metro
Kidnappers killed 20 victims in my presence – Anambra native doctor
Kidnappers killed 20 victims in my presence – Anambra native doctor
A native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, freed by kidnappers in Anambra State, said on Saturday that he witnessed the killing of about 20 other victims by the kidnappers.
The native doctor, popularly called Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki, was kidnapped at his Triple P Hotel in Oba, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State at about 11:30 pm on Sunday, July 23.
Narrating his ordeal, Nwangwu disclosed that he would have escaped from the kidnappers’ den if he wanted to but that his abductors would have killed more people if he left.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the native doctor was released by his abductors in the early hours of Saturday after they collected an undisclosed amount as ransom.
The Anambra State Police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed his release to journalists on Saturday.
However, Ikenga did not disclose the actual amount paid as ransom, stating that the abductors reached out to the native doctor’s colleagues and friends and some money was paid to them before he was freed.
READ ALSO:
-
Ekpa is terrorising Igbos with endless sit-at-home – IPOB
-
Sanwo-Olu’s list of commissioners disgusting – MURIC
-
Recording police officers isn’t an offence, judge rules in Benin
He added, “Yes, he has been released this morning (Saturday). We are waiting to debrief him, with a view to getting his experience and clue of who the abductors are, so that we can go after them.
“I have the information that his abductors contacted friends and relatives and demanded some millions. I also have information that his abductors were demanding some specific amount but I have not gotten the accurate figure.
“According to speculations, they said it’s between N200m and N300m. We are making efforts to get in touch with him and get accurate information surrounding his abduction.”
A source also informed our correspondent that Nwangwu’s friends pooled money together in order to pay his ransom.
The source said, “He was released very early this morning (Saturday). He is currently celebrating with his friends and well-wishers in his house in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. His friends rallied round and raised the money for the abductors, but they demanded an additional N50m, which was also delivered to them before he was released.”
Recounting his experience in the hands of his abductors, Nwangwu said, “This whole thing is related to sit-at-home and they mentioned names of more people they will take, but it’s not something I can say now.
READ ALSO:
14 directors fail principals’ exam in Abuja
EU suspends budget support, security cooperation with Niger
Bianca wins legal battle over Ojukwu estate
Terrorists kill Islamic cleric, 5 others in Kaduna
“They killed many in my presence. They killed up to 20 people before me. I did not take anyone’s money, they just came to kidnap and their target were people who have money. They wanted to kidnap as many as 50 people from my hotel that day, but I rather followed them.”
The native doctor said two of his security men were killed while he was abducted.
He stated, “While I was in the kidnappers’ den, I listened to the radio and saw how people were saying all kinds of rubbish, so I decided to set the records straight.
“What really happened was that I was there (at home) that day, at around 11:30pm when someone named Okey Japan called me and said they were at my hotel, and that they were spending money, and had spent close to N300,000, and that they wanted me to be around.
“I obliged them and drove to the hotel in my new car. I was there, and not up to 30 minutes, gunshots rented the air. People started running helter-skelter. I now went out to see what was happening and the people started shooting at me.
“They killed two of my security men. I don’t want to reveal much now, but I know that two things can only save a man. If your charms don’t save you, your money will save you. Anyone who has charms should have money. The people took me into their car.”
He said if he wanted to run away, he would have done so but that he had seen those that were shot and that if he left, they would kill many people.
Nwangwu said he decided to follow his abductors in order to save people’s lives and prove that his hands were clean.
Kidnappers killed 20 victims in my presence – Anambra native doctor
![]()
metro
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the gang that allegedly robbed clubgoers outside Ghost and Spirits Lounge on Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos.
The suspect was reportedly identified from video footage of the incident, which showed several people being attacked outside the entertainment venue in the early hours of the morning.
The Lagos club robbery reportedly occurred at about 4am on Saturday after some customers had left the lounge and gathered around their vehicles.
Footage from the scene showed several clubgoers sitting around a vehicle when the suspected robbers approached.
READ ALSO:
- Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe
- Kano Upgrades Five PHCs to General Hospitals, Begins Assessment
- Iran Claims Capture of Second US Underwater Drone in Strait of Hormuz
One of the suspects, reportedly dressed in a green shirt and cap, appeared to move among the people before allegedly targeting one of the victims.
Another member of the group was reportedly seen in an SUV parked across the road before a gunshot was fired, causing some of the people at the scene to run for safety.
The suspect in the green shirt was then allegedly seen taking a wristwatch from one of the victims, while other members of the group reportedly collected valuables before escaping in their vehicle.
Following the incident, the management of the lounge announced a N5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The reward and subsequent investigation helped the police identify and track one of the suspects, who was eventually arrested.
A police source said the suspect was in custody and being interrogated, with investigators seeking information that could lead to the arrest of the other alleged members of the gang.
The Lagos Police Command has also intensified efforts to locate the remaining suspects, who are reportedly still at large.
The incident has raised concerns among residents and nightlife customers in Abule Egba, particularly over the security of people leaving entertainment venues during the early hours.
Police authorities have urged residents with useful information about the suspects or the robbery to assist the investigation.
The arrested suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, while investigations continue into the alleged robbery and the identities and whereabouts of the other suspects.
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
![]()
metro
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
A passenger has died after jumping from a moving commercial bus at Ogunlana Junction, inward Ojuelegba, in the Surulere area of Lagos.
The incident involved a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number LND 130 XR, which reportedly crashed into a median pole around the Fallout area of Surulere.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said preliminary security reports indicated that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had been driving recklessly shortly before the crash.
According to the agency, motorists approaching the bus from behind had to exercise caution to avoid colliding with the vehicle as it reportedly moved erratically.
Amid the incident, a male passenger reportedly jumped from the moving bus, apparently attempting to escape from the uncontrolled vehicle. He sustained serious injuries after hitting the ground and later died from his injuries.
LASTMA officials conducting routine traffic surveillance along the Ojuelegba axis responded to the scene after noticing the crash. They secured the area, managed traffic and removed the damaged bus and the deceased passenger from the carriageway to reduce the risk of a secondary collision.
READ ALSO:
- Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe
- Kano Upgrades Five PHCs to General Hospitals, Begins Assessment
- Iran Claims Capture of Second US Underwater Drone in Strait of Hormuz
Police officers from the Area C Police Division, Ojuelegba, provided security at the scene, while officials of the State Emergency Management Agency evacuated the remains of the deceased.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and operating vehicles that may not be mechanically fit for the road.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial and private motorists to conduct comprehensive checks on their vehicles before every journey, with particular attention to the braking system, tyres, steering mechanism and other critical safety components.
He also commiserated with the family of the deceased and reaffirmed LASTMA‘s commitment to responding promptly to road crashes, managing traffic and clearing accident scenes.
The agency urged motorists and other road users to report accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other traffic obstructions through its toll-free short code, 3367.
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
![]()
metro
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
Panic broke out in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning after a gas explosion rocked the Liberty Junction area, following a vehicle crash into a roadside gas retail outlet.
The incident occurred at about 6:15 a.m., sending a powerful blast through the area and causing nearby buildings to shake, while thick smoke and flames rose from the affected facility.
The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and crashed into the gas outlet, triggering the explosion and subsequent fire.
The impact affected several businesses around the junction, with reports indicating that nine shops were damaged or destroyed by the ensuing fire.
A nearby police traffic post was also reportedly uprooted by the force of the explosion, while other structures and sections of the surrounding area were damaged.
The vehicle involved in the crash was badly burnt in the incident. Emergency responders, however, reportedly rescued the driver and a child from the wreckage.
The injured driver was taken to a medical facility for treatment, while emergency personnel worked to prevent the fire from spreading to other shops and properties in the densely populated area.
READ ALSO:
- Newlywed Arrested After Allegedly Excreting 72 Cocaine Wraps at Enugu Airport
- Bauchi Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Gun-Making, Rape
- Tinubu to Nigerians: We Are Correcting Past Mistakes, Give Us More Time
The explosion triggered panic among residents and commuters, with people reportedly rushing away from the scene as the fire continued to burn.
Emergency response agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force, were deployed to the scene.
Firefighters battled the flames for hours before the situation was brought under control.
The incident also caused significant traffic disruption around Liberty Junction and the Kubwa axis, as motorists slowed down and emergency responders worked at the scene.
Security personnel subsequently moved people away from the immediate area and helped manage traffic while the damaged vehicle and other debris were cleared.
Initial reports did not indicate a confirmed death from the explosion, although the driver was reported to have sustained injuries.
Authorities had yet to provide a detailed official account explaining why the vehicle veered off the road or confirming the full extent of the damage and injuries as of the time of reporting.
The incident has again drawn attention to safety concerns surrounding gas outlets located close to busy roads, shops and residential areas, particularly in densely populated parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Further assessment by relevant authorities is expected to establish the precise circumstances of the crash, the extent of the property damage and whether any safety breaches contributed to the incident.
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
![]()
-
News2 days agoAnambra Releases ₦473m Salary Arrears Document as Obi’s Debt Claim Sparks Fresh Dispute
-
News2 days agoKeyamo: ₦70,000 Minimum Wage No Longer Enough as Cost of Living Soars
-
metro2 days agoEFCC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Alleged Theft of Nigeria’s Public Funds
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2027 Qualifier: Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Otti Explains Why He Supports Tinubu Despite Remaining in Labour Party
-
metro2 days agoUmahi Announces First Niger Bridge Reopening Next Week, Orders Tinubu Pictures
-
metro2 days agoAnambra Police Arrest 25-Year-Old Suspect Linked to 2023 Kidnap, Murder
-
Entertainment2 days agoJetour Takes Adventure Beyond the Road, Brings Solar-powered Borehole to Ibeju-Lekki community
