Cult Leader Escapes Mob Justice in Benin City Amid Community Tensions

The article discusses the escape of Sam, leader of the Eiye Confraternity, from a mob in Benin City after an attack on a social gathering. Additionally, CSP John Ladan receives an award for his peacekeeping efforts in Rivers State. The Rivers State Government has begun enrolling health professionals through a new programme, while the NCSU criticized Supreme Court judgments affecting political stability in Rivers State, expressing the need for solidarity among civil servants.

In Benin City, Edo State, the leader of the Eiye Confraternity, known as Sam, narrowly escaped a mob seeking vengeance after his group attacked a social gathering. The cult members threatened attendees with weapons, unaware that a local vigilante group was nearby. As the situation escalated, local residents accused the cultists of causing unrest in the area for over a decade.

In a desperate attempt to save himself, Sam confessed to past crimes committed by his group, particularly the near-fatal assault of Feraboy Scott, a local victim from years prior. In 2017, after discovering Scott was dating his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer, Sam and his gang brutally attacked Scott, leaving him for dead. Despite surviving the attack, Scott continued to face threats from the cult, compelling him to leave the city in fear for his life.

On the day of the mob’s confrontation, Sam and his associates were rescued by security personnel arriving in an unmarked vehicle before the mob could administer justice. Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer CSP John Ladan received an award from the South South Media Association in Omoku, Rivers State, recognizing his contributions to community peace and crime reduction efforts. Ladan expressed gratitude for the award, attributing the progress to collaboration between the police and the community.

In a separate development, the Rivers State Government, alongside the WHO, has initiated interviews for the National Health Fellows programme aimed at bolstering healthcare delivery in the region. This programme emerged following a national state of emergency declared on the health sector, targeting the enrollment of 774 health professionals across the country. Candidates will play a crucial role in enhancing public health services at various levels.

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) condemned recent Supreme Court judgments affecting Rivers State political affairs, describing them as unacceptable and harmful. The NCSU urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to disregard these judgments until the pending defection case of pro-Wike lawmakers is resolved. Concerns were raised about the implications of these judgments for governance and the overall stability of the state.

The union’s chairman, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, emphasized the necessity for civil servants to stand united in defense of their governor and to reject judgments perceived to undermine the interests of the state. He criticized the judiciary for its perceived capitulation to political pressures, warning that Nigeria risks becoming a Banana Republic if the rule of law is continually disregarded.

The recent events in Benin City illustrate the ongoing strife instigated by cult activities, underscoring the community’s frustration with longstanding violence. The commendation of CSP John Ladan reflects the positive role of law enforcement in restoring order. Furthermore, the health initiatives launched by the Rivers State Government signify a commitment to improving healthcare access amid challenges. Lastly, the NCSU’s response to judicial judgments indicates a volatile political environment, necessitating vigilance and unity among civil servants to uphold governance integrity.

Original Source: www.thetidenewsonline.com