Benue bandit update: Police rescue 14 abducted bus passengers - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Benue bandit update: Police rescue 14 abducted bus passengers

Published

on

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Catherine Anene

Benue bandit update: Police rescue 14 abducted bus passengers

The Police said one passenger died while 13 others abducted for a bus belonging to Benue Link gunmen were rescued on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.

Benue Police Command spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, in a statement, in Makurdi late Friday said the passenger died of injuries inflicted on him by the kidnappers at the hospital after he was rescued.

The Police spokesperson recalled that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area

According to thestatement, while the gunmen killed the driver and one passenger, they took away the remaining 14 other passengers to an unknown destination.

The PRO said the command, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.

READ ALSO:

“The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.

“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.

“On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” she said.

Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book.

She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.

Benue bandit update: Police rescue 14 abducted bus passengers

(NAN)

metro

VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

Published

on

VIDEO - Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

A resident in Umuahia, Abia State, caused a scene at a church night vigil after storming the premises wielding a cutlass, protesting excessive noise pollution from loud prayers and music. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has sparked discussions on community rights, public safety, and noise regulations in Nigeria.

The viral clip shows the man entering the church compound, angrily gesturing at worshippers while attempting to halt the service. No injuries were reported during the disruption, though members of the congregation appeared shocked. Netizens have reacted strongly, with some sympathising with his frustration over persistent loud noise, while others condemned his approach as unsafe and unlawful.

READ ALSO:

This incident reflects a broader problem across Nigeria, where loud church programs in residential areas often generate complaints. Experts emphasise that while freedom of worship is guaranteed, it must coexist with residents’ rights to peace and quiet, with regulatory bodies like NESREA enforcing noise limits to protect public health.

Authorities are reviewing the video footage to determine if any legal action is warranted, while local church and community leaders plan discussions to prevent future confrontations. The episode highlights the need for effective conflict resolution between religious institutions and neighbouring residents over noise complaints.

VIDEO: Man Storms Church Vigil in Abia With Cutlass Over Noise Pollution

Continue Reading

metro

FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

Published

on

Nigeria food market

FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have praised the Federal Government (FG) for measures that have led to a noticeable drop in food prices, offering relief to families grappling with high living costs.

Market surveys in Abuja’s major markets, including Garki, Wuse, and Lugbe, indicate that prices of staple items such as rice, beans, yam flour, and gari have fallen significantly. For instance, a bag of rice now sells for around ₦55,000, down from ₦76,000 in previous months, while beans and gari have also seen substantial price reductions.

READ ALSO:

Traders and residents credited the price decline to government interventions, including support for farmers, import waivers on key commodities, and improved security in farming regions, which have boosted food supply in the markets. The ongoing harvest season has further contributed to increased availability of staple foods, helping to stabilize costs.

While the reduction has been welcomed, many consumers urge the government to ensure the sustainability of lower prices, noting previous cycles where food costs surged again after temporary dips. Economists stress that consistent policies on agriculture, distribution, and market monitoring will be crucial to maintain affordability for low- and middle-income households.

FCT Residents Applaud FG’s Efforts as Food Prices Drop Across Abuja Markets

Continue Reading

metro

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Court Ahead of £100,000 Bribery Trial

Published

on

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke
Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Court Ahead of £100,000 Bribery Trial

Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, appeared in a London court on Monday for preliminary proceedings in her £100,000 bribery case, one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a former Nigerian government official.

Alison-Madueke, who served as Nigeria’s oil minister from 2010 to 2015 and was the first woman to lead OPEC, attended Southwark Crown Court before Justice Thornton as the court prepared for jury selection and other formalities ahead of the full trial, scheduled to begin January 26, 2026.

READ ALSO:

The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) alleges that Alison-Madueke accepted £100,000 in cash, luxury vehicles, private jet flights, designer goods, and other benefits in exchange for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts while in office. She has denied all charges, and has been on bail since 2015.

Two co-defendants, Doye Agama and Olatimbo Ayinde, are also facing bribery charges linked to the case. Agama appeared via video link, while Ayinde was present in the dock. The trial is expected to last 10–12 weeks.

This latest hearing comes amid continued international scrutiny of Diezani’s assets. In January 2025, Nigeria and the United States secured the repatriation of $52.88 million in assets tied to her, while the EFCC continues to pursue related funds within Nigeria. Legal analysts say the case underscores the increasing cross-border efforts to fight corruption and hold former public officials accountable.

Diezani Alison-Madueke Appears in London Court Ahead of £100,000 Bribery Trial

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending