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

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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Metro

Three feared dead in Niger boat accident

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Three persons, two confirmed to be from the same family, are feared drowned in a boat mishap in Niger State.

The incident occured in Lapai Local Government Area of the state.

Vanguard gathered that the boat was overloaded with over 200 bags of rice and capsized about 9p.m., on the fateful day as a result of heavy windstorm.

While some claimed that many people drowned during the incident, a source confirmed that only three persons travelled in the boat because the boat was already overloaded and that they all drowned.

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It was further gathered that the bags of rice were purchased in Lapai council and were being ferried to Lokoja, Kogi State for sale.

The source said: “The boat was overloaded with bags of rice from our area-Lapai thereby occupying all available spaces in the canoe. Two of those who went on the journey are of the same parents and believed to have most of the bags of rice being transported for sale.

“The bags of rice are more than 200 and the storm which started on their way must have also contributed to the sudden accident.”

Public Relations Officer, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Hussaini Ibrahim, when contacted said the agency was yet to get details of the incident and promised to issue a statement later.
Corpses of those feared dead were yet to be recovered at press time.

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Police arrest herbalist over death, mutilation of 11-year-old in Adamawa

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The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a Herbalist identified as Murtala Musa, over the death and mutilation of an 11-year-old boy in Kodomun village, Demsa Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the incident was reported to the police in Demsa on the 13th of April, 2025, by the Village Head of Kodomun and one Fancy Alifas, the Mother of their Victim.

“She reported that her son, Yangapwa David, aged 11, was taken to the said herbalist for treatment but unfortunately died while in his custody.”

According to her, arrangements were made to convey the body home, during which time the corpse was left in the herbalist’s room.

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Shockingly, upon her return, she discovered that her son’s left eye had been removed.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and arrested the suspect.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, *CP Dankombo Morris assured members of the public that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.

The suspect remains in custody as the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been detailed to conduct a discreet investigation.

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Mob kills man over suspected dog theft in Bauchi

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The Bauchi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a man identified simply as Peter, who was killed by a mob in Bauchi metropolis over allegations of dog theft.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Ahmed Wakili.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on April 9, 2025, and involved a mob assault on two individuals accused of stealing a dog.

Wakili said the Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into what he described as an “egregious act of jungle justice.”

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The second victim, identified as Dokagk Danladi, aged 38, was also attacked by a group of youths in a secluded area behind Lushi. He sustained severe machete wounds to the head and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Peter, whose surname is yet to be identified, was found at the scene and was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has led a team of detectives to the crime scene to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

CP Aliyu condemned the act, describing it as barbaric and a threat to the nation’s legal framework. He warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

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“No individual has the authority to brutalize a suspect. Anyone apprehended for any alleged crime should be handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution,” the Commissioner stated.

He appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing relevant information that could aid the investigation.

“The Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and is committed to ensuring that all those involved in this heinous act are brought to book,” Aliyu added.

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