Metro

Kidnapped 500-level AAU medical student rescued

Published

4 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

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.