Metro

Residents Abandon Homes, Stay Indoors Early As Kidnapping Surge Hits Nasarawa

Published

3 months ago

October 1, 2025

Residents of Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, and surrounding communities are living in fear as kidnappers intensify their operations and adopt new tactics, forcing many victims and their families into silence even after paying large ransoms for their release.

The criminals, who previously struck mainly at night, now operate in the early evening when people return from work, trailing their targets to their homes and abducting them at gunpoint. In some cases, they fire shots into houses to scare victims into running outside, where they are seized.

The wave of abductions has driven some residents to relocate to neighbouring states and councils, while those who remain have resorted to staying indoors as early as 8:00 p.m. Despite increased patrols, security agencies have struggled to stop the attacks, as the kidnappers reportedly receive information about their targets from informants.

Victims’ families often avoid involving security agencies due to threats from abductors, who closely monitor them through informants to prevent leaks that could compromise their operations. Many households have been impoverished by ransom payments, with some selling property or borrowing money to secure the release of loved ones.

The children of Mr Ibrahim Shekarau, a judge of the State High Court 4 in Mararraban Gurku, Karu Local Council, are among those currently in captivity after being abducted from their home in the 500 Housing Estate along Doma Road, Lafia. Efforts are ongoing to secure their release.

In another incident, gunmen invaded the Nasara Estate along Makurdi Road, near the Federal University of Lafia, and abducted several residents. Among those still held is Mrs Abiye Amezi, a lecturer at Nasarawa State Polytechnic, whose ordeal has highlighted the worsening security situation.

A pastor’s wife nursing a three-month-old baby was also abducted alongside a church member in Agyaragu, Obi Local Council. They were later released after a ransom was paid.

Meanwhile, police have arrested two suspects accused of threatening residents in Doma and Lafia with abduction unless they paid millions of naira. According to command spokesperson SP Ramhan Nansel, the suspects confessed to collecting N7 million from victims.

Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed concern about political interference in criminal investigations, warning that it hampers the efforts of security agencies to curb the rising tide of kidnapping in the state.

The persistent insecurity has also created a climate of fear among journalists, many of who have become reluctant to carry out their duties due to the risk of abduction.
(GUARDIAN)

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

11 hours 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

13 hours 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.

Metro

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

Published

15 hours 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.