BENIN CITY - The official residence of Justice Roland Amaize, chairman of Edo State Local Government Election Appeal Tribunal, was razed at about 10.00 p.m, on Monday, October 6, 2008, in Benin City, the state capital.

The NIGERIAN OBSERVER gathered that the Judge was about entering his bedroom after watching a programme on television in his sitting room when suddenly he heard an explosion that shook the foundation of the storey building.

It was further gathered that fire immediately engulfed the building situated at No. 6 Delta Crescent, off Ikpokpan Road, G.R.A., Benin City, before men of the state Fire Service came to the scene to put out the fire.

Speaking with newsmen at the scene of the incident, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Dega, assured that the command would get to the root of the matter; just as he decried the level of destruction in the house. No life was lost in the incident.

It will be recalled that Justice Roland Amaize gave the verdict that removed the Chairman of Esan Central, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor Local Government Councils in August, this year (2008).

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor has expressed shock and sadness over the fire incident which razed the official residence of Hon. Justice Roland Amaize of the state High Court of Justice in Benin City, on Monday night.

The Governor, on behalf of the state government, sympathised with the family of Justice Amaize on the sad and painful incident but however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost in the inferno.

The Governor’s reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dan Aigbavboa in Benin City yesterday.

According to the statement, Governor Osunbor has directed the state Police Command to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel the cause of the fire.