A husband was rescued by residents of Oko-Filling, a neighborhood in Araromi, Ijoko, Sango Ota, after he was bound, gagged and left for de@d by his wife and children following a dispute over his retirement benefits.

The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, at the family’s residence.

The husband had reportedly received his retirement payout and used a portion to open two shops for his wife in Abule after giving her N3 million, The Nation reports.

He also bought a N12 million car for himself while the family already owned a home in the area.

However, his wife and four sons, who are all university graduates, were not happy that he did not hand over the entire funds to them to use as they deemed fit so they attempted to pressure him for more money.

Shortly after acquiring the new vehicle for himself, he sold it, raising suspicions among neighbors.

A local landlord, who spoke to The Nation, revealed that the man was later discovered in his home with his mouth, hands, and feet bound.

“He was tied like an animal to be sl@ughtered. They (his wife and kids) got some Aboki men, about six of them to tie him up. It was the strange noise from their packing that alerted residents who gathered in front of the house to know what was happening.

“Landlords in the area who could not endure the noise at that hour, decided to go out and find out what was wrong. When they got to his compound, they saw a Korope (small bus) outside packing properties.

“His wife and sons were the ones packing and so, the residents asked after the man. When the response given was not satisfactory, they forced themselves inside the house and saw the man completely bound with the Aboki people still inside the house, as though they were waiting to k!ll him.

“The man was untied and rushed to the hospital. He’s still at the hospital receiving treatment. The suspects were all taken to the police station. One of the Aboki men confessed it was the man’s wife that contracted them to tie him up. They were all taken to the police station.”

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday, said security remains a top priority of his administration as he moved to halt killings and abductions in the state.

The governor revealed this on his verified X handle, as he held a meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance security across the state.

The governor’s pledge came as the daily protest in Ekpoma over the alleged killing of a suspected “Yahoo boy” by the police last week continued on Monday.

In the past few weeks, there have been clashes between farmers and alleged produce thieves in Ovia, which was said to have claimed 22 lives.

Also, cases of kidnapping have been on the rise as 21-year-old Seminarian, Peter Andrew, of the St.Peter Catholic Church in the Ivukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state was killed last Thursday by his abductors.

He was kidnapped on March 3 alongside Rev Fr Peter Ekweli, who had been freed and reunited with the church.

Speaking against the backdrop of the killings and abductions, Okpebholo said discussions during the security meeting focused on proactive measures to tackle security challenges, restore peace, and ensure the citizens can live, work and conduct business without fear.

The governor said, “Earlier today (Monday), I convened a Security Council Meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance security across Edo State.

“Our discussions focused on proactive measures to tackle security challenges, restore peace, and ensure that citizens can live, work, and conduct business without fear.

“Security remains a top priority on our administration’s agenda because where there is security, there is progress.

“This administration is committed to building a safer, more prosperous Edo for all.”

Speaking during the protest in Ekpoma, a resident told The PUNCH that the crisis started last week.

He said the police stopped a car at a checkpoint while the driver took to his heels after he was stopped.

In the process, one of the police officers shot the fleeing suspect, leading to his death, while his brother, who was with him in the car was arrested and taken to the state command headquarters in Benin.

The resident said, “The boy who is suspected to be involved in Internet fraud known as Yahoo Yahoo was stopped by the police, but he opened his car and took to his heels.

“One of the officers shot him, and he died. His brother was in the car with hi,m and he was arrested and taken to the state command in Benin.

“Members of the community have been protesting since then. Today (Monday), they moved to Ambrose Alli University, hoping that the students will join the protest but the school is not in session.”

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to real estate firms in the state to help in reducing the cost of rents payable on rented properties in the state.

The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Johnson Erijo, made the appeal on Monday at the 13th anniversary/annual convention of Property World Africa Network Marketing Company in Asaba, the state capital.

“I would like to use this medium to appeal to real estate organisations to help in reducing the cost of rents payable on rented properties.

“The current skyrocketing rents are not sustainable, especially for public service workers. I urge you to apply your innovative skills to find ways to make housing more affordable,” he said.

The governor lauded the visionary leadership of the company, stating that it had redefined excellence in the real estate sector.

He said, “As we reflect on PWAN’s journey, we must applaud the visionary leadership that propelled this company from its humble beginnings in 2012 to become a key player in Africa’s real estate sector.

“Over the past 13 years, PWAN has not only expanded its market presence but has also redefined excellence in the real estate sector.

“Its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver top-notch real estate solutions has earned it the trust of clients and investors nationwide.”

The Global President and immediate-past Group Managing Director of PWAN, Dr Obioma Onwumere, described the firm as an empowerment industry.

“This is a gathering of entrepreneurs here in Asaba. PWAN group is not just only in the real estate business but it’s an empowerment industry.

“The mandate of the PWAN group is that each affiliate will empower 10 and that 10 will empower another 10, which will continue in that circle.

“Together, PWAN will change the face of empowerment in Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks shortly after his appointment, the Acting Managing Director of PWAN group, Prof Julius Oyedemi, pledged to uphold the vision of the company.