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Crisis looms as Osogbo, Ede renew claims of ownership of state secretariat complex

Published

3 years ago

January 7, 2023

There is an internecine war gradually brewing in Osun as the age long boundary dispute between the people of Osogbo the state capital and neighbouring Ede town has been reopened.
NPO Reports gathered that since the swearing in of Governor Ademola Adeleke, some people in Ede especially those at the boundary areas have been squaring up and bracing for a battle to reclaim the entire areas of the land occupied by the state secretariat complex.
It was also gathered (but could not be confirmed as at press time) that some officials of the government have been surreptitiously indicating the need to change government official communication channels such as the letter headed papers of their ministries by changing “Abere Osogbo” to “Abere Ede.”

In 2017, a group called Osogbo Descendants Association protested claims that Abere belongs Ede

The petition by Coordinators of the ODAG, Ghasali Daud and Secretary, Badru Asimiyu, protested in the petition that the land belonged to Osogbo Local Government.

The petition read in part, “The area now refer to as Abere is part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as ” Iyana Abere” meaning junction leading to Abere.

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” We have to state categorically that the location reported as Ede North Local Government falls under Osogbo Local Government and should be corrected immediately.

“The 2010 judgment of Census Tribunal ordered that the 2006 census result of that area should be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. Till date, Ede North Local Government has never gone to appeal the judgment.
” If the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not give a judgment that the population of that area, the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environs should be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.”
While Government communications had referred Abere as Osogbo.
The traditional ruler of Abere, the Alabere of Abere Oba Karimu Sanusi, had insisted Abere is part of Ede, saying it had never been part of Osogbo.
The complications are further entrenched by the fact that the consenting authority for the stool of Alabere is not the Ataoja of Osogbo but the Timi of Ede.

Shortly before the election that brought in Governor Adeleke last year, was quoted to have made a statement which many Osogbo indigenes considered an indication of his position on the Ede-Osogbo land dispute.
The Osogbo Development Action Group had accused Adeleke of saying that if elected, he would not reclaim the “Ede land” allegedly “usurped” by Osogbo.
The comment was said to have gingered Osogbo groups to hold an emergency meeting to challenge the then gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.
ODAG warned that Osogbo would not trade any of her territorial heritages or any of her neighbouring communities under whatever guise.

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There have been many years of acrimony some of these leading to loss of lives on both sides. About August 2013, some youths suspected to be from Ede had beaten up a commissioner under the administration of then Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the venue of the launch of the Omoluabi Garment Factory. The factory, located about one kilometre from the main gate of the Osun State secretariat, was said to be on a land belonging to Ede. But the angry youths who had accused the Commissioner of making reference to the location as Osogbo, got the beating of his life before he was rescued by security agents. NPO Reports gathered that residents of areas around the state secretariat are living in fears of possible return of hostilities which might result to loss of lives. In the past, indigenes of both Osogbo and Ede had engaged in war of sign posts by demolishing signs that each believed made claims over ownership of the disputed areas.

Hon. Taofeek Latona, who is the Chairman, Osogbo Solidarity Assembly, said in a statement that Osun Secretariat, Abere Falls Under Osogbo Local Government and not Ede North Local Government Area of the state.
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As concerned and legitimate sons and daughters of Osogbo, we are not unawares of subtle moves of the people of Ede, in recent time, to take over ownership of Abere from Osogbo, the genuine owners of the area.

The provocative move began some weeks ago when a number of correspondences of the state government of Osun left out Osogbo in the official letterheads.

Until the inauguration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state secretariat was and formally addressed as Abere, Osogbo. But today, it is Abere, without Osogbo.

When this mischief was first enlivened, we looked away, trusting that the new Government under the leadership of Senator Ademola Adeleke, would allow the sleeping dog lie despite the rumour that the emerging confrontation was part of his campaign messages and promises to his people in Ede.

However, the current video in circulation, of a purported Iyalode of Abere, Mrs Mujidat Olaniyi, where she was captured “transferring” ownership of the land where the state secretariat is situated to the people of Ede, has confirmed our fear. Our fear that the ploy to steal our ancestral land has the imprimatur of the state government.

Recall, the area now referred to as Abere was part of Oke-Osun Osogbo Farm Settlement and up to the late 1990s, the junction directly opposite the Osun State Secretariat was known as “Iyana Abere”-meaning a junction leading to Abere.

We insist: the land over which the Osun State Government Secretariat lies belongs to the people of Osogbo. The land was acquired from us by the government of the defunct Western Region, for the purpose of farming, after due compensation was paid.

The 2010 judgement of the Census Tribunal corroborates our claim. The Tribunal ordered then that the 2006 census result of the disputed area be added to Osogbo Local Government population figure. And as we speak, there is no available record to prove that Ede North Local Government appealed the judgement.

The implication of the foregoing is that if the place is part of Ede North Local Government, the Census Tribunal would not have given a judgement that the population of that area (the Osun State Secretariat up to Police Zone XI Headquarters and its environments) be counted as part of Osogbo Local Government population.

It’s interesting to tell members of the public that the people of Osogbo are in possession of court judgements and administrative pronouncements, dated back to colonial period, to support our claims of the land.

For this reason, we would not fold our arms while what belongs to us is taken away. We will fight it, even if it costs us our blood.

The resolve of some people in the Government of Governor Adeleke to use instrument of authority to claim ownership of Abere for Ede, after several court judgements had pronounced otherwise, is a flagrant disregard to the rule of law and an attempt to cause communal crisis, the consequences of which may be to heavy to bear for all parties involved

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Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests

Published

31 minutes ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests

Residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, Plateau State, were left in shock on Tuesday as a funeral service for victims of the Palm Sunday attack was disrupted by protesting women demanding the release of detained youths. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, claimed the lives of at least 28 people, leaving several others injured.

The protesters, many armed with leaves and chanting songs, blocked the entrance to the church where the mass burial was scheduled, insisting that the burial could not proceed until authorities freed three youths reportedly arrested following the killings. Rhoda Aliyu, one of the women leading the protest, said, “We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released.” Another protester, Mathew Bulus, added, “Those arrested are innocent. The government should go after the real perpetrators and leave our youths alone.”

The demonstration heightened tensions as about seven bodies were brought to the church. Community sources confirmed that the women, supported by several youths, were calling for the unconditional release of the detained teenagers before proceeding with the burial.

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The Palm Sunday attack involved armed assailants—suspected bandits—who stormed Angwan Rukuba and the Gari Ya Waye neighborhoods around 8 p.m., firing indiscriminately at residents and leaving widespread devastation.

President Bola Tinubu, who visited Plateau State following the attack, expressed condolences and directed security agencies to apprehend the offenders. He also ordered the installation of over 5,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras across the state to enhance 24-hour surveillance and prevent future attacks.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who had visited the affected areas, condemned the killings as a well-planned attempt to destabilize the state. He assured residents that justice would be served and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate with security forces to restore peace. He also commended the people for maintaining calm and avoiding retaliation despite the provocation.

As of press time, security agencies had not responded publicly to the arrests or ongoing tensions. The protest underscores the deep frustration and fear among residents in bandit-affected communities in Plateau State, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing vulnerable areas and ensuring justice for victims.

Women in Plateau Block Burial of 28 Palm Sunday Attack Victims Over Arrests

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Security Forces Deployed as Bandits Kill Three Residents in Niger Communities

Published

38 minutes ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Security Forces Deployed as Bandits Kill Three Residents in Niger Communities

At least three residents have been killed and several others injured after armed bandits attacked the Lanta, Tunga, and Bagna communities in the Erena ward of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State. The attacks, which began around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, mark another deadly incident in the region’s growing insecurity crisis.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, operating for several hours without resistance, looting properties and opening fire on residents before fleeing. Local sources warned that the death toll could rise as families continue to account for missing relatives. Many residents have reportedly fled to Erena town, considered a safer nearby settlement.

A local resident said, “So far, we have recovered three bodies. Many others sustained injuries of varying degrees. Many people have fled… We are calling on the government to come to our rescue.”

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Maurice Bello Magaji, Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security, confirmed the incident and stated that the government is working with security forces to respond to the attacks and restore order. Officials say reinforcement teams and patrols have been deployed to the affected communities to prevent further casualties.

The attack highlights the deepening insecurity in rural Niger State, where armed bandits have frequently targeted villages, abducted residents, and caused widespread fear. Analysts note that bandits often exploit the remote terrain to carry out raids with minimal resistance, killing civilians, looting homes, and displacing populations.

Local leaders and residents have condemned the attacks, urging both state and federal authorities to intensify security measures and protect vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, displaced residents face uncertainty as they seek safety and access to basic services.

Security agencies have promised to track down the perpetrators, but analysts warn that sustained and coordinated action is necessary to curb banditry in Niger State and prevent further attacks.

Security Forces Deployed as Bandits Kill Three Residents in Niger Communities

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Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

Published

2 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Former lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi

Army Debunks Viral Claims by Ex-Soldier ‘Soja Boi’, Insists Allegations Are False

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by former lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his viral interview as misleading, false, and damaging to national security efforts.

In a statement released on April 7, the Army, through its spokesperson Appolonia Anele, clarified that Olamilekan was dismissed due to repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations, not for “speaking the truth” or expressing political opinions as claimed in the interview.

According to the Army, the former soldier’s dismissal followed due process and was based on serious misconduct, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. These violations, the military said, involved unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of military uniform.

The Army stressed that the narrative being circulated online misrepresents the facts and could undermine public trust in the military, especially amid ongoing Nigeria security challenges.

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Responding to claims about poor welfare, the Army rejected assertions that personnel receive only basic salaries without additional support. It explained that the Nigerian Army salary structure is governed by the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA), which ensures a transparent and structured remuneration system based on rank and years of service.

It added that soldiers are entitled to various benefits, including uniform allowances and service-related entitlements, which are paid directly into their accounts. The Army further noted that personnel deployed in combat zones—such as Operation HADIN KAI—receive operational allowances and mission-specific incentives designed to support their welfare and effectiveness.

The military also debunked claims that troops are forced to purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, describing such allegations as entirely false. It stated that all necessary kits, including uniforms, weapons, and operational gear, are issued through established logistics systems overseen by ordnance units.

Addressing concerns about troop safety, the Army insisted that no soldier is deployed without adequate protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. It described claims suggesting otherwise as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public.

The Army warned that spreading unverified information could harm troop morale and national security, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources for accurate updates on military activities.

It concluded by calling on the public to disregard what it termed baseless allegations intended to generate sympathy and discredit the Armed Forces, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the welfare of its personnel.

The development comes as public scrutiny of the military continues to grow, with social media amplifying narratives around military welfare in Nigeria and operational transparency.