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Tag: Kidnap

  • Bandits storm Benue church, Kill one worshipper, abduct pastor, three others

    Bandits storm Benue church, Kill one worshipper, abduct pastor, three others

     

    The Christian Pentecostal Church in Akenawe -Tswarev community, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, was yesterday invaded by bandits killing one worshipper and forcefully taking away the resident pastor and three others.

    Findings show that the attack was carried out by the assailants during a vigil on Sunday morning.

    The resident pastor, who was identified as Gwadue Kwaghtyo, was reportedly leading prayer when the gunmen invaded the church and opened fire on worshippers.

    Chairman of Logo LGA, Mrs Salome Tor confirmed the ugly incident to journalists on Sunday.

    According to him, “It was early this morning (still night hours). A church in one of the branches went for a vigil. As they were praying, they were surrounded by the armed men.

    “They kidnapped three people, killed one boy and injured two people with a machete; they are now in the hospital”.

  • Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims, neutralise bandit in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims, neutralise bandit in Kaduna

    Troops of Sector Four of “Operation Whirl Punch’’, and Special Forces of the 167 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have cleared a bandits hideout in a fierce encounter in Kaduna State.

    Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement he issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Aruwan said the troops who embarked on a long-range fighting patrol to Tukurua general area of Chikun Local Government Area of the state, engaged and overpowered the criminals, neutralised one, while others fled in disarray.

    “The troops during the operation rescued 14 kidnap victims, comprising nine men and five women.

    “The victims were moved to a secure location for debriefing and examination, before being reunited with their families,’’ he stated.

    Aruwan added that the troops destroyed several camps in the course of the battle.

    “Two motorcycles were recovered during the operation,’’ he also stated.

    The commissioner stated that Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, was elated at the troops’ successes and commended the leadership of Maj.-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division and the Force Commander of the “Operation Whirl Punch’’.

    El-Rufai also extolled the prowess of the troops as all the kidnap victims were rescued alive, and unhurt, Aruwan stated.

  • Just In: Two dead, three kidnapped as ex-minister, Usani Usani narrowly escapes death [Photo]

    Just In: Two dead, three kidnapped as ex-minister, Usani Usani narrowly escapes death [Photo]

    Usani Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and Governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Cross River, narrowly escaped being killed by suspected kidnappers along the Calabar-Ikom highway.

    Two unidentified persons were, however, not lucky as they were killed by the gunmen who shot at their vehicles in a bid to abduct them.

    Usani was said to be on his way to his home town in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area, alongside the deputy Governorship candidate and others when they are attacked.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Sule Balarabe, who confirmed the news, said it occurred between the axis of Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas of the state at about 4pm on Friday.

    He said it started when a white Ford with Registration number AAA 41 AQ was ambushed by the suspected kidnappers, killing the two yet-to-be identified victims.

    The Commissioner further said that three other persons were abducted in the process by the gunmen.

    “The vehicle in which they killed two persons had seven occupants including two police officers, ASP Ibor Bassey and Insp. Ebro Ebri who escaped and called for reinforcement.

    “A tactical Unit was immediately dispatched to the area and three persons have so far been rescued,” he stated.

    Balarabe said that the rescued persons were members of the PRP who were traveling with the former Minister.

    He solicited for support by way of useful information to the police from the communities along the Calabar-Ikom highway.

    “We are appealing to all community leaders and traditional rulers to help security agencies by providing us with useful information through our dedicated lines.

    “These criminals are not spirits, they are human beings who live amongst them, without useful and timely information, it will be very difficult to nip this nefarious activities in the bud,” he said.

    Speaking on the attack, Media Aide to the former Minister, Mr. David Agabi, said that they escaped by the whiskers.

    According to him, “We were in a convoy, the gunmen started shooting at us around Betem in Biase, my principal’s driver sustained gunshot injuries while the vehicle was riddled with bullets.

    “Other members of our party in the convoy also suffered various degrees of injuries.

    “Four persons were abducted but as I speak to you, only three have regained freedom, one person is still missing, my principal is in good condition.”

  • NTA reporter, 3 others kidnapped along Bauchi-Jos highway

    NTA reporter, 3 others kidnapped along Bauchi-Jos highway

    Abdulwab Babankanti, a reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jos, with his three friends, has reportedly been kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Bauchi-Jos highway.

    A family source who disclosed the incident to newsmen said that Babankanti and other victims were abducted on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Toro community while on transit from Bauchi to Jos.

    We learned of their abduction when the kidnappers called to confirm that they kidnapped them,? The source told The State of Plateau news portal.

    He further said the kidnappers are demanding N10m ransom to free the victims.

  • Reps member’s aide kidnapped in Cross River

    Reps member’s aide kidnapped in Cross River

    Mr. Kenneth Abang, a legislative aide to a House of Representatives member, representing Boki-Ikom Federal Constituency in Cross River has been kidnapped

    Abang, who is an aide to Rep. Chris Agibe was abducted in Betem community in the Biase Local Government Area of Cross River.

    He was kidnapped alongside his relative, Miss Eunice Abang on Jan. 30.

    Abang’s, Mr Fidelis Ekpah, told NAN in a telephone interview on Tuesday in Calabar that Abang was traveling to his home town in the Boki Local Government Area when he was abducted.

    Ekpa explained that Abang was traveling to prepare for his late father’s burial, schedule to hold on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4.

    “Mr Kenneth Abang has been kidnapped along the Calabar-Biase highway while traveling to Boki to make preparations for his father’s burial.

    “He was kidnapped alongside his relative, Miss Eunice Abang. They took them away and abandoned his car by the roadside.

    “This is a double tragedy for us. We were already planning for his father’s burial before this ugly incident occurred.

    “I want to appeal to the police, the army, civil defence and the department of state service to come to our aid and rescue our brother and his relative,” Ekpa said.

    The spokeswoman of the Cross River State Police Command, SP. Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the abduction in a telephone interview with a NAN correspondent, said that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

    “The deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations has drafted our men to the area to ensure the release of Abang and his relation.

    Ugbo said: “we are on the matter. I can assure you that efforts are on to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects,” she said.

  • Kidnapped Rev. Father regains freedom in Ekiti

    Kidnapped Rev. Father regains freedom in Ekiti

    The Parish Priest of St. George’s Catholic Church, Omu-Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Micheal Olofinlade, who was abducted on Saturday, has regained his freedom.

    The Paramount ruler, Owajumu, of Omu-Ekiti, Oba Adeyeye Ogundeyi, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday in Omu-Ekiti.

    Oba Ogundeyi said Fr. Olofinlade was sighted along Itapaji-Ekiti Road after he was released by his abductors.

    He noted that the priest was currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in Ekiti.

    Recalled that Olofinlade was kidnapped on Jan. 14 while returning to his base in Omu-Ekiti after a pastoral assignment in Ado-Ekiti.

    The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Felix Ajakaye, had earlier solicited for prayers from members of the church for the quick and safe release of Olofinlade.

    However, the Police did not make any statement regarding his release or whether a ransom was paid before he was released.

  • Security forces rescue 12 more abducted Edo train passengers

    Security forces rescue 12 more abducted Edo train passengers

    Twelve more kidnapped victims from last Saturday’s train station attack in Igueben, Edo State, have been rescued by a Special Force of soldiers, policemen, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilance members, and hunters among others.

    Governor Godwin Obaseki, disclosed this on Sunday, January 15, while speaking with reporters after visiting the rescued victims at the Police Cottage Hospital in Benin City.

    Obaseki said the twelve passengers were rescued on Saturday night, January 14.

    The Governor also berated the authorities of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) for not providing enough security in its facilities after the Kaduna train kidnap of March 28, 2022.

    He also threatened to sanction traditional rulers in the area still giving their lands to herdsmen for grazing.

    “I visited 12 rescued kidnapped victims, who were abducted from the Igueben Train Station in the state, assuring that we will leave no stone unturned in securing the release of the two remaining hostages,” he said.

    “In the last week, with the intelligence system at our disposal and the technological support we have in place, we were able to track the criminals. With the training of our special forces, we were able to rescue and release 12 out of 14 victims still in captivity.

    “We are happy as a state and people that we have been able to secure the release of those kidnapped at the Igueben train Station over a week ago.

    “We thank our security forces for the sleepless nights and efforts put in place to rescue persons kidnapped. We appreciate them for this achievement as we have something to rejoice about especially as we celebrate our armed forces.”

    “We must also express our disappointment at the authorities of the Nigerian Railway Corporation because, after the Kaduna incident, we expect that they will secure their facilities better.

    “For six men to have come into their facility, I think it is something that has to be investigated. It doesn’t speak well of their preparedness to run an efficient rail system in this country and it doesn’t give Nigerians the confidence that they will be safe using that mode of transportation.” he added.

    Also confirming the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, said the 12 passengers were rescued unhurt in Ughboa Forest.

    The CP said the rescue mission was made possible by the joint forces working tirelessly to ensure the victims were reunited with their families unhurt.

    “I am pleased to inform you that on Saturday at about 10pm, the joint security forces in Edo State in a concerted effort to rescue the abducted victims of the Igueben Train Station attack, stormed Ughboa forest in a joint operation, through a technical intelligence provided to the command and control intelligence rapid response squad, and rescued 12 victims unhurt,” the stated.

    “They are as follows: Eunice Eseba (56 years), Marian Mowoe (28 years), Faith Smart (42 years), Precious Egwuje (28 years), Obehi Omaben (39 years) and Amm Benson (42 years).

    “Others are Favour Akungo (18 years), Akhimen Ehiemamen (48 years), Christian iyere (33 years), Emmanuel Esieba (67 years), Iyoha Julius (25 years) and Aguelle Beatrice (42 years).

    “This brings to 18 the number of victims rescued while two others who are staff members of the Nigeria Railway Cooperation are still being held captive by the kidnappers. Meanwhile, operation and synergy continue to ensure the remaining two are rescued,” he added.

    Last Saturday, 32 persons, including two workers at the train station, were abducted while waiting to board a train by bandits who invaded the station with sophisticated weapons.

  • Kidnapped Plateau DPO regains freedom

    Kidnapped Plateau DPO regains freedom

    A Divisional Police Officer, DPO, SP Nwapi Larrycarr Augustus, who was kidnapped in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State has regained his freedom.

    The officer was abducted at a Hotel in the area on Thursday, January 12, three days after he resumed as the DPO in Pankshin.

    Spokesperson of the Plateau Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the development on Sunday, said the DPO was rescued and not released by his abductors.

    “Following the gruesome kidnap of SP Nwapi Larrycarr Augustus on 11/01/2023 at about 1930hrs by unidentified gunmen to an unknown destination in Pankshin LGA, the Plateau State Police Command in collaboration with other security agencies and hunters in the area, swung into rescue mission and eventually unshackled and freed the officer from his captors,” the PPRO stated.

    “The officer has been taken to the hospital for medical examination and treatment and will soon be reunited with his family.

    “In view of the ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka, psc(+) assures citizens of the state that the perpetrators will be fished out and arrested to face justice as the Command will leave no stone unturned in the fight against kidnapping in the State.”

  • Train attack: Only 20 persons were kidnapped not 32 – Edo govt reveals

    Train attack: Only 20 persons were kidnapped not 32 – Edo govt reveals

    The Commissioner for Communication in Edo, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, says intelligence report has indicated that 20 persons are kidnapped at the Igueben train station in Edo and not 32 persons as reported.

    Nehikhare announced this on Wednesday in Benin while giving an update of the incident in a chat with journalists.

    He noted that seven of the abducted persons had been recused, recalling that the victims were waiting for a 4 p.m. train from Igueben station to Warri when the kidnappers abducted them on Jan. 7.

    “The kidnappers successfully kidnapped 20 persons at the Igueben train station and not 32 persons as previously said.

    “Out of the 20 persons, seven have been rescued while 13 persons are still with the kidnappers.

    “The operation is still ongoing and we are confident that very soon, the ordeal of the innocent citizens will soon be over,” he said.

    He further said that the Deputy Governor of Edo, Mr. Phillip Shaibu, had conversation with traditional rulers in the locality on the consequences of harbouring kidnappers.

    “If kidnappers are found residing or using any of the property in the community, such property would be forfeited to the state government and would be destroyed.

    “Also, if at any point those that use the facility were found to have killed any of their captive, owner of such facility would be charged for murder and prosecuted along with the perpetrators of the crime,” he warned.

    “The deputy governor also told the traditional rulers to increase surveillance in their areas to prevent crime.

    He advised the media to work with the information from the government and not from other sources for the safety of the family of the victims.

    The commissioner stated that Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo had assured the families of the abducted train passengers of safety and rescue soon.

  • Pastor kidnaps self twice, collects ransom from church members

    Pastor kidnaps self twice, collects ransom from church members

    The Police Command in Plateau has arrested a Pastor who allegedly kidnapped himself several times and collected ransom from members of his congregation.

    DSP Alfred Alabo, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Alabo said that the suspect was arrested by the police in November 2022.

    ”The Police has uncovered the nefarious act of one Pastor Albarka Sukuya of Jenta Apata, Jos, who on several occasions staged his kidnap with his cohorts and received ransom from sympathising members of his congregation.

    ”Sequel to his spurious kidnaps of Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, 2022, where N400,000 and N200,000, respectively, were paid by his sympathisers as ransom for his release, the incidents triggered suspicion.

    ”Through credible intelligence, the clergyman was invited by the DPO Nasarawa Gwong Police Station, CSP Musa Hassan and investigation commenced immediately.

    ”In the course of investigation, it was established that the suspect has been conspiring with his gang to stage his kidnap and fraudulently collect ransom. He has confessed to committing the crime,” he said.

    Alabo said that the suspect had revealed the identity of three other members of his gang, adding that two of them were arrested while one is still at large.

    ”The suspect further disclosed that on Jan. 1, he set ablaze the vehicles and a bicycle parked at ECWA Bishara 3, Jenta Apata premises belonging to his colleagues,” Alabo alleged.

    The police spokesperson called on members of the public to be watchful and ensure timely report of any suspicious happenings around them to relevant security agencies for prompt response.