Metro

Edo: Gunmen Kidnap Nine In Commando Style

Published

12 months ago

May 4, 2023

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday evening hijacked vehicles plying the Afuze ihievbe road in Owan East Local Governmemt Area of Edo State and made away with over 12 persons.

According to reports the incident happened between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the victims including a child of about nine years old were kidnapped in a sienna bus.

In a viral video with a voiceover, it is reported that the kidnappers took over the lonely road in a commando style, hijacked a jeep with the occupants and drove into the bush.

The voice over, also reported that another upcoming car was lucky to have sighted the kidnappers, parked and escaped into the bush.

The sienna bus, was, however, unfortunately as it ran into the hands of the kidnappers, the voiceover reported.

In the video, three vehicles – ML 320 Jeep with registration number AGD 542 GU – were said to be hijacked by the gunmen but non of the occupants were inside, an indication that they might have been kidnapped.

A Sienna Jeep with registration number Kogi LKJ 464 YE with about 10 occupants were said to be kidnapped including a nine year old child whose mother’s was the only person that escaped into the bush.

In the third vehicle the driver and the occupants were said to have escaped unhurt.

A resident from Ihievbe who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, said nine persons were kidnapped while two persons escaped.

He said members of vigilante group in the locality have combed off forestry and bush in the locality, Warrake and other communities in rescue of the victims.

“The passengers were ambushed with some of them which include a woman who managed to escape but could not take her daughter who is said to be about 9years old along.

“The vigilantes from the Ihievbe- Afuze axis are said to be in the bush on trail of the kidnappers.

“The Auchi Afuze road is known as a notorious route for kidnappers, but the situation was, however curtailed with the presence of soldiers and local vigilantes before the present resurgence.”

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said he was not aware of the incident.

Metro

Edo Police Parade 21 Suspects Over Alleged Murder, Cultism, Pipeline Vandalism

Published

6 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Editor

No fewer than 21 suspects were on Tuesday paraded by the Nigeria police, Edo State Command, for alleged robbery, unlawful possession of fire arms, murder, cultism, illicit drugs, economic sabotage and pipeline vandalism.

Parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, Benin City, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Mr. Funsho Adegboye, said the suspects were arrested at different parts of the state for various crimes.

Among the suspects were Ovie Samuel (46), Stanley Itota (45), Felix Oputi (46), Kadiri Hassan (45) and Alex Akaeze, who were arrested for being in possession of 1,080 kilograms of ICE (hard drug), worth ₦20, million street value.

Adegboye described successes recorded by operatives of the different units of the Command in the last two weeks as “a season of harvest of criminals.”

“This has been a season of harvest of criminals. the suspects were arrested within a period of two weeks and all this is done to make Edo safe for the citizens to carry out businesses in the state,” he said.

Meanwhile, CP Funsho Adegboye has advised parents to warn their children, especially university students, to avoid being used by unscrupulous politicians.

He gave the warning ahead of the commencement of governorship electioneering.

“We want to implore members of the public to please warn their wards, especially young people, especially university students.

“Our youths should be discouraged, they should not be used as tools in the hands of some unscrupulous politicians.

“Like I advised the executive members of the Students’ Union of the University of Benin, the people that are making use of them, their own children are not around, so why would they want to get involved,” he said.

Adegboye, who commended the people of the state for supporting the police, appealed to all stakeholders to continue to give useful information to enable the police to fight crimes and criminality in the state.

Metro

JUST IN: Aircraft Belonging To Dana Air Skids Off Lagos Airport Runway

Published

14 hours ago

April 23, 2024

Editor

An aircraft belonging to Dana Air has skidded off the runway in Lagos State.

Details about the incident are still unclear as of the time of filing this report.; however, a source confirmed to our correspondent that no casualties were recorded.

Details soon…

Metro

Cable Theft Soldiers Dismissed

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers accused of stealing armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State.

The soldiers, Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, were arrested while moving out of the facility with 897 armoured cables cut to size.

Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who earlier described the action of the soldiers as “totally unacceptable and highly regrettable” confirmed their dismissal in a statement on Monday, April 22.

“In line with Nigerian Army’s (NA) commitment to upholding high standard of professionalism, integrity and discipline, the NA wishes to update the general public on the outcome of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises on 14th April 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani,” the statement read.

“Sequel to a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.

“Subsequently, they were both charged for Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub section (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. They were summarily tried.

“During the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were given the opportunity to present their cases and defend themselves, but were however found guilty of the charges levelled against them in accordance with military laws.

“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.

“This decisive action underscores the NA’s resoluteness in maintaining its institutional integrity and reputation.

“The NA reassures the general public of its dedication to upholding integrity, discipline and accountability at all levels. We remain resolute in our duty to protect and serve the nation with honor and dignity.

“We urge the public to continue to support our efforts in safeguarding national security and promoting peace and stability across the nation.”