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Updated: Police deploy helicopters, drones as 20 abducted medical students cry for help

Updated: Police deploy helicopters, drones as 20 abducted medical students cry for help
Twenty medical students abducted on Thursday while travelling on Otukpo-Enugu highway have cried out for help from captivity.
They said they had not had any food for two days.
Their abductors demanding a ransom of N50 million have threatened to start killing them if the money was not paid promptly.
But the police on Saturday stepped up action to rescue the kidnapped students.
Deployed for the operation were helicopters, drones and personnel as directed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the students’ abduction and prayed for their immediate rescue.
The list of the 20 abductees, who are from the Universities of Jos and Maiduguri, was released on Saturday.
They were abducted by gunmen while on their way to Enugu to attend the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in the city.
Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) of the Benue State Command, Kate Aneene, said the students were travelling in two buses when the gunmen pounced on them on the Otukpo-Enugu highway around 7pm.
From the list released by the Benue Medical Students Association (BEMSA) the abductees are Boniface Tizhe, Thomas Yahaya, Gabriel Jita Iwev, Boniface Okon, Dondo Fabian, John Bitrus Naga, Fortune Chima Umeh, Godwin Gregory Tumba, Monica Ejembi and Ogbonna George Chukwuebuka.
Others are Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adaugo, Okopi Peter, Enger Benedicta, Kwaghaondo Aondona Kingsley, Paul Shantong, Victoria Cornelius, Pius Samson, Okan Adara and Dr. Luis Mmbamonyeukwu, a house officer.
The association said the list would be updated as more information came.
One of the kidnapped students, Aondona Kingsley, managed to get words across on his X handle @King aondona yesterday, painting a picture of what they have been going through.
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He said, “We were kidnapped on our way to Enugu for a convention @Nigerian Doctor. They are requesting (for) 50 million for 20 of us medical students. Please help us. And we haven’t eaten for two days 08163420157 –Pius that is who we are gathering the money with.”
In a separate message, he said, “They said they would start killing us tomorrow.”
Inspector General Egbetokun described the abduction of the students as “truly appalling, callous and unacceptable.”
Spokesman for the Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that Egbetokun, in keeping with the police unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the young Nigerians, had “ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure swift rescue of our beloved students.”
The move, according to the police spokesman, “encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialised tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.”
He also said, “The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates the zeal of the force to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the perpetrators and others alike, as the Nigeria Police Force is determined to sustain the fight against crimes and criminality, most especially kidnapping of Nigerians.
“The IGP equally appeals to the general public to provide useful information and actionable intelligence that may aid the ongoing investigation and the rescue operation.
“Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact the nearest police station the state’s command control number or the FHQ via Pressforabuja@police.gov.ng and other helplines.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law throughout the country.”
The NMA in an open letter to the Police IG yesterday called for the swift intervention of the authorities in the “grave situation.”
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“Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return,” it said in the letter signed by the association’s Secretary General, Dr Benjamin Egbo.
The association said it was “deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”
It offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.
Senate President of NANS, Okunomo Henry Adewumi, asked government to swiftly and preemptively tackle violent acts.
He also called for heightened security presence in susceptible regions, enhanced intelligence collection and dissemination, and increased safeguarding of schools, medical centres and communities.
Criminals responsible for such acts, it added, must be identified and punished accordingly.
Security agencies must get them out of kidnappers’ den –Gov Alia
In his reaction, Gov. Alia asked security agencies in the state to intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of the students.
The governor also condemned the abduction and warned criminal elements operating within the state to relocate as his administration would not rest in its efforts to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expressed sadness over the incident.
The ministry described it as a stark reminder of the significant challenges faced by healthcare professionals and students in Nigeria.
The ministry lamented that the kidnapping was a significant setback to the nation’s efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce.
It called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and the house officer.
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The ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, asked the perpetrators of the dastardly act to desist from such criminal activities and respect the sanctity of human life.
He said, “The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stands in solidarity with the families of the kidnapped students and offers its full support during this difficult time.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of healthcare professionals and students across the country.”
Updated: Police deploy helicopters, drones as 20 abducted medical students cry for help
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DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting

DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting
Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies have launched an investigation into how Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central attended the recent Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York without official nomination.
According to a report by Premium Times, officials from the Department of State Service (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) are reportedly examining the circumstances surrounding her attendance, including who facilitated her participation, how she obtained accreditation, and whether her presence was intended to embarrass the Nigerian government.
The investigation follows concerns that the senator did not receive official clearance from the Nigerian Senate to represent the country at the IPU event on March 11.
According to the IPU’s regulations, participation is generally restricted to official delegates nominated by their respective national parliaments, with details submitted in advance for accreditation. While some individuals may attend as observers, this typically requires explicit approval from both the IPU and the home country’s delegation.
At the meeting, Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan raised concerns about her recent suspension from the Nigerian Senate, describing it as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing her. She also made allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In response, IPU President Tulia Ackson stated that the organization would investigate the matter while also considering the Nigerian Senate’s perspective.
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However, Nigerian delegate Kafilat Ogbara, who chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, challenged Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, presenting a letter from Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. The letter stated that the senator’s suspension was due to violations of Senate standing rules rather than retaliation for her statements against Mr. Akpabio.
During a plenary session last Thursday, Mr. Bamidele questioned the legitimacy of Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s attendance at the IPU event, emphasizing that the IPU operates based on established protocols.
“So, if for any reason one of our colleagues, who was not even supposed to be there, found her way to the place, sat on the seat meant for Nigeria, and spoke for herself rather than for Nigeria, you know, that’s another issue altogether,” he stated.
Similarly, Jimoh Ibrahim, chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Activities, issued a statement on Friday asserting that Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan had no official authorization to represent Nigeria at the IPU meeting.
Sources indicate that the DSS and NIA’s inquiry is examining whether Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan obtained unauthorized credentials or was assisted by external facilitators in securing her participation. Investigators are also looking into whether her presence violated IPU regulations or Nigeria’s parliamentary protocols.
Additionally, the probe aims to determine if her statements at the meeting misrepresented Nigeria’s official position and whether any individuals or organizations played a role in facilitating her attendance without the government’s knowledge.
It remains unclear how the security agencies will act once their findings are concluded.
DSS, NIA probe Natasha Akpoti’s attendance at IPU meeting
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Why we awarded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to Hitech – Dave Umahi

Why we awarded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to Hitech – Dave Umahi
The Federal Government has explained why it awarded the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made the explanation during an inspection tour of the highway project in Lagos on Saturday.
“Some people say that it didn’t go through a competitive bidding.
“I want to explain this: we have three types of procurement allowed by law,” he said.
Umahi listed the three types as restrictive procurement, selective/competitive bidding, and open bidding.
“When we started this project, we asked for companies that have up to five wirtgne concrete paver.
“You will agree with me that until we started this, the concrete paver was not common in Nigeria as it is today.
“We had to look for a company that had done this kind of project before, and that is Hitech.”
He noted that Hitech reconstructed the Oworonshoki Apapa Road.
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“We saw that they got it right; so, we called them on Section 1.
“Then, we used restrictive bidding, which we sent to BPP (Bureau for Public Procurement) and we sent to the Federal Executive Council and they looked at it and corrected where they should and passed it accordingly.
“When other companies started bringing in some equipment, because they saw that Ministry of Works is insisting, especially where we have high water table, that we must use concrete, they started to bring in concrete equipment,” he said.
Umahi said that the Federal Government consequently opened Section 2 of the project to selective bidding and selected some companies and they bid.
He said that Hitech won the bidding for Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.
The minister said that in Section 3A and 3B, the same thing happened.
“We have not gone outside the law, we have not gone outside the Procurement Act.”
He emphasised that President Bola Tinubu did not recommend any company for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project.
“ I want to say that there is no corruption in it. It is very transparent,” Umahi added.
Why we awarded Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to Hitech – Dave Umahi
metro
Corps member alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu gov’t

Corps member alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu gov’t
A corps member serving in Lagos State has alleged that she is receiving threatening messages after publicly criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a viral video, the corps member, identified on TikTok as @talktoraye, voiced her frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, particularly the rising cost of living.
She questioned the government’s response to inflation and lamented how the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program has not been financially sustainable for her, as her expenses far exceed her allowance.
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She said: “If a lot of Nigerians come out and start speaking about what we are going through, maybe changes will be made in the government. I just want to say to our president, I don’t know if there is any other president that is as terrible as you, but you are such a terrible president.”
The corps member recounted her shock at the soaring prices of essential goods, including a crate of eggs now selling for N6,500, a significant jump from previous prices. She also complained about skyrocketing utility bills and transportation costs, describing them as unsustainable.
Following the video’s circulation, she claimed to have received calls from an NYSC official, who allegedly pressured her to take down the post.
In a subsequent video, she shared a recording of one such call, during which an official reportedly scolded her, saying: “Are you normal? Keep quiet and bring down the video you posted.”
As of now, the NYSC has not issued an official response to these allegations.
Corps member alleges threats over viral video criticising Tinubu gov’t
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