Metro
Abducted Imo Catholic Priest, Driver Regain Freedom

The abducted parish priest of Saint Michael’s Catholic Church in the Umuekebi community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, Reverend Fr Kingsley Eze, also known as Father Ichie, and his driver, Uchenna Newman, have regained their freedom.
Gunmen had on Thursday last week kidnapped the cleric and his driver when they alighted from a Volvo jeep to purchase at Orieama junction around 8 pm.
Our correspondent gathered on Friday that the kidnapped victims returned home unharmed.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, One Other In Imo
Though City Round had yet to confirm if any ransom was paid before the priest and his driver were released, a source claimed that the victims paid N500,000 as ransom.
“I can now confirm that the Reverend Father and the driver have been released after a ransom of N500,000 was paid yesterday around Umucheke Okwe in the Onuimo LGA,” the source said.
Another source, an indigene of the Umuekebi community added, “It is true, the priest and Mr Uchenna have been released. They are back home. The vehicle they were kidnapped in was tolled from the Okigwe area. We thank God that they are home.”
READ ALSO: Abductors Of Imo Catholic Priest, Driver Reduce Ransom From N50m To N10m
Earlier, the kidnappers had on Sunday and Monday contacted the wife of the driver and demanded a N50 million ransom for the release of the duo. They later called and reduced the price tag to N10m.
The state police command has yet to react to the kidnap of the priest and has not issued any statement over their release.
Metro
Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm
The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.
Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.
Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.
READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
He said, “Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.
“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
Metro
Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.
The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.
Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.
READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo
Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.
Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.
Metro
Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.
READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South
In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.
Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.
The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.
The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.
READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration
The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.
Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”
According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.
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