NEWS
Okpebholo Pays Arase’s Family Condolence Visit
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Egiator Arase (Rtd) at his residence in Benin City.
This was disclosed in a government house statement in Benin, on Monday night.
Biztellers reports that the late IGP, who passed away recently at the age of 69, is being remembered not only for his distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), but also for his critical role in Governor Okpebholo’s political journey.
Reflecting on their relationship, Gov Okpebholo described the late Arase as a key figure in his journey to becoming governor.
Waxing emotional, he said, “When I first decided to pursue the governorship of Edo State, the very first person I went to see was Arase. I came to his house late at night with General Cecil Isekhaigbe, and we talked. He listened to me patiently. At the end of the conversation, he told me he would support my ambition.”
He added: “To show his support, he said he would take me to meet the Oba of Benin the following weekend. That was the first time I met the Oba, and thanks to him. That meeting was a significant stepping stone in my success. How could I ever forget such a man?”
Gov Okpebholo expressed profound sadness over Arase’s passing, noting that it came too early in his prime.
He told the late IGP’s family: “It is unfortunate that he had to leave us at this early stage, but God knows best. What truly matters is how we live our lives. Your husband lived well.”
He urged the family to remain strong and assured them of the State Government’s support, directing that Edo State would be involved in the burial arrangements as a mark of respect.
Junior Arase, the late IGP’s first son, thanked the Gov Okpebholo on behalf of the family for his visit and comforting words.
ALSO READ: Strike: FG, Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN In Urgent Closed-Door Session
Commissioner-designate, Kassim Afebua, also praised Arase’s legacy, highlighting his innovative contributions to policing in Nigeria, including his introduction of community policing and his efforts to dismantle roadblocks, which transformed security operations nationwide.
Gov Okpebholo’s tribute underscores the deep personal and professional impact the late IGP Solomon Arase had on the political landscape of Edo State and beyond, cementing his legacy as both a dedicated public servant and a mentor.
The Governor also attended the 10-year remembrance of the late Imuegbeyogho Odubu (née Osunde), with other prominent figures such as the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa present.
The Nigeria Police Force has presented insurance benefit cheques worth ₦9.797m to the families and beneficiaries of police officers who died in the line of duty in Ekiti State.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, presented the cheques on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.
According to a statement made available on Wednesday, Falade said the payment reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of its personnel and the families they leave behind.
SEE ALSO: Jealous Rage: Court Jails Ekiti Woman 7 Years for Mutilating Boyfriend’s Manhood
He said, “It reflects the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of its personnel and the families they leave behind in case of death.
“The commissioner described the gesture as “a practical expression of the Force’s appreciation for the sacrifices of its fallen heroes.”
Falade noted that although no amount of money could replace a loved one, the insurance benefit would provide meaningful support to the families left behind.
He assured the beneficiaries that “the Nigeria Police Force remembers its own and will not abandon the families of officers who paid the supreme price.”
He urged the families to utilise the funds prudently, particularly for the education and welfare of the children of the deceased officers.
The Ekiti police commissioner also commended the IGP, Force Management Team, relevant insurance stakeholders and the Force Insurance Unit for their efforts in settling the legitimate claims.
He assured serving police personnel that the welfare of officers and their families remained a priority of the Force.
Falade extended his condolences to the affected families and prayed for strength for them to bear their loss and for the eternal rest of the deceased officers.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mathew Emmanuel appreciated the IGP and the entire Nigeria Police Force for the gesture and continued support to the families of the fallen officers.
Emmanuel assured that the funds would be judiciously utilised for the welfare and benefit of the families of the deceased officers.
Two women have been killed in a fresh attack in India’s northeastern state of Manipur, with the latest incident bringing the number of civilian deaths linked to ethnic violence in the state to 10 in the past three weeks.
The women were killed near their home in Tamenglong district, about 150 kilometres west of the state capital, Imphal.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, police said the attack occurred on Tuesday afternoon and had triggered a shutdown in the area.
SEE MORE: N59m Withdrawn After Father’s Death as Ondo Commission Arrests Son, Mother
“There is an ongoing shutdown in Tamenglong because of the killing of two women… on Tuesday afternoon,” the district police superintendent, Lanmiyo Luikham, told AFP.
Luikham said the attack appeared to be linked to recent clashes between predominantly Christian Naga and Kuki communities.
“We are carrying out the investigation and necessary formalities, and focusing on maintaining calm in the region,” he said.
The latest killings occurred just days after eight people were killed in three separate incidents across Manipur.
The northeastern state has been plagued by ethnic violence since 2023, primarily involving the predominantly Hindu Meitei majority and mainly Christian Kuki minority.
The conflict has also increasingly drawn in the Naga community.
The violence has been fuelled by competing claims over land and political influence and has claimed more than 250 lives since it began.
Manipur also shares a porous border with war-torn Myanmar, adding to the security challenges facing authorities in the region.
Despite efforts by the Indian government to restore normalcy, fresh outbreaks of violence have continued in parts of the state.
Police said investigations into the latest attack are ongoing as authorities work to maintain calm in the affected area.
Four people have been killed following a fatal collision on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The crash occurred at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, around Straight Gate School, Ipara Remo, along the Ibadan-Lagos route.
The accident involved a blue Mitsubishi Canter with registration number FGE 753 XA and an ash-coloured HOWO truck with registration number T-695 KT.
ALSO READ: Chaos On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway As LASTMA Shuts Otedola Bridge
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Chief Route Commander Afolabi Odunsi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
Odunsi said eight people were involved in the crash, adding that four male adults died, one male adult sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt.
According to him, preliminary investigations showed that speeding and wrongful overtaking were responsible for the crash, while fatigue was also identified as a contributing factor.
He said the Mitsubishi driver, who was travelling at high speed, rammed into the moving HOWO truck while attempting to overtake.
“The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State Sector Command, confirmed a fatal road traffic crash that occurred at about 0400hrs on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, along the Ibadan–Lagos route at Straight Gate,” Odunsi said.
He added that the FRSC rescue team received the report at 4:33 a.m. and arrived at the scene at 4:39 a.m., recording a six-minute response time.
The injured victim was taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the FOS Mortuary, Ipara.
The crashed vehicles were subsequently handed over to the Police Motor Traffic Division, Isara Division, for further investigation and necessary action.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, urged motorists to avoid speeding, fatigue and unsafe overtaking, particularly during early-morning journeys.
He also advised drivers to get adequate rest before embarking on long-distance trips and to overtake only when it is safe and permissible.
Smart Filling Stations: NNPC Ltd Assuages Job-loss Worries
Ekiti: Police Give ₦9.8m Insurance Benefits to Families of Dead Officers
Where Is Amupitan?’ — Obidients Demand Answers From INEC
FHC Hands 10 Years Sentence to Nine Oil Thieves in Akwa Ibom
10 Football Stars Who Said Goodbye to International Football (Full List)
JUST IN: Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs Dies at 84
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
