The Nation Newspaper

Tag: kidnappers

  • Kidnappers release four South Korean workers in Bayelsa

    Kidnappers release four South Korean workers in Bayelsa

    Four South Koreans and a Nigerian who were abducted last week in the Niger Delta have been released, police said yesterday.

    The four foreign hostages were handed over to South Korean officials in the country late on Friday after police arrested the suspected kidnappers.

    “The victims were picked up from Azikoro, Bayelsa State by men of the special security outfit at about 9 p.m.,” the Police Commissioner Kings Omire said.

    Police spokesman Fidelis Odunna, said: “They were released voluntarily because we had suspects in our custody, and owing to a hit on their camp, they had to let the men go.”

    Omire said another Nigerian taken had already been released, meaning all six who were abducted were now free. The two arrested suspects were being interrogated, he said.

    There was no immediate comment from either the South Korean government or Hyundai Heavy Industries, the conglomerate that employs the abducted workers.

    Gunmen abducted two Lebanese men working for Nigerian construction company Setraco in Delta State this month, and killed a soldier protecting them.

    The 83-year-old mother of Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was kidnapped on December 9 in Delta State but was freed five days later after a military search.

    In the north, where Islamist militants operate, another form of kidnapping of foreigners has emerged this year.

    A French national working for a renewable energy company, Vergnet was abducted close to the border with Niger on Wednesday.

    French intelligence agency, DCRI, believes the kidnappers were linked to “terrorist activity”. Islamist groups linked to Boko Haram have been behind similar kidnappings.

  • Actors, others urge kidnappers to release Nkiru Sylvanus

    Actors, others urge kidnappers to release Nkiru Sylvanus

    •Okorocha to security agents: rescue my aide

     

    Actors and other practitioners in Nigeria’s movie industry yesterday called for an unconditional release of kidnapped Nollywood actress Nkiru Sylvanus.

    The fair-skinned thespian was reportedly abducted on Sunday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, where she works as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs.

    Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) President Ibinabo Fiberesima described the incident as unfortunate.

    She said: “We are trying to liaise with the state government to find a solution to it. It’s unfortunate that people can do a thing like this to someone who makes them happy. Please, Nigerians should pray for her.”

    It was learnt that the abductors have contacted Miss Sylvanus’ family and demanded N100million ransom.

    Ace actor, Keppy Bassey-Ekpeyong said the actress should be released unconditionally.

    He said: “Nkiru’s kidnap is a sad development and it should no longer be tolerated. She is the third Nollywood celebrity to be abducted, because of her perceived status.

    “We appeal to the abductors to release her unconditionally, considering the role of entertainers in alleviating stress and offering recreation to the society. That should count for something.”

    Association of Movie Producers (AMP) Vice-President Lillian Amah-Aluko said she was shocked by the news.

    She urged security agencies to find Miss Sylvanus soonest.

    Amah-Aluko said: “I was shocked when I got the news of Nkiru’s kidnap. She is a young lady who has given her all to acting. I pray she is found sooner than later, because kidnappings are getting out of hand.”

    The AMP Vice-President noted that top Nollywood practitioners had not condemned the kidnap because they were hearing about it.

    She said: “I would not ascribe to the fact that Nollywood actors have not come out to collectively condemn Nkiru’s kidnap because she has been off the movie scene for a while. Most people I contacted appeared shocked about the development. We are still coming to terms with her kidnap. But I know Nollywood players will take a collective stand on the issue in due cause.”

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday ordered security agents to rescue the kidnapped Nollywood actress, Nkiru Sylvanus (aka Ble-Ble).

    Miss Sylvanus is the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the Governor.

    Okorocha alleged that the abduction was politically motivated.

    He, however, assured that his administration would rescue her unhurt from the kidnappers.

    The Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, said: “The kidnap was politically motivated to portray the state in bad light, given the popularity of the actress. But he state government is committed to providing tight security, especially during the festive period.”

    The Commissioner of Information, Chinedu Offor, explained that the government and security agencies were working to rescue Miss Sylvanus.

    He urged anyone with useful information on the abduction to give it to security agents, adding he or she would be rewarded.

    Police spokesman Vitalis Onugu told The Nation that the command was on top of the situation.

    He said: “We are working round the clock to ensure that the governor’s aide is rescued safely. But we need the assistance of the public to volunteer useful information that will assist the police.”

    Also, a leader of an Aba, Abia State, pressure group, Concerned Advocate for Good Governance (CAGG), has said the spate of kidnappings in Nigeria would be reduced if youths become plans employed.

    Addressing reporters in Aba, CAGG Coordinator Olusegun Bamgbose noted that it would be futile to combat crime without confronting unemployment among youths.

    The activist condemned the kidnapping of Prof Kamene Okonjo, the 82-year-old mother of Finance Minister Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Nollywood actress Nkiruka Sylvanus.

    He said unemployment has made many youths to go into dangerous ways of making money.

    Bamgbose said CAGG would in 2013 introduce free transport service for youths to reduce their suffering.

    He said: “Stakeholders in the group, after a careful and intensive deliberation, have concluded plans to introduce a free transport scheme for unemployed youths across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “This transportation scheme will be the pilot of various programmes the group plans to introduce. The unemployed will board the buses free.”

    The activist explained that the group plans to distribute about 200 buses among the states and the FCT.

    He said negotiation was ongoing with a Chinese firm that would supply the buses.

    Bamgbose said: “We also hope to establish satellite subsidised restaurants where the unemployed can enjoy quality meal for as low as N100. The jobless are going to be brought under an umbrella and issued identification cards to differentiate them from other members of the public that might want to forge membership.”

    The CAGG Coordinator said the programme would begin in April next year.

    He added: “We are more determined as a group to contribute our quota in checking unemployment band crime in Nigeria.”

    The activist said the second phase of the programme would empower youths in agriculture and other skill acquisition programmes.

    According to him, these will become the money making avenues for the youths to enable produce goods and services that will strengthen the economy.

    “We are calling on Nigerians to put hands on deck to tackle unemployment among Nigerian youths and also to help in keeping the youths off the streets,” Bamgbose said.

     

     

     

  • Kidnappers yet to make contact with family

    Kidnappers yet to make contact with family

    Forty-egiht hours after the kidnap of Prof Kamene Okonjo, mother of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, heavily armed security operatives have descended on Ogwashi-Uku,Aniocha South Local Government Area.

    Security operatives comprising soldiers and police cordoned off the road leading to the palace yesterday.

    A security cordon has been thrown around the state.

    All exits are manned by stern-looking soldiers searching motorists.

    It was learnt that a detachment of soldiers from the 4th Mechanized Brigade of the Army in Benin, the Edo State capital was deployed to the state.

    Brig.-Gen. Ubi Umahi, who is the Commander, Mechanised Brigade leds the team

    Mrs. Okonjo was bundled into a waiting vehicle by gunmen numbering about 10 on Sunday afternoon.

    Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday visited Ogwashi-Uku to re-assure residents of his administration’s commitment to security of life and property.

    Dr. Uduaghan, who warned against rumour mongering over the abduction, urged the people to remain calm and come up with information that could assist security operatives to track down the hoodlums.

    Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba vowed to rescue the octogenarian unhurt and round up the kidnappers.

    Aduba, who did not confirm the arrest of more suspects as being speculated, said there was “no cover-up and we are on course in our investigation.”

    Prof Okonjo’s kinsmen have called for the immediate release of their daughter.

    Prof Okonjo hails from Obomkpa,Aniocha North Local Government Area.

    Obi of Obomkpa, Obi Jonathan Nsuebo, urged the abductors to release her immediately and without conditions.

    In a statement, the monarch described the kidnap as shocking.

    He warned of unspecified consequence should harm befall the Queen, adding that Obomkpa community stood with the people of Ogwashi Uku in their trying period.

    Obi Nsuebo prayed that the Queen should return safely to join her people in this festive period.

    President General of Obomkpa Progressive Union Prince Emeka Dibia said the Obomkpa people at home and in the Diaspora were keenly watching the development. He appealed to the kidnappers to retrace their steps and free her without further delay.

    He recalled that kidnapping is a serious criminal offence and expressed surprise that anyone could think of putting an 82-year-old grandmother through such the ordeal.

    There has been an upsurge in the abduction of high profile victims in Delta State. Among the recent victims are Ex-Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo, Prof Hope Eghagha, the Commissioner of Higher Education, Monday Igbuya, Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, prominent businessmen and others.

    Many prominent persons have lately increased the number of police protecting them, with many also making use of armed vigilance groups.

     

  • Now, kidnappers hit close to home

    Now, kidnappers hit close to home

    Sooner or later, kidnappers were expected to do something more daring than the usual snatching of wealthy Nigerians for a few negotiated millions of naira. Like drug barons, pool betters and lottery maniacs, the urge by kidnappers for a big jackpot had always been irresistible. Finally, on Sunday, our worst nightmare came to pass when Professor Kamene Okonjo, 82, mother of the Finance minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was kidnapped in broad daylight. She was reportedly seized in front of her home by a gang of armed men. In a brazen display of disrespect for traditional institutions, the kidnapping even took place at the palace of her husband, Obi Chukwuka Okonjo Agbogidi, a retired professor of economics, and traditional ruler of the Ogwashi-Uku kingdom in Delta State. The trauma can best be imagined.

    A few theories have been suggested as motivating what is probably the most high profile kidnapping ever in Nigeria. The police are refusing to be drawn into speculations, preferring for now to assume it is nothing but a clear case of kidnapping. A few others think it was politically motivated, but they have not been forthcoming on what sort of politics could have motivated the crime. Yet others believe the crime could have been motivated by the minister’s reported delay of subsidy payments to some oil importers having trouble verifying their payments. All these theories are, however, far-fetched. It is unlikely oil importers would take the extraordinary step of kidnapping the minister’s mum to pressure her. Surely, at a point they would have been forced to disclose their reasons, and invariably become suspects. After all, frustrated fuel importers are known.

    The police have more sensibly restricted themselves to the theory of kidnapping for ransom. But given the sheer weight of law enforcement logistics that are being deployed to free Mrs Okonjo, it is not known whether the kidnappers would have the courage to name a price. If they do, the elderly woman would doubtless be worth a pretty penny, far beyond what anyone has heard so far, and so costly that it would be hard to see the kidnappers retiring safely to their lair to enjoy the loot. Indeed, going by the nearness of this incident to President Goodluck Jonathan, and considering that Okonjo-Iweala is one of his most influential ministers, it would be a surprise if the kidnappers make a success of this audacious caper. The presidency would already be feeling embarrassed, frustrated and incensed. For a government’s reputation, some things, such as this latest kidnapping, had better not happen.

    When it began in the days of the Niger Delta struggles, kidnapping was essentially targeted at foreign oil workers. Then the target became any oil worker; then children became primary victims; and then finally, anyone was game. The kidnappers themselves have not been discouraged by the prospect of facing the death penalty, just like robbers also casually shrug off capital punishment. Even the novel method propounded in some parts of the Southeast to enact laws authorising the demolition of Kidnap suspects’ properties has also been ineffectual. After absorbing all the punishments the government could throw at them, kidnappers have happily gone on to perfect the template of their lucrative business. Even if they come to grief in this latest effort, they will still carry on their nefarious trade in human articles with only slight modifications.

    The reasons are not far to seek. First, the chance of success far outweighs the risk of capture, thanks to ineffective policing methods and inadequate crime fighting tools. Second, and more importantly, kidnapping, like most other crimes such as Boko Haram terrorism, requires a holistic approach rather than routine law enforcement tactics. That holistic approach entails re-engineering the polity to take advantage of lower cost of governance, foster stability, and engender economic growth to cater for rising population. Until these things are done, terrorism will increase, kidnapping will thrive, and other sundry crimes will also flourish. As unpalatable as it may sound, the Okonjo kidnap indeed hit close to home, and is one more disquieting indication of creeping state failure.

     

     

  • Okonjo-Iweala mum’s kidnappers ‘yet to make demand’

    Okonjo-Iweala mum’s kidnappers ‘yet to make demand’

    48 hours after the kidnap of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, her abductors are yet to contact the family.

    However, heavily armed security operatives have descended on Ogwashi-Uku,Aniocha South local government area of Delta State.

    Security operatives comprising soldiers, police and customs cordoned-off the road leading to the place.

    A security cordon has been thrown over the entire Delta State as all exits leading from the state are manned by stern-looking soldiers conducting searches on motorists.

    The Nation learnt that a detachment of soldiers from the 4th Mechanized Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin were deployed to beef up the security across the state.

    Brig. Gen. Ubi Umahi, who is the Commander 4th Mechanized Brigade, led the team.

    Prof. Okonjo, according to reports, was bundled into a waiting vehicle by gunmen numbering about ten on Sunday afternoon.

    However, the 82-year-old Professor of Sociology is still being held by her abductors who are yet to establish contacts with the family.

    Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Monday visited Ogwashi-Uku and reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to security of life and property.

    Uduaghan, who warned against rumour mongering in connection with the abduction, urged the people to remain calm and come up with useful information that could assist security operatives in tracking down the hoodlums.

     

  • Kidnappers kill two policemen, abduct businessman

    Two policemen were on Friday evening killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along Mission Road in Benin City.

    The two policemen were orderly to a business tycoon, Mr. Uyi Oloton popularly known as “Uyi Technical.”

    Another policeman was said to have been injured in the attack.

    Witnesses said the gunmen abducted “Uyi Technical’ after killing the policemen at his office along Mission Road.

    Uyi Technical is a major distributor of electronics, generator and Dana motors.

    An Estate Valuer, Dan Odiete was on Wednesday abducted along Akpakpava road by kidnappers operating in two jeeps.

    A police orderly attached to Odiete and a four- year old girl were killed by the kidnappers.

    State Police spokesman, DSP Anthony Airhuoyo, said he was yet to get details of the incident.

     

  • Imo cracks down on kidnappers

    Imo cracks down on kidnappers

    Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha has launched the Security Network and Emergency Service aimed at helping security agencies to apprehend criminals, including kidnappers.

    At the launch, which took place at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri, the governor said that the new security service will partner all the agencies in the state to fish out criminals in various autonomous communities.

    Okorocha, who was worried over the high rate of crime in the state, pledged that his administration will deal ruthlessly with criminals and their sponsors.

    “One of the challenges of this administration is insecurity,” he said. “I therefore urge all traditional rulers to be committed to the issue of security in their various autonomous communities in order to complement the efforts of the state government. Those who aid kidnappers will also face capital punishment.”

    He also disclosed that the state government will provide them with all the equipment needed to execute their jobs.

    Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties explained that members of the Imo State Security Network and Emergency Service have been trained to work under the state police command and have been divided into nine units, each comprising 36 members. He pointed out that they would be given telephone numbers through which the public will contact them.

    Speaking also, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier-General M.A. Alkali assured Governor Okorocha that the Army in the state will support his administration, especially in the area of security, adding that the Chief of Army Staff has given approval for four new security posts along waterways in Oguta and other riverside areas in the state.

    Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police who was represented at by the officer in charge of operations, Mr. Celestine Okoye, urged members of Imo security network and emergency service not to use their position and equipment to intimidate innocent people.

    Also, the trainer of the members of the Imo State Security Network and Emergency Services, Mr. Victor Akuchie, advised the security men to justify the training they received at training camps.

    Highlights of the occasion included the parade by the men of Imo State Security Network and Emergency Services.

    Dignitaries present at the occasion included all traditional rulers, all members of Imo State House of Assembly.

  • UNIZIK ex-VC: Kidnappers demand N50m ransom

    Abductors of the former Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ilochi Okafor, have demanded N50million ransom for his release.

    Though the police did not confirm this, sources close to the family said the abductors made the demand early yesterday.

    The source did not give further details. But the Enugu State Police Command has said it is on top of the situation.

    Prof Okafor was abducted on Sunday morning on his way to a church service.

    Police spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said the former Vice-Chancellor would be rescued.

    He said the anti-kidnap squad of the command was on the trail of the kidnappers.

     

  • Kidnappers of journalist’s wife demand N10m ransom

    The kidnappers of Mrs. Marian Onoyume, wife of Mr. Jimitota Onoyume of Vanguard, are demanding N10 million ransom.

    Marian was abducted on Monday at Eku, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State by four gunmen.

    She was taking their two daughters to school at 7:30am in a Nissan Quest car, when the hoodlums accosted her.

    Sources said the gunmen threw the children out of the car and drove the woman away.

    It was learnt that the car had been recovered, but Marian’s whereabouts remain unknown.

    Onoyume, who is based in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has appealed to the kidnappers to release his wife unconditionally.

    Yesterday, he said: “The kidnappers phoned me with my daughter line and demanded N10 million ransom. I pleaded with them that I have never held a million naira before.

    “They said I was a rich man because I drive a Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). I told them the vehicle was bought fairly used and it is a 1995 model.

    “I begged them to release my wife. I am a reporter and journalists are not known to be rich. We may be seen on television, but we are only doing our job. They later said I should send MTN airtime, which I did.

    “My wife’s car has been recovered. It was abandoned at Abraka. I am begging the kidnappers to have mercy on us and release my wife. We do not have money. I am a reporter.”

    Onoyume said his daughters were traumatised by the incident.

    Delta police Spokesman Charles Amuka had earlier assured the journalist that the police would secure his wife’s release soon.

     

  • Police rescue monarch, cleric, others from kidnappers in Imo

    The Imo State Police Command yesterday smashed a four-man suspected kidnap syndicate.

    It rescued three victims, including a traditional ruler-elect, a cleric and a 72-year-old man from the suspected kidnappers.

    Parading the suspects in Owerri, the state capital, Police Commissioner Baba Adisa Bolanta said they allegedly abducted the monarch-elect of Owerre Nkworji in Nkwere Local Government Area, Igwe Nelson Orisakwe, and his 72-year-old cousin, Sir Godwin Orisakwe, on their way to a court in Owerri.

    The police chief explained that the abductors drove their victims around in their Mercedes Benz saloon car, after blindfolding them.

    He added that the assailants intercepted a Toyota RAV 4 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and kidnapped its driver, the cleric in charge of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Uloano, Isu Local Government Area, Fr. Faustinus Ibewuike.

    Bolanta said the kidnap victims were allegedly dumped in the underground room of an uncompleted filling station.

    Following a tip-off, he said, armed policemen stormed the suspects’ hideout.

    According to him, the suspects engaged the police in a gun battle.

    Bolanta said: “When we sighted where the vehicle used in the kidnapping was parked, we condoned off the area. We observed that there was an uncompleted building in the bush.

    “The moment they saw our patrol vehicle, they opened fire. But our men responded with superior gunfire. The victims, who were blind-folded and dumped in an underground cell, were rescued unhurt and the victims’ cars were also recovered.”

    The command has also smashed a gang of armed robbers which specialised in trailing people leaving the banks and opening their cars with master keys.

    Bolanta said the trans-border robbery gang was apprehended when one of its suspected members, Chibuzor Oguzie, was hiding near a bank in Owerri.

    He allegedly had a motorcycle, for a get-away.

    The police chief said the suspect was arrested when he attempted to flee on sighting the police.

    He said the suspect’s confession led to the arrest of another member of the gang, Kingsley Ikechukwu, and the recovery of three exotic cars, three motorcycles and household items.

    Bolanta attributed the success of the police to the synergy between the command and other security agencies as well as the public.

    He called for a stronger cooperation between the residents and the police to reduce crime.