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REVEALED: Why Kidnapping Is Thriving In Nigeria – Rtd General

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2024

As the nation grapples with kidnappings by terrorists, highlighted by the abductions of over 600 victims in eight days including school students, children and women in Borno, Kaduna and Sokoto states, a Retired General and Security Consultant, Major Gen Obidah Ethan (Rtd) has declared that there are “gaps in our entire security sector which has to be narrowed and filled”.

Recall that on the 4th of March, 2024, over 300 women and children were kidnapped from Baban Sansan, Zulum and Arabic IDP camps in Borno, on Friday 8 March, 287 students were kidnapped from a school in Kurliya, Kaduna state and another 15 students kidnapped in Sokoto state on Saturday.

Speaking on the topic, “Realism of Kidnapping in Nigeria”, at the 40th Anniversary of SSC Course (Short Service Combatant Course) 25 of the Nigeria Defence Academy on Saturday, Gen Ethan said, “Present realities on insecurity, kidnapping and other criminalities demand the participation, involvement of all Nigerians. It should no longer be the military and Police alone. It has to be all encompassing”

“The country has to come up with a workable strategy. You have to be innovative and think outside the box. The recent talk about the establishment of state police is a welcome development but this is just an aspect. It should not be taken in isolation”.

Commenting on steps to be taken to put the military above new criminal scenarios being introduced by terrorists and bandits, Gen Ethan said, “There is no success in combat by accident. Training is the key. You succeed in warfare by training and you succeed by inculcating modern trends of domestic, kinetic and private security”.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Gen Paul Tarfa (Rtd), former Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy and the Chairman, North East Development Commission disclosed that despite the challenges of insecurity plaguing the country, Nigerians should not give up hope but remain steadfast for a brighter future.

“We should have hope. This country should have hope no matter what we are facing today. Even America at a time, they faced more difficulty than what we are facing today. But they are better for it now.”

To SSC Course 25 who were trained under him as NDA Commandant, Gen Tarfa said, “40 years ago, I was in my early 40’s and you were in your 20’s or thereabout. I thank God for the privilege that I contributed to your careers and progression in the military and service to the nation”

“We have to thank God that we served in different capacities, lost our colleagues but today we are alive to celebrate 40 years anniversary”

Continuing he said, “Let us (Military) know that we are the ones this country has and relies on to save it from security challenges. Nothing compares to the military. We have about 50 different languages among us but today we remain one and united in the goal of keeping this country safe.

“That is because we are readily trained to sacrifice for the nation irrespective of tribe, ethnicity and religion”.

Earlier, Chairman of the SSC Course 25, christened Friends Club 2584, Brigadier General John Abuka (Rtd) disclosed that FC2584 has come of age not only in terms of span of life but was still a baby with fragile clay feet.

“We all therefore must be committed morally and financially to nurture this club to greatness. I humbly call for a change of attitude from all of us especially those who have not really been playing the roles expected of all members.

“Fate did not make any mistakes when it brought us to together to begin the life of soldiering on that fateful 5th day of March, 1984. There’s strength in large numbers. Let’s exploit the advantages that number has to offer.

“In the course of our stewardship, we had the sad experience of losing a number of our members to the cold hands of death. They include Lt Col AY Edrah, Capt MIke Mkpang, Capt BC Garba, Capt ECN Obi, Maj Didioma and most recently, Lt Col AB Mohammed

“The Short Service Combatant Course 25, 40th anniversary of our entry into the service of the Nigerian Army is being modestly marked on account of the prevailing harsh economic climate and the fact that majority of us have still not seen the need to appropriately respond to our constitutionally enshrined financial obligations to our club.

“Be that as it may, let us give all glory to God Almighty for His mercy over us over the years.”

A new executive was elected to pilot the affairs of Short Service Combatant Course 25 with Major Gen Sulaiman Aliyu taking over as President and Captain Karga (Rtd) taking over as Secretary of Friends Club 2584.
VANGUARD

News

Christmas: Edo Deputy Gov Preaches Unity, Hope

Published

9 minutes ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa has called on residents of the state to embrace unity, love, and renewed hope as Christians celebrate Christmas.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa emphasised that Christmas represents values that unite people, regardless of tribe, religion, or politics, promoting compassion, generosity, and peace.

He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless reminder of the values of peace, sacrifice, and compassion, which he said are critical to societal growth and harmonious coexistence.

He urged Edo people to take advantage of the festive season to strengthen communal ties, extend goodwill to the less privileged, and recommit themselves to the collective development of the state.

The deputy governor further said that Christmas underscores the importance of shared humanity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous society.

“Christmas is a season that reminds us of the power of hope and shared humanity.

“As a people, we must continue to stand together, support one another, and work collectively for a more prosperous Edo State,” Idahosa said.

He reassured residents of the state of the firm commitment of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration to enthrone good governance, inclusive development, and people-oriented policies aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of all Edo citizens.

Idahosa also appealed to residents to celebrate the season responsibly and sustain peace and harmony before, during, and after the festivities.

He wished Christians a joyous Christmas celebration and prayed for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Edo State.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

11 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

News

MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.