News

Kidnapped A’Ibom NYSC Members: Fear Grips Parents As Abductors’ Ransom Deadline Expires Today

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 2023

Helpless families of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members from Akwa Ibom State, abducted in Zamfara State by gunmen over two weeks ago on their way to Orientation Camp in Sokoto State are gripped in fear of bad news, as the ultimatum the abductors gave for ransom expires today.

Speaking to Vanguard in Uyo, some families of eight victims still in captivity disclosed receiving calls from the abductors to send a ransom balance of N8 million latest today or expect bad news having earlier paid N5 million.

The latest development comes even as the Akwa Ibom State Government remains mum on the pains faced by the victims and their families two weeks after.

A relative of one of the victims narrated to Vanguard in confidence: “The young man left Akwa Ibom on August 16, 2023, with other corps members, and on August 17 night, they kidnapped them on their way to Sokoto.

“On Friday, they contacted us. That first day, those people that kidnapped them demanded N4 million ransom from each of them (victims). They were eight NYSC members and the AKTC driver made them nine.

“The mother of the boy (name withheld) started crying because as a poor widow and petty trader, she could not afford such amount of money. The following day, Saturday, the abductors contacted us again and decided all parents of their victims meet to jointly raise N10 million.

“The families have been able to raise N5 million and sent to them. It would have remained N5 million, but they later requested money for three power bikes. And we have checked each powerbike cost N1 million plus.

“They spoke to us again Monday this week to give till Wednesday, September 6, as deadline for the remaining amount to be paid. So, we are looking at N8 million, including money for the powerbikes. And they warned that we should try and meet the deadline, if we don’t want to hear bad news.”

Vanguard source noted that since all family members of the victims had protested to the state House of Assembly over their plight, government has not made any effort to assist in ensuring release of the victims.

Another relation of the kidnap victims, who simply identified himself as Mfon, lamented that since they were given today’s deadline by the abductors, they have been restless.

He said: “We have been moving around to see people who can assist us in anyway to raise this amount. Just this morning, village head and the wife gave us N300,000 to support us.

“We are still looking for N700,000 to make N1 million on our part because each of the families must contribute N1 million to complete the outstanding N8 million ransom.”

News

INEC CVR: CSO Expresses Worry Over Poor Deployment Of Machines, Manpower To LGs In Edo

Published

6 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) has expressed worry over the poor deployment of capturing machines and manpower to Igueben Local Government Area of the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the ongoing Ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR).

The Coordinator, EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre, Leftist Enabulele Larry, and Secretary, Leftist Mark Akande expressed the CSO sentiment when the duo visited the INEC headquarters in Igueben where the CBR in the local government is taking place.

In a statement made available to INFO DAILY on Friday, the leadership of EDOCSO, Igueben Study Centre condemned the “use of only two capturing devices in a local government with over 69, 396 in population.”

The duo noted in the statement that their findings at the INEC headquarters revealed two capturing machines were deployed to each local government across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The civil society members said INEC excuse of deploying two capturing machines to each local government was not germane enough because many do not have a computer or android phone to do the online registration INEC gave as an excuse.

“The question here is, what is the percentage of our people mostly the aged individuals, that have access to Android mobile and other internet gadgets in Edo state?

“How many people can afford internet data to enable them have access internet services in Edo state under the current excruciating economic pains by the people?

“How many of the Edo people can even manipulate the Android mobile phone to the extent of navigating the internet hurdles to undertake the job is INEC? If INEC is not ready for the job, they should tell Nigerians.

“If citizens are now advised to individually undertake the statutory job of INEC, of what purpose does the commission serve to the people? etc,” they said.

As at when filing this report, INFO DAILY was yet to get a reply from the message sent to the INEC in Edo for reaction.

News

Edo Sports Commission Boss Celebrates Okpehbolo On Birthday

Published

11 hours ago

August 29, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has felicated with Governor Monday Okpebholo, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele Okpebholo as a visionary leader whose dedication to the growth and development of the state has continued to inspire confidence and admiration across all sectors, especially sports.

Enabulele, who highlighted the governor’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports development, noted that under his leadership, Edo State has witnessed significant strides in grassroots sporting initiatives and infrastructure.

“His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not just a political leader but a beacon of hope for the younger generation.

“His passion for excellence and inclusive governance is evident in the way he has continued to support policies that uplift our youths and promote sporting excellence,” the statement read.

The Executive Chairman prayed for long life, good health, and continued wisdom for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state towards greater prosperity.

“On behalf of the entire Edo State Sports Commission, I extend our warmest birthday wishes to His Excellency at 55. May this new chapter of his life be filled with more accomplishments and divine grace,” he added.

News

Oba Of Benin Suspends Palace Chiefs

Published

22 hours ago

August 28, 2025

Editor

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has suspended two of his chiefs for falling for dereliction of duties.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), Frank Irabor and made available to journalists in Benin City.

He said their suspension was as a result of their long absence from the palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their palace responsibilities.

The suspended persons are: Chief John Igiehon, the Izuwako of Benin and chief Aimiukpomonyako Oghogho (Ebengho), the Oyenmwensoba of Benin.

“The under-mentioned two (2) chiefs have been suspended from the Palace of the Oba of Benin.

“This is as a result of their long absence from the Palace, resulting in their failure to carry out their Palace responsibilities.

“The public is advised to be wary of unscrupulous chiefs that are no longer functioning in the Palace. His Royal Majesty has approved their _ Suspension and directed the public be duly informed.

“The names of the chiefs are: – ; 1. CHIEF JOHN IGIEHON, THE IZUWAKO OF BENIN and, _ 2 CHIEF AIMIUKPOMONYAKO OGHOGHO (EBENGHO), THE OYENMWENSOBA OF BENIN”, the statement said.