Metro

JUST IN: Gunmen Kidnap Abuja Landlords, Demand N20m Ransom

Published

2 years ago

December 4, 2023

Editor

Gunmen on Sunday kidnapped two landlords in the Asokoro extension area of the Federal Capital Territory.

The gunmen are demanding N20m ransom to release the victims.

The PUNCH gathered that armed men pointed a gun at one of the landlords in the area whom they used to gain access to a victim.

A resident of the area who simply identified himself as James told our correspondent that the other victim was making his way into his house when he was whisked away by the armed men.

He said, “It happened around 11pm on Sunday. Because of the heat, one of the landlords slept outside. They saw him and pointed a gun to his head. They asked him to take them to his house, and he showed them but they were not satisfied with the kind of house he lives in.

“There were other big houses next to his house. So, they went with him and asked him to knock on the gate of one of the houses. When he knocked, as a well-known neighbour, the gate was opened for him. That was how they accessed the man’s house and kidnapped him.

“The second landlord had issues with his car and came home with a motorcycle. He was about to enter his house when they attacked him and whisked him away.”

The source noted that the kidnappers had reached out to the families and demanded N20m to release the landlords.

He said, “Two hours after their operation, they called the two families to pay N10m each. One of the families pleaded to pay N2m and assured them that they would get it almost immediately, but they rejected and instead threatened to kill him if the N10m is not complete.”

The FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

The Asokoro Commander of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Mohammed Seidu, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, adding that effort was ongoing with the police to rescue the victims.

“Policemen attached to the Asokoro Police Station are aware of the matter. We have been combing the nearby bushes to see if we can rescue them,” he said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

16 minutes 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.

Metro

20-year-old Arrested For Allegedly Defiling Minor

Published

20 minutes ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Bauchi State Police command has arrested a 20-year-old man, Bilal Ya’u, for allegedly defiling a six-year-old girl in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The girl’s father was said to have reported the incident at the Alkaleri Divisional Police Headquarters on January 6, 2026.

The father said the suspect, who is their neighbour, lured his daughter into an uncompleted building on January 5 where he assaulted her.

Police spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, in a statement issued on Saturday stated that upon receipt of the report, detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Kadiri Danjuma, visited the scene while the victim was taken to the General Hospital, Alkaleri, for medical examination.

According to the him, the suspect who was later arrested confessed to committing the act during interrogation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a thorough investigation, after which the suspect will be profiled and charged to court.

According to DAILY POST, the incident is among a series of rape cases recorded in the area. Earlier, police arrested a 28-year-old man, Baffa’ji Abba, for allegedly raping his neighbour’s eight-year-old daughter in the same local government.

Metro

Panic In Benue Community Over Influx Of Armed Herdsmen

Published

30 minutes ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Fear has enveloped the Tyoshin community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State over the large influx of suspected armed herdsmen into the area.

This was disclosed in a statement by the National President, Prof Patrick Ukase and Secretary, Prof John Ajai of the Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA).

The forum called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to act swiftly to address the development.

They expressed dismay over a statement by the Benue State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, who, in a viral video, stated that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State, including those from Gwer-West, had returned to their ancestral homes.

The FoTA described the statement as “false”, noting that it does not reflect the realities on the ground.

“The commissioner’s statement appears to be a figment of his imagination rather than a reflection of lived realities in affected communities. There are several villages in Gwer-West Local Government Area that residents cannot safely access,” it insisted.

“Many people have not returned to their homes due to fear of being attacked. Others are displaced but no longer stay in official camps; they are scattered across neighbouring communities, living with relatives or in temporary arrangements.

“To suggest that there are no longer Internally Displaced Persons in Benue State, particularly in Gwer-West LGA, under these conditions, gives a false picture of reality. It risks creating the impression that all is well when, in fact, many communities remain vulnerable and exposed,” the statement said.

FoTA said it is in possession several credible reports from residents that the herders were already encroaching on farmlands, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops.

The group said such development could be a prelude to attacks on vulnerable farmers, and it called on relevant authorities to act without delay.

“We wish to draw the attention of the Benue State Government, relevant security agencies and the general public to the renewed and increasing influx of armed Fulani herders into Gwer-West Local Government Area in large numbers.

“FoTA has received repeated reports from residents and farmers that the herders are already encroaching, grazing on cultivated fields and destroying standing crops. This is a clear indication that the herders are not here solely to graze but may pose a serious threat to residents,” it stated.

The forum said the situation is causing panic and anxiety in the community and not be treated with levity by the authorities.

“Gwer-West is one of the areas that has suffered greatly from continued herdsmen attacks, displacement and loss of livelihoods. FoTA is raising this concern at this early stage, not to inflame tensions, but to prevent a situation that could further worsen the community’s condition if ignored,” the group added.