Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Benin City, Edo State – A woman in Benin City has recounted a harrowing ordeal in which she claims to have been extorted and intimidated by an Okaighele, an incident she says has left her homeless and financially devastated.
Speaking to reporters, the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said the Okaighele openly boasted of using his wealth and influence to evade accountability.
“He bragged that wherever we take the issue to, even if we go to the palace, he will close it with money,” she said.
The woman explained that prior to the alleged incident, she was financially independent, running her own supermarket in Benin City. She described how her business gradually collapsed following her refusal to accede to the Okaighele’s demands.
“I used to own a supermarket. I was doing my business and living comfortably. I never imagined my life would turn out this way,” she lamented.
She added that she now survives by washing clothes for people she once considered friends and associates, a situation she described as humiliating.
“I now do laundry for my mates just to eat. People who knew me before can’t believe this is my reality,” she said.
The woman further revealed that she has no proper shelter, sleeping in an uncompleted building in Benin City to survive the nights.
“I don’t have a room anymore. I sleep inside an uncompleted building. That’s where I pass my nights,” she said.
Her account underscores growing concerns about the alleged abuse of power by some community leaders in Edo State. Advocates have stressed that such incidents highlight the vulnerability of citizens who lack financial or political protection.
“If someone can just use money to silence truth and destroy another person’s life, then it means nobody is safe,” she said.
Authorities in Edo State have yet to comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, her story has sparked public outrage, with calls for swift investigation and stronger measures to protect vulnerable citizens from intimidation and extortion.
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