News

Edo Train Attack: ‘We Paid N2m To Kidnapper For My Sister’s Release’

Published

3 years ago

January 21, 2023

Despite the efforts of security agencies with support from the Edo state government, some family members of the victims of the recent attack and kidnap of passengers and other people at the Igueben train station in Edo state said they paid money to the kidnappers of their loved ones before they were free.

One of such simply gave her first name as Favour and was from Ebudin in Esan Central local government area whose elder sister that was about to board the train to Warri was abducted in the attack.

Security agencies and the state government have said at different times that no money was paid to free the victims but they were all rescued.

Recounting her experience to Sunday Vanguard yesterday, Favour said “It was not really easy for us. The kidnaped person is my elder sister who stays in Warri, Delta state with her family.

“When I first heard of the incident, I almost collapsed because we have been traveling in vehicles but with the spate of kidnappings, we felt we are not secured and we started using the train and now this kidnap happened. It was really hell for everybody in the house, I wasn’t myself at all but I have to thank God that they have been released.

“The kidnappers called my brother, they were communicating with him. They were asking for a ransom of N20 million and my brother told them we don’t have much money, they were talking on the phone, and although the government was also doing something to release them, we gave them two million naira and I thank God that they were released.

“My sister was released last Sunday and she was among the 12 and we were really happy. I didn’t know the exact place they were released but when we heard, my brother had to go to Benin and brought her back home.

“When I heard that she had been released I was really happy. I also appreciated the government because they did not just abandon us, they made efforts and I was impressed.

“I thank God I was not there on that day because initially, I wanted to follow my sister to the train station but because I had other things to sort out at home that was why I didn’t follow her to the train station if not I would have been a victim too, I don’t know what would have happened. But for now, I won’t use the train.

“Government needs to increase security in that area because the railway is cheaper for us as a means of transportation and it is okay for traveling but we need security. I thank God but I want the government to do more on security.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

14 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

14 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

15 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.