Metro

How We Kidnap Children, Sell Them In Benin Republic, Suspect Tells Police

Published

2 years ago

December 27, 2023

A 25-year-old, suspected kidnapper and child trafficker, Tayo Adeleke, has confessed to the Ogun State Police Command about his involvement in a child abduction and trafficking syndicate that operates across the border in Benin Republic.

Adeleke is currently in police custody following an attempted child theft at Omu Pempe community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, when Adeleke and two other accomplices, who are currently at large, attempted to steal children from a Baptist Church in Omu Pempe.

It was gathered that the suspects had stormed the Church around 2 am with a motorcycle, with a mission to steal children from the church and sell them in the Republic of Benin.

However, an operative of the So-Safe Corps had got a distress call, which she shared with the Divisional Police Officer in the area.

“When the three men were challenged about their mission in the village, they could not give any cogent explanation as they attempted to flee,” a source said.

A joint effort by the police, So-Safe Corps, and local vigilante groups in the community led to the apprehension of Adeleke, while his accomplices escaped through the bush.

During interrogation, Adeleke confessed to being part of a syndicate that kidnaps children and sells them in Benin Republic.

Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said kidnappers are now targeting communities as the police intensify efforts on the highways.

Odutola urged community leaders and residents to establish internal security measures and collaborate with law enforcement to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Going into communities to kidnap is the new trend now. We have taken over the highways in Ogun. You will see policemen on the road now. But the kidnappers have gotten into the inner villages to start disturbing them. We will get them, we are going back to the drawing board. Criminals have no place in this state.

“So, we are calling on our traditional rulers and our community leaders in the State to establish an internal security both at the entry and exit points to their communities; and give security agents necessary information to aid the security of lives and property. Villagers can easily identify strangers in their communities, so they should help the police. Thank God this was a foiled one.”

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

20 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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.