Security

Kidnapped UniAbuja Staff Released

By Web News 506

The three senior staff of the University of Abuja and their children who were abducted on Tuesday by suspected bandits from the Giri Quarters of the University have been rescued, and in a stable condition.

The victims were rescued following the operations of the combined security forces including the Police, DSS, Military, and University of Abuja Safety Officers.

A statement by the Head, Information and University Relations of the University, Dr. Habib Yakoob says though the abductors earlier demanded payment of three hundred million (N300, 000,000) naira ransom, the staff were rescued without any payment.

According to the statement, the University management expresses gratitude to God Almighty; the joint forces, including military, DSS, University of Abuja safety officers for the unconditional release of our staff.  

At the moment, the University community is in wild jubilation as staff and students are congratulating and hugging themselves for this good news.

The management restates its commitment to providing adequate security to the University community and will continue to work with security operatives to prevent a repeat of that ugly incident.

The Chairperson, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the institutions’ branch, Dr Kasim Umar commended authorities for securing the release of their colleagues adding that security has been beefed up in the university.

Suspected bandits had on thursday, October 2, 2021 abducted 4 staff, and their children.

Reporting by Adejo Daniel; Editing by Adeniyi Bakare

Security

Armed men abduct 4 staff of the University of Abuja

By Web News 846

Armed men, suspected bandits have attacked the staff quarters of the University of Abuja in the early hours of today.

In an interview with our correspondent Daniel Adejo, the head of information and public relations of the University Dr Habib Yakoob said four staff and their children were abducted by the assailants.

He said the University’s Safety officers, in conjunction with security personnel, have been mobilised to secure the quarters. 

He noted that efforts are being made to ensure their safe return.

Daniel Adejo

Security

Recently Rescued Kidnap Victims in Ondo Recount Ordeal

By Web News 546

Victims of recent kidnapping on Idoani-Ifira Akoko axis in Ondo state, have recounted their experiences in the hand of their abductors after they were rescued by Amotekun Corps.

The Operatives of the Ondo state security network codenamed Amotekun Corps had on wednesday rescued 9 of the 12 travellers abducted by some gunmen in the state on Ifira Akoko -Idoani road, while the Corps rescued the remaining three victims on Friday night at the forest around the axis.

Speaking with newsmen at Amotekun Headquarters in Akure, three of the rescued kidnapped victims, Mr Benjamin Ojoga,

Miss Omolara Fajana and Mrs Faith Sunday, confirmed that they were coming from Abuja and going to Lagos when the gunmen attacked their vehicle on the road and shot gun bullets to the air before taking them to the forest.

Ojoga and Fajana noted that they trekked in the forest for more than three hours on wednesday without eating and drinking water.

Addressing newsmen in Akure, the Corps Commander of Amotekun corps in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye said the victims were rescued after his men gave the kidnappers hot chase for several hours, noting that they carried out the operations with the help of other security operatives in the state such as the DSS, Nigeria Police and others.

Adeleye explained that in the process to avoid casualties in the rescue operation, his men did not exchange gun fire with the criminals, noting that they restricted their operations to Ondo state boundary while the kidnappers escaped to a neighbouring state.

Leke Adegbite

Lifestyle

Funny Or What?! 6-Year-Old Boy Who Takes 7-Year-Old To School

By Web News 1207

In the face of rising cases of kidnapping, ritual killing and road carnages among other social issues, parents of two young boys in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State believe the boy should take the responsibility of taking his brother, Ridwan, to school.

In a chat with Radio Nigeria in the early hours of Wednesday, the boy gave his name as Raheem and his younger one Ridwan.

Surprisingly, he said he was six years old but gave his brother’s age as seven.

Looking at the two boys in addition to the answer the one who is clearly older gave, makes one wonder whether to laugh out loud at the absurdity of the response or to growl and shout in anger at the kind of parents or guardian who would leave such young children to walk to school by themselves.

In these times that we hear of the kidnapping of people of different ages and sex on a daily basis, is it wise to do something like this?

Let us know what you think in the comments section.

Adedayo Adelowo

Security

NSCDC Begins Counter Terrorism Training For Officers

By Web News 1309

Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command has begun training of over one hundred and fifty personnel in counter terrorism bedeviling the country. 

The two-day training was led by counter terrorism unit commander, of NSCDC, Mr Akintoye Akande.

Radio Nigeria reports that, in recent times, Nigeria has been battling with numerous securtiy challenges ranging from terrorism, banditry,  kidnapping,  robbery to herders and farmers clashes.

In view of this, securtiy agencies have at different times come up with various mechanisms to ensure that they collectively nip crime in the bud.

Also, government at all levels have put in various measures to bring crime and criminalities to the barest minimum.

The NSCDC counter  terrorism commander in Oyo State, Mr Akintayo Akande said the training and retraining of officers became imperative as the issue of banditry and terrorism have become things of worry.

Mr Akande stated further that the training was key and timely to situate NSCDC in a position of readiness and quick action to put an end to crime AMD criminalities. 

Two of the  participants, Christiana Unuofin and Ajayi Olanrewaju said the training would further enhance their knowledge and put them on the cue so as to be able to tackle the issue of terrorism,  banditry and others social vices.

Declaring the 2-days training open, NSCDC commandant in Oyo State, Mr Iskilu Akinsanya, said training and retraining of officers and men on the job would definitely go a long way as the nation and entire global world is battling against securtiy challenges. 

Mr Akinsanya noted that there was the need Corps NSCDC to develop a robust internal policy to train her counter terrorism unit personnel to meet with the crises.

The NSCDC Boss in Oyo State said the training would include insurgency and mechanisms, visible terrorism, combating terrorism and attacking the terrorist bandit camp as well as basic psychology on self defence. 

Rasheedah Makinde 

Religion

Govt. has to urgently tackle banditry, Kidnapping – Baptist President

By Web News 564

The National President of the Nigeria Baptist Convention, Dr. Israel Akanji wants government to urgently do something to curtail the problem of banditry especially considering the fact that activities connected to the 2023 general election will soon be commencing.

He stated while addressing journalists at Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government area of Osun State.

Dr. Akanji said since political campaigns and elections ordinarily increase activities, spending and money in circulation, the bandits might take advantage in order to extort innocent Nigerians.

He said out of the 121 students of Bethel High school Kaduna state kidnapped over a week ago, only one of them had been released because he was sick and they did not want him to die in their custody, while the bandits insisted on collecting huge amounts of money before they could release the students.

In an emotion-laden voice, the Baptist Convention National president said, the church had been providing education in Nigeria since 1855 and asked whether kidnappers attacking on one such schools a good way to pay the mission back.

Speaking on moral decadence and increased wave of criminality in Nigeria, the cleric pointed our that the failure of the home as result of laxity of parents as well as the negative implications of technology advancement were majorly responsible.

He explained that many parents under the guise of pursuit of means of livelihood had abandoned their roles to the churches, schools, television and the social media, saying all of those things cannot replace the effect of present parents in the home in the lives of children.

Adenitan Akinola

Security

FUNAAB Students Protest Abduction of Colleague

By Web News 588

Protesting students of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta have been advised to be calm and peaceful to allow security agencies discharge their professional duties of rescuing the abducted student of the institution, Toyinbo Olayinka was kidnapped in a private farm at Abule Itoko, Odeda.

Kidnapped Student Tiyinbo Olayinka

The management of the institution in a statement in Abeokuta on the protest by the students said efforts are being intensified towards assisting the security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abducted student.

The statement said the institution has reinforced its commitment by securing the support of other relevant stakeholders in a bid to strengthen the search and release of the kidnapped student. 

Also, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kolawole Salako while addressing the protesting students advised the students Union leading the peaceful protest to remain calm.

The Vice Chancellor said the management would not relent in the efforts to ensure the safe return of their abducted colleague.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Two Abducted Benue University Students Regain Freedom

By Web News 764

The two students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi abducted by gunmen have secured their freedom.

Their release comes four days after gunmen stormed the school after its convocation and kidnapped three students.

Confirming the incident via a text message on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Sewuese Anene, said the students were rescued unhurt.

“The kidnapped students of the University of Makurdi have been released unhurt. Investigation into the case continues please,” he said.

When asked if ransom was paid to facilitate their release, the police spokesman replied saying: “No ransom was paid please.”

There were some reports that the kidnappers contacted one of the parents of the students and demanded N20 million ransom.

Efforts to reach the institution’s Director of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Rosemary Waku, proved abortive as her line didn’t reach.

This comes barely a week after about 20 students were abducted from Greenfield University in Kaduna State.

Three of the Greenfield University students were found dead on Friday.

Speaking to journalists, in Markurdi, police spokesperson Anene Sewuese said the gunmen struck at about 10:20 pm and kidnapped three of the students studying close to a lecture theatre.

“We have received that information, we are on it and I know that we are very close,” she said.

“My advice is that the members of the public remain calm. We are doing our best to make sure that we get to the root of this and apprehend perpetrators of this crime.

Security

Kidnapping: Teenager Regains Freedom in Ogun

By Web News 573

The thirteen years old boy, Gbolahan Ajibola, kidnapped in Obada -Oko town, Ewekoro local government area of Ogun State has been freed.

The kidnappers were reported to have reached out to the family of the freed boy to demand fifty million naira ransom.

The Ogun State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the release of the boy

He said the victim has since been reunited with his family while he was not aware of payment of ransom to in the process.

Wale Oluokun

Security

Health Workers Withdraw Services over Kidnap of Members in Ogun

By Web News 1225

Following the kidnap of another health worker in Ogun state, members of the Nigeria Medical Association and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives under the employ of Ogun state government have withdrawn their services until government guarantee their safety.

The health workers in a joint letter signed by the state Chairman of NMA, Doctor Oladayo Ogunlaja and state Chairman of NANNM, Mrs. Roseline Solarin written to the Ogun state government through the Commissioner for Health stated that the recent kidnapping of their members has revealed that the government could not their guarantee safety.

The health workers also described the non-readiness of the government to negotiate with the abductors of their members as unacceptable noting that the government has not shown commitment in rescuing the victims.

They called on the government to make security of lives and property a priority before their return to duties.

Another health worker a dental therapist was reportedly kidnapped in Ijebu Igbo six days after a doctor and a nurse were kidnapped along Imeko Afon road.

The situation has brought the number of health worker abducted across Ogun state to three within seven days.

Wale Oluokun

Culture

Crime: Police Parade Fifty Six Suspects in Ibadan

By Web News 1044

The long arm of the law has caught up with fifty six suspects who have been terrorizing the residents of Ibadan and its environs.

The suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from trans-border armed robbery, kidnapping, human parts sales, car theft, burglary and arson.

Some of the paraded suspects, who confessed to the crime levelled against them, said if the government could pardon them, they would never go back to crime.

Parading the suspects, Commissioner of Police in Oyo state,  Mrs Ngozi Onadeko, said the Command launched war against the criminally minded people upon the receipt of complaints from the public over the rising cases of criminal activities in the state.

She stated further that with the relentless efforts of gallant officers through aggressive operations, the issue of insecurity would be a thing of the past, so the residents could sleep with their eyes closed. 

Mrs Onadeko therefore called on the criminally minded to turn a new leaf or leave Oyo State as the Command was ready to make the state unbearable for them.

The Commissioner of Police added that the suspects would soon be charged to court after thorough investigations. 

Exhibits found with the suspected criminals included motorcycles, two vehicles,  items suspected to be charms, dangerous weapons, ammunition, some cash, and some mobile phones.

Rasheeda Makinde

Crime

Students, Teacher Kidnapped at National Institute of Construction Technology in Edo State

By Web News 1368

Some suspected hardened gunmen have kidnapped three persons at the National Institute of Construction Technology in Uromi, Edo State.

Among those kidnapped are two students of the institution and staff identified as Miss Uzo of the Environmental Studies department.

The heavy gunmen who stormed the institution in a commando-style around 3 pm on Wednesday had first shot sporadically into the air before gaining access into the school’s main campus along Amedokhian Road Uromi, Edo state.

The gunmen immediately abducted the three persons to an unknown destination.

The situation forced the staff and students of the institution to run for safety.

Some students told Standard Gazette that “we are currently writing our second-semester exam, and the two kidnapped students wrote the examination on Wednesday, and they have more to write on Thursday. Our colleagues just came out of the examination hall when they were just kidnapped inside the campus”.

In a telephone interview, a former Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Itulah said, “The institution is known for excellence and wondered what made the kidnappers storm the school. I wish to call on the police and other security agents to improve on the security architecture of Esan land “.

Hon. Itulah, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives from Esan North East/South East Federal constituency, urged the people of the locality to always be vigilant.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer SP Kontongs said the police would wade into the incident.

Festus Alekhen

Security

Ilora Kidnapping: Cleric Regains Freedom

By Web News 817

A Cleric, Rev. Toyin Aderinola has regained his freedom after spending six days in the kidnapper’s den.

Rev. Aderinola who is also an Entrepreneur was abducted Tuesday night at the site of his event center which is still being developed along Ilora – Imini  in Afijio LCDA.

According to family source, the kidnappers later called with the victim’s phone to demand for one hundred million naira ransom but Radio Nigeria could not ascertain how much, if any, was paid.

Confirming the release, Police Area Commander, Durbar Oyo Area Command, Mr. Kadmiel Madayi said the victim walked into freedom early yesterday morning and that the case is still being investigated.

Kayode Oguntona

Crime

Undergraduate Kidnaps Cousins, Victims Die Tied to Tree

By Web News 638

The Osun Police Command has arrested a two-man kidnapping syndicate in Osogbo, following their alleged kidnapping and killing of two children of same parent.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olawale Olokode presented the suspects and others to the public at the Police Headquarters, Osogbo.

Mr Olawale explained that the two suspects, a 21 years old Usman Muyideen and 20 years old Isa Memudu kidnapped two boys of same parent, Samson and Thompson Onibokun aged 12 and 13, hid them in a bush where they called the telephone of the parent to demand ransom.

He said the kidnappers, who eventually killed the two children, made a demand of 25 million naira.

Speaking with newsmen, both Muyideen and Memudu confessed to the crime, adding that they tied the boys to a tree, where they died on the fourth day, before the expiration of six days ultimatum given their parents.

Muyideen, who identified himself as 200 Level undergraduate, confessed that the children were those of his elder brother.

The Police Commissioner also paraded one Waheed Adewale, who allegedly stole a car in Lagos state at gunpoint, but was arrested as he attempted to locate his buyer in Ifon/Ilobu.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Police in Ogun Nab man for Alleged Abduction, Rape

By Web News 884

Ogun State Command of Nigeria Police has arrested a 32 year old man, Tunde Bello for allegedly kidnapping and raping a twenty nine year old lady.

The victim, who reported the case at Mowe police station, said she had boarded a car from Ogunrun road Mowe to Lagos but was surprised that the suspect made a detour to Ibadan road and drove her to a bush along Lagos-Ibadan express road where he beat her mercilessly before forcefully having carnal knowledge of her.

She alleged that the suspect held her hostage after raping her and asked her to call her relations to send the sum of #140,000 to him as ransom before he would let her go.

The victim claimed that the money was transferred to an account given to her by her abductor before she was released.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi said the suspect was apprehended following intelligence and technical-based investigation embarked upon by the detectives.

Mr Oyeyemi said the suspect confessed to the crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Edward Ajogun has ordered the transfer of the suspect to the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Olusegun Folarin

 

News Analysis

Curbing Incessant Kidnapping among Citizens

By Web News 624

These days, kidnappers are on the prowl, and when they strike, they leave behind sorrow, tears and blood.

These criminals are spreading their tentacles to more parts of Nigeria making innocent citizens their prey.

In recent times, this unhealthy development has unsettled many citizens where they have openly carried out their attack.

More criminals are venturing into the business of kidnapping for ransom, and political which, until a few years ago, was common only in the Niger Delta and Southeastern part of the country, but gradually happening everywhere, especially in the north.

These bandits have abducted people in broad daylight, ambushed unsuspecting targets and whisked them away in a commando manner.

Some members of these gangs also rape and kill their victims even after collecting ransom from their families while those released are left with emotional trauma.

Fresh in memory is the abduction of , about three hundred and thirty four  students  from a boys’ secondary boarding school on the outskirts of kankara, katsina state.

Also, more than eighty Islamic school students were kidnapped in Katsina State last week but they were rescued by security forces after a fierce gun battle between security personnel and the alleged kidnappers which led to the death of soldiers.

The kidnappers target policemen and soldiers to collect their arms and uniforms needed for their operations.

Indeed, some victims will require the attention of social and psychological therapists to deal with the post traumatic stress disorder, suffered during and after the attack.

Nigerians have repeatedly called on the security agencies to intensify their efforts in fishing out the kidnappers who are often misconstrued for herdsmen.

They are also urging different communities to cooperate with the security agents in fishing out the bandits who have been terrorising many areas and causing residents sleepless nights.

Though, kidnappers are sentenced to long or life imprisonment, immediate dispensation of justice should be meted out on these people to end the act in the country.

The Inspector General of Police and other security chiefs, must form a crack anti-kidnapping unit which combines intelligence gathering with striking capabilities.

Such a force can gather intelligence before a kidnap takes place or track the calls between kidnappers and their victims’ families, as it happened in the Nigeria-Turkish International School experience, men of the security agencies moved in and arrested the criminals after they collected the ransom.

A special anti-kidnapping team should work in conjunction with the network carriers whose services are always employed by kidnappers for negotiations.

Communal efforts are needed to reduce kidnapping to the barest minimum while general surveillance of towns and cities should also be embarked upon by security agencies.

Rasheedah Makinde

Crime

22-Year-Old Herdsman Bags 4-Year Jail Term Over Kidnapping

By Web News 615

An Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced a 22-year-old herdsman identified as Mohamodu Zuberu to four-year imprisonment for kidnapping a 13-year-old boy in the state. 

Upon arraignment on September 3, 2020, the convict had pleaded guilty to a lone charge of kidnapping preferred against him by the police after an interpreter explained his alleged offence to him. 

The police prosecutor, Mr John Idoko said, the Mohamodu on 21st August 2020 at about 3:00 AM at Iwari village via Ikoyi unlawfully kidnapped one minor to an unknown destination in such manner as to prevent any person entitled to have access to him thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 364(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. Il laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002. 

The case was adjourned to September 24, 2020 and later to September 30 for presentation of fact. 

While the prosecutor was giving the facts, he tendered a touch light, Phone, Pullover and a stick and he informed the court that the convict demanded a ransom of 2 million naira which was later reduced to 350,000 naira.

The convict begged the court to have mercy upon him for his act. 

The presiding magistrate, Mr Opeyemi Badmus, in his judgment said, with the circumstance of the case and the plea of the accused, the offence of kidnapping had been established against him. 

The court found him guilty of kidnapping the 13-year-old, saying kidnapping or abduction of a fellow human being for ransom is a heinous crime and should not be encouraged in our society and as such Mohamodu Zubaru is sentenced to 4 years imprisonment with hard labor without an option of fine.

Adenitan Akinola

Crime

Police Parade Six Herdsmen for Alleged Murder, Kidnapping

By Web News 744

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Mr. Ahmed Iliyasu hàs paraded six suspected herdsmen for murder and abduction.

They were allegedly responsible for multiple kidnapping and killing of a yet-to-be-identified driver during an attempt to abduct a police inspector on the Ayetoro-Abeokuta Expressway in the Yewa area of Ogun State.

Mr. Iliyasu at a press briefing at the command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos explained that the driver was conveying a woman when he suddenly realised that an ambush had been laid by the herdsmen, but while attempting to escape, one of the suspects shot him dead.

The assistant Inspector General of Police said that the suspects mounted a roadblock on the Ayetoro-Abeokuta Road in Yewa, during which a police inspector ran into them. 

He hinted that the suspect also manhandled the victims.

Mr. Illiyasu also revealed that ransom were paid by relatives of the kidnapped female inspector and others taken to the forest for three days before they were released.

He identified the suspects as Adamu Saliu, Ibrahim Mohammed, Abubakar Sadiq, Tambaye Mohammed, Adamu Sulaiman; and Akanni Musa.

The Zone Two Command of the Nigeria police covering Lagos and Ogun Stars also paraded a suspected fraudster, Sylvester Ehiarinmian for allegedly defrauding a lady based in United States of America.

Wale Oluokun

Judiciary

Sotitobire: Court Adjourns Hearing to 2nd of June

By Web News 1463

Hearing in the ongoing trial of the founder of Sotitobire Praising Chapel Akure, Prophet Alfa Babatunde over the alleged disappearance of one year old, Gold Kolawole in the church last year, has been adjourned till 2nd June, 2020.

Justice Olusegun Odusola announced the adjournment after a state government counsel, Mr Babatunde Falodun informed the court of the inability of the state Attorney general and Commissioner for justice, Adekola Olawoye to be present due to an urgent state assignment.

Falodun, also sought an adjournment of the hearing which was not opposed by all the defense counsel, Olusola Oke, Olumide Ogidan, Akinyemi Omoware and Olalekan Akinrinsola.

Prophet Babatunde and six other church members are standing trial on three count charge including conspiracy to and abetting kidnap.

They were brought to the court by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Olokuta, Akure and made to undergo Covid 19 precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and social distancing order.

Few people including just two journalists were allowed to monitor the court proceedings in view of the social distancing order of the COVID-19.

Everybody in the court, including the Presiding judge, Olusegun Odusola wore nose masks as part of the precautionary measures.

Leke Adegbite

Security

Ekiti Youths Protest Poor Response of Police to Abduction of House Leader

By Web News 981

Ekiti State Government has announced abduction of the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Folorunso Olabode, by suspected bandits on his way from Ado-Ekiti to his hometown in Iye-Ekiti, Ilejemeje, local government of Ekiti State last weekend.

The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua made this known in a statement in Ado Ekiti.

He also confirmed that the kidnappers shot one person among his entourage, the driver of the vehicle, who is a serving Councilor in Ilejemeje in the ensuing fracas. 

Governor Kayode Fayemi has mandated the security Agencies in the State to ensure prompt and safe release of the abducted Commissioner, while assuring residents that adequate measures were ongoing, to maintain peace and security of the state. 

He promised that all perpetrators of the dastard act would be brought to book. 

The Commissioner for Police in Ekiti State, Amba Asuquo, has said that a team of police men has already been deployed, and are on the trail of the abductors, with a view to rescuing the victim.

Meanwhile, some youths in Iye Ekiti have taken to the streets to protest the poor response of police officers in Iye Division Police post, to the distress call put across to them immediately the House leader, state Commissioner for Agric and a woman were attacked.

Report says the youths who came out in large number, alleged the police of being lackadaisical which they said worsened the incident.

Radio Nigeria Progress FM learnt that the angry youths had been dispatched with teargas while attempting to attack a van belonging to the Divisional police station.

Oriola Afolabi