Abductors Demand N700m Ransom To Release Bayelsa SSG’s Mother, Night Club Owner

Published

3 years ago

August 5, 2021

Kidnappers of 80-year-old Madam Betinah Benson, mother of the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Dr Kombowei Benson, have demanded a ransom of N500m for her release.

Another group of kidnappers also demanded N200m for the release of Tari Ajanami, the owner of a popular Club 64.

It was gathered investigators into the two abductions were already looking at the possibility both were planned by one group.

While both abductions happened few days from the other, the ransom demand also occurred few hours apart.

A member of the family of the abducted club owner, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed the family had been contacted by the kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N200m.

“I was shocked when they demanded N200m. I hope and pray that they release our brother unhurt,” the family source said.

Bayelsa SSG’s mother was kidnapped for the second time in eight years last month at her residence in the Old Assembly Quarters, Yenagoa.

Her abductors were reportedly dressed in military uniforms.

Ajanami, an indigene of Ayamasa town in Ekeremor area of the state, was abducted at his project site along Otiotio Road in the state capital.

Attempts to get confirmation on the kidnappers’ demands from the Public Relations Officer of Bayelsa Police Command, Asinim Butswat, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone did not connect.

(NATION)

Boko Haram Commander, 5 Fighters Surrender In Borno

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2024

Editor

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), says a Boko Haram Commander, Adamu Muhammad and 5 other fighters have surrendered to the military authorities in Borno.

This is contained in a statement by Lt.-Col Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Military Public Information Officer, N’djamena – Chad on Friday in Maiduguri.

Abdullahi said that the terrorists surrendered on May 2 following military’s intensified operations.

“The terrorists escaped from the ISWAP faction hideout in Jubillaram, situated in Southern Lake Chad. Adamu, 22 years old, had participated in numerous terrorist attacks and roam around Kangarwa, Alagarno, Doro Naira, and Dogon Chikwu in Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno,” he said.

Abdullahi said that while surrendering they handed over 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one warhead of anti-aircraft rounds.

“Other surrendered fighters include; Isah Ali, 18; Hassan Modu, 18; Nasir Idris, 23 escort for the Commander of Jubillaram Usman Rash; Abba Aji, 21and Abubakar Isah.

“The surrendered fighters are currently undergoing investigation.

“This brings the total number of terrorists who have surrendered since the commencement of Operation Lake Sanity ll on April 23 to 119.

“The MNJTF appeals to other terrorists to follow suit, lay down their arms, and embrace peace. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a secure environment in the Lake Chad,” he said

Metro

Police Rescue 5 Kidnap Victims, Recover 1 AK-47 In Kogi

Published

8 hours ago

May 24, 2024

Editor

The Police Command in Kogi has rescued five kidnapped victims in Adogo forest of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by SP Williams Oche-Aya, the Police Public Relations officer.

He said the police also recovered one AK-47 from the daredevils during a mob up exercise in their den in Akpa Local Government Area of the state.

Ovye-Aya, who described the feat as encouraging, quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha as assuring his unwavering commitment to ensuring adequate security of lives and property in Kogi.

He explained that five victims were rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Adogo Division led by SP Yusuf Hantsi, in collaboration with the Local Vigilantes on Thursday.

“Investigations revealed that Five victims were earlier kidnapped at Aresuare Area of Ajaokuta Local Government by their abductors.

“They (victims) were kidnapped on May 17 while on transit along Ajaokuta-Adogo road.

“The Operatives while on rescue mission, combed the bush and invaded the kidnappers camp, and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“But due to the superior firepower of the team, the hoodlums abandoned their victims and fled. All the victims were rescued unhurt, ” he said.

The spokesman said that AK-47 riffle was recovered following a tip off that some armed hoodlums drove in an unregistered Golden colour Muzzle Camry went to Ojode area, Ankpa, started shooting sporadically and shot dead one Iliyasu Abubakar, while one other sustained bullet wound on his right chest.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer of Ankpa, CSP Chikamnele Amaralam, swung into action and mobilized his team to the scene and engaged the hoodlums in gun dual.

He said it was at that point that the hoodlums fled and abandoned one AK-47 rifle with breech No. 354951 and two live ammunition.

Ovye-Aya advised the public to always endeavour to report any suspicious movement of criminals to security operatives for necessary action.

Metro

Deadly Flog: Teacher Beats 8-year-old Anambra Pupil To Coma, Dies

Published

19 hours ago

May 24, 2024

Editor

The 8-year-old pupil, Henry Chukwuemeka Okonkwo, who was beaten to coma by a teacher in Anambra State has passed away.

Rhe 30-year-old teacher at Landmark School Mgbakwu in Awka North Local Government Area of the state, Faith Nwonye, was arrested last weekend.

The State Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, confirmed the sad development on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

“He was a boy…like any other, with hopes and aspirations. He went to school for a better future but met gruesome death at the hands of the people who were supposed to help him achieve his life ambition,” the Commissioner stated.

“A quack teacher in an illegal school bludgeoned him to death. We mourn a life nipped in the bud! We mourn Henry Chukwuemeka Okonkwo! We mourn and we seek justice!”