Crime
JUST IN: Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization Denounces Sponsored Hoodlum Attack in Edo State
The Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization is deeply troubled by the recent attack on the campaign vehicle belonging to our Principal, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Sponsored individuals affiliated with a PDP aspirant launched a violent assault on the vehicle, driven by the Coordinator of the campaign in Esan West, Mr. Otoide Abas.
The incident occurred shortly after Mr. Otoide concluded a productive meeting with Ward 10 (Illeh) PDP faithful. On his way to meet other supporters in Ekpoma, he made a quick stop at the local market square to purchase some beef barbecue (Suya). It was during this innocent moment that a white Hummer bus, labeled “Ameosa Motors,” suddenly appeared, where some heavily armed hoodlums numbering about seven emerged from it, creating fear and panic by shooting indiscriminately.
Mr. Otoide reported that the same vehicle and occupants had earlier visited Illeh after the meeting, where they maliciously vandalized the chairs and canopies used for the gathering. The hoodlums then took their time to thoroughly destroy the Philip Shaibu Campaign vehicle, firing multiple shots at it while Mr. Otoide and others sought safety.
Investigations have revealed that the bus used by the assailants was the same one that transported thugs accompanying the said PDP aspirant to the Uchi Day celebration in Auchi last week.
We find these acts of violence deeply disturbing and want to state categorically that Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and his campaign organization are committed to the well-being and progress of the people of Edo State. Unfortunately, there have been numerous attempts to hinder our campaign, such as the repeated vandalism of our billboards by state-sponsored thugs targeting Mr. Shaibu’s candidacy.
Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State and a frontline contender in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, remains undeterred by these malicious acts. He is determined to reclaim the state from business-oriented individuals whose priorities lie in personal gain, rather than the welfare of the people.
We call upon the security agencies in the state to urgently address these distressing events and compel the government to rein in their agents. Such violence not only undermines the democratic process but also betrays the peaceful people of Edo State, who have chosen to participate in a democratic election to free their state from conniving capitalists masquerading as statesmen. The safety and security of all participants in the election must be ensured, and those responsible for these attacks must face the full force of the law.
The Coordinator of the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organization in Esan West Local Government Area is currently providing his statement at the Ekpoma Police station, while the campaign vehicle is being held as evidence.
The Nigerian Army has recorded fresh operational successes against terrorists and kidnappers in Niger State, rescuing 16 abducted persons and recovering weapons, ammunition and logistics items.
Troops of 18 Brigade conducted the operation on November 5 following intelligence on the movement of suspected terrorists from Mashegu towards Rijiyan Nagwamatse in Kontagora Local Government Area. During an ambush, the troops engaged the criminals, neutralising an unconfirmed number and freeing the 16 victims.
Items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, three RPG bombs, 33 motorcycles, assorted ammunition and more than four million naira in cash.
In a separate operation, troops intercepted terrorists moving from Kebbi State into Niger State, forcing them to retreat into the forest.
The rescued victims received first aid and were handed over to the relevant authorities for reunification with their families. The Commander of 18 Brigade commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the offensive against criminal elements.
The Army said the successes highlight its growing operational capacity and commitment to restoring security across affected communities.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Faisal Abdulrasheed Maina, the fugitive son of former Pension Reform Task Team chairman Abdulrasheed Maina, and handed him over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Security sources said Faisal, who had been on the run since 2020, was trailed and apprehended by DSS operatives in the Karsana area of Abuja after intelligence indicated he had secretly returned to the country.
Faisal was earlier prosecuted by the EFCC on a three-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy. He jumped bail and fled the country. His trial continued in his absence, and in 2021 Justice Okon Abang convicted and sentenced him to 14 years’ imprisonment.
The court ordered that he be arrested wherever found in Nigeria and remanded in a correctional centre to serve his sentence. It also directed that, if located abroad, the Federal Government should take lawful steps to secure his extradition.
A source said the handover to the EFCC would facilitate enforcement of the court’s judgment and ensure Faisal serves his prison term.
Three others escape with gunshot injuries…..
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and the police have arrested five suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the abduction of 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Imo State.
The suspects were apprehended during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out between October 10 and 14 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. Three other suspects escaped during the raids with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The 20 corps members were abducted by armed men along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway in Imo State on October 1, 2026 — Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day — while travelling to their orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. They were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia Ubi Village.
Security sources described the latest arrests as a major breakthrough in the effort to dismantle the network behind the abduction and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This is a huge sigh of relief. Security agencies have been on a sustained manhunt for the abductors, and we are elated that they have been captured. We strongly believe they will be charged to court by the DSS and the corps members will get justice,” a security source said.
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