TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ransom

  • Amplified insecurity: Bandits k!ll 38 hostages after delivery of N50m ransom

    Amplified insecurity: Bandits k!ll 38 hostages after delivery of N50m ransom

    Residents of Banga village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State have been thrown into panic following the brutal killing of 38 kidnapped villagers by bandits, despite the payment of over ₦50 million as ransom.

    The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, while confirming the incident exclusively to Channels Television, said 56 persons were reportedly abducted from the village, and 18 were later released.

    He added that the freed 18 victims have been admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

    “From the information I got as the Chairman of the local government, 56 were abducted by the bandits and only 18 returned.

    “We took the remaining 18 people to hospital, they are on medication. We are also preparing to go with the state government to go and see the families of those that lost their lives.”

    A resident of the village, Ibrahim Banga, earlier informed Channels Television that the bandits invaded the community months ago and abducted 53 people.

    He explained that the kidnappers demanded ₦1 million per hostage, and after several weeks of efforts, the community managed to raise and deliver the sum.

    Banga, however, confirmed that only 18 of the captives were eventually released.

    “Upon their return, the freed victims recounted how the bandits had slaughtered the remaining 35 abductees, killing them one after the other during their captivity,” he said.

    He appealed to both the federal and Zamfara State governments to urgently extend military operations to the area, which he said would help restore peace, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and rescue those still held by the criminals.

    Meanwhile, in Niger State, troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with hybrid forces and backed by intelligence from the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly neutralised no fewer than 45 bandits on Friday evening in Iburu village, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.

    Security sources disclosed that upon intercepting intelligence indicating that terrorists riding several motorcycles were advancing to attack Iburu and neighbouring villages, the DSS promptly alerted soldiers on standby.

    According to the sources, a fierce gunfight ensued, during which troops killed at least 45 terrorists. Villagers reportedly counted no fewer than 40 bodies believed to be those of the bandits, along with dozens of motorcycles destroyed during the clash.

    The sources further revealed that two members of the hybrid forces fighting alongside the soldiers lost their lives, while four others are receiving treatment for serious gunshot injuries at a public hospital in the state capital

  • I paid N6.5m ransom to regain freedom – Uromi Chief Imam opens up

    I paid N6.5m ransom to regain freedom – Uromi Chief Imam opens up

    The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo has opened up on claims that he was rescued by the police.

    The cleric revealed he paid N6.5 million ransom before regaining freedom.

    The police had in a statement signed by its spokesperson in Edo, CSP Moses Yamu, claimed that he was released following sustained pressure mounted by them.

    But in an interactive session with journalists, the Chief Imam said contrary to the police claim, he paid ransom to the kidnappers.

    “I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central, I was kidnapped on July, 9, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,”

    “I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police” he said

    He said upon his return from captivity, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information, which he provided.

    He said after explaining what transpired to the DPO, he was surprised to see the police “trying to take credit for doing nothing”.

    “My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police.”

    He however expressed appreciation to those who prayed for him and showed concerns during his period in captivity.

  • 16-year-old girl fakes own kidnap for N2m ransom

    16-year-old girl fakes own kidnap for N2m ransom

    A 16-year-old SS2 student at a private secondary school in Abakaliki has faked her own kidnapping, says the police command in Ebonyi State.

    The girl allegedly contacted a family member claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of ₦2 million for her release.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Command, told reporters on Monday that a family friend helped her plan the hoax.

    Ukandu said the girl attends a privately owned school located on Watchman Street in Abakaliki.

    She is a native of Izzi Local Government Area and was due to return to school for the third term on Saturday.

    The girl told police she had gone to buy second-hand clothes, known locally as ‘Okirika’, when someone tapped her from behind.

    She claimed to have lost consciousness and woke up the next day at Ishieke Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

    She added that she often dreams of being kidnapped, and her mother regularly prays against it.

    Upon regaining consciousness, she asked for directions back to Abakaliki town.

    Instead of returning home, she went to the house of a family friend who had no idea she was missing.

    Using the man’s phone, she messaged her brother, claiming she had been kidnapped and demanded ₦2 million ransom.

    Her brother asked to speak with the kidnappers and requested their location, but she refused and blocked his number.

    Later, she unblocked his number and sent an account number belonging to the family friend hosting her.

    Unluckily for her, the phone was tracked. Police raided the house and arrested everyone involved in the plot.

    The police spokesperson confirmed that the command has launched a full investigation into the incident.

    The girl has since been reunited with her family, though the matter remains under police investigation due to her age.

  • Insecurity! Gunmen abduct Road Safety officer in Enugu, demand N50m ransom

    Insecurity! Gunmen abduct Road Safety officer in Enugu, demand N50m ransom

    Gunmen in Enugu have abducted an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Emeason Chima.

    Chima, who is attached to RS4.211, Ugbokolo unit of the agency, was kidnapped on Saturday around Maduka University in Nsukka, Enugu State.

    The gunmen are demanding N50 million ransom to release the victim, a senior FRSC official in the state revealed.

    The official who wasn’t authorised to speak to journalists said Chima was driving alone in his car when he was attacked and abducted.

    Meanwhile, an internal memo within the agency confirmed that the gunmen – using the officer’s phone -demanded for a ransom of N50 million.

    “The Command Is In Receipt Of Information About The Kidnap Of SRMA Emeason Chima,” Emmanuel Al-Hassan, Ugbokolo unit commander said in the memo.

    “Place Of Incidence: After Maduka University, Nsukka Enugu Road through OPI junction, in Enugu State. Information extracted so far confirmed that the staff was driving alone in a Toyota saloon car when he was kidnapped.

    “The unit commander has already been contacted by the kidnappers using the staff phone, where a demand of 50million ransom has been made.

    “Further details will be made available as events unfolds. This is forwarded for your information and further guide sir.”

    Security has deteriorated in the South-East part of the country with frequent attacks by non-state actors in recent times.

    The gunmen have carried out a series of abductions, collected huge ransoms and in some occasions killed their victims.

    Aside from government officials and facilities, military and police personnel and others have been targets of attacks by these gunmen in the region.

    The Nigerian government has accused pro-Biafra group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region.

    But the group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks.

  • SAD! Finally, bandits k!ll Sokoto monarch as he couldn’t meet up with ransom

    SAD! Finally, bandits k!ll Sokoto monarch as he couldn’t meet up with ransom

    Finally, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa in Sokoto State has been brutally k!lled by bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanised.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG had earlier reported how he had pleaded for help to pay the ransom which expired last Wednesday.

    Idris4Peace, announced this tragic development via his X handle on Wednesday afternoon stating that bandits released a harrowing video showing the leader pleading for his life and desperately appealing to the government for assistance.

    The post read; “Sarkin Gobir, a traditional leader in Sokoto, was executed by deadly armed bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanised.

    Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raajiun. According to @bbchausa, Sarkin Gobir is confirmed dead. May Allah forgive his soul and punish his abductors.

    And to the government of Sokoto and particularly Gov. @Ahmedaliyuskt, weldone! It’s now over. If you tried your best, God knows. If… pic.twitter.com/9feXCOKuE5

    — UncleAnass (@UncleAnass) August 21, 2024
    “The bandits released a video showing the leader pleading for his life and appealing to the government for help.”

    Meanwhile, media had reported that, Bawa, who was abducted by terrorists, has cried out for help in a new video released by the gunmen.

    The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.

    “The bandits on sighting the Emir’s vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop,” Gobir, one of his sons had said.

    “The bandits abducted the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.”

    The abductors few days after the incident requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.

    In the video released online, the monarch speaking in the Hausa language narrated how they were kidnapped by the terrorists.

    He said their lives are in danger in the hands of their abductors, adding that they had been suffering in the forests where they are currently held.

    Pleading for help, he urged the government to urgently come to their rescue.

    Also in the video, one of the gunmen can be heard speaking in Hausa dictating to the victims what to say.

  • No ransom was paid to abductors of released Sokoto, Kaduna children – FG

    No ransom was paid to abductors of released Sokoto, Kaduna children – FG

    Federal Government did not pay ransom to secure the release of children abducted in Sokoto and Kaduna States earlier in March, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said on Monday in Abuja.

    He said at the end of a Federal Executive Council meeting that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear that no ransom should be paid to bandits and kidnappers so as not to encourage them.

    The minister reassured that the children had been reunited with their families safely and in good health as directed by the president.

    He said that Tinubu had also challenged security agencies to ensure that abductions and kidnappings were brought to an end in Nigeria.

    Idris said government was prepared to work with those ready to give advice that could end the dastardly acts, but would not spare those found complicit.

    “Mr President and cabinet members are happy to note that as promised, the children were rescued and reunited with their families and no ransom was paid.

    “The Federal Executive Council and Mr President are very grateful to, especially the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs and security agents who participated diligently in ensuring that this kidnapped children are reunited with their families.

    “Government is determined to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. Mr President has also charged security agencies to ensure that these kidnappings are brought to a halt finally in this country,’’ Idris said.

    He added that Tinubu had charged cabinet members and other government functionaries to fast-tract the delivery of government’s relief programmes such as the consumer credit scheme, students loans and other social programmes.

    In his remarks, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun said the president had approved the setting up of an Economic Management Team task force.

    The team would work for six months on economic revitalisation programmes of the administration, he said.

    Edun said Nigeria was already getting offers of Euro bond to finance government programmes, but no decision had been made on the offer.

  • Boko Haram releases 48 abducted Borno women after collecting N2.4 million ransom

    Boko Haram releases 48 abducted Borno women after collecting N2.4 million ransom

    Boko Haram terrorists on Thursday released about 48 women abducted from Maiwa and Shuwarin villages of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    It was gathered that the abducted women were released after a ransom of N2.4 million was paid to the terrorist.

    The release was made public by a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in Lake Chad, Zagazola Makama.

    Tweeting on Thursday, Makama said that the women were kidnapped on their farmlands on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

    Continuing, he said  the women were taken to an unknown destination after abduction from where Boko Haram demanded random.

    “On Wednesday, August 23, the women were released after paying N50,000 each as ransom to the terrorists,” Makama wrote.

    Makama also said that eight of the abducted women had earlier been released after paying N20,000 each as ransom.

  • 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.

  • Kidnappers demand N100m ransom for the release of Ondo monarch

    Kidnappers demand N100m ransom for the release of Ondo monarch

    Kidnappers have demanded N100m ransom for the release of Oba Clement Jimoh Olukotun, the traditional ruler of Oso Community in Ajowa-Akoko North West Local Council of Ondo state, Oloso of Oso.

    Recall that Oba Clement was kidnapped on Thursday, at his residence.

    The kidnappers made contact with Oba Clement’s family members to make a demand for their ransom.

    Meanwhile, the members of the community have appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and relevant authorities to help in rescuing their monarch from his abductors.

    A source disclosed that the combined forces of the police and local hunters have begun intensive combing of the forest from Ajowa to Kogi borders to ensure that they secure the traditional ruler.

    “We received a call early today. One of the family members received the call. We can now confirm that the Invaders were kidnappers,” the source said.

    “They demanded a sum of N100m as a ransom for Kabiyesi to be let off the hook. Where can we get such a huge amount? This is beyond our reach.

    “We are pleading with the Ondo State government, leaders of Akoko Northwest Local Council, and other Nigerians to help us out so that Kabiyesi can be released sound and safe from where he was being held captive.” the source added.

  • [Video] Kidnappers kill farmer in Ekiti after collecting ransom

    [Video] Kidnappers kill farmer in Ekiti after collecting ransom

    Ojo Jubril and Job Mathew, have confessed to the killing of a farmer Segun Adams, in Ekiti state after receiving a ransom payment of N1.5 million naira.

    it was gathered the victim was kidnapped on his farm at Kajola, a farmstead in Ado Ekiti.

    The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Sunday Ayemoni, while parading the suspects and six others on Friday, November 25, told newsmen that the culprits were involved in kidnapping, murder, conspiracy and armed robbery.

    “On November 23, 2022, at about 3:30pm, while the command operatives were on a rescue operation inside Ijan – Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area’s forest, they arrested two notorious kidnappers namely; Ojo Jubril and Job Matthew,” he stated.

    “Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that they kidnapped one Adams Segun, 55 years, in his Kajola Farm settlement, Ijan-Ekiti on November 16th, 2022.

    “The suspects confessed to various kidnappings in Ekiti State and mentioned one Daniel Matthew, Busuyi Popoola, and Daniel, second name unknown as their accomplices.

    “They confessed further that they were responsible for the killing of a Adams Segun, one of their kidnap victims.”

    Ayemoni said exhibits such as one cut-to-size single barrel and expended cartridge, were recovered from the arrested suspects.

    In a video trending online the suspects said they collected N1.5m ransom and later killed Adams because he recognised one of them.

    See video below:

     

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