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Kidnapped corps member narrates ordeal after release

Kidnapped corps member narrates ordeal after release
Miss Abasifreke Joseph, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who was abducted on January 9 along the Enugu-Ezike Road while traveling to Kogi, has recounted her harrowing experience in captivity.
Joseph, who was released on January 13, shared her ordeal in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, during a visit from the NYSC Coordinator for Akwa Ibom, Mr. Sam Pepple, on Sunday.
She revealed that she endured torture and extreme hunger at the hands of her captors, describing the conditions as both physically and emotionally traumatizing.
She said: ” I spent five days and five nights at the kidnappers’ den without water and food.
The corps member said that she and other hostages were beaten, left without food and dispossessed of their mobile phones and other valuables
“I was posted to Kogi for national youth service, I reported at the orientation camp, and was sworn in on Nov. 29, 2024.
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“I became sick while the orientation course was ongoing, so I got the permission and approval of the Camp Director to travel home for medical attention.
“I was returning to Kogi on Jan. 9, the incident happened at about 4.30p.m along Enugu-Ezike Road in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area,” she said.
Joseph said that while the journey was ongoing, a motorcycle rider broke the news of armed robbery attack in front.
“Surprisingly, the driver of our bus did not listen, he kept going forward until we met the kidnappers.
“When they started shooting, our driver quickly came down from the vehicle, opened the door and asked us to run into the bush.
“It also surprised us that the kidnappers asked our driver to go unhurt, he was not taking hostage,” she said
She expressed her appreciation to the NYSC scheme for its prompt response and solidarity during her ordeal
Earlier, Pepple, thanked God for sparing the corps member’s life, and expressed the commitment of the NYSC scheme towards the safety of members.
“As soon as we were informed of the incident, we swung into action to ensure her safe release. We are happy that she is back with her family.
“The NYSC is a responsible organisation, we ensure adequate care for our members. We treat corps members as our children, so NYSC knows what to do for her.
“I have seen her, she is in high spirit, and in good condition, which is different from what is being reported on the social media,” he said.
Kidnapped corps member narrates ordeal after release
metro
Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister

Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has clarified that a sexual assault case involving Ebunoluwa Fatoyinbo is not connected to the family of President Bola Tinubu.
This clarification comes after widespread social media reports claimed Fatoyinbo is the sister of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son. According to the reports, Oscar Ilochi allegedly assaulted Fatoyinbo while she was exercising alone in a gym basement, prompting an investigation that includes reviewing the facility’s CCTV footage.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, confirmed that the command has launched an investigation based on a formal complaint filed by Fatoyinbo. However, she emphasised that the police have not established any familial link between Fatoyinbo and the Tinubu family.
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“The FCT Police Command is aware of a circulating publication on social media alleging that the Command has commenced an investigation into a case of sexual assault involving Miss Ebunoluwa, purportedly referred to as the sister of Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.
“The Command wishes to clarify that a formal complaint of sexual assault was indeed lodged by Miss Ebunoluwa Mitchell Fatoyinbo against one Oscar Ilochi, a resident of the Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.”
Adeh urged the public, including media outlets and social media users, to verify information before publication and rely on official police channels for updates on ongoing investigations.
Police dispel rumour of sexual assault victim as Seyi Tinubu’s sister
metro
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash

Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has reversed his controversial directive ordering the arrest of individuals with dreadlocks, following widespread backlash from the public and civil rights advocates.
Bago had earlier instructed security agencies to arrest anyone seen with dreadlocks across the state, linking the hairstyle to rising cult-related activities and insecurity, particularly in Minna, the state capital.
“Rascality in Minna: anybody that you find with a dreadlock, arrest him and barb his hair. From this moment, it’s fire for fire. Any attempt to harass any security officer is an attempt to harass the government of Niger State,” Bago had declared during a public address.
In addition to the dreadlocks directive, Bago also announced a 12-hour daily restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, banning their operations from 6pm to 6am, as part of efforts to end violent crimes.
He also threatened to demolish any house found to be housing criminals or drug dealers, emphasising that his administration will “apply maximum force to restore order.”
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The governor’s early statements, notably the one targeting people with dreadlocks, provoked widespread condemnation on social media and from members of the public, who accused him of encouraging discrimination and lacking a thorough understanding of effective crime-fighting techniques.
In response to the anger, Bago reaffirmed his position on Wednesday at a ceremony in Minna, declaring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“Yesterday, we read a riot act on hooliganism, and people misconstrued our words for people who have dreadlocks. We don’t have a problem with dreadlocks, but we have a problem with the cult here with dreadlocks.
So, if you have dreadlocks and you have business, please come to Niger State,” Bago said.
The state governor went on to describe the backlash as “media propaganda” and reiterated that the enforcement efforts are targeted specifically at criminal groups.
He said, “We are only driving that cult that is becoming a menace in Niger State. Thank you.”
Bago insisted that law-abiding residents are not at risk, claiming that the crackdown is primarily directed at criminal elements who utilize “cult” insignia, such as dreadlocks, to conceal their operations and elude law enforcement.
Niger Gov Bago makes U-turn on dreadlocks ban after backlash
metro
Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos

Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
A 16-year-old kid named Mustapha was killed by a stray bullet during a suspected cult clash in the Oyingbo area of Ebute Metta, Lagos State, on Monday.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident happened during a peace walk sponsored by several young people to address escalating cult-related violence in the town.
It was reported that the walk had hardly ended when an argument erupted between them.
A resident, who talked to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, claimed the fight escalated when a suspected cultist pulled out a pistol and shot indiscriminately, injuring Mustapha with a stray bullet.
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Another resident told reporters that the teenager was not affiliated with any cult group.
“Mustapha just came out to support the walk. He was not part of any gang. He is a calm and respectful boy. He was taken to the hospital after the bullet hit him, but he died on the way,” the source said.
The incident was said to have caused chaos in the community, while the event ended abruptly.
Meanwhile, our correspondent reported that one of the organisers, who was struck by a gunshot, is in critical condition.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin had yet to comment on the incident at the time of filing this report.
Cultists kill teen during anti-cultism walk in Lagos
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