The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abduction

  • Kidnappers kill solider, abduct two expatriates in Bayelsa

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, Tuesday, killed a soldier and abducted two expatriates along Ogbia – Nembe Road, Bayelsa State.

    It was gathered that the soldier was killed in gun duel between security operatives attached to the expatriates and the gunmen.

    The operatives were said to have tried to stop the abduction but were overpowered by the gunmen.

    The incident, which occurred at about 8am was said to have caused pandemonium on the road.

    A source who spoke in confidence said the expatriates and the security operatives ran into an ambush laid by the kidnappers.

    The security operatives were attached as security details to the expatriates working with Setraco Construction Company. They came under heavy fire from the bushes. It was an ambush but they did not notice,” he said.

    Some of the Indigenes of Nembe kingdom, who were returning to Yenagoa by road reportedly, witnessed the incident.

    A driver who identified himself simple as Monday, said: “it was a movie scene. The soldiers were shooting and the armed men were shooting. We later saw signs of blood everywhere when the soldiers removed the blood soaked colleague and some expatriates.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Asinim Butswat, could not be reached for confirmation at the time of filing the report.

     

  • Army appeals for information on kidnapped officer

    Army appeals for information on kidnapped officer

    The Nigerian Army on Monday appealed to Nigerians with useful information that can lead to the rescue of its kidnapped officer Colonel Samaila Inusa to make such available to any military formation.

    According to the Nigerian Army Acting Director of Public Relations Colonel Sani Usman, the kidnapped officer who is serving in the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji was abducted around Kamazo near NNPC Junction, Kaduna at about 7.30pm on Saturday 26 March, 2016.

    The Spokesman said the abductors dropped off his wife and left with him in his car towards Abuja.

    “Anyone with useful information or assistance to assist in tracking these abductors should get across to us on the following telephone numbers 08033865572, 08030489203, 08023445961, 08058130703. They drove in a Mercedes car with registration number KUJ 154TZ,” he concluded.

  • Adamawa Police rescue three abducted children

    Adamawa Police rescue three abducted children

    The Adamawa Police Command, has confirmed the rescue of three children abducted by a gang of kidnappers in the state.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Othman Abubakar, who made the disclosure at a press briefing on Thursday in Yola, said that the three suspects were killed.

    He said that the operation was carried out by the police with the support of the famous crime fighter Alhaji Ali Kwara.

    The police spokesman said that eight AK 47 rifles, one RPG, 477 rounds of ammunitions and some amount of local and foriegn currencies were recovered from the suspects.

    During the briefing, N500, 000 collected as ransom by the kidnappers were handed over to the father of the three abducted children, Alhaji Grema Degereji.

    Degereji thanked the police and Kwara for rescuing his children and recovering the ransom money.

    Speaking to reporters, Kwara decried the activities of some local vigilante members, who he accused of involving in criminal activities.

    He said that his investigation had revealed that many vigilante members were “repentant robbers,” who hide under the cover of the voluntary organisation to engage in criminal activities such as kidnappings and cattle rustling.

    “The person behind this kidnap is a so called repentant armed robber who hide under the cover of being a vigilante member,” Kwara said.

     

  • Jonathan visits freed foster father, laments kidnapping

    Jonathan visits freed foster father, laments kidnapping

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Wednesday, lamented increasing trend of abductions for ransom across the country particularly in the Niger Delta region.

    Jonathan was said to have condemned kidnapping when he visited the home of his freed foster father, Chief Nitabai Inegite, who regained freedom after spending about a month in kidnappers’ den.

    It was gathered that the former President paid the visit in the company of some prominent traditional rulers from his Otuoke community in Ogbia Local Government Area.

    He reportedly appealed to security agencies to stem the tide by doubling their efforts.

    Relieving his ordeals, Inegite, said though he was not maltreated by his abductors, he was happy to be home.

    He expressed sadness over the killing of his nephew Samuel Oki by the kidnappers.

    He said he appealed to the kidnappers, who stormed his residence on two speedboats, to leave Oki alone.

    Inengite who said he was not aware that they later killed his nephew, thanked his sympathisers.

    King Lot Ogiasa, Paramount ruler Otuoke, King Lawson the clan head of Ogbia kingdom of chiefs were among the traditional rulers who accompanied the former President.

    Inengite who was abducted on February 17, was on Tuesday released from captivity.

  • Ese, mum on way to Bayelsa

    Ese, mum on way to Bayelsa

    Ese Oruru and her mother, Rose, are on their way to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State after departing the Port-Harcourt Airport, Rivers State.

    Charles Oruru, the father of Ese who spoke to our correspondent said they were close to the state capital.

    “They have left Port-Harcourt Airport. They are already close to Yenagoa. We are expecting them,” he said.

    Though the father said he was not aware of the first port of call for Ese, it was gathered that they might stop briefly at the Government House before proceeding with their journey.

  • Abducted school girls: Kidnappers demand N200million ransom

    Abducted school girls: Kidnappers demand N200million ransom

    The kidnappers of three girls from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary (BMJS) have demanded N200 million as ransom.

    Timilehin Olisa, Tofunmi Popoolaniyan and Deborah Akinayo, all SS2 students were whisked away at about 9:30pm on Monday from their classroom while they were having prep.

    Timilehin, it was learnt is the daughter of the State’s Anglican School Management Board.

    It was learnt that the kidnappers contacted the father of one of the girls on Tuesday, demanding N200 million in exchange of the three students.

    They were said to have gotten the number of the man they contacted from his daughter, and allegedly made it known that their target was the school.

    It was learnt that the criminals’ first call to the man was ended abruptly and they called him again to pass their massage.

    This development was said to have provoked an emergency meeting between the school’s management, victims’ parents and security agencies led by the Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, which lasted till the early hours of Wednesday.

    Three other meetings were held between 11am and 4:15pm with the school authorities, the combat squads and heads of intelligence agencies.

    However, it could not be ascertained if the school would negotiate with the kidnappers, although they were expecting their call at the time of filing this report.

    Meanwhile The Nation learnt that security agencies have been completely surrounded the school.

    It was gathered that the suspects’ location have been identified and several crack teams of military personnel, police and DSS and the local vigilante group known as ‘Oyabo’ have been deployed into their hideout.

    The Nation also learnt that the criminals were still within Lagos and shocked to a corner.

    It was learnt that the parents and teachers have intensified prayers for the release of the girls, just as academic activities did not start until past 10am.

    As at 4pm, normalcy has however returned to the premises, save for the heavy presence of security men around the administrative block and outside the school gate.
    Some parents who spoke on condition of anonymity blamed the management of the school for lack of adequate security.

    They said on various occasions, the school management was advised to raise the school fence at the School of Science and Technology, but their suggestion was ignored.

    But the school principal, Venerable Olaoluwa Adeyemi who looked very disturbed vented his anger on reporters whom he accused of sabotaging rescue efforts.

    CP Owoseni also put forward the same line of argument, telling journalists who were within the premises to go as information will be communicated to them in due time.

    Adeyemi exploded after several pressures from reporters on him to comment on the issue.

    He said: “The girls have not been found till this moment and why do you want me to start addressing the press? Is that the only job we are going to do all day? People are busy searching for the girls while you are busy asking questions.

    “You cannot keep disturbing us here all you need do is to join us in prayers. Honestly, you people are not helping matters. Infact, you’re adding to the problem by disturbing what people could have done at the right time.

    “The Deputy governor was here and we recounted the whole issue in her presence and the press men asked various questions. Both the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police has addressed the press but for everybody to be coming here as if this place is a pilgrimage area is not good enough.

    “Let us respect people and the situation, let us look for solution but everybody just want something they will go out there and broadcast the wrong thing even Channels Television did not report the right thing.”

  • Ese: My son hasn’t committed any crime – Inuwa’s Father

    Ese: My son hasn’t committed any crime – Inuwa’s Father

    Alhaji Dahiru Bala (55), father of 25-years old Inuwa Dahiru Bala (otherwise known as Yunusa aka Yellow) who abducted 14-year old Ese Rita Oruru spoke from Tofa, his village in Kura Local Government Area of Kano state, Wednesday, insisting that his son committed no crime and should be set free.

    Alhaji Bala told reporters who traveled about 40 kilometres from Kano to Tofa village that Ese voluntarily followed his son out of love and affection.

    “The girl fell in love with my son and followed my son. Let them release my son because he has not committed any crime by following his heart,” he added.

    However, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman (50), Dagaci Tofa (Village Head of Tofa) faulted Inuwa’s action for keeping the girl after the instruction of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad 11, describing the action as unIslamic.

    Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman also gave a graphic account how the girl was converted to Islam and was taken to the Emir of Kano for endorsement, but added that the Emir refused to endorse the marriage because the girl (Ese) in question was a teenager and could not decide for herself without the consent of her parents.

    According to the Village Head of Tofa town: “What I know about the story is that there was a time that boy, Inuwa Dahiru Bala, a native of this village, came with the girl in question whom I learnt her name is Ese Oruru. They came here sometime last year; and Inuwa brought her to me.

    “When he told me what he wanted to do—that is, getting married to the girl; I told him I don’t have the power to join them as husband and wife. So, I decided to take them to the Hakimi (District Head) of Tofa.

    “The Hakimi took the issue to the Liman (Islamic scholar) of our village where the conversion of the girl from Christianity to Islam was performed. From there, we headed straight to the Emir’s Palace to intimate him on the development; but unfortunately, the Emir was not around at that time. We met the then Wambai Kano (Abbas Sanusi, now Galadiman Kano).

    “The Wambai Kano instructed us to take them to Sharia’ah Commission; so, at Sharia’ah Commission, the issue was further discussed—the parents of the girl were invited to Sharia’ah Commission. The parents wanted to take the girl back to Bayelsa, but they could not.

    “Then, the next day being a Friday, we went back to the Emir’s Palace and we were asked to come back on Monday (after the weekend). When we came back to the Emir’s Palace that Monday, we waited a long time for representatives from the Sharia’ah Commission, but they delayed us to the extent that the Emir, Sanusi Muhammad 11, got tired and left for other official engagements.

    “So, when the Emir left, the Police who came along with the parents of the girl had no choice than to leave for other official duties. However, the Emir delegated power to Wambai Kano who spoke on behalf of the Emirate Council and informed us that the girl being less than 16 years of age should be given out for marriage without the consent of her parents.

    “Having been informed on the position of the Emirate Council on the issue, Wambai Kano gave us a letter stating the position of the Emirate Council and instructed us to deliver it to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 1, including Inuwa and the girl.  We delivered the letter to the AIG and gave him a message that the Emir instructed that the girl should be repatriated to Bayelsa where her parents lives. So, after delivering the letter and the two children to the AIG, that was where I stopped playing any role, believing that the AIG will handle the matter as instructed by the Emir.

    “However, I must say that Tofa people are not happy with this development and we condemn the action of our son, Inuwa. Now, I must tell you that it was wrong for Inuwa to have brought the girl back to this village after the Emir of Kano has given his verdict that the girl be repatriated back to her people. It is not in our character to do this kind of thing.

    “So, I must declare that Inuwa’s character was unIslamic and totally unacceptable by the people of Tofa village who have high regard to our religion, constituted authorities and the revered throne of Sarkin Kano, Sanusi Muhammad 11. Inuwa has cheated the people of Tofa; he has smeared our name and the name of Kano state, even that of Nigeria.

    “My advice to the young ones is that whenever they want to get married from any part of the country, they should properly follow the channels, tradition, customs and norms of the people. The reunion of the girl with the parents is the best option in this issue and Tofa people align themselves with this decision, because since the Emir’s verdict on the issue, all that we have been fighting for is that the girl be returned back to her parents.”

    The Nation also gathered that Inuwa Dahiru Bala (25) who was born and brought up in Tofa village, traveled to Bayelsa state in search of job.

  • Ese can’t fall in love now – father

    Ese can’t fall in love now – father

    Charles Oruru, the father of Ese, Tuesday, said there was no way his 14-year-old daughter could fall in love with anybody including the Kano-born Yinusa alias Yeloow.

    He insisted that his daughter is a minor with the desire to pursue her secondary school education and not to fall in love with anybody as being insinuated in some quarters.

    Speaking to the Nation in his Opolo home, Oruru said his daughter had not yet mastered the act of bathing herself well much less thinking of loving someone.

    He said if his daughter returned, he would first take her to church for thanksgiving and later to a hospital for a proper medical check.

    He said: “I don’t think a thirteen year old girl who is just in her early puberty stage will do something like that. A girl that does not know how to bath well so I don’t believe such.

    “I don’t think I will allow her to assist her mother in the restaurant again because we don’t know the plans of the people that first abducted her.

    “When she comes back I will first task her to church then she will continue with her secondary school education. I will also take her to a hospital where she will be checked properly.                        

    “Ese is my youngest daughter. I like her so much because she is a very brave girl and very hardworking. She is young but still has a heart of her own; that has been her system of living.

    “Nobody deprives her of anything; of her freedom and nobody has offended her so running away from home is not ordinary. 

    “I know my children they don’t go out without our knowledge or obtaining permission from us. Moreover she didn’t go with any of her properties; all her clothes are still intact.”

  • Dickson pledges to rehabilitate Ese Oruru

    Dickson pledges to rehabilitate Ese Oruru

    The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, Tuesday, regretted the abduction of 14 year-old, Ese Oruru, from Yenagoa to Kano where she was forced into marriage.

    The governor also called on parents and guardians “to be extremely vigilant, especially in the monitoring of the activities of their children, with a view to ensuring that, they do not fall victim to the antics of mischief makers.”

    Dickson in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, condemned the entire action.

    He expressed satisfaction with the various individuals, non-governmental and civil society groups for bringing the matter to national and international focus.

    He said the government was prepared to support every effort to re-uniting Ese Oruru with her family in Yenagoa, and ensuring her proper rehabilitation and reintegration into the society to resume her normal life.

    He commended the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, for the role he played in ensuring the release of the victim.

    Dickson also applauded security agencies for handling the matter with swiftness and professionalism.

    He thanked the Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, for ensuring the safety of Ese and eventual handing over to the Police in Kano.

    “The government and people of Bayelsa State will remain eternally grateful to all those, who contributed in one way or the other in giving the issue the desired attention,” he said.

  • Togolese abducts one month-old baby in Lagos

    A yet-to-be-identified Togolese woman has reportedly fled with a month-old baby identified as Mustapha Ibrahim.

    The incident occurred at 14, Ago Street, Okokomaiko in Ojo, a Lagos district on February 20, at about 3pm.

    It was gathered that the woman who was brought to the compound by another Togolese identified as Sekinat, was introduced to the baby’s parents as Sekinat’s elder sister,
    but the said Sekinat who it was learnt had lived in the compound with Mr. and Mrs. Ganiyu Ibrahim, the parents of the kidnapped baby, denied knowing the suspect before policemen.

    She was said to have told detectives that she met the woman at Trade Fair International Market on Febraury 19, and assisted her because she needed a place to sleep, but while Mustapha’s mother was having her bath, the suspect carried the sleeping baby and fled.

    It was learnt that efforts to locate the suspect and the baby in Lagos have not been successful,  such that the police have notified the Interpol on the issue.

    Recounting her ordeal, Mrs. Ibrahim said: “Before the incident, Sekinat whom we call aunty, brought the lady and introduced her to us as her elder sister. I allowed her to play with my baby. A few minutes later, she handed my son to me and left.

    “The following day, Sekinat left around 7am for Alaba International Market, where she runs a food canteen. She left her elder sister at home with the baby. When I discovered the suspect was still in Sekinat’s room, I didn’t entertain any fear due to the earlier introduction made by Sekinat.

    “Around 3pm, my son fell asleep. I decided to quickly bath. When I returned to my room, I discovered that my baby was not where I left him.

    “Immediately, I raised alarm. My neighbours informed me that they saw a lady with a baby. They didn’t stop her because they thought the baby was her son. All effort to trace her proved abortive.”

    When contacted, the state command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police said the case has been transferred to the Gender Desk Unit of the command.

    She stated that efforts were in top gear to track the suspect and recover the child, adding that the Interpol department of the police force has been involved.

    Badmos assured that the child will soon be reunited with his parents, just as she warned parents to stop entrusting strangers with their wards.