. May the God hear our cries.

Finland Court Approves Extradition Of Igbo Separatist Leader, Simon Ekpa To Nigeria

Greenbarge Reporters

April 23, 2025

A Finnish court has approved the extradition of Igbo separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, to Nigeria, where he will face charges for alleged incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.
The court in Päijät-Häme District in Lahti, granted Nigeria’s long-standing request, with the extradition set for July 15, according to reports.
Simon Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused of orchestrating unrest in southeastern Nigeria from abroad. His arrest in November 2024 followed months of surveillance by Finnish authorities.
Although often linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in media reports, the separatist group has distanced itself from Ekpa.
“Ekpa operates independently. Linking him to IPOB is misleading and dangerous,” said an IPOB spokesperson, adding: “His actions are not part of our struggle.”
Instead, Ekpa is said to lead a splinter group called “Autopilot,” which is allegedly connected to a militant organisation known as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities claim the group is responsible for violent “sit-at-home” orders, kidnappings, and targeted killings in Nigeria’s southeast.
Nigerian officials had presented evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both Finland and Nigeria—to support the extradition request. Finnish authorities emphasized that the court’s decision followed due process and international legal standards.
In a statement, the Nigerian government welcomed the ruling, calling it “a major step for justice” and a strong signal to those “who seek to distabilize the country from foreign shores.”

Insecurity: Niger Gov Directs Security Agents To Arrest Anybody With Dreadlock Hair

Greenbarge Reporters

April 22, 2025

Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State has directed security agencies to arrest individuals found with dreadlocks or firearms across the state.
The governor, who gave the directive at a security stakeholders’ meeting in Minna, the state capital, said: “anybody that you find with dreadlock, arrest him, barb his hair and fine him.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut again inside here. I have given you marching order, the security agencies, any boy, anybody you find with a weapon, deal with him as an armed robber.”
To parents, the governor said: “So warn your children, warn your wards.”
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, law enforcement officials, and community leaders. The meeting held in response to a recent surge in violence and criminal activity.

Garki Hospital In Abuja Renewed Concession To Private Group Brings It To Life

Greenbarge Reporters

April 21, 2025

The Garki Hospital in Abuja, which concession has been renewed to Nisa Medical Group, a private concern, is set to return the hospital to its excellent services, and has been described as an example of the effectiveness of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in improving service delivery.

Chairman, Nisa Medical Group Board of Directors, Dr Shamsudeen Usman at the inauguration of the new Garki Hospital, Abuja, Management Board, praised the Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barr Nyesom Wike for ensuring the renewal of the concession of Garki Hospital, Abuja despite all odds and challenges met earlier.

“The renewal of this concession, despite the challenges met during the first term is indeed a positive development for the public. I believe the calibre of individuals being inaugurated today will provide a strong and capable foundation for the hospital’s governance moving forward,” said Shamsudeen.

He noted that the second phase of the Public-Private Partnership between Nisa Medical Group and the Federal Capital Territory Administration was successfully completed, with the support of the Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary at the FCTA.

The former minister of budget and economic planning confident the new board will effectively manage the hospital and serve Abuja residents well. The first concession was an enormous success and a clear testament to the power of Public Private Partnership in affecting positively on service delivery. I charge this Board to take this trajectory to the next level.

“One of the major challenges during the earlier era was the lack of effective communication among stakeholders. I urge this new Board to address that by ensuring seamless communication at the highest levels, fostering mutual respect, cordiality and a clear, unified direction for the progress of the hospital.

“Transparency, patient safety and excellence in clinical practice must remain top priorities. I am confident that with proper communication and cooperation, this Board will function efficiently and harmoniously,” said the Chairman.

He described the new Chairman of the Garki Hospital Board, Dr. Peter Nmadu, as a seasoned medical professional with a solid record in managing healthcare services across the country.

“His experience across both the public and private sectors positions him as a balanced and competent leader,” having had a meritorious career in NNPC rising to the rank of Group Executive Director, Corporate Services before his statutory retirement.

The Permanent Secretary, Health Service and Environment, FCTA, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam recalled the cooperation former ministers with Dr. Ibrahim Wada and his team when they started the concept of redefining government through the idea of PPP.

“We thank the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe for working through and having an understanding for us to sign the dotted lines. We thank Minister Nyesom Wike for speeding up this process and ensuring its delivery.

Dr Adam restated the passion of his team for effective and efficient service delivery that will serve the community. “Particularly, I can say that I am on this board not for any personal reason. I am on this board to ensure the government does its part,” he said.

The permanent secretary said the Nisa-FCTA partnership has proven that the PPP is working for Nigerians to see and promised that the FCTA is open to similar agreements to improve service delivery.

The Medical Director, Garki Hospital, Dr Kenneth Ityo praised the team which steered the hospital through the first 15 years of concession and promised to leave an indelible mark during his tenure.

“It is our sincere hope that after 15 years of concession, we will leave a legacy that will stand the test of time, deepen the system and the success of PPP in Nigeria”, said Ityo.

The new board comprises Permanent Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment, Dr. Baba-Gana Ahmadu; representative of the FCTA legal services secretariat Garduya Bawa; Director, Medical and Diagnostics Department, Dr Abubakar Ahmadu; Chairman Garki Hospital board, Dr Peter Nmadu, chairman, Ismaila Shaibu, Mrs Amina Habib Ahmed, Medical Director, Garki Hospital, and Dr Kenneth Ityo, Mrs Rabi Wada and Mallam Tijani Haruna Baba.

FLASH: Pope Francis Dies Today, Easter Monday, At 88

Greenbarge Reporters

April 21, 2025

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died.
The Vatican confirmed that he died today, April 21, which is Easter Monday, at the age of 88.
“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican during the early hours of Monday.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and the marginalised,” he added.
Francis’ body will be put on display in an open coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, one of Christianity’s holiest sites, where pontiffs have been buried for more than 100 years. But following Francis’ wishes, he is expected to be buried at the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, which lies outside the Vatican walls.
Pope Francis’s papacy heralded many firsts and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists.
Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.
He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter – Jesuits were historically looked on with suspicion by Rome.
Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.
As Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina, Francis was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013.
He had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks.

I Will Withdraw My Support For PDP If…, Wike Threatened

Greenbarge Reporters

April 19, 2025

Chieftain of the main opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Nyeson Wike, has threatened to withdraw his support for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council election if the leadership do not put their house in order.
“If the PDP does not keep their house in order, I will not support them for the Area Council election.”
Wike, who is the minister of the FCT under the umbrella of the presidency, led by Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), concluded in a media chat that his party, the PDP, “is fundamentally unprepared for the 2027 general elections.”
Citing internal strife, impunity, and a lack of genuine commitment to opposition politics as key factors contributing to the party’s current state, Wike said that the Governors Forum, while influential, is merely a pressure group and not an organ of the party.
He stressed that the Forum had no authority to make proclamations on zoning or alter the functions of the National Working Committee (NWC).
He lamented the lack of effective opposition from PDP governors, questioning their commitment to holding the ruling party accountable.
The Minister stressed the necessity of genuine sacrifice and strong leadership for any party aspiring to lead the opposition, a quality he believes is currently absent within the PDP.
“For you to say I want to lead the opposition party is not by mouth. You have to sacrifice a lot of things.”
On the political situation in Rivers State, the Minister defended President Tinubu’s emergency declaration, saying that it saved Rivers State from descending into anarchy and facilitated the restoration of funding for Local Governments.
He lauded the President’s intervention as being in the best interest of the state.
The Minister used the occasion to call on the leaders and elders of Rivers State to move beyond public pronouncements and take genuine steps towards resolving the political crisis in the state, emphasizing the importance of allowing democratic structures, particularly the State House of Assembly, to function constitutionally.

I Have Achieved In Less Than 2 Years What My Predecessor Could Not Achieve In 8 Years – Wike

Greenbarge Reporters

April 19, 2025

“The difference is clear. FCT residents are amazed at the accelerated development that is going on all over the territory. You can see what is happening; people are talking, saying, ‘You mean this is possible within a short time of less than two years?’ We were here for eight years, and comparatively, little happened. “We have not even reached two years, and look at what has already been achieved. Imagine what will happen in four years’ time.”
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, made the comparison today, April 19, when fielded questions on the performance of his ministry, from selected journalists in Abuja.
Wike narrated: “When I go out, I see that people are happy. I recently visited Kwali, on the road to Lokoja – A2 to Pai. The enthusiastic reception I received was remarkable. “Similarly, the progress from Pai to Gomani is evident for all to see. In Bwari, the Gaba/Tokulo road is another testament to our commitment to reaching rural areas.
“People are genuinely amazed that the government is focusing on these communities; it has never happened before. So, yes, people are happy.”
Minister Wike said that the
the ongoing International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation reflects the enhanced quality of work being delivered.
“The cost is a direct result of the improved quality we are insisting upon.”
He made it clear that Julius Berger Plc that is handling the project is not cheap, stressing that its standards are exceptional.
“By this May, I invite you to visit the International Conference Centre and witness the transformation firsthand. As Nigerians, you will be proud of what has been accomplished.”
On the on-going hospital projects, including those in Utako, Gwagwalada, and Kubwa, the Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by existing litigation.
He also highlighted the complexities of hospital construction, emphasizing the need for integrated planning and execution, stating that the FCT administration was committed to ensuring the facilities are completed and operational to enhance healthcare delivery in the FCT.
On the recent land reforms, including the regularization of Area Council land titles, the Minister reiterated the Supreme Court’s ruling that all land within the FCT falls under the FCT Administration.
He emphasized government’s commitment to regularizing existing allocations to provide landowners with Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“The Supreme Court has come to say every land belongs to the FCT, therefore, there is nothing like Area Council land and we don’t want to go back in saying that we have cancelled all the allocations. We said let’s regularize so that you can have your C of O.”
Wike called for prompt payment of fees and development of allocated lands to prevent land speculation and ensure efficient land utilization.
He said that the Administration will proceed with the development of the Maitama II District, and called on all land allotees in the FCT who are yet to pay the required fees to do so, reiterating that Abuja land is not free.
On the issue of reviewing the Abuja masterplan, the Minister called for patience, saying: “The Abuja masterplan is to keep Abuja the way it was designed.”
He stressed his commitment to adhering to the masterplan and addressing illegal developments.
The Minister said that he will bring down any illegal structure that is against the Abuja masterplan.
On city sanitation, the Minister called for greater public responsibility and tax compliance.
He highlighted the high cost of waste management and urged residents to pay their sanitation fees.
He also called on the media to help educate the public on the need to pay their taxes.
On public transportation in the FCT, and the menace of illegal motor parks, the Minister disclosed that the three bus terminal projects embarked upon by the administration would soon be completed. Once operational, the Minister said, the administration will enforce regulations to reduce illegal parking and improve traffic flow.
“By the grace of God, we are almost done with the three bus terminals. We will be able to say this is where you will load, and this is the dropping point. Then we will now be able to reduce these illegal car parks.”

Edo Govt Places Death By Hanging On Kidnappers

Greenbarge Reporters

April 18, 2025

Edo State government has placed death by hanging on kidnappers in the state.
The state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who confirmed the new dispensation today, April 18, said that he is ready to sign the death warrants on kidnappers that are convicted.
He spoke at a stakeholders session at the Uromi Townhall interaction with leaders and members of the Arewa community in Esan land.
The Edo State House of Assembly had earlier passed a bill amending the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law (and Related Matters 2013). The bill prescribes the death penalty for kidnappers and mandates the confiscation and demolition of properties used in the commission of their crimes.
Governor Okpebholo said that his administration will not tolerate insecurity, killing, and kidnapping anymore in the State as he will deal ruthlessly with all criminal elements in the State.
“I take the issue of insecurity seriously and will not bend the rules but apply them strictly. The new law in the State permits us to demolish their properties and confiscate their lands. We will build vigilante team offices on those lands.
“We will bring kidnappers to the public and execute them to show our seriousness according to the laws already passed by the EDHA. I will not be afraid to sign it.”
The Governor called on all to collaborate with his administration to secure the State, “saying security is the business of all and not for security agencies alone.
“The kind of security we want to have in the State is one where security remnants women are paid salaries, unlike before where the people will just put on uniforms without being paid. We are going to employ vigilante teams and pay them salaries and stop people from just putting on their uniforms.
“These people will work with security agencies and they will be trained on how to fight crimes and handle criminals. I will not wait until campaign time to solve your problems. I will start to address the problems facing our people in the market, and everywhere.
“It is time to start profiling people from other States who claim to be from the North and ensure they don’t spoil your name. We will fence the market, put streetlights, build abattoirs for those killing cows. We want to secure the people of Edo State.”

1...525354...2,488 Page 53 of 2,488