Governor Monday Okpebholo has suspended the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, George Egabor, over recent kidnappings and killings in his domain.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the traditional ruler was suspended indefinitely over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain.
The statement said the secretary of the monarch, Peter Omiogbemhi, has since been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, Late John Ikhamate.
The statement read, “Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of Dr. George Oshiapi Egabor, the Okumagbe of Uwano Kingdom, Agenebode, Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State, over recent cases of incessant kidnapping and killings in his domain.
“Already, his secretary, Chief Peter Omiogbemhi, has been arrested by the relevant authorities, following a recent incident that led to the death of a palace chief, Late John Ikhamate.
“The suspension of the traditional ruler is indefinite.”
Recalls that on Monday, March 3, 2025, suspected kidnappers abducted a Catholic priest identified as Philip Ekeli and Peter Andrew, a seminarian.
The duo 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.
While the Catholic Priest was released by the kidnappers, the Seminarian was, however, killed by the abductors.
