Metro
Abductors demand N20m ransom to release Catholic priest

Abductors of Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo, are demanding N20 million as ransom for the release of the clergyman.
Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru on Sunday evening while on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Imo.
His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah on Monday in Owerri, in a statement.
A source from the church, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday in Owerri, said the kidnappers had contacted some persons through whom they first demanded for N50 million, before they reduced the amount.
“Most parishioners are extremely worried on the safety of the priest since Fr. John was kidnapped and his abductors are still keeping him up to today being Wednesday,’’ he said.
The source said, though there were conflicting reports on the kidnappers’ demand, nobody is sure if the demand is actually coming from the abductors.
“Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding for N50 million, some N20 million and some N10 million, the fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, we keep praying for his safe release.
He also pleaded with the state government and security agencies to intervene and help rescue the priest, because he is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him,’’ he said.
Another parishioner, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, noted with regrets that the abductor forced the priest to remove his cassock, forced him out of his official vehicle before taken him away.
“We got information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock, took him out of his vehicle before they went off.
“Naval personnel at Izombe later recovered the vehicle,’’ him said.
He, however, appealed to the abductor to have change of heart and release the priest.
(NAN)
Metro
Edo man hacks brother to death following a dispute

The Edo State Police Command on Friday said his operatives have arrested one Iyayi Omokaro, who hacked his brother, Friday, to death over a disagreement on Tuesday.
The Command Spokesman, Moses Yamu, who stated this in a statement, said the killing took place at Uzalla Community, Uhunmwonde, Benin.
Yamu said that Friday was confirmed dead in the hospital; Iyayi was arrested and has confessed to the crime.
The statement read, “On 25/03/2025 at about 15:30 hours, a report was received from a camp in Uzalla Community about the killing of one Friday Omokaro (38 years).
“Police Operatives and vigilante got to the scene and took the victim to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. The murder weapon was also recovered.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased and his brother Iyayi Omokaro (34 years) had a misunderstanding which resulted into a fight, in the process, Iyayi Omokaro used a cutlass and hacked his elder brother to death.
“Iyayi Omokaro has been arrested and taken into custody for investigation. He has, however, confessed to the crime and would soon be charged to court.”
Metro
Sallah: Nine die in Katsina road accident

Tragedy struck along the Malumfashi-Kafur Road in Katsina State on Sunday morning, as a lone Hummer bus accident resulted in the death of nine passengers.
According to the Katsina State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Aliyu Ma’aji, “Nine passengers died on the spot, while 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.”
Preliminary investigation has identified speeding and loss of control as the primary factors in the crash.
Motorists have been cautioned by the FRSC commander to exercise extreme care and refrain from speeding, overloading, and reckless driving, particularly during festive periods.”
Considering the potential for increased traffic during festive periods, the FRSC commander implored motorists to prioritize safety by exercising extreme care and refrain from speeding, overloading, and reckless driving.
Ma’aji pointed out that despite improved roads infrastructure in Katsina, reckless driving continue to be a major cause of fatal accidents.
Metro
Civil Defence Corps debunk allegations of organ harvesting

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command has denied allegations of organ harvesting made by a social media journalist(name withheld).
Speaking to newsmen in the state, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Cajetan Ahanonu, the NSCDC described the claims as “false, baseless, and misleading,” urging the public to disregard them.
According to him, on 18th March 2025, the Command received a distress call from Ogeri Ude, a staff member, reporting the sighting of a suspect, Stanley Ebo, who allegedly raped her 25-year-old daughter on 5 March 2025 at about 10:30 pm.
Following due procedure, NSCDC operatives were deployed, and the suspect was taken into custody after the victim identified him. However, during interrogation, Ebo denied the allegations, citing mistaken identity, he asserted.
The NSCDC explained that while in custody, the suspect developed serious health complications, including heart-related issues, vomiting, and blood-stooling.
Due to the absence of medical facilities within the Command, his family applied for bail to seek urgent medical attention. The request was granted on humanitarian grounds, in line with legal provisions.
The NSCDC stated that there was no case of organ harvesting, nor had any reports been filed to that effect.
Furthermore, the original complainant, Ogeri Ude, expressed complete ignorance of the allegations circulating on social media.
The Command, while condemning the misinformation, called on journalists and media practitioners to verify facts before publication, warning against unverified reports that could incite public unrest.
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