The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kidnap

  • Police arrest 16 kidnap suspects in Akwa Ibom

    Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected members of a kidnap syndicate said to be responsible for killings and kidnapping in Ukanafun Local Government, Commissioner Zubairu Muazu has said.

    Speaking at the weekend, he said the arrest of the criminals was made possible through a “well planned and coordinated operation.”

    Muazu said: “To build a peace process where crisis had occurred in the past, you need to pass through a lot of stages. Fears were already in the minds of the people and they felt unsafe. To erase this fear, we have to launch an undercover operation.

    “It went as far as people dropping threat messages to individuals in Ukanafun; ‘bring a certain amount of money or else we will kill you’. We got quite a number of such letters and threat messages. We analysed them and identified the syndicate and then launched an attack.”

    The commissioner, who spoke through Bala Elkaner, spokesman, said weapons and other items were recovered from the suspects, who were helping the command with information.

    Elkaner, who reviewed security situation in the restive local governments, said the reactive approach adopted by the command in the past helped the situation.

    This, he said, necessitated not only the introduction of “Operation Purge” by the commissioner, but also going in there to talk to the people.

    “There has been this reactive approach where police move in there, investigate and make arrests. This has not actually helped, so the police commissioner took this proactive measures, not just deploying troops but also meeting the people.

    “He was with the two communities where he held two meetings, discussed, identified and agreed on the solution with the people.”

    The spokesman said part of such solution was to identify buffers zones where the operation could be carried out, to reassure the people of police presence.

    He said the only approach that would bring solution was community policing, where the people would be involved in identifying their problems and proffering solution.

  • Gunmen kidnap Edo musician Osayomore Joseph

    Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a popular musician and social critic, Osayomore Joseph.

    His wife, whose name could not be ascertained last night, was reportedly shot in the head.

    The musician was kidnapped about 10p.m. at Orovie Village, off Upper Ekewan Road, Egor local Government.

    On September 24, three policemen at Ogba Zoo and Nature Park were killed by kidnappers. The Managing Director, Dr. Andy Ehanire, was abducted.

    Andy, a brother to Minister of State for Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire, is yet to be released.

    On September 27, the Parish Priest of St. Benedict Church, Iddo 2, Okpella, Auchi Diocese, Fr. Lawrence Adorolo, was abducted on Auchi-Okene Highway when returning from Igarra in Akoko-Edo Council.

    He was released two days later after the Catholic authorities refused to pay ransom.

    Reacting to the kidnapping of Osayomore, police spokesman Moses Nkombe said: “We received report about the abduction about 11pm.”

    He said operatives had been drafted to dangerous spots.

    Nkombe promised that the police would secure Osayomore’s release.

  • Monarch petitions chairmanship candidate over ‘kidnap, cultism, assassination attempts’

    Monarch petitions chairmanship candidate over ‘kidnap, cultism, assassination attempts’

    The village head-elect of Ikot okwo village in Ukpum Ete clan in Ikot Abasi local government area of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Solomon David Jesse has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate in Ikot Abasi, Mr. David David Eshiet of sponsoring a cult group to kidnap, assassinate and destroy his palace.

    In a petition by his legal counsel, Edet Essien and Associate, No. 62 Enwe Street Uyo, the traditional alleged that the PDP chairmanship candidate, sponsored Uwem Udo Green, Eric Udo Ebong, Ndifereke Ufor Tom, Eno Udo John, Akpan L. Akpan, Ubong Eshiet Ebong and Others, to kill him and destroy his palace on the 9th June, 2017.

    The monarch said the incident occurred after he was presented to the Clan Head of Ukpum Ete, HRH (Barr.) Clement Idemudo, by the family heads that make up the village.

    Chief Jesse said that but for his timely escape into the nearby bush through the backdoor, he would have been killed by the suspected cultists allegedly sponsored by Mr. Eshiet to assassinate him

    According to the petition made available to our correspondent in Uyo, the suspected cultists destroyed his cars, motorcycle, and other

    valuable properties at his palace valued at one hundred million naira.

    He said the bandits were armed with guns, machetes, axes and other dangerous weapons, adding that they rained bullets on the palace.

  • Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Edo zoo chief

    Three policemen killed as gunmen kidnap Edo zoo chief

    Three policemen providing security for fun-seekers at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State were killed yesterday by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

    They were killed at about 6pm and their arms and ammunition stolen by the attackers.

    The park’s director and chief executive Dr. Andy Ehanire was abducted by the gunmen.

    It was gathered that the killing disrupted activities at the zoo as many fun-seekers scampered for safety.

    Police spokesman  DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killings and abduction, said the situation has been brought under control.

    Nkombe said the attackers would soon be arrested as security has been strenthened in the area.

    He assured the public that the zoo is safe for fun-seekers.

  • Ambode donates N5m to widow of kidnap victim

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has donated N5million to the widow and children of Osaze Omoregbe, a community leader in Isawo, Ikorodu who was burnt by kidnappers for leading security agents to foil their operation.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Community & Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, on behalf of the governor, presented the cheque to Omorogbe’s widow and children at a solemn ceremony at the family’s Isawo, Ikorodu home.

    The deceased is survived by his widow Mrs. Omodunni and two children, Adesuwa and Osaze.

    The late Omoregbe led the security committee of the Olorunsogo Community Development Association of Yewa community, in Isawo, Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    On April 15, he alerted the police on hearing kidnappers’ gunshots seeking to capture a victim.

    On arrival, the police and soldiers asked him to lead them to the area. All of them, including an army Captain and four policemen, were ambushed by the kidnappers and killed.

    Yesterday, Bamigbetan, who was received by the Chairman of the Community Development Association, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, praised the late Omoregbe for “his heroic role.”

    Reading the condolence message personally signed by the governor, Bamigbetan said the deceased “paid the supreme price” while responding to the government’s charge to community development associations to support its effort to rid the state of kidnappers.

    Part of the condolence message reads: “It is with deep grief that I share your sorrow on the unfortunate death of your father, husband and breadwinner, Mr. Osaze Omoregbe.

    “At a time our administration is consolidating partnership with our communities and their courageous and committed leaders, your benefactor stood up to be counted. He supported the forces of light seeking to crush the notorious kidnappers who had turned your neighbourhood into a jungle of death. In that patriotic response to our call to join hands and collectively secure our communities, he paid the supreme price.”

    Receiving the cheque, Omoregbe’s widow, Mrs. Omodunni, who was short of words, broke into tears.

    Speaking on behalf of the Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the chairperson, Mrs. Jumoke Ademehin-Jumbo thanked the government for coming to the rescue of the family.

    Bamigbetan, Senior Special Assistant on Community Affairs Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri, Ademehin-Jumbo, the chairperson of the Community Development Committee Alhaja K.A. Damole and their teams prayed at the graveside of the deceased.

  • Suspected gunmen kidnap four in Ondo

    Suspected gunmen kidnap four in Ondo

    Unknown gunmen Monday reportedly abducted four commuters travelling in a commercial bus along Owo-Ikare road in Ondo state.

    The victims were said to have taken off from Ikare, headquarters of Akoko Northeast heading to Akure,the state capital when they were said to have been seized at Ose-Oba axis of the road.

    It was learnt that one of the passengers said to be a Pastor,who confronted the gun men was shot on the head.

    Sources said it was the same spot where the Oluyani of Iyani-Akoko,Oba Sunday Daodu was kidnapped few months ago with his second-in-command.

    They were released from captivity after spending almost two weeks with the kidnappers where they celebrated the last Easter period with their captors inside the bush.

    Reacting to the incident, the Oloba of Oba-Akoko, Ona Nurudeen Adegoroye called for more police men and another military checkpoint between the dangerous spot within Owo and Oba-Akoko.

    One of the passengers who witnessed the incident, Mrs Janet Adeyemi, wife of the Information Officer, Akoko Northeast local government said the gunmen demanded N1m each from the victims.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Johnson, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the report.

    According to him, investigation has begun while Police men were combing the whole area,assuring that the culprits would be apprended soon.

    It would be recalled that on this same spot, a catholic priest and former Regent of Akungba-Akoko,Princess Toyin Omosowon among others were kidnapped at different times.

  • Boko Haram ‘commander’: I led Chibok schoolgirls kidnap

    Boko Haram ‘commander’: I led Chibok schoolgirls kidnap

    ‘Sect’s factions ready for talks with Fed Govt on how to get Shekau’

    A member of the Boko Haram, Auwal Ismaeela, has confessed to leading the kidnap of 276 schoolgirls from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on April 15, 2014.

    The ‘commander’  confessed to the act in an interview with PRNigeria, a news agency.

    More than 100 of the girls are still being held by the insurgents after many of them were released in talks with the Federal Government.

    Ismaeela, who has surrendered to the military, also told the news agency that he led other major operations and said he regretted his actions.

    The PRNigeria report said: “Ahead of the Islamic festival of Eid-Kabir coming up by the weekend, a top Boko Haram commander who played a major role in the abduction of Chibok girls and killing of youths in Madagali has surrendered and confessed to several acts of bloodletting on innocent people and destruction of properties across the length and breadth of the North-eastern part of the country.

    “In an interview with PRNigeria at a military facility for the repentant and surrendered Boko Haram members in the Northeast, the ex-terrorist leader said he regretted the atrocities he was forced to commit against humanity.

    “The commander, Auwal Ismaeela, is currently cooperating with the Nigerian military with useful information on locations and hideouts of other top commanders of the deadly sect. He regretted his actions which, according to him, run counter to several Islamic injunctions.

    “Mr. Ismaeela encouraged other top commanders of the sect to surrender to the military.

    “Myself and Abu Hafsat, a Boko Haram commander, led other squads to abduct the Chibok girls. We led the operations to invade Gwoza, Bama, Limankara mobile barracks, Bita, Bosso, Madagali, Chibok, Pulka, Firgi, and Mubi.

    “In Madagali, which is my home town, myself, Adam Vitiri, Abu Adam and Habu Kudama, some high-ranking Boko Haram commanders, led an operation in 2014 where we killed some students and youths at the Central Secondary School in Sabon Garin Madagali.

    “In one of the operations, I abducted my wife named Maryam who had two kids for me in Sambisa Forest. It is unfortunate that I was brainwashed and misled not only on some abductions but in the killings of my own people that were innocent. I wholeheartedly regret my actions.

    “During a battle in Konduga where myself and other Boko Haram commanders led the operations, I lost my right leg and was almost got burnt. Even at that, I did not stop fighting for the course. Sheikh Shekau ordered that I should be given a tricycle which I continued to use for various operations before I eventually surrendered.”

    He was reported to have given several reasons for his decision to voluntarily surrender to the troops after realising the misleading sermons, barbaric indoctrination of the sect leaders and atrocities being committed in some of the Boko Haram camps.

    Ismaeela said: “I willingly surrendered to the military because I was tired of the senseless killing and fight. I realised that our people had resorted to stealing and all sort of atrocities contrary to the teaching and practice of Islam.

    “Women were being raped, sometimes publicly. Children died from malnutrition and diseases as the living condition became harsher. As there was no food in the camp, people died every day because of hunger.

    “I will continue to cooperate with the security agencies in providing useful information on our mode of operations and to disclose top-secret hideouts of our commanders.”

    More than 100 Boko Haram fighters and some ‘commanders’ had in the recent past surrendered to the military, knowing full well that their actions had become inimical to the overall interest and well-being of the nation and the surrounding countries of Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

     

    ‘Boko Haram factions ready for talks with govt’

    Two factions of the Boko Haram insurgency group may be ready for talks with the Federal Government, Abdulkadir Abubakar, a former ‘commander’ of the group has claimed.

    Abubakar, also known as Abu Muhammad, was the chief intelligence officer of the Boko Haram group and one of its top commanders, until his arrest in June by the military in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    Abubakar told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at his cell in Maiduguri that Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions were willing to cooperate with the government to defeat the most visible leader of the group, Abubakar Shekau.

    According to him, Shekau, whose capture, dead or alive, the military high command has ordered, has been the major obstacle to peace, since the insurgency began in 2009.

    He was quoted as saying: “Shekau is not willing to surrender due to his high handedness. Unfortunately, the government and military authorities accorded priority on dealing with Shekau, who is blood thirsty.

    “Albarnawi has indicated interest to dialogue with the government to end insurgency and provide a lasting solution to the crisis. Albarnawi discusses this with members of his circle. And I can assure the government that he would cooperate to achieve peace.

    “The two factions are willing to cooperate with Nigerian Government to defeat Shekau.”

    Abubakar’s claim about the readiness of the factions to dialogue with the authorities could not be verified as he had been incarcerated since June. But he insisted that the groups were predisposed to a peaceful resolution of the eight year-old crisis.

    Abubakar claimed to have undertaken various espionage missions and provided intelligence to the insurgents, which enabled them to hit a long list of targets, among which were the abduction of 276 students at the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok and the massacre of students at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi.

    Over 20 students were murdered at Buni Yadi.

    He also claimed to have been involved in other attacks on schools in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Postikum and Mamudo.

    He said: “Shekau has left his enclave in Sambisa and moved deep into Mandara Mountain.

    “The intensified military offensive has weakened Shekau’s position and that of the other groups.”

    Abubakar claimed  that the Albarnawi and Mamman Nur factions were opposed to Shekau’s leadership style.

    Abubakar said: “During the early days of the insurgency we fought for what we thought was a just cause, to establish a caliphate where human beings are valued, cherished and respected.

    “After annexing vast territories, Shekau began to demonstrate his cruelty and atrocities against humanity.

    “In view of the high level atrocities committed by the group,some of the top commanders, including myself, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur, challenged Shekau, demanding an immediate end to the ugly saga.

    “Thereafter, Albarnawi and Mamman Nur parted ways, and formed their groups. Shekau is responsible for suicide bombings and attack on soft targets in the Northeast.

    “The Albarnawi and Mamman Nur groups never attacked schools, religious places of worship, markets, women and children. Our fight was strictly with security forces. Even the kidnapped oil workers would not be killed by the group.

    He said: “Shekau is fond of using the girls and other abducted women as sex toys, and suicide bombers. He kills on the pretence of punishing for lies, theft and rebellion. Shekau kills without justification.

    “Shekau arrogated to himself the powers to accuse, prosecute, convict and punish in total contradiction to Islamic teachings. Children and women also starved to death in Sambisa due to Shekau’s cruelty.”

  • Abia police smash kidnap syndicate

    Abia police smash kidnap syndicate

    The Abia State police command has smashed three kidnap gangs. The success resulted from quickly following up on tip-offs from members of the public.

    According to the police, two of the suspects, who were among 30 paraded, were nabbed in a hotel room as they were sharing the ransom paid by a victim’s family on July 27.

    A military rifle and loads of ammunition used by another fleeing kidnapper were recovered after officers were led to a hospital where a suspect had died while being treated of bullet wounds he sustained during gun battle with the police. After the gun duel, a kidnap victim identified as Onyemaechi Mbamaonyeukwu Ijeoma was rescued.

    Three members of a gang had earlier been killed on July 18 at Osisioma Ngwa, where they had abducted the Managing Director of Mba Hotels, Aba, and held him hostage at an uncompleted building in Umuajuju Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area while negotiating for ransom.

    Abia State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Adeleye Oyebade attributed the increasing success story of his men to the growing support from members of the public.

    He said: “Operatives attached to the Command’s Dragon Squad in Aba, while acting on a tip off, arrested two men, Samuel Akoma and Kenneth Ananaba in a hotel room in Aba where the hoodlums lodged after collecting ransom to release their hostage. Two vehicles including that of the released hostage were recovered.”

    A victim identified as Ijeoma Okereke was also rescued by the police from another gang of kidnappers at 1:00 p.m. on July 22.

    Oyebade said: “The victim was rescued when PMF 55 men on nipping point duty, at Owerrinta acting on a tip-off, intercepted a 14-seater Mitsubishi L300 bus with registration number SB 639 WER painted white and green. They arrested the duo of Chinemere Amamba aged 39 and Nnamdi Monday, both from Nmelele Isiala Ngwa South.”

    The victim identified as a student at Imo State University (IMSU) was abducted at 12 noon along Emekuku Junction, on Douglas Road Owerri.

    On the suspected kidnapper found dead at a hospital, Oyebade said: “The deceased suspect identified as Charles Ndubuisi Nwaichi of Eziudo, Ezinihitte Mbaise in Imo State was, on information, traced to Abia State Teaching Hospital in Aba where he was taken to by his brother, one Obioma Monday Nwaichi for treatment. He eventually gave up the ghost on July 22. Prior to this development, one Military-type AK 47 rifle with bayonet, double magazine and 10 rounds of live ammunition were recovered on July 24, during further combing of a bush in search of wounded suspects.”

    Other suspects at the parade included burglars, cultists, motorcycle snatchers and members of various robbery gangs.

    Oyebade said, “There was a robbery incident at Akwette in which a motorcyclist was shot by one of his Fulani passengers as he resisted attempt to snatch the motorcycle from him on June 20. The next day, one of the suspects was arrested following the combined efforts of the police and vigilance group in the area and one locally-made gun recovered.

    “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. He said the gun belonged to his cohort, one Suleiman, who had used it to shoot the victim. Following the lead from the first suspect, Adamu Abubakar, the said Suleiman Muhammed from Zamfara State was arrested on July 14 at DE-DORIS Hotel, Omuma Igurita in Rivers State by operatives attached to Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Obehie. The suspect has also confessed to the crime and both will be arraigned in court soon.”

    It was gathered that two suspects identified as Ugochukwu Ugwumba, 22, and Goodnews Uwem, 18 were arrested after their gang allegedly snatched a N500, 000 handset, at gunpoint, from a lady who was receiving a call on the road.

    Two others named as Onyekaozuru Emenike and Chibuzo Okoroafor were identified as members of a four-man gang that used machetes and daggers to snatch cash and GSM phones from three victims.

    The police also revealed how a brave passenger had assisted them in smashing a gang of robbers when he grabbed one of them as they were escaping after raiding a commercial bus marked ETU 66 XA. The victims were said to be travelling to Arochukwu for a traditional wedding.

    The suspect, identified as Maduabuchi Ekeleme, led detectives to a hide-out at Ubakala area in Umuahia South Local Government Area where a man identified as Bright Iroakazi, and two women, Chizoba Ede and Adaugo Onuoha were arrested at a hideout in possession of substance suspected to be Cocaine.

    The police also paraded three suspected cultists accused of killing a man simply identified as Prince.

    The suspects arrested by the Divisional Crime Officer, Isuochi, were identified as Samuel Chukwuemeka, Abdulazeez Mukaila and Obisike Ekezie, all members of ‘Red Barger’ confraternity.

    Oyebade said: “The suspects have confessed to the crime; search was conducted in their houses during which the following items were recovered: three red caps, four bangles, two daggers, one Samsung TV with its remote.”

  • Police parade suspected kidnapper for ‘killing’ 60-year-old woman

    Police parade suspected kidnapper for ‘killing’ 60-year-old woman

    The police in Ebonyi State have arrested 11 suspects, including a kidnap kingpin operating in Ebonyi and Abia states, Ogonna Alioka.

    Alioka, popularly called Pilot, according to the police, was allegedly among the kidnappers, who abducted and killed a 60-year-old woman, Mrs. Catherine Okorie Chukwu.

    The deceased, an indigene of Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State, was on January 18 kidnapped in her home.

    She was later killed and buried by her captors in a shallow grave in a forest near Lokpanta, close to Umunneochi and Awgu local governments of Abia and Enugu states, for recognising one of them.

    Police spokesman Jude Madu said although some members of the gang had been arrested and arraigned, Alioka, who allegedly drove the vehicle used during the kidnap, had been on the run until a few days ago when he was nabbed in Abia State.

    The suspect, in a chat with reporters, confessed to the crime.

    He said the woman was killed while fleeing from them in a bush.

    Alioka said after killing the woman, he ran away to avoid being arrested, adding that the abduction of the woman was masterminded by a politician in Ishiagu.

    Other suspects, including Chukwudi Nwezaku, Otu Okpara, Eze Chima, Chiadikaobi Ani, Uchechukwu Aniewo and Ozomena Obasi were nabbed in connection with robberies, electricity cable vandalism, buying of stolen cars and unlawful possession of firearms.

    Madu said the police arrested Gideon Omaka, released from prison custody in March, for allegedly killing Eze Idam Ogbonnaya during a robbery at Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government.

    He said Omaka was nabbed after youths attacked and buried alive his brother, Chukwudi, who was one of those who allegedly killed Ogbonnaya.

  • Police parade 32 for kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway

    Police parade 32 for kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway

    The Police Monday paraded 32 suspected kidnappers for their involvement in kidnap of motorists and travelers along Abuja-Kaduna highway.

    The police attributed the arrest of the suspects to the launch of ‘Operation Absolute Sanity’ by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris.

    The IG had last week launched the Operation to end the spate of kidnapping on the highway.

    The Police said they have not recorded a single case of kidnapping or armed robbery since the launch of the operation.

    Over ten serviceable AK47 riffles were recovered from the suspects who belong to four different kidnap gang.

    This was disclosed by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood during the parade of the suspects at Police Divisional Headquarters in Katari, Kaduna State.

    He said: “The IGP, concerned about the issue of kidnapping along Abuja-Kaduna highway deployed a special team to rout out kidnappers that have been terrorizing the highway.

    “We have made significant progress in ensuring that Abuja-Kaduna highway is safe for passengers, travelers and other road users including communities that live along the highway because they are not spared too.

    “Despite the kidnap of travelers, the kidnappers still go into villages to kidnap and terrorise unsuspecting members of the public.

    “32 of the suspects have been arrested by the team and we recovered several serviceable AK47 from them. It is the weapons that they use in terrorising and kidnapping people for ransom.

    On the roles and successes recorded by the team, Moshood said: “The special team deployed is to ensure the arrest of all kidnap elements from their hideout and make the highway safe again for all road users.

    “We have not recorded a single case of kidnapping or armed robbery since the operation commenced and it is a pointer that the operation is working.”

    Moshood said the suspects have made confessional statement admitting to the various criminal roles they played in committing the crime.

    “The suspects have confessed to various roles they played and they belong to about four kidnapping gang. Some are in charge of kidnapping while some others are responsible for negotiation and collection of ransom from families of the victims”, he said.

    The IG also commended members of the communities for providing vital information that led to the arrest of some of the kidnappers.

    The IG while assuring residents of Jere, Katari and Rijanah and others that the operation would be sustained added that the operation would be replicated on other highways across the country.

    “We will continue to build on this success to ensure that the last kidnapper is routed out of the highway.”

    District Head of Bishini Community, Giwa Gambo, while commending the deployment of the operation urged the Police to sustain it.

    He said: “We urge you people to come and help us. We are helpless because these people are armed and we cannot confront them. Our prayers are being answered because the government and Police have listened to us and deployed people to rid our area of kidnappers.

    “Before the deployment, we find it difficult to go to farm because if we go, it is either we are attacked, captured for ransom, killed or they rape our wives. This has been on for long and we thank God for this deployment.”