The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Bandits demand N100m ransom for each of Eruku kidnapped victims

    Bandits demand N100m ransom for each of Eruku kidnapped victims

    • Gunmen abduct four in another attack on Kwara community

    Suspected kidnappers of over 30 worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Eruku in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have placed a N100 million ransom on the head of each of the victims.

    It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers have started contacting the families of the victims who were taken away during a church service on Tuesday.

    A community leader and Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, whose four relatives were among the victims, confirmed the development yesterday.

    Olukotun said he was in the church with five of his family members when the incident occurred.

    The community leader said he and one of his wards escaped the attack around 6:06 p.m through the church’s window.

    “From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they (kidnappers) have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the group.

    “Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100 million for each person. But as regards my people, I have not received any call. So, I am still waiting,” he said.

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    Olukotun, who expressed gratitude to the government, particularly Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for identifying with the community, also appealed for more security presence in Eruku, being a boundary community between Kogi and Kwara states.

    Barely 24 hours after the attack on the church in Eruku community, suspected bandits reportedly abducted four rice farmers at Bokungi Village in Edu Local Government Area.

    Sources said the latest incident occurred on Wednesday evening while the victims were working on their rice farms during the peak of the harvest season.

    According to a community source, the attackers arrived suddenly and surrounded the farmers as they were gathering their harvested rice.

    “It has been confirmed that bandits struck again at Bokungi under the Lafiagi Emirate.

    “Four people were abducted. Information is still trickling in,” the source said.

    Residents said the gunmen operated for several minutes without resistance, forcing the farmers into the nearby bush before whisking them away to an unknown destination.

    The residents complained about rising insecurity in Edu Local Government Area, which has left several farming settlements deserted.

    Farmers fear attacks during the harvest period — a time when they were most vulnerable on the fields.

    The Kwara State Police Command and the state government are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of last night.

  • NAF jets hit terrorist hideout in Sambisa forest

    NAF jets hit terrorist hideout in Sambisa forest

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets have bombed a terrorist hideout in Sambisa Forest, killing several terrorists and destroying their camp.

    The strikes came days after terrorists ambushed and killed two soldiers and two Civilians JTF along Damboa axis of Borno State. NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement.

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    He said the strikes were conducted yesterday within the Sambisa, after a series of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions that tracked terrorist movements, following the October 17 ambush on ground troops at Kashomri.

    “Persistent ISR coverage over Kashomri and Sambisa revealed suspicious activities and active terrorist structures at ARRA, prompting a deliberate, intelligence-driven strike.

  • Alleged $1.043m fraud: Court declines bail for Ajudua

    Alleged $1.043m fraud: Court declines bail for Ajudua

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday refused bail application filed by Fred Ajudua seeking the order of the court to release him on health grounds.

    Justice Mojisola Dada took the decision while ruling on the bail application filed by Ajudua before her court

    Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly obtaining the sum of $1,043,000 from a Palestinian, Zad Abu Zalaf, in fraudulent circumstances. 

    The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    Justice Dada, while delivering the ruling on his bail application, said there was no new circumstance in the two medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) by the defendant that could have warranted the court to grant him bail.

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    Dada held that the said medical reports did not show that LUTH could not manage the ailment of the defendant.

    The judge said there is nothing alarming in the application to warrant change in the circumstance of the defendant.

     “The application is unmeritorious and the application is hereby struck out,” Justice Dada held .

    Ajudua’s counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), thereafter, informed the court of an application dated November 17, challenging the competence of the third prosecution witness (pw3) to continue in his evidence.

  • Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary District 9111 to honour Adelusi- Adeluyi

    Rotary International District 9111 plans to honour the former Health Minister/Doyen of Past District Governors(PAGs), Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the 85th birthday of  him with a Dinner and Dance.

     In a statement, Rotary said the event themed, ‘’The Royal Gala’’, is billed for Saturday, November 29, this year at MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

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    According to the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, the event, which would also be attended by Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola and The Rotary Foundation Trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, would also witness the launch of The Rotary Foundation Named Gift Endowment in his honour.

     Akinyele added: “This dinner is more than a social gathering; it is an opportunity to make a difference.

  • ‘Mad man’ stabs Civil Defence officer to death

    ‘Mad man’ stabs Civil Defence officer to death

    Tragedy struck yesterday at Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State after a “mentally deranged” man allegedly stabbed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to death.

    The Nation gathered that the incident occurred when the deceased officer, whose identity had yet to be known, attempted to restrain the violent suspect who had been causing unrest in the community.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect’s mother had invited two NSCDC operatives to help manage her son, who had reportedly battled severe mental illness for years.

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    One eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation escalated when one of the officers attempted to chain the man to prevent further disturbances.

    He said during the struggle that ensued, the suspect allegedly overpowered the officer, seized his knife, and stabbed him multiple times.

    “The boy (mentally deranged) suddenly became violent. He struggled with the officer, took his knife, and stabbed him several times. It was shocking because the officer was armed, yet he could not prevent the attack,” the witness said.

  • Police deny alleged bandit attack in Osun

    Police deny alleged bandit attack in Osun

    The Osun State Police Command on Thursday denied the claim on social media that suspected bandit attacked motorists along Osogbo/Iwo road on Wednesday night. 

    The command through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi in a statement asserted there was no herdsmen attack or any form of criminal assault along the road on the date in question.

    He explained the incident insinuated as attack was accident involving two vehicles that hit each other along the route. 

    According to him: “On 18th November, 2025, at about 12:30 PM a Toyota Sienna vehicle hit the rear of a bungle bus with registration number EPE 449 YLY around the Gbongan axis. The bus was en route from Benin, Edo State, to Osogbo, with male occupants as the driver and co-driver, respectively. 

    “The collision damaged the Toyota Sienna’s bumper, but the occupants of the bus, believing nothing was wrong with their own vehicle, refused to stop and continued their journey. The Toyota Sienna driver, aggrieved by the refusal of the bus to stop and the visible damage to the bumper of his vehicle, raised an alarm and mobilized people along the road, accusing the two brothers in the bus of being kidnappers and thieves.”

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    He stated that the false alarm triggered angry mob that pursued and eventually blocked the bus, confirming “The mob attacked the two occupants and vandalized the vehicle while attempting to lynch them.”

    ‎
    “Fortunately, a good Samaritan who is also a local hunter from Gaa Saidu Ikofin in Ola-Oluwa LGA, intervened, rescued the victims, and conveyed them along with their damaged bus to Iwo Divisional Police Headquarters for safety. 

    “The mob trailed them to the station, creating serious tension. The Divisional Police Officer immediately called for reinforcement from Osogbo, and tactical teams were swiftly deployed to restore calm.
    ‎
     “The victims are presently safe and in protective custody. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest members of the mob involved in the vandalism and attempted jungle justice.”

    Ojelabi condemned the false alarms and spread of unverified information capable of causing panic and endangering lives.

  • Tragedy as ‘mad man’ overpowers, stabs civil defence officer to death in Ondo 

    Tragedy as ‘mad man’ overpowers, stabs civil defence officer to death in Ondo 

    Tragedy struck on Thursday at Oba-Ile in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State after a “mentally deranged” man allegedly stabbed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to death.

    The Nation gathered that the incident occurred when the deceased officer, whose identity had yet to be disclosed, attempted to restrain the violent suspect who had been causing unrest in the community.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect’s mother had invited two NSCDC operatives to help manage her son, who had reportedly battled severe mental illness for years.

    One eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said the situation escalated when one of the officers attempted to chain the man to prevent further disturbances.

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    He said during the struggle that ensued, the suspect allegedly overpowered the officer, seized his knife, and stabbed him multiple times.

    “The boy (mentally deranged) suddenly became violent. He struggled with the officer, took his knife, and stabbed him several times. It was shocking because the officer was armed, yet he could not prevent the attack,” the witness said. 

    He further noted that the severely injured officer was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival due to the deep wounds he sustained.

    A spokesman for the NSCDC in the state, Daniel Aidamenbor, confirmed the sad incident when contacted via his phone. 

    Aidamenbor said the officers had been trying to restrain the suspect with the intention of taking him to a psychiatric hospital for treatment when the attack occurred.

    He, however, described the incident as a tragic development that happened during efforts to safeguard both the suspect and members of the community.

  • Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal barriers

    Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal barriers

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, Prof. Olayinka Karim, have challenged Muslim women to transcend societal, economic and cultural barriers.

    The duo and others made the call at The Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions International Conference at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

    The conference had the theme: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges”.

    Hamzat blamed social challenges on breakdown of value system and neglect of morality, urging Nigerians to renew commitment to good parenting.

    The deputy governor said that moral decline in Nigeria was a direct reflection of poor parenting and erosion of discipline in homes.

    He said that values such as respect, honesty and hard work must become the foundation of family life.

    The deputy governor emphasised the need to take care of the family unit.

    He said: “No nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens. The future of any nation depends on the youth, because they are the future leaders. If we don’t make conscious efforts to develop and train them on our culture, beliefs and value system, then the nation will run into trouble. The most important unit in any society is the family, and if that is broken, then everything is lost.”

    Citing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Hamzat said that it was no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding the family together.

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    According to him, every strong society is built on good homes and responsible parenting.

    He urged organisations such as the Criterion to continue to partner with the state government in initiatives that would strengthen families, uplift women and nurture the next generation of leaders.

    Hamzat said that through its Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, Lagos State Government was addressing challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises.

    He said that while the initiative supported all entrepreneurs, the resilience of women-owned enterprises had inspired the government’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.

    According to Hamzat, data shows that 79 per cent of successful businesses are owned by women.

    He said it prompted the state to focus on supporting and strengthening women-led enterprises.

    He added that the government provided not only grants but also essential training on bookkeeping, employee management and access to capital.

    According to him, this ensures entrepreneurs will understand how to sustain and expand their businesses.

    Prof. Karim, said the conference would help women to increase in knowledge, faith and resilience, as well as lead with dignity and purpose.

    Karim, who was represented by the immediate past World Women Affairs Secretary of Nasfat, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, said that education was the foundation of empowerment.

    She said: “Through technology, women can learn, innovate and lead from anywhere.

    “Empowering women, especially Muslim women in agriculture and fisheries, as Islam explains, means empowering families, communities and the nation.

    “Digital literacy for women is not optional; it is a religious responsibility and a national necessity.

    “We must bridge the gap by investing in affordable internet, digital tools and STEM education for women and girls. When a woman learns, she lifts a generation.”

    On economic instability, unemployment and moral decline in Nigeria, the don said that women must revive faith-driven cultural models promoting community, charity, hard work and modesty.

    She said that breaking the glass ceiling should not be rebellion, but a revelation.

    “It is about rediscovering the purpose Allah placed within every woman – to nurture, to lead, to enlighten and to build.”

    Earlier, the International Ameerah of the Criterion, Alhaja Medinat Akanni, said that the theme of the conference was apt and resonated with the present economic situation facing women all over the world,

    Akanni said that the aim of the association was to encourage, promote and foster the spirit of Islamic sisterhood, peace, development and economic stability.

    “The theme of the event illustrates the economic situation facing women not only in Nigeria but the world at large,” she said.

  • Four injured, baby rescued in multi-vehicle crash in Lagos

    Four injured, baby rescued in multi-vehicle crash in Lagos

    An eight-month-old baby was rescued unhurt on Thursday after a multi-vehicle crash at Otedola, inward Tollgate, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, which left four pedestrians seriously injured.

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed that the accident, which occurred in the early hours, involved four vehicles: a Hydra truck (APP 261 FA), an LT commercial bus (EPE 574 YC), a Ford vehicle (GG 283 XQ), and an unregistered Mark flat-body truck.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims—four pedestrians, including a woman carrying the infant on her back—were attempting to cross the expressway when they were struck by the LT commercial bus, reportedly travelling at high speed. The impact triggered a chain reaction that led to collisions involving the other vehicles.

    LASTMA officers at the scene swiftly rescued the baby, who emerged unscathed despite the severity of the crash. The four adult victims sustained serious injuries and were immediately stabilised before being taken to the Lagos State Accident & Emergency Centre near Tollgate for urgent medical attention.

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    Police personnel from the Alausa Division provided security and supported the rescue operation, ensuring order as emergency teams worked to clear the heavily trafficked corridor.

    According to LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq, all damaged vehicles were promptly removed to restore normal traffic flow and prevent prolonged gridlock on the busy expressway.

    LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed sympathy for the victims and wished them a speedy recovery.

    He further issued a warning to pedestrians, urging them to use pedestrian bridges provided across major highways, stressing that crossing high-speed roads remains a deadly and needless risk.

  • King’s Trust names Aigboje, wife, co-chairs of Africa advisory board

    King’s Trust names Aigboje, wife, co-chairs of Africa advisory board

    King’s Trust International (KTI) has appointed prominent businessman and financial sector reform advocate Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, and his wife, lawyer and philanthropist Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, as the new co-chairs of its Africa advisory board.

    The couple succeeds founding co-chairs Bernard and Genevieve Mensah, who are stepping down after six years.

    KTI said the leadership transition marks a new phase in its strategy to widen partnerships and deepen the reach of its education, employability, and entrepreneurship programmes for African youth.

    Since launching operations on the continent in 2016, the organisation has supported more than 30,000 young people across nine countries, recording an 83% success rate in helping participants secure employment or return to education within three months of completing its programmes.

    The Africa Advisory Board was created to guide the organisation’s expansion, strengthen networks, mobilise resources, and shape initiatives that respond to the continent’s unique youth development challenges.

    With more than 60% of Africa’s population under 25, KTI emphasised that tackling youth unemployment and underemployment remains central to its mission.

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    Under the new leadership, the Board is expected to champion the scaling of high-impact programmes that equip young people with critical skills to gain employment or launch their own businesses.

    The Aig-Imoukhuede duo brings decades of experience in financial services, public-sector reform, philanthropy, and cross-sector partnerships.

    “We are honoured to take on this role at a pivotal time for Africa’s future. Our mission is to unlock the potential and creativity of Africa’s youth, nurturing a generation that will lead sustainable development across the continent.

    “We look forward to collaborating with partners who share our commitment to transforming lives through education, opportunity, and innovation,” said Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede.

    KTI Chief Executive Officer Will Straw paid tribute to the outgoing Co-Chairs, noting that Bernard and Genevieve have provided exceptional and visionary leadership that has been instrumental in establishing and growing KTI’s presence and impact across Africa. Their dedication over the past six years has laid a strong and lasting foundation for our work on the continent. We are delighted that they will both continue to contribute their valuable expertise as members of the Africa Advisory Board.”

    Straw expressed confidence in the new leadership.

    “As we look to the future, we are excited to take our impact to the next level with Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede. Their extensive experience, deep commitment, and visionary approach will be vital in scaling our programmes and achieving even greater impact for young people across Africa. Together, we will drive forward innovative solutions that empower the next generation to learn, earn, and thrive throughout the continent”, he said.