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Youths destroy Tinubu’s billboard during protest against kidnapping in Edo

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Youths in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday destroyed a 2027 presidential election billboard of President Bola Tinubu, while protesting against the abduction of a young man by suspected kidnappers

It was gathered that the victim, kidnapped at Ojo street, Ihumudumu, Ekpoma, on January 9, 2026, was subsequently killed by his alleged abductors who were about four in number.

The incident led to a violent protest as angry youths from the area destroyed the billboard and set a bonfire on the road.

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The youths also destroyed other properties in the locality.

A video showed the youths destroying the billboard mounted by the Chairman of Esan West Local Government, Ebhodaghe Albert Blessing.

The destroyed billboard has the inscription, ‘Asiwaju 2027 is settled’.

Meanwhile, following the protest and the destruction, the council chairman banned the movement of all commercial and private motorcycles within the locality from 7:00 pm daily.

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“All motorcycle riders and the general public are urged to adhere strictly to this order, as security agencies have been instructed to enforce it, and violators will face appropriate sanctions.

“The cooperation of all residents is highly appreciated as the local government strives to ensure a safer environment for everyone,” he said

Also, the Edo State government condemned the protest, as well as the destruction of public and private properties, noting that
matters of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement.

A statement signed by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, read, “The Edo State Government considers it necessary to further clarify issues arising from the recent protest that disrupted the vehicular movement in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10, particularly as it concerns public perception of the state’s security situation.

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While the government recognises the constitutional right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to state and very clearly, that matters of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement.

“Actions such as blocking roads and disrupting movement, especially in the name of protest, do not aid security operations and may inadvertently expose residents to further risks or be exploited by criminal elements.

“It is on record that since he took office, Governor Monday Okpebholo who understands the concerns of Edo residents has remained responsive to genuine complaints relating to safety.

“However, the government believes that effective security solutions are best achieved through intelligence sharing, community collaboration and sustained engagement with security agencies, not through unstructured actions that undermine public order.

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“Governor Okpebholo’s security strategy is built around proactive measures, including the strengthening of the Edo Security Corps, neighbourhood watch initiatives and continuous engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions and sister states.

“These platforms are available for residents to channel security-related concerns, provide useful information and contribute meaningfully to keeping their communities safe.

“It must be emphasised that uncoordinated protests around security matters can distract security agencies from ongoing operations and complicate efforts to address criminal activities.

“The state therefore urges residents to remain law-abiding, calm and supportive of security operatives who continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property.

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“The Edo State Government remains open to dialogue and reassures the people of Ekpoma and the entire state that security strategies are being continuously reviewed and strengthened in line with Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to making Edo State safer for all.”

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Flooding: FCTA begins desilting of drains, warns against vandalism, illegal structures

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a city-wide desilting of drainage channels following heavy torrential rainfalls that triggered flash floods across parts of the nation’s capital.

Inspecting the ongoing clearance operations along the Airport Expressway on Thursday, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said the exercise was directed by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

The directive followed a flash flood that flooded the Airport Expressway on Tuesday.

According to Dauda, the effort is to mitigate flood risks during the peak of the rainy season.

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Dauda noted that while recent downpours align with earlier meteorological warnings and climate change trends, the Abuja Master Plan inherently recognises certain areas, including the Airport Expressway axis as flood plains.

He assured residents that while resilient infrastructure was originally built to handle high water volumes, human activities have severely compromised its efficiency.

“Some of these drainage facilities over time have been silted. Part of the cause is residents dumping refuse into drainage channels.

“When rain falls, it washes down polythene bags, waste, and even large objects that block the outlets,” he said.

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Dauda highlighted two major human factors aggravating the flash floods: illegal development and widespread infrastructure vandalism.

Exposing a major choke point along the expressway, Dauda pointed to a triple-cell box culvert meant to discharge a powerful stream flowing from the Galadima Roundabout.

He explained that a private developer had illegally constricted the waterway further downstream by constructing retaining walls to expand a personal plot.

“What that causes is that the volume of water that ought to pass no longer passes, causing detention, backflow, and eventual flooding.

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“To restore adequate discharge capacity, we must remove the structures built by this developer,” he said.

Dauda also decried the theft of metal gully inlet covers by vandals, which allows large debris to flow directly into underground drains instead of being sieved at the surface.

“When vandals steal these covers, it’s like stealing from yourself as a taxpayer,” he remarked.

To permanently curb the theft, he revealed that the FCDA is exploring replacement materials made from non-recyclable compounds rather than steel or cast iron.

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The FCDA boss confirmed that workers were already desilting trapezoidal drains, U-channels, and culvert outlets along the Airport Expressway, with plans to reconstruct damaged points where necessary.

Dauda urged Abuja residents to stop dumping refuse into waterways, warning that government infrastructure can only protect the city if public cooperation is guaranteed.

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Flooding: FCTA begins desilting of drains along Airport, Other Areas(Photos)

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has began disilting of accumulated silt, sand and other objects blocking drains are being removed.

Men from FCTA were captured on camera as they clear blockades caused by flood.

See photos below:

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See Black Market Dollar to Naira exchange rate today 3rd September 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd September 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The exchange rate fluctuates hourly based on the supply and demand of dollars in the market.

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What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd September 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1403 and buy at ₦1395 on Thursday, 3rd September, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1405
Buying Rate ₦1395
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1335
Lowest Rate ₦1326

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