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Bandits Demand N9m Per Benue JAMB Victim As Police Nab Seven
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Tension is mounting in Benue State after bandits demanded ₦9 million each for two students believed to be JAMB candidates abducted from a commercial bus, even as the Nigeria Police Force announced a major breakthrough with the arrest of seven suspects and the rescue of some victims.
The victims were among passengers seized on Wednesday when gunmen intercepted an 18-seater Benue Links bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, forcing occupants into nearby bush paths in what has become a chilling pattern of highway kidnappings in the region.
Family In Distress As Ransom Soars
In an emotional appeal, the father of two of the abducted students said the kidnappers have escalated their demands after a series of confusing negotiations, leaving the family devastated and helpless.
According to him, the abductors initially demanded ₦10 million for each of the victims before briefly dropping the figure to ₦500,000, only to return with a hardline demand of ₦9 million per child.
“I have two children that were kidnapped in that bus and none of them has been released,” the distraught father said.
“They first asked for ₦10 million each, later said ₦500,000, but now they insist on ₦9 million each. We are still begging them.”
The father, who spoke under anonymity for security reasons, revealed that his children were travelling from Nasarawa State when they fell into the hands of the kidnappers after boarding the ill-fated vehicle.
“Even if you sell me, I cannot be worth the ₦9 million they are asking for each of them,” he lamented.
He said the incident has thrown the family into emotional turmoil, disclosing that his wife has not eaten since the abduction, while the family now clings to hope for government intervention.
Sources say several of the victims were young travellers, including students heading to write examinations, heightening public outrage over the targeting of vulnerable citizens on Nigerian highways.
The attack has again spotlighted the growing insecurity along major routes in Benue and neighbouring states, where bandits and suspected armed herdsmen have increasingly tightened their grip.
Amid the rising anxiety, the Benue State Police Command confirmed a breakthrough in the ongoing rescue operation.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command said a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies has yielded results.
“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident,” the statement read.
According to the police, operatives launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, leading to the rescue of some victims, who are now receiving medical attention.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in custody as investigations continue.
…As Wike Orders Free Medical Treatment For Victims
Five dead bodies have been recovered from the site of three storey building under construction at Durumi Area 3, near Gudu Market that collapsed in Abuja on Saturday.
One person was however brought out alive after been buried in the debris for nine hours.
Spokesman of the FCT Minister, Mr Lere Olayinka, said 11 persons were brought out of the rubble alive and were receiving treatment as at the time of filling this report.
The evacuation was supervised by FCTA Mandate Secretary on Health, Dr Dolapo Fasawe.
Meanwhile, Minister of the FCT , Mr Nyesom Wike has directed that all the victims should be given free medical treatment.
Social media influencer and relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over an alleged N36 million fraud case.
She was docked on Friday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft.
According to the charge, Blessing CEO allegedly obtained N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and 17, 2024, under the pretence of securing a six-bedroom duplex located in Lekki, Lagos, a statement on the anti-graft agency’s website said.
The prosecution alleged that the representation was false and violated provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
She was also accused of fraudulently converting the said sum for personal use, contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
Blessing CEO pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read in court.
Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional facility pending trial, while the defence counsel said she had only just been served with the charges and was preparing a bail application.
Justice D. I. Dipeolu ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail application.
The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for trial.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Friday described the alleged reports circulating on social media alleging an influx of herdsmen into Anguwan Dobi, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, and suggesting an imminent security threat within the area as false and misleading.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josphine adeh: “Upon noticing the circulating videos and reports, Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location and adjoining communities to assess the situation and ascertain the facts of the matter.
“However, no unusual gathering, suspicious movement, or persons matching the claims in the reports were found within the said area or its surrounding environment at the time of investigation.
“The Command wishes to assure residents that it is closely monitoring developments within the area, while investigation is still ongoing to fully ascertain the facts surrounding the matter. Residents are therefore advised to remain calm, go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension”.
While reassuring residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Command further enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the FCT Police Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
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