Metro
Gunmen Abduct Benue LG Chairman, Three Aides

Gunmen, in the early hours of Saturday, abducted the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, Haanongon Gideon, and three others.
The chairman was said to have been kidnapped along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state around 6.30am while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount ruler of Katsina-Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.
Among those kidnapped along with him were his personal assistant, Mr. Ior Yuhwam, his driver, and a police officer.
READ ALSO: CHAIN VS FULL FIRE: Tension As Gang War Rages In Benue, Dozens Killed
However, a press statement from the council secretary, Jonathan Modi, confirmed the abduction of the caretaker chairman and three others.
The statement read in parts, “The Ukum Local Government Area Executive Council announces the kidnap of the Council Chairman, Rev. Haanongon Gideon, alongside his PA on Administration, Mr Ior Yuhwam, his driver and police officer.
“The ugly incident took place this morning, along Anyagba, Tongov, in Katsina-Ala LGA, of Benue State, around 6:30am, while on the way to attend the burial of the paramount Ruler of Katsina Ala LG, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezaanga Wombo.”
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Scores Dead As Gunmen Invade Several Banks In Benue
The statement enjoined all the people of the local government to remain calm and be law-abiding, assuring them that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ freedom.
The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Matthew Abo, also confirmed the abduction of the chairman.
He said, “It’s true he was abducted, I cannot say much now because I am at a funeral in Katsina-Ala.”
The state Commissioner for Information, who hails from the same local government area, was also abducted by gunmen in September, 2023.
However, the state command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be briefed.
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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