Metro

Bandits Invade Abuja, Niger Communities Kill RCCG Pastor, 3 Others, Kidnap 39

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2023

Editor

At least four people were killed and 39 others kidnapped when bandits invaded Kuduru, a town in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, as well as Garam and Azu communities in neighbouring Niger State.

Witnesses said the daredevil bandits had, on Saturday, December 23, invaded Garam in Niger state, which is a five-minute drive from Bwari, Abuja, killing a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, while kidnapping 13 others.

On Thursday December 28, the bandits struck Kuduru, Abuja, which shares a boundary with Garam, and kidnapped 18 persons.

The following day, Friday, December 29, the bandits invaded Azu still in Niger state, killing three people and kidnapping eight others.

A resident of Garam, who identified herself as Mrs. Juliana said the bandits had initially missed their target and gone to the wrong house where they then abducted two kids.

“The bandits entered the wrong house, kidnapped two boys who later led them to the house of their target.

“When they got there, they kidnapped the entire family, but while leaving the house, they shot the man (their target), who is a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the presence of his wife and their three children,” she said.

It was further gathered that when the wife realized that she left her six month old baby behind, she asked for permission of the bandits to go back for the baby. And she was escorted to the house by the only female among the bandits.

“However, when the female bandit ran out of patience, she left the woman, joined the others and went with the other kidnapped persons who were 13 in number,” an eyewitness said.

The pastor’s wife, it was gathered, is a teacher in one of the government secondary schools in Bwari.

Went for soldier’s rifle, uniform

Another eyewitness said the bandits made their way to the house of a military personnel, asking for his rifle and uniform from the wife.

“The wife told them that her husband was on duty. They, however, kidnapped two of his children,” the eyewitness said.

The eyewitness added that 13 persons were kidnapped, while the five-year-old son of the pastor, who was killed, was abandoned by the bandits at the riverside because he could not cross the river.

The boy was reportedly rescued by the vigilance team who went on the trail of the bandits.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

6 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

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
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎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
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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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.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

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.

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

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

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.

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.

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.