Kidnapping Trial in Edo: Victims in the vegetable market kidnapping case told court they paid over N63m ransom and lost valuables, as suspects face trial before a special court in Benin City. Child Protection Push: Edo’s Women Affairs commissioner urged responsible parenting after three children reunited with their family after running away in Benin City, stressing safe home supervision and quick reporting of missing kids. Edo Civil Service Appointments: Governor Okpebholo swore in Edo’s first visually impaired permanent secretary and 19 others, citing merit-based selection and warning appointees against acting on unverified instructions. Benin–Nigeria Customs Crackdown: Benin and Nigeria completed an eight-day geospatial intelligence-led border operation, making 37 seizures of narcotics, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products and consumer goods. Volta Star Textiles Revival (Ghana–Benin link): Ghana’s President Mahama says a strategic investor has been selected to revive Volta Star Textiles, with cotton supply planned from Benin to restart production and jobs. Security Logistics (Edo): Egor council donated 12 motorcycles to police and security corps to improve patrols and response against kidnapping and violent crime. UN Security Warning: The UN says extremist activity is escalating across West Africa and the Sahel, increasingly threatening Gulf of Guinea coastal states.