Metro

Kidnapped 500-level AAU medical student rescued

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2026

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), has rescued a Pascal Amumiasunya, 500-level medical student of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma.

Amumiasunya was abducted by gunmen on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while passing through the Ugboha–Anegbete Road from Ekpoma.

Richard Balogun, the Deputy Commandant, Operations, of the Corps, who disclosed this to newsmen in Benin City on Friday, said the victim was rescued in a forest around Anegbete in Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the student was rescued unhurt without the payment of ransom, adding that the kidnappers took to their heels upon sighting operatives of the Corps.

The Edo State Security Corps’ Deputy Corps Commander disclosed that the kidnappers abandoned their phones during the rescue operation and fled.

He added that the phones have been handed over to the police.

Also speaking, a local resident said the victim was abducted at about 4:30 p.m. and forced into the forest.

The local added that the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of ₦18 million.

He said that on January 25, 2026, men of the Edo State Security Corps mobilised local hunters into the forest in search of the victim.

He explained that an ambush was later laid for the kidnappers as they arrived to collect the ransom.

The source stated that the victim’s family took the agreed ransom to a location in the bush where the kidnappers were to receive it before effecting his release.

Narrating his ordeal, the victim said he encountered the kidnappers on his way to his community and was whisked into the bush.

According to him, “When we got to their camp, they asked me to call my brother and say that I had been kidnapped. They then demanded ₦18 million.”

He said he was, however, rescued by operatives of the Corps.

It was gathered that the victim’s family had earlier opened an account seeking financial assistance from members of the public for the payment of the ransom.

The appeal letter was titled, “Please Help Save Pascal Alumiasunya.”

The letter read in part: “With tears in our eyes, we, the family of Alumiasunya Pascal, are appealing to the general public for urgent financial support. Our son, Pascal Alumiasunya, a 500-level medical student of Ambrose Alli University, was kidnapped yesterday at about 5:00 p.m. around the Ugboha axis, Uromi, while on his way to the village.

“The kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦18 million, which is far beyond what our family can raise alone.

“We humbly beg well-meaning Nigerians, friends, colleagues, and organisations to please support us financially. Nothing is too small.

“Your kindness and support could help bring our son back home safely. Please help us save our son and colleague,” the letter added.

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.