Metro
Bandits Place N100m Ransom On Each Abducted Victim Of Kwara Community

Bandits who abducted over 30 residents of Eruku community during a church service on Tuesday have placed a ransom of N100m on each victim.
Some family members who were allegedly contacted by the daredevil bandits on phone revealed this on Thursday.
The bandits, during the bloody attack on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State on Tuesday, killed three persons, abducted over 30 worshippers, and looted their valuables in the church during the service.
READ ALSO:Troops Destroy Bandits’ Camp, Arrest Seven Suspected Cultists In Benue
Olori Eta of Eruku, Chief Olusegun Olukotun, who confirmed the latest development on the ransom demand from the bandits, disclosed that four members of his family were among those whisked away.
He recounted that “He was inside the church with five relatives when the gunmen struck, but I managed to flee with one ward by jumping through a window at about 6:06 p.m.”
Olukotun said the abductors had already begun placing calls to different families.
“From what we gathered from the kidnappers’ camp, they have grouped the victims according to their relations and are now calling our people through each of the groups.
READ ALSO:Soldiers Kill 80 Bandits In Kebbi Border Clash
“Some people in the community have received calls from the kidnappers demanding N100m for each person, but as regards my own people, I have not received any call concerning them, so I am still waiting,” he stated.
The community leader also emphasised the urgent need for stronger security deployment in Eruku, a border town with Kogi State long vulnerable to criminal incursions.
He urged the government to upgrade the local vigilante outfit with modern defensive equipment capable of matching the firepower of the attackers.
Metro
AAU Postpones Resumption Date
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.
READ ALSO:AAU Acting VC Meets With Journalists, Rolls Out Achievements
“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.
READ ALSO:Arrears: AAU Management Replies ASUU
“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
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.
READ ALSO:AAU Ekpoma Students Flee Campus, Classes Over Fear Of EFCC’s Arrest
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
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.
READ ALSO:Imo Police Arrest Man Accused Of Defilement In Viral Video
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.
READ ALSO:Man Allegedly Defiles Minor At Wedding Ceremony In Adamawa
“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.
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