News
Abducted Girls: Netizens Kick As Kidnappers ‘Raise Ransom To N700m’

Nigerians on Monday took to social media to knock the Federal Government and security apparatus over the kidnap and killings of some residents in the Federal Capital Territory.
This is coming hours after reports emerged that the kidnappers had allegedly killed three of their victims and raised the ransom being demanded to N700 million.
Among those allegedly killed, as reported by Daily Trust, was a secondary school student and daughter of the Ekiti state-born chief legal officer of the National University Commission, Miss Folorunsho Ariyo.
The kidnappers dumped the remains of four victims they executed around a former military checkpoint behind Idah Junction along the Bwari-Jere SCC Road in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the report added.
The PUNCH had on Friday, January 5, reported how two policemen sustained bullet injuries, while seven family members were abducted, with one killed during an attack by bandits in Bwari, Abuja.
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The earlier abducted persons were Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, his five children, and the daughter of his late brother who was killed during the attack.
While Al-Kadriyar was later released with an order to provide ₦60 million as ransom for the abducted girls, one of his daughters, Nabeeha was killed and buried on Friday, while the abductors raised the ransom to ₦100m for the remaining five girls.
When contacted by one of our correspondents on the development, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh revealed that the police was on top of the matter, while noting that details could not be revealed for security reasons.
“We’re on top of the matter. But we can’t reveal details for security reasons,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has vowed to rescue four sisters and their cousins who were kidnapped in their family home in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
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Reacting to the development on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the police had initiated a comprehensive plan of action to rescue the abducted girls and arrest the bandits.
Adjobi noted, “In the wake of the abduction of six young girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, it is vital to state that the Police Force has already initiated a comprehensive plan of action. The Force Headquarters is diligently coordinating efforts to address this and prevent any further occurrence, as all hands are on deck to rescue the victims.
“However, the sensitivity of the situation necessitates discretion, and as a result, specific details are being kept confidential to avoid compromising ongoing operations. The NPF is actively engaging and contacting individuals crucial to the rescue operations and investigation. The objective is not only to bring perpetrators to justice but also to intensify efforts in rescue operations for victims still in captivity.
“Furthermore, recognising the psychological impact on affected families, the Police are encouraging open communication with their operatives to provide support, information, and assistance to mitigate the psychological warfare imposed by kidnappers on the relatives and loved ones of their victims.”
But reacting to the killings and worsening insecurity in the country, Nigerians took to X on Monday, decrying the level of boldness of bandits and kidnappers across Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Police Intensifies Rescue Operations For Six Sisters Kidnapped In Abuja
They were reacting to unconfirmed reports that the kidnappers raised their demand from the initial N60 million per person to N100 million, now totalling N700 million after killing some of their victims.
On her part, an X user, @FakhuusHashim said it was surprising that kidnap victims were being killed because of delayed ransom payment.
She wrote, “These bandits have access to social media. That is the only reason they would increase ransom to N700m after killing 3 of the 10 victims for delayed payment. Still no statement from FG. VP has carried his leg and travelled to Davos in the midst of this horror.
“This is why Pantami’s tweet was incredibly dangerous and a shame he didn’t learn public engagement from his term in office.”
Another user, @Letter-to-Jack, knocked a former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, for helping in raising part of the ransom demanded by bandits to release sisters of slain Nabeeha.
“As minister, you enforced NIN for every Nigerian and made sure every SIM card was linked to NIN, to make it easy to track, curtail and arrest kidnappers. Less than 8 months after you left your role, you’re on the internet helping to crowdfund ransom payments to kidnappers.
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“How am I going to explain to a non-Nigerian that a professor of cybersecurity and the erstwhile minister of communications and digital economy has friends who raised $50k for the purpose of ransom payment to kidnappers?” He wrote.
Also, @realdanielemeka said, “Wait I want to understand. Kidnappers raided an Estate in Abuja. Communicated their Demands. Came back to dump the bodies of those who couldn’t pay. Went back to renew communication of their demands. In Abuja??? And no one knows who they are or where they went? Haba!!!.”
Another user, @Burmese_Tyga_ wrote, “When politicians publicly involve themselves in crowdfunding ransom for kidnappers. The whole idea is not to save an individual or a family…the real sinister motive is to legitimise an already thriving criminal industry. Nigerians get ready for next level disaster.”
@Deshysmalls said, “The moment you kill hostages, you’ve lost all leverage & negotiating power. The government should wipe the floor with these Kidnappers, the body language should be NO TOLERANCE. Unfortunately, I have yet to see any real official statement addressing the situation and general insecurity.”
Also, @FaruqBashar wrote, “No way they are paying the N700m ransom, if they give in to that demand we are actually finished. That money will be used to expand the reach and facilities of those kidnappers, it’ll only get worse from there.”
News
Oba of Benin Renews Bond With Ancestral Relations, Nigerians During Emorhọ Feast

The palace of the Oba of Benin was agog with activities during the 2025 Emorhọ fest, declared by Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin as part of activities to mark the ancient Emorhọ, otherwise known as the ‘New Yam Festival’.
Oba of Benin, who reenacted the age-long festival, renewed the bond that exist between him and his ancestral relations from Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State at the event, which attracted dignitaries, including Benin people, indigenes and non-indigenes across Edo State.
Members of the Benin Royal family, Edionwere (village heads), youth leaders across the various communities in Benin, market women group, palace chiefs, traditional priests and priestesses in Benin, were also in attendance.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Declares Two-week Fasting, Prayer For Edo
A special prayer offered on behalf of the palace by Chief Enorense Ozigbo-Esere, the Osuma of Benin, paved the way for the commencement of the feast, where Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, welcomed guests and highlighted the essence of the gathering.
Speaking in an interview, Oba Ewuare younger ancestral relations from Issele-Uku led by Chief Michael Odiakosa, expressed delight for the privilege to be part of the historic celebration.
He explained the relationship between Benin and Issele-Uku, reaffirming that, “Issele-Uku is an extension of Benin Kingdom. We are all descendants of Benin. So, we are at home”.
READ ALSO:Oba Of Benin Ushers In ‘Emorọ’
“We are in a safe place. We came to celebrate the festival with our father, the Omo N’ Oba, and we are happy to be here”, Odiakosa said.
On his part, 99-year-old Pa. Paul Osarumwense Oyemwen, the Odionwere of Orior-Ozolua community in Uhunmwode LGA who thanked the Oba for the gesture, said the festival is not new in Benin and it’s devoid of sacrifices.
Expressing her appreciation to the Oba of Benin, the ‘Edo markets leader’, Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele, noted that members of the group have been waiting anxiously for the opportunity to partake in the yearly festival, while praying God that the blessings of the festival to transform lives.
Also speaking, Pa. Daniel Osunde, the Odionwere of Idumwun-owina, N’ Iyeke-orhiomwon, also prayed for the Oba and thanked the first Class traditional ruler for his foresight.
Excited guests in their numbers were fed with African delicacy, amid dancing and jubilation, while members of Isikhian women group who gave a good account of their stewardship, were not left out in the celebration by the Oba who rewarded them with cash gift and other items in acknowledgement their duties in Benin.
News
Okpebholo Poised To Surpassing People’s Expectations — Edo Deputy Gov

Edo deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has assured that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is poised to surpass the expectations of the people of the state in terms of campaign promises fulfilment.
Idahosa said that the administration had hit the grand running right from the day of inauguration by identifying and prioritising the key areas of the SHINE agenda for implementation.
A statement by Mr Friday Aghedo, Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, said Idahosa spoke when he received the prestigious Peace Ambassador Award from the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
The award ceremony held at the deputy governor’s office during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the IAWPA led by the President, Amb. Per Stafsen, the South-South Coordinator/Edo state Director, Amb. Amos Areloegbe, and other zonal representatives.
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“We pray, by the grace of God, Edo State will surpass the expectations of the people when we are through with our tenure,” he declared.
Idahosa described the recognition as a source of pride, not just for him, but for the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“Governor Okpebholo is a man of peace, and his government stands firmly for peace. This award is a validation of his unwavering commitment to building a safe and harmonious Edo State,” he said.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that peace and security remain central pillars of the government’s five-point SHINE agenda, noting that collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organizations has been vital in sustaining stability across the state.
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“Peace is extremely important in any society. Where there is peace, there is security; where insecurity prevails, peace cannot exist.
“This recognition today strengthens our resolve to continue being ambassadors of peace,” Idahosa stated.
On his part, Amb. Amos Areloegbe noted that IAWPA, a United Nations–certified body aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deliberately chose Edo State to commemorate the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2.
According to him, “Edo State remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation, hence our choice to celebrate here.”
The investiture was hailed by observers as not only an honour to Idahosa but also as an acknowledgment of Edo’s growing reputation as a bastion of peace under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
News
Ogoni Women Protest Resumption Of Oil Production, Demand Accountability In $1Bn Cleanup Funds

Ogoni women drawn from all works of life have come out to protest against the resumption of oil production in the area without proper negotiation.
The women expressed anger over the non-transparent nature of the entire oil resumption exercise, accusing the government of attempting to manipulate them into giving up on their demands as expressed in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR).
The women further demanded that the Nigerian government account for $300million Ogoni infrastructure development fund which is alleged to have been diverted by some key government personalities in alliance with some Ogoni leaders.
They further demanded accountability for the $1Billion Ogoni cleanup funds which they said is a failed project.
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The women, who marched on the streets of Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoni, accused the government of neglecting the core demands of the Ogoni people including the demand for the creation of a Bori State and compensation for livelihood losses due to decades of devastating oil spills in the lands.
“We lost everything, crops, drinking water sources, food and farming lands and we now live with strange illnesses which ultimately will lead to our death. No one is interested in all that. The only thing the government is interested in is our oil resources. We reject the insensitivity of the government and we want to be heard”; one of the protesters who pleaded anonymity told Ogoninews.
Another speaker, Mrs Helen Huoma said the plot to resume oil production in Ogoni is deceptive.
“The oil industry people are always lying. They will tell us something and do another. When we ask our MOSOP leaders, they tell us they know nothing about what the government and the oil industry are doing. It’s all a bunch of confusion and deceit. We will resist this move because we paid heavily to give Ogoni a name and the pride it has today”
A woman identified as Janet from Gokana Local Government Area alleged that the Nigerian government has never been interested in the welfare of the Ogoni people.
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She alleged that the government had only been interested in the oil and after that, they appeased political leaders with contracts to suppress local residents.
“All they do is deceive the Ogoni people and we continue to suffer in the midst of abundant natural resources. If they can divert $300million, then how can we trust them? Before we start, let them account for the $300 million and the cleanup program which, at least, should have solved some basic problems.”
The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to engage the NNPC Limited and work out modalities for the resumption of oil production in Ogoni. This directive followed a meeting with some Ogoni leaders in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa.
The president had also recently granted pardon to the Ogoni nine including Ken Saro-Wiwa and to four Ogoni leaders who were murdered on May 21, 1995. The Abacha regime had blamed Ken Saro-Wiwa for the murders and executed him along with 8 others on November 10, 1995 despite global outcry acknowledging their innocence.
Following the executions, a United Nations fact finding team visited Nigeria. The team acknowledged that the entire trial process was flawed and noted that Nigeria did not even follow the minimal prescription of its own laws in the conduct of the trial.
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