Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The traditional ruler of Uwano Kingdom in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area, Dr
George Oshiapi Egabor, has been suspended by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over alleged incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain.
Okpebholo said the suspension of the traditional ruler is with immediate effect and indefinite.
The Governor disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, dated April 21, 2025.
The Governor also disclosed that the secretary to the traditional ruler, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities following a recent incident that led to the death of a Palace Chief, the Late John Ikhamate
Recalls that suspected kidnappers abducted a Catholic priest identified as Philip Ekeli, and Peter Andrew, a seminarian, on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The victims were abducted at about 11:30 pm at St. Peter Catholic Church in Iviukwa, near Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The kidnappers, however, released the Catholic Priest after the alleged payment of ransom, while the Seminarian was killed by the abductors.
Also, on October 27, 2024, gunmen kidnapped Reverend Father Thomas Oyode, the rector of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi, Agenebode, in Etsako East Local Government Area of the State.
The Catholic priests and seminarians of the Minor Seminary were said to be observing their evening prayers and benediction on Sunday evening when they were attacked by gunmen around 7 PM.
