metro
Community goes spiritual as Ondo monarch’s kidnappers demand N100m
After 72 hours in captivity, abductors of the traditional ruler of Oso Ajowa-Akoko, Oba Clement Olukotun, in the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have contacted his family, demanding N100m ransom for his release.
Oba Jimoh was abducted on Thursday at about 10.15pm, at his residence by some armed men who took him to an unknown destination.
A source narrated that when the gunmen stormed his residence, they shot sporadically into the air. They also shot at the main door of the monarch’s residence to gain access into building.
A source in the family told our correspondent on Saturday that, “The kidnappers have contacted the family and demanded N100m.”
According to the source, a combined forces of the police and local hunters have begun intensive search for the monarch, combing the forest from Ajowa to Kogi State border communities.
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The source added, “We received a call from them early today. One of the family members received the call. We can now confirm that the invaders were kidnappers. They demanded a sum of N100m as ransom for Kabiyesi to be set free. Where can we get such a huge amount? This is beyond our reach.
“We are pleading with the Ondo State Government, leaders of Akoko North-West Local Government and other Nigerians to help us out, so that Kabiyesi can be released sound and safe from where he is being held captive.”
It was also gathered that the residents of the community had sought spiritual assistance, as they organised an inter-denominational service to pray for the release and safe return of the monarch.
A community leader, Mr Soji Ogedengbe, disclosed that an interdenominational prayer, fasting and vigil were ongoing for the purpose of getting the kidnapped monarch released.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the men of the command were still in the forest to rescue the monarch.
“Efforts are still ongoing to rescue the victim,” the police spokesperson said.
Punch
metro
Sokoto governor axes 15 district heads over insecurity, others
Sokoto governor axes 15 district heads over insecurity, others
Sokoto State Government has sacked nine district heads for allegedly aiding insecurity and encouraging land racketeering.
The state government also sacked another six district heads said to have been irregularly appointed by the immediate past government of the state.
Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, announced this while briefing newsmen on the development on Tuesday.
Those axed over alleged insecurity are the district heads of Unguwar Lalle, Yabo, Wamakko, Tulluwa, llela, Dogon Daji, Kebbe, Alkammu and Giyawa.
Bawa said the six district heads were dropped because of the way they were haphazardly appointed and their rejection by their people.
The affected six district heads are Marafan Tangaza, Sarkin Gabas Kalambaina, Bunun Gongono, Sarkin Kudun Yar Tsakkuwa, Sarkin Tambuwal and Sarkin Yamman Torankavwa.
“The cases involving District Heads of Isa, Kuchi, Kilgori and Gagi have been re commended for further investigations,” Bawa added.
However, Sarkin Yakin Binji, senior counselor in the Suktanate Council, was transferred to Nabunkari while the District Head of Sabon Birni was deployed to Gatawa.
Bawa said this followed the recommendations of the Committee on the Review of the appointments of Traditional rulers, Renaming of Tertiary Institutions and the Dissolution of Governing Boards of State Parastatals.
metro
Passengers overpower bandits in Zamfara
Passengers overpower bandits in Zamfara
In a courageous act, the family of a bride-to-be and a group of passengers thwarted a kidnapping attempt by killing a terrorist in Zamfara State.
PRNigeria reports that the incident unfolded when the family of the bride-to-be and other travellers were ambushed by bandits along the Talata Mafara-Gusau highway.
The bride’s family had embarked on a journey to purchase clothing and other wedding materials in Kano. However, their plans took a harrowing turn when armed bandits targeted them.
An eyewitness, who spoke to PRNigeria, revealed that the response was spontaneous once the bandits had selected their victims.
Despite one of the bandits managing to escape, the brave passengers captured two AK-47 rifles.
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Narrating how the events unfolded, the eyewitness said: “A few kilometres away from the Fangal Tama checkpoint, the travellers heard gunshots echoing all around.
‘’To their shock, they encountered two well-armed bandits on motorcycles, blocking the road and halting vehicles.
“The bandits immediately ordered the young woman (the bride-to-be), her father, mother, and two other relatives to exit their car.
‘’With guns pointed at them, the terrified family members were coerced to follow the bandits into the nearby forest.
“Realising the grave danger they faced in forced abduction, the passengers decided to act swiftly. They rallied together and launched an attack on one of the two bandits.
‘’In a fierce struggle, they managed to overpower him, resulting in his instant death. The other bandit, however, escaped, leaving behind his firearm.
“The courageous group retrieved the two guns and emerged from the forest. They promptly handed the weapons over to the military at a nearby checkpoint.’’
Passengers overpower bandits in Zamfara
metro
BREAKING: EFCC freezes 300 illegal forex accounts
BREAKING: EFCC freezes 300 illegal forex accounts
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has frozen 300 illegal forex accounts trading on a peer-to-peer platform.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the accounts were suspended on Monday following a court order.
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Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Olukoyede explained that over $15bn passed through one of the forex platforms in the last one year, outside the financial regulations.
He said the EFCC action was taken to ensure the safety of the foreign exchange market and protect the economy.
BREAKING: EFCC freezes 300 illegal forex accounts
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