STANDING TOGETHER IN HOPE AND SOLIDARITY: RT. HON. SUNNY EKPETIKA EKPESON, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF ETSAKO EAST LGC & ALGON CHAIRMAN EDO STATE, DIRECTS HON. CHARLES DAGANA, VICE CHAIRMAN, AND THE ENTIRE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP TO DELIVER COMFORT, UNITY, AND RENEWED COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF OKPEKPE CLAN, WARD 10 AND THREE IBIE, WARD 9 FOLLOWING RECENT SECURITY CHALLENGES
Etsako East, Edo State- Yesterday, 7th of September, 2026, in a profound demonstration of leadership, empathy, and unity, the leadership of Etsako East Local Government Council undertook a high-level visit of comfort and solidarity to the people of Ward 10, Okpekpe Clan, and Ward 9, Three Ibie, in response to the recent security incidents that affected both communities.
Acting on the direct instruction of the Executive Chairman and respected Chairman of ALGON in Edo State, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, the Council delegation was led by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Charles Dagana. He was joined by the APC frontline candidate for Edo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Imafidor Honesty, the Secretary to the Local Government, Dr. Sam, the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Lucky Obado, and all ten Councilors of Etsako East LGC.
The visit to Okpekpe, Ward 10 was necessitated by the unfortunate abduction of three indigenes of Amughe Community on Monday, 1st September, 2026, along Ebelle Road. The victims, Mr. Mathew Ojor Mr. Ojor Michael and Mr. Shaibu Eshiokiamhe, were going on their legitimate daily activities when they were intercepted by criminal elements.
Despite concerted efforts to secure their release with the agreed ransom of 3million naira paid to the abductors, Mr. Mathew Ojor and Mr. Ojor Michael were tragically killed by the kidnappers as their body were later recovered by the security personnels on 5th September, 2026. We give thanks that Mr. Shaibu Eshiokiamhe survived the ordeal and is currently receiving medical attention. We continue to pray for his full and speedy recovery.
Although engaged on critical official state duties, Rt. Hon. Ekpeson immediately constituted this delegation and has remained in constant communication with all relevant security agencies within the Local Government Area. He also personally briefed and sought the urgent intervention of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, to strengthen security and ensure the safety of lives and property across Etsako East. Security operatives worked tirelessly in the search and recovery operations.
At the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Pa Peter Abalumhe, the Onweweko of Okpekpe Clan, Hon. Dagana and Dr. Imafidor conveyed the deepest condolences of the Chairman and the entire Council. They condemned the act as cruel, inhuman, and a direct attack on the peace-loving values of our people. They reassured the Royal Father and the people of Ward 10 that the Council stands firmly with the bereaved families and the entire community during this trying time.
The delegation further assured the people that their welfare remains the topmost priority of the administration. “We recognize that farming is the lifeblood of our communities here in Ibie land. We are committed to putting in place stronger security measures so that our farmers in Ward 9 and Ward 10 can return to their farms with confidence, safety, and peace of mind,” they stated.
The delegation also expressed profound appreciation to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and to the Etsako East LGC Boss Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson for their decisive and consistent leadership in addressing security concerns across the LGA and the State. Fervent prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, and for strength, healing, and comfort for the survivor and the grieving families.
In the same spirit of compassion, the delegation proceeded to Three Ibie, Ward 9, led by the Councilor representing the Ward, Hon. Usman Igbasekhe. The community recently experienced the abduction of six residents, including five from Itsukwi and one from Imiegba, while on their way to the farm. Among them were four young persons between the ages of 13 and 14. We are grateful to God and to community efforts that all six have since been safely reunited with their families after the ransom of 6million naira was paid to the kidnappers for their freedom. The Council commended the resilience of Three Ibie and pledged sustained support.
Addressing the people, Hon. Dagana urged all citizens to remain calm, united, and hopeful. He assured them that Rt. Hon. Ekpeson is working day and night alongside security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are tracked down and brought to justice. He also called on residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to security operatives, as community partnership is critical to achieving lasting peace.
The Etsako East Local Government Council reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives, the safeguarding of livelihoods, and the restoration of confidence in every ward across the LGA.
In response, HRM the Onweweko of Okpekpe Clan and the Palace Chief of Ogiochi, Itsukwi Community, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo and the ExecutiveChairman Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson for their prompt attention, tireless efforts, and steadfast dedication to ending insecurity in our land.
Together, we will overcome.
Together, Etsako East will rise stronger.
Signed:
Comr. Amb. Abass Egbezemogie Yunusah
Chief Press Secretary
Etsako East Local Government Council, Agenebode
