Kidnapping: Gov Okpebholo Suspends Edo Traditional Ruler 

By Idahosa Musa

Following the increasing rate of kidnappings and other sundry crimes in the locality, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpehbolo, has ordered the indefinite suspension of the Traditional Ruler of Uwano Kingdom, Angenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state, Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor. 

The development was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the state Governor, Fred Itua and made available to newsmen on Monday night in Benin, the state capital.

According to the statement, the Secretary to the Okumagbe of Uwano, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a Palace Chief, Late John Ikhamate.

The statement read in part: “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain. 

“The Secretary to Egabor, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a Palace Chief, Late John Ikhamate

“The suspension of the traditional ruler is indefinite’.