US TRAVEL ADVISORY LIST: HOW SAFE IS EDO, IS OSHIOMHOLE LYING?

By Ralph Odua

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has invested heavily on security more than any government before it and the gains of such investment are there for all to see.”-Prof. Julius Ihonvbere
Yesterday Edo state government released a statement through its newly appointed Secretary to the State Government Professor Julius Ihonvbere; it said its attention has been drawn to a travel advisory issued by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the United States Department of State which listed Edo State as unsafe for visitors during this holiday season, and that it find it laughable that Edo State is on the list, and that this might suggest that the US Department of State is not in tune with events in Nigeria.
“While we are unclear on the parameters used by the Department of State, we however make bold to state, and this can be confirmed from the security agencies in the country, that Edo state is the safest in the South-South region of Nigeria and one of the safest in the country,” it add
The government in its press release tried to scaffold its position with unrelated comments by World Bank Director for Nigeria, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly and his predecessor, Mr. Onno Ruhl. It said “It beats the imagination of discerning minds that while some states which record violent crimes on a daily basis in the country are excluded from the list, Edo State which has been commended by all, including the World Bank which, through its Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly said: “Edo state’s social indicators are above the national average” and which had earlier through her predecessor, Mr. Onno Ruhl said: “Edo State is one of the states in Nigeria where the willingness to change is the fastest in Nigeria”, is included in the offensive US list.”
Edo government insisted that it has invested heavily on security more than any government before it. “There is no gainsaying the fact that the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has invested heavily on security more than any government before it and the gains of such investment are there for all to see.”
It rejects the travel warning issued by the US Department of State and wishes to assure Edo State sons and daughters and other visitors to the state of their safety during their stay.
Here are the facts; it’s up to the readers to decide by themselves who is speaking the truth between United States and Edo state government:
Here is a list of at least 45 cases of kidnappings involving prominent citizens from Edo state under Oshiomhole’s watch: The list include an army general, professors, commissioners, priest, aides to the governor and his deputy, medical doctors, musicians, businessmen, transporters, students and even kids.
1. Professor Michael Ibadin, kidnapped in Benin, Chief Medical director, University Of Benin Teaching Hospital(UBTH); a senior consultant in the department of Medicine, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
2. Professor Abel Onunu kidnapped by unknown gun men in Benin City.
3. General Ademokhai Major-General Peter Ademokhai, a former General Officer Commanding the 1st Mechanized Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, who after the ordeal told a reporter that he hates the system that has turned youths into animals.
4. NIFOR Director, Dr. Dere Okiy abducted in Evboneka village (escaped miraculously);
5. Kelly Odaro, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Deputy Governor, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in September.
6. Mr. Ikpomwonsa Edebiri, a member of Edo State Football Association, was kidnapped penultimate, along the Warri Sapele Road, while on his way to Benin City to watch the semi-final match between Enyimba and Ocean Boys football clubs.
7. January 15: The Vice-Chairman, Ovia S/W Hon. Joel Osas Oliha kidnapped in Benin City.
8. January 24: The Chairman, CAN, Edo State Council Rev. Peter Imasuen abducted in Benin City.
9. January 29: Rev. Sister (name withheld) kidnapped in Jattu.
10. February 4: The Principal, Idia College Mrs. Dorothy Igbinovia abducted in Benin City.
11. March 20: Mother of Comrade Oshiomhole aide, Madam Rebecca Edu Okubor kidnapped in Inikorogha village.
12. April 15: Dean of Faculty of Sciences, UNIBEN Prof. Esosa Bob Osazee abducted in Benin City, (Rescued).
13. May 24: A Dentist at the Central Hospital, Benin Dr. Osaro Osifo abducted in Benin City.
14. August 18: The CEO, Doris Day Hotel, Mrs. Doris Oboh kidnapped in Benin City.
15. August 24: Two persons (names withheld) abducted in Iguoba village near Ogba, Benin City.
16. August 24: ACN Chieftain, Chief Thomas Ahanor kidnapped in Oza village. (Killed after collection of ransom).
17. August 29: A Delta State-lawmaker Hon. Abel Oshevire abducted in Benin City.
18. September 9: The Chief Medical Director, Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu Dr. Olabisi Ihenyen kidnapped in Benin City.
19. September 10: The former Commissioner for Education, Edo State Barr.
(Mrs) Lucy Omagbon abducted in Benin City.
20. September 19: Wife of the GS, New Covenant Gospel Church Rev. (Mrs.) Abiola Omobude kidnapped in Benin City.
21. September 27: The MD, SAMOTACA Electricals Mr. Samuel Otasumaki kidnapped in Benin City.
22. November 7: The former Chief Medical Director, UBTH Prof. Eugene Okpere kidnapped in Benin City.
23. November 26: The GM, EBS Barr. Tunde Ebozoje kidnapped in Benin City. Reported kidnappings in 2011:
24: January 16: Former VC, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor kidnapped in Benin City.
25: February 2: Three female students of UNIBEN (names withheld) abducted in Benin City.
26. February 20: Rev. Mathew Okpebholo, the CEO, Ray Royal Construction Company abducted in Uromi.
27. March 16: A medical practitioner at the department of Haematology, (AAU), Ekpoma Dr. Festus Aisabohohale kidnapped in Irrua.
28. April 19: One Mr. Lucky abducted and whisked to Ogbese waterside.
29. April 28: Wife of the Enogie of Orhio community abducted, (Rescued).
30. May 15: A female worshiper Mrs. Patient Imahenahue abducted during worship inside kingdom hall of Jehovah’s Witness, Airport Road, Benin City (Rescued).
31. June: A six-year old girl (name withheld) kidnapped in Benin City, (Rescued).
32. July 18: A female gospel artiste Palmer Omoruyi kidnapped in Benin City.
33. July 19: Wife of Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mrs. Florence Obayuwana kidnapped in Benin City.
34. August 28: The CEO, Tomline Construction Engineering, Elder Tes Sorae abducted in the deadliest operation in Benin City. (Four persons killed during the operation).
35. August: Provost, Edo State College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi Kidnapped in his home town.
36. September 4: A Benin-based musician Bayo Ade kidnapped in Benin City. (Killed after collection of ransom).
37. September 25: The CEO, Nosaghare Plymouth bread and Nosaghare Group of Schools, Elder Nosaghare Eghobamien abducted in Benin City.
38. October: Rev. Father (name withheld) kidnapped in Abudu town (Rescued).
39. November 1: Wife of the former Speaker. Edo State House of Assembly Mrs. Phidelia Omokhodion kidnapped in Benin City.
40. December: The Executive Director, Greener Line Mr. Uhunume abducted in
Benin City.
41. December: Mr. O, Joseph and Mr. O. Edward kidnapped and rescued in Uromi
after paying N40million (forty million naira) ransom.
42. December 25: Mrs. U, Agarta kidnapped and taken to Ekosodin town near Benin City.
43. MD, Uyi electrical kidnapped in Benin City
44. Dan Odiete kidnapped in Benin City 45. A Benin Chief and owner of Bob Izua Motors, Chief Osamede Adun, was abducted from his private club, near his house along Ekpenede Street in the state capital.
We can go on and on and on.
Also, there are many cases of armed robbery, especially bank robbery in Edo State in the last 3 years.

via: EdoPoliticalForum