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Kidnapping: N350m paid as ransom indictment on Soludo, security agencies – Ogbu
A human rights advocate, Charles Ogbu, has described the SBM Intelligence report ranking Anambra State as the headquarters of kidnapping as a huge indictment on Governor Charles Soludo, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies.
The statement comes after the SBM Intelligence report stated that 27 out of Nigeria’s 36 states recorded ransom payments to kidnappers between July 2023 and July 2024, with Anambra State recording the highest ransom paid at N350 million.
Reacting to the development, Ogbu lamented that there is hardly a day that someone is not kidnapped in the state, including clerics, businessmen, and students.
In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, Ogbu alleged that everyone who lives in the state knows about the issue but has chosen to be silent about it.
He, therefore, urged Soludo not to wait for President Bola Tinubu, stressing that the governor needs to step up before the people lose one of the most important parts of Igbo land to criminals.
Ogbu’s words: “As Anambra Becomes Nigeria’s Kidnapping Capital:
“Yesterday, the SBM Intelligence report covering July 2023 to July 2024 ranked Anambra as the headquarters of ransom-for-kidnapping in the country, with around N350 million paid by Anambra victims to kidnappers, with many killed even after the ransom was paid. This is far ahead of the second-placed Rivers, which recorded N67 million in ransom payments by victims of kidnapping.
“This is a huge indictment on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies and, above all, the Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led government in the state.
“Just last week Wednesday, a man who parked his car to buy suya close to the G.R.A gate ran into the local government secretariat right opposite that popular suya joint, but the kidnappers followed him right inside the secretariat and still took him. That same week, just a small traffic jam from Sea Breeze Hotel after Sharon Hall to that 33 Road close to the G.R.A gate, saw gunmen diligently robbing almost all the cars in the traffic.
“There is hardly a day that someone is not kidnapped in the state, from reverend fathers to businessmen to students. No one is spared.
“The worst part is that everyone who lives in the state knows about this, but there appears to be a conspiracy of silence on this issue.
“To develop AlaIgbo and encourage Aku-Ruo-Uno, we must be ready to call out special cases of this nature and put pressure on the governor and those in charge to do something. Silence DOES NOT CUT IT!
“Soludo should not wait for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clearly ‘no send anybody.’ Before Mr. Peter Obi’s tenure, Anambra was a no-go area, but he came in and tackled it squarely. Soludo needs to step up before we lose one of the most important parts of AlaIgbo to criminals.”
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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