Metro
Security operatives destroy kidnappers’ hideout In Edo Central
Task Force operatives of Edo State Government, on Friday, destroyed a major hideout used by kidnappers in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District in its continued effort to curb kidnapping in the state.
The Task Force, during the operation, cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor being used by kidnappers.
The exercise was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, aimed to eliminate criminal hideouts and improve visibility for enhanced security surveillance.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West. He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.
He said, “If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West.
This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State.”
The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.
“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.
He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.
Meanwhile, some residents who preferred to remain anonymous confirmed that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.
The Lagos State Government has announced a diversion plan ahead of emergency repairs on Independence/Mekwen Bridge, inbound the Marina/CMS route.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Oshiyemi, announced the diversion in a statement on Sunday.
Oshiyemi stated that the diversion would begin on March 19 and last until May 26, 2025.
“During repairs, the road from the National Open University of Nigeria through Bonny Camp Bridge to Independence Bridge will be closed to vehicles.
“Likewise, the service lane at Bonny Camp Underpass Bridge inbound Independence Bridge will not be accessible to motorists.
“However, the service lane from Ahmadu Bello Way to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue will remain open to traffic,” he said.
Oshiyemi listed alternative routes for motorists to ease traffic flow during the repair period.
Motorists going to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way are to use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and then Obafemi Awolowo Road to Ring Road.
Those heading to the Third Mainland Bridge should take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and then link Ring Road.
Motorists going to Inner Marina and CMS from Ahmadu Bello Way should follow Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road to J.K. Randle Road.
Drivers heading to Ahmadu Bello Way from Inner Marina or CMS will go through the traffic access available.
Oshiyemi assured residents that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would manage traffic throughout the diversion period.
The police in Adamawa State have arrested two suspected ritualists for the killing of a 10-year-old Almajiri boy in the Jada Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Adamawa State Police Command, SP. Suleiman Nguroje, made this known in a statement he signed and shared on the police X account on Sunday.
The statement pointed out that the suspects, Ibrahim Abdul Malik (27) and Aliyu Abdul Malik (18), both residents of Anguwan Sarkin Yamma, Jada, allegedly killed and beheaded the victim, identified as Abdalla Lawali of Anguwar Dubai, Jada.
According to the statement, Abdalla was reported missing on March 7, 2025, while credible intelligence led police officers from the Jada Divisional Headquarters to the suspects, after days of searching.
Upon their arrest, security personnel recovered the decomposed body of the boy in a sack, while his severed head was found buried in a shallow grave within the suspects’ residence.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, claiming they were influenced by evil forces.
Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, Psc (+), has condemned the barbaric behaviour and directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.
The police commissioner assured that justice will be served in the matter.
He called on members of the public to always be vigilant and report any suspicious movements around their neighbourhood to the police.
The accident, which occurred on Saturday night at around 9 p.m., at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, involved a truck that lost control and rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus filled with passengers.
A tragic auto crash at the Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha has claimed the lives of six people, with several others injured.
The accident, which occurred on Saturday night at around 9 p.m., at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, involved a truck that lost control and rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus filled with passengers.
Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that it had taken over the scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.
Ikenga in a statement issued on Sunday said, “The accident claimed the lives of six persons and left a few others with various degrees of injury.
“The aim of the takeover is to ensure order in the area as well as to facilitate investigations into the incident.
“Eyewitness accounts reveal that the accident occurred as a result of loss of control of a truck that rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles and a commercial bus loaded with passengers.”
The police spokesperson said that some of the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in the morgue and some relatives of the victims have been contacted and debriefed about the incident.
“To this end, the Command while condoling the families and friends of the deceased and wishing the injured a quick recovery, cautions drivers to always do the necessary checks before plying the road,” he added.
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