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Tag: Abductors

  • Abductors demand N200m to free Lagos PDP chair, others

    Abductors demand N200m to free Lagos PDP chair, others

    Abductors of the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Aivoji, yesterday demanded N200 million for his release.

    Aivoji, The Nation learnt, was abducted around the Ogere section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while returning from a stakeholders’ meeting in Oyo State convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke.

    His abduction alongside some party chieftains was confirmed by the State PDP Publicity Secretary, Hon. Hakeem Amode.

    Amode, in a statement, called upon security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure the release of the party chairman.

    He said: “It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.

    Read Also: No bail for kidnappers under my watch, Wike declares

    “The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace. Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remains unknown.

    “We implore the governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers.

    “We firmly believe that, with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals, and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”

  • Abductors demand N5m for journalist’s wife’s release

    Suleiman Abubakar,  the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chairman, Correspondents’Chapel, Nasarawa State, has said the gunmen, who attacked him and abducted his wife, Yahanasu, demanded N5 million for her release.

    Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lafia that the abductors on Wednesday evening attacked him, his wife and three other women.

    He said he narrowly escaped from the bus, while the abductors went away with his wife and the other victims.

    He said the women were abducted by the gunmen, following attack on Gudi-Garaku Road in Akwanga Local Government, on their way to Lafia, the capital.

    According to Abubakar, the assailants shot at the union’s bus conveying himself and the victims from Keffi, where his wife had gone to register at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, at about 7p.m.

    “They called me this morning demanding N5 million in order to secure the release of my wife, however, I told them that I can only afford N50,000 and they said I was not serious.”

    “They also allowed my wife to speak with me on the phone to ascertain that she was alrigh, “ he said.

    “The bus ran into a ditch after being shot at while the gunmen swooped on us but I escaped while they took my wife and the other women.

    “One of the women is a wife of a former State House of Assembly member who they offered free ride.

    Meanwhile, ASP Samaila Usman, the Police Public Relations Officer  for the Police Command in the state, said that the command was working assiduously to secure the release of the victims unhurt

  • Abductors kill ex-militant’s brother, driver

    A former ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia, and his family spent the Yuletide in agony, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Ukparasia, known in the creeks as General Africa, was said to have buried his younger brother, Godgift Lagos and his (Lagos’) driver, Christopher Etima, during the festivities.

    It was gathered that the duo were killed in painful circumstances at Onuebum in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. They were shot dead by suspected kidnappers.

    The deceased were reportedly sent by the ex-militant leader to hand over ransom to the abductors to free a victim.  The hoodlums collected the ransom, but in an unexplained circumstance killed them.

    The abducted victim was said to be a family member of an unnamed official of the Bayelsa State Government. The victim was abducted in Patani, Delta State and taken to the Onuebum creeks in Bayelsa.

    Ukparasia took over the negotiation for the freedom of the victim.

    Sources said the police were kept in the dark throughout the process.

    “The ex-militant leader sent two persons and gave them a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to go to Onuebum and deliver the ransom to the kidnappers. We don’t know how much he agreed with the abductors.

    “After waiting in vain for the arrival of the men, he called their phones, but none of them answered. He then informed the police, who tracked them to the area, only to find them in a pool of blood inside the vehicle. Right now the whereabouts of the kidnapped victim are unknown”, a source, who spoke in confidence, said.

    Police spokesman Butswat Asinim confirmed the development.

    He said the two bodies were evacuated to the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

    Asinim, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the police had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.

    He said: “On December 16, about 0100 hrs, Lagos Godgift, male and his driver, Christopher Etima, male, went to pay ransom to kidnappers at Onuoebum, but they were killed by the suspected abductors at Onuoebum.

    “The scene was visited and the two bodies were deposited at FMC mortuary, Yenagoa. A black Toyota Sequoia Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) registered as LAGOS EKY 382 CZ was removed to Kolo Divisional Headquarters. The command has launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.”

    On December 22, Ukparasia and friends decided to bury the victims. First, they took the body of 35-year-old Christopher Etima, popularly called Biggie, to his hometown in Ikom, Cross River State. It was a solemn and tearful occasion. Crying and wailing filled the air as the body of the young man was brought to the community.

    The Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Oil and Gas/Conflict Resolution, Chief Tiwei Orunimighe and other high profile delegates from the state, including family of the former ex-militant leader were part of the funeral trip.

    Oruminighe addressed the bereaved family. He was quoted to have said: “Even to us that are standing here, we still have a dead one to bury, the same father and mother to Africa. He died with Biggie the same day. His body is still in the mortuary.

    “But we felt that since Biggie came from a far distance, we should handle his own matter first before we return to our son. I want to plead with you to keep holding yourselves together.”

    After the interment of Etima, Ukparasia and friends returned to handle the funeral of his brother. Lagos was buried at Azikoro Cemetery in Yenagoa. Ukparasia’s friends, including Oruminighe and Caretaker Chairman of Brass, Victor Isaiah, were present at the funeral.

     

  • Abductors kill two ransom payers

    Two persons sent to pay ransom to free an abduction victim have been killed by the kidnappers at Onuebum in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    The Nation learnt that the victims, who were given an unspecified amount of money to deliver to the abductors, did not come back alive.

    It was gathered from security sources that relations who wanted to free a kidnapped family member of an official of the Bayelsa State Government sent the duo.

    A source said the family member was abducted in Patani, Delta State and taken to Onuebum creeks in Bayelsa State.

    He said an ex-militant leader took over the negotiation for the freedom of the victim, adding that the police were kept in the dark throughout the process.

    “The ex-militant leader sent two persons and gave them a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to go to Onuebum and deliver the ransom to the kidnappers. We don’t know how much he agreed with the kidnappers.

    “But after waiting in vain for the arrival of the messengers, he called their phones but neither of them answered. He then informed the police, who tracked them to the area only to find them in a pool of blood inside the vehicle. The whereabouts of the kidnapped victim are unknown.”

    Police spokesman Butswat Asinim confirmed the incident.

    He said the bodies were evacuated to the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

    Asinim, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the police had launched a manhunt for the kidnappers.

    He identified the victims as Lagos Godgift and Christopher Etima. The police were at the scene yesterday.

  • Police rescue woman’s body from abductors in Imo

    •Killers of Imo Catholic priest arrested

    The Imo State Police Command yesterday paraded two suspected criminals who stole the body of a woman from a mortuary and demanded N5 million ransom from the owner of the morgue.

    The suspects – Chukwudi Chukwu and Bethel Ibe of Ikeduru Local Government Area – reportedly broke into Jesus Hospital Mortuary in Ikeduru and abducted the woman, whose identity was concealed from reporters.

    They were said to have contacted the owner of the morgue, Prince Bright Njoku, and demanded for ransom.

    But the police busted their hideout, arrested them and rescued the body before the ransom could be paid.

    Police Commissioner Dasuki Galadanchi paraded the suspects and the abducted body at the police headquarters in Owerri, the state capital.

    Also, operatives of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) under the police command have arrested suspected killers of Rev Fr. Jude Egbom of St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, Amucha in Njaba Local Government Area.

    The cleric was shot dead on Monday night on Nkwerre-Anara road and his vehicle stolen.

    The police chief said the suspects – Chigozie Uzoukwu, 33 and Peter Ochokwu, 21 – were arrested in their hideout in Nkwerre.

    Galadanchi, who decried the killing of the cleric, added that “no murderer goes unpunished”.

     

  • Troops arrest ‘abductors’ in Ondo forest

    Troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade at Owena Barracks in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have conducted a five-day clearance operation at various flash points in Ajowa, Akunu, Ise, Auga, Isua and Ikakumo-Akoko forests.

    During the operation, suspected kidnappers’ camps were destroyed and some suspected abductors arrested.

    The suspects, who confessed to several kidnappings, have been handed over to appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

    The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Ojo Adenegan, urged the public to provide useful information that would assist in arresting other collaborators on the run.

    The brigade headquarters, according to Adenegan, could be reached for emergency through 09030002151 and 09030002161.

  • Abductors of Imo musician demand N5m ransom

    Abductors of popular Owerri-based musician and highlife musician, Ugo Stevenson (aka Ndaa Chineke), have demanded N5 million ransom.

    A fortnight ago, some hoodlums abducted another popular entertainer, Izunna Obiakor. Stevenson, winner of the 2008 Nigeria Music Awards (NMA), was abducted around the World Bank area of Owerri, the Imo State capital, while going home.

    His wife told The Nation that the kidnappers had established contact with her and demanded N5 million to release him.

    According to her, she was contacted on phone two days after the husband was abducted.

    She said: “the kidnappers have contacted me. They are demanding N5 million as ransom for his release. I was husband was equally allowed to speak with me. I told them how it is with my husband and family currently. I told them that we don’t even have N10,000 and they asked me to contact his friends.

    “I am, therefore, calling on his friends to help secure my husband’s freedom. They should not allow him suffer and die. He is just an entertainer who has spent all his life making people happy. He has offended no one. His friends and the general public should come to my husband’s rescue.”

    Police spokesperson Andrew Enwerem, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the command was working hard to rescue the victim.

    He said: “Ugo Stevenson was kidnapped somewhere in Owerri West Local Government Area. The commissioner of police has ordered that the processes that will necessitate his release be commenced immediately.

    “We are working to ensure that the kidnap victim is rescued alive, unhurt and the kidnappers arrested without delay.”

     

  • Abductors of Imo musician demand N5m ransom

    Abductors of popular Owerri based musician and high life meastro, Ugo Stevenson, also known as ‘Ndaa Chineke’, have demanded five million naira ransom.
    Another well known entertainer, Izunna Obiakor, was also kidnapped a forth night ago.
    Stevenson, winner of the 2008 Nigeria Music Awards  was kidnapped around the World Bank area of Owerri, while going home.
    The wife who spoke with our correspondent said that the kidnappers had established contact with her and demanded N5m to release him.
    According to her, she was contacted on phone two days after the husband was abducted.
    She said “the kidnappers have contacted me. They are demanding N5m as ransom for his release. My husband was equally allowed to speak with me. I told them how it is with my husband and family currently. I told them that we don’t even have N10,000 and they asked me to contact his friends.
    “I am therefore calling on his friends to help secure my husband’s freedom. They should not allow him suffer and die.He is just an entertainer who has spent all his life making people happy. He has offended no one .His friends and the general public should come to my husband’s rescue.”
    The police spokesperson in the state, Andrew Enwerem,who confirmed the abduction of Stevenson, said that the process of rescuing the victim had commenced.
    Enwerem said,  “Ugo Stevenson was kidnapped somewhere in Owerri west LGA. The Commissioner of Police has ordered that the processes that would necessitate his release be commenced.
    “We are working to ensure that the kidnap victim is rescued alive, unhurt and the kidnappers arrested without delay”.

  • Abductors of Ondo monarch’s wife reduce ransom to N10m

    The family and residents of Auga community in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed apprehension over the abduction of Olori Olukemi Agunloye, wife of the traditional ruler in the town, and the driver.

    The duo have been in abductors’ captivity for five days without any information on their whereabouts.

    The kidnappers initially demanded N20 million ransom but reduced it to N10 million, according to family sources.

    It was learnt that the family expressed worry over the health of the Olori and her plight in the hands of her abductors.

    Efforts are said to ongoing to rescue the victims.

    The police and Army with community vigilantes have been combing the bush to fish out the hoodlums and rescue the victims.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ikare Division, Mohamed Mahe, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), is leading the team while surveillance is going on.

    Also, residents of Akoko are worried by incessant kidnappings in the area.

    The community’s spokesman Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani called for more government attention to the deplorable roads, particularly the Owo-Ikare road and Isua-Ise-Auga-Akunu road, where he said criminals always waylaid travellers on the failed spots.

    He called for more police patrol vehicles to complement existing ones.

    Kilani warned landlords in the affected communities to be wary of the tenants they allow into their farms.

    According to him, Akoko needs more security attention while vigilantes must be mobilised to further tighten security.

    He hailed the police for allocating one vehicle donated by Dangote Foundation to Akoko for patrol and promptly respond to distressed calls.

     

     

     

  • Abductors of Ondo monarch’s wife reduce ransom to N10m

    The family and residents of Auga community in Akoko Northeast Local Government Area of Ondo State have expressed apprehension over the abduction of Olori Olukemi Agunloye, wife of the traditional ruler in the town, and the driver.

    The duo have been in abductors’ captivity for five days without any information on their whereabouts.

    The kidnappers initially demanded N20 million ransom but reduced it to N10 million, according to family sources.

    It was learnt that the family expressed worry over the health of the Olori and her plight in the hands of her abductors.

    Efforts are said to ongoing to rescue the victims.

    The police and Army with community vigilantes have been combing the bush to fish out the hoodlums and rescue the victims.

    The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ikare Division, Mohamed Mahe, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), is leading the team while surveillance is going on.

    Also, residents of Akoko are worried by incessant kidnappings in the area.

    The community’s spokesman Alhaji Ibrahim Kilani called for more government attention to the deplorable roads, particularly the Owo-Ikare road and Isua-Ise-Auga-Akunu road, where he said criminals always waylaid travellers on the failed spots.

    He called for more police patrol vehicles to complement existing ones.

    Kilani warned landlords in the affected communities to be wary of the tenants they allow into their farms.

    According to him, Akoko needs more security attention while vigilantes must be mobilised to further tighten security.

    He hailed the police for allocating one vehicle donated by Dangote Foundation to Akoko for patrol and promptly respond to distressed calls.