Metro

41-year-old Female Victim Recounts Ordeal In Kidnappers’ Den

Published

4 years ago

July 3, 2022

A victim of kidnapping, Mrs. Folakemi Fadoju, who recently regained her freedom has described the kidnappers’ den as a hell in the four days spent in the captivity of the hoodlums.

It was gathered that the 41-year-old Fadoju and her son were kidnapped by some gunmen at her sawmill in Oka Area of Ondo town, Ondo State two weeks ago. She recalled that she and other captives in the den were tortured and given nothing to eat nor drink for four days before they escaped.

The timber dealer, who is still receiving treatment at a hospital narrated how she was abducted with her sick son and taken to the forest along Ore- Ijebu Ode Expressway. She said the abductors demanded a sum of N15million ransom but they escaped miraculously without paying the money.

She narrated, “I left home early at about 6.45am for the sawmill to attend to some business and pay my workers who are traveling on this fateful day, but no sooner than I entered the sawmill, these four-man gang, shot into the air and dragged me into their waiting vehicle, blindfolded me and drove off.

“They drove for some hours and we later got down. We had to trek to their hideouts where I met two other people tied to the trees. They demanded my phone which they used to call my husband. They threatened to kill me if my husband tried to play smart by informing the police.

“They demanded N15m but after several negotiations, they agreed to N10m which should be produced under 48 hours. They tortured me and others with no food or water to drink but they gave my boy water for four days. They operated in the forest like king”

According to her, however, she escaped from the den of the kidnappers through a divine intervention, and could not explain what happened in the forest while the abductors had to fled and left them alone.

“On the fourth day, we started hearing gunshots in the forest, it was exchange of gunfire and it was so heavy that the two men assigned to guard us had to leave to join other members of the gang to see what was happening.

“They warned us against leaving the camp but shortly after they left, one of us suggested we should try to escape and we tried it and it worked. Even though I was weak, tired and sick but I managed to walk for over an hour before coming out at J4 Area (in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State) where we met a good samaritan who listened to our story and took us to the police in Ondo town”

She said the case had been reported earlier at the Yaba police station by her family but said she was rushed to the hospital immediately, where she is still receiving treatment.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

17 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

19 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.