News
Concerns as mass abduction persists in Nigeria
Last week, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State. The students, who were on their way to Enugu State for a conference, have since been rescued, with the government accounting that no ransom was paid.
This is the latest of such mass abductions under President Bola Tinubu.
The first major case of mass abduction in the country was the kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014, followed by the Dapchi girls.
In the past couple of years, there has been a surge in kidnapping for ransom across the country, particularly in the North-West.
Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, mass abductions thrived, particularly in schools.
Mr Tinubu, who was sworn in in 2023, had promised to end “terrorism and general insecurity” in the country.
However, DAILY POST reports that banditry and kidnapping for ransom have continued to thrive.
In November last year, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urged security heads to stem the tide of insecurity and launched the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell.
In this report, DAILY POST reviews some of the major mass abductions in the last few months, highlighting the government’s inability to curb the menace of mass abduction.
287 Pupils of Kuriga
On March 7, 2024, a criminal gang kidnapped 287 pupils at a government secondary school in Kuriga, a town in Kaduna State.
Suspected bandits stormed the school and abducted the students. The abductors then demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the pupils.
While the government openly claimed zero tolerance towards ransom payment, concerns remain as to how the government secured the release of the children after two weeks.
24 Students of the University of Gusau
In September 2023, bandits stormed the Federal University of Gusau and abducted 24 students and staff from the school.
The students spent over seven months in captivity before they were released by their captors.
It is unclear whether the government paid a ransom for the release of the victims.
61 People in Kajuru
Days after the Kuriga abduction, gunmen stormed Kajuru, abducting 87 persons.
The attack on Kajuru and the abduction bore some resemblance to the attack on Kuriga, which experts believe was a move by bandits to further consolidate their hold on Kaduna State.
The bandits later released some of the captives; however, it is unclear whether any ransom was paid.
17 Abducted in Gidan Bakuso
On March 9, 2024, gunmen abducted 15 children from an Islamic school in Sokoto.
Additionally, an armed group broke into the dormitory of a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso, Sokoto State, kidnapping 17 students.
Five Students, Three Teachers Abducted in Ekiti
In January 2024, gunmen abducted five pupils, three teachers, and a driver from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State.
They were returning from Eporo-Ekiti. They spent six days in captivity before being released. The police later arrested some suspects believed to have masterminded the abduction.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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