Metro

BREAKING: Tension In Agbor As Gunmen Kidnap Two NRC Staff

Published

3 years ago

May 19, 2023

At least two staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation at Agbor train station have been kidnapped by gunmen throwing the community into panic and apprehension, The PUNCH reports.

The victims were identified as Peter Osazuwa, STCI Level 10 officer in Operations and Commercial Department and Level Nine Officer from Kwara State, Giwa Mohammed in the Stores and Procurement Department.

A source in NRC who does not want to be named informed that the victims were staffers of the Warri-Itakpe train service in Agbor, while the incident took place some few minutes distance from the Owa-Alero ancestral residence of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The source said, “They were kidnapped on Thursday evening in Owa-Oyibu, on their way from the town where they went to buy some food items. The incident happened at the junction that leads to the Abavo market.

“The tyres of the Jeep that was driven by them were destroyed, the windscreen shattered They were thereafter kidnapped.

“Recently, the kidnappers contacted the people close to the Agbor train station and demanded N40 million.”

Three injured as gunmen attack commercial vehicle in Ekiti
Another source in Agbor said the incident has thrown the whole community into panic and apprehension.

Several calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of NRC, Fidet Okhiria and his Personal Assistant, Dennis Ujah, for response, were not replied to.

The Spokesperson for NRC, Yakubu Mahmood, said he would get back because it is a security issue.

But The PUNCH learnt that the NRC management has been briefed and they are on top of the situation.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer for NRC in Agbor Station, Olanrewaju Oke, said the matter is being handled by the police and security agencies, adding that the matter was under investigation.

He said, “The incident has been reported to management and I can’t tell you anything because the MD is not around. I can’t tell you something I don’t have details. But the police and security agencies are on top of it.

“The matter is under investigation.”

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

4 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

5 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

8 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.