Metro

Banditry: We’re Under Siege, Kaduna Communities Natives Cry Out

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

…say in Garun-Kurama, many kidnapped, killed, no help in sight

The prevailing rate of bandit attacks that are going unabated is causing sleepless nights to the members of communities in Lere and Kauru local government areas.

Recently, Garun-Kurama, Kahugu, Ungwan Kerau, and Mariri in the Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been under attacks of the bandits, kidnapping people indiscriminately for ransom.

A resident of Garun-Kurama, a suburb town of Saminaka who prefers to be anonymous for fear of being kidnapped, said recently the wife of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chairman of the Lere Local Government Area, was kidnapped and a whopping undisclosed amount of money was said to have been paid as ransom.

He said the APC chieftain, Mr. Jonathan Shekarau Ukissa, who is well known as Ba’are has been experiencing attacks by the men of the underworld in recent times.

According to him, some months ago, his eldest son was also kidnapped and spent days in the custody of the kidnappers until money was paid for his release.

He expressed worries that the kidnappers are more deadly as the younger brother to Kaduna State former deputy speaker and a lecturer with the Kaduna State University, Professor Matoh Dari Dogara was kidnapped and killed within a few hours.

He said last week, another person was kidnapped and still under their custody as ransom negotiation is still ongoing and his fate to come out alive is uncertain.

“I’m afraid they may kill the man because truly there is no one to help him with the ransom and the kidnappers have been threatening to kill him if nothing is done,” he said.

This medium also gathered that Damakasuwa and Bakin Kogi communities in Kauru LGA are also facing the myriad of attacks of kidnappers.

Another person who also prefers to be anonymous, said people in Damakasuwa are now more of refugees, leaving the town at dusk and coming in the wee hours over fear of being kidnapped.

He revealed that the kidnappers are using people within the communities as their informants to leak information about who has farmed well and started bringing farm produce home.

It would be recalled that Yadin Garun Kurama was where some Catholic priests were kidnapped and killed two years ago.

They expressed worries that the insecurity challenges in the areas are rampant, despite having the Commissioner of Environment, Hon Abubakar Buba who was Lere’s former council chairman and close to the government of Kaduna State.

“All complaints are falling on deaf ears, we don’t seem to have leaders with political will, all they care about is to amass wealth for personal gains.

“Our House of Representatives member, Engr Manir is doing nothing about it too.

“God will judge them, I’m suspecting a foul play of the government too. They are complacent about all the activities going around our communities.

“We are afraid and we are in a dilemma, You dare not bring back your farm produce home, you can be the next victim,” they lamented.

This is coming when the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu recently addressed stakeholders on issues of insecurity that the present government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to secure the country, despite inheriting many leadership liabilities.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Kadunà State Command, ASP Mansur Hassan said that their men are on ground dealing heavy blows on criminal elements and bandits.

“It is not true anywhere in Kaduna State is under siege. Our men are everywhere dealing with the bandits. If you check the papers today, you will see that over 30 bandits and kidnappers were arrested.

“We are doing our best, we solicit credible information from the general public to rid the state of criminals. If anyone has credible information, he should bring it to our notice,” he said.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

5 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

7 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

9 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.