Metro
SAD! NYSC Members Among 35 Passengers Abducted By Gunmen In Enugu, Millions Of Naira Demanded From Families

A yet-to-be confirmed number of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were among those abducted by suspected herders at Enugu-Ezike in the Igbo Eze North local government area of Enugu State.
Recall how gunmen on Thursday, January 9, 2025, abducted about 35 passengers along Enugu-Nsukka Road in the community.
Three buses were attacked, and initially, four Nigerian Army personnel were taken, but one, PTE Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape.
However, PTE Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937) and PTE Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348) were taken away with the other passengers.
“They successfully attacked three 18-seater buses and kidnapped at least 35 people from these buses forcefully. In the course of moving the victims into the bush, one of them managed to escape. It was when he came out that he narrated how they were kidnapped and we got to know he is a soldier,” a source had said.
“Yesterday, local hunters, about three of them from my village on their usual routine encountered the kidnappers in the bush but had to hide. They heard one of victims complaining that he couldn’t continue walking as he was tired but guess what? He was shot dead.
“Hours after, both the local hunters and the military operatives entered the bush and saw the dead body which was later taken to the morgue,” he said.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, the source said two of victims were set free after paying a ransom.
He also confirmed that some NYSC members were among those abducted and still in captivity.
“Well, apart from the soldiers, some NYSC members were among the victims. The kidnappers had contacted family members of all the victims.
“However, since your report on Sunday, rescue operations have intensified. A soldier told me the army saw the report as an embarrassment to the military.
“Now, we have soldiers, police and others everywhere. They are even making use of helicopter to search for them.
“As at yesterday, two victims were released after paying an undisclosed amount while the others including the soldiers and corps members are still in captivity,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the family of one of the kidnapped corps members identified as Abasifreke Victor Joseph said her abductors have threatened to kill her if they fail to pay a ransom of N20 million.
The media learnt that Abasifreke was en route to her NYSC duty in Kogi State.
A family source said, “Yes, she’s Abasifreke Victor Joseph from Akwa Ibom state. She was among those kidnapped along Enugu Road.
“She boarded a vehicle that was heading to Enugu State at Nasarawa Road, Uyo, since there was no direct vehicle from Akwa Ibom State to Kogi State on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
“Her sister was communicating with her throughout the journey till 2 pm when she (sister) called again and her number failed to connect.
“The kidnappers called the parents on Friday, January 10, 2025 at about 1:46 pm and demanded a ransom of N20 million or she would be killed.”
Metro
Gunmen storm University of Benin teaching hospital, kill doctor

Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead a doctor on duty at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo state.
The victim, simply identified as Dr. Alex, was said to be in the physiotherapy department inside the health facility when the tragic incident occurred.
Following the shooting, it was gathered that there was confusion in the hospital as healthy workers and patients scampered for safety.
The incident was said to have occurred on Friday, but became public knowledge after health workers protested the gruesome killing of their colleague inside the hospital facility.
The workers brandished various placards to register their displeasure over the incident.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Joshua Uwaila, confirmed the killing on Tuesday.
Uwaila said: “A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday.
“The authority of the hospital has reported the matter to the security agencies and are awaiting the outcome of their findings.”
Blueprint reports that the killing occurred amid renewed cult clashes between members of the notorious Black Axe and Maphites confraternity groups.
A member of the Edo State Security Corps, an Estate developer and three others are said to have been feared dead between Thursday and Monday.
The Edo state police spokesman, CSP. Moses Yamu, was yet to respond to the developments as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of cult-related violence in some parts of the state .
In a statement issued by his apecial adviser on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, the governor directed security agencies to move in decisively against papetrators.
The statement noted, “The Governor had made it abundantly clear that the State would no longer tolerate the senseless killing of our youths and the destabilization of our communities.
“Regrettably, recent developments indicate that some individuals and groups have chosen to defy that understanding.
“This administration remains unshaken in its commitment to rid Edo State of cultism, criminality, and all threats to peace and order.
“We urge all law-abiding residents to remain calm and continue with their daily activities.
“The security agencies are fully mobilised and working around the clock to restore and maintain peace.”
Metro
FCTA destroys 601 motorbikes over violations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has destroyed 601 impounded motorcycles in Abuja, in a move to reinforce traffic regulations and address security concerns.
Mandate Secretary for Transport in FCTA, Dr. Elechi Chinedum, explained that the exercise carried out on Tuesday by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) was in compliance with the regulation of the FCT.
“The most recent regulation, effective from January 1, 2023, was signed into law by the immediate-past administration of Mohammed Bello. Using motorbikes in certain areas is against the law, and today we are here to enforce that,” the mandate secretary said.
Chinedum emphasised the importance of following the law, saying, “All laws are made, and people take it upon themselves to violate the law. Initially, it was about aesthetics for the FCT, but now it concerns security and criminality. The DRTS is here to enforce regulations and ensure safety.
“If you have a motorcycle at home, we’re not coming after you. However, if you bring it into a prohibited area, we will impound it. We will continue to enforce the law, and if there are defaulters, we will be relentless,” he said.
The head of DRTS, Dr Abdulateef Bello, also highlighted the ongoing ban on commercial motorcycles initiated in 2006 as a measure to curb traffic abuses.
“This exercise supports the existing ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in the Federal Capital City,” he said. Adding, “Today, we are sending a message to those still investing in this business: think twice, as we will continue to impound and crush motorcycles forfeited by the court”.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Operations, FCT Command, Mode Magawata, stressed the criminal implications associated with motorcycles.
“We cannot fold our hands. These motorcycles are often used in crimes, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
“The minister emphasises that there should be no motorcycles in restricted areas, and we are here to ensure that the law is enforced,” Magawata said.
Metro
Man commits suicide after wife’s death in Niger

A young man identified as Stephen Moses has reportedly committed suicide after the death of his youngest wife in Ikumi Village, Shako District, Gurara Local Government Area, Niger State,
Sources told Daily Trust that Stephen, 30, had battled mental and emotional health challenges since the death of his second wife in March this year.
Sources said he had constantly stated that he could not have a comfortable life without his late wife.
Daily Trust gathered that he used his dane gun with which he hunted to kill himself on his farm.
One of the sources said he left behind his first wife and two children.
Spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust.
He said the incident happened on April 24, 2025.
According to him “On 24th April, 2025 at about 8pm, report received that one Stephen Moses 30yrs of Ikumi village via Shako District of Gawu-Babangida, Gurara LGA earlier around afternoon period shot himself on the chest with a Dane gun in his farm.
“Police operatives of Gawu-Babangida Div visited the scene, found a Dane gun and the body on the ground, corpse was taken to the hospital while preliminary findings revealed that the deceased was mourning the death of his wife who recently passed on, and has been threatening to commit suicide, and his relatives didn’t inform the Police for preventive measure”.
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