metro

Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt

Published

3 months ago

May 11, 2026

Okpebholo Vows Public Hanging for Convicted Kidnappers, Unveils Special Courts

Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned the killing of a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) who was shot dead by suspected gunmen at the school’s main gate in Ugbowo on Sunday evening.

The governor described the incident as a “brazen and cold-blooded attack” that is unacceptable and an assault on human dignity, public safety, and the values of the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere, Okpebholo extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased student, whose life was cut short in what he described as a senseless act of violence.

According to the statement, security agencies, including the Edo State Police Command, have already commenced investigations into the incident, with a manhunt launched to track down the assailants.

“The perpetrators may run, but they cannot hide forever. This administration will ensure that they are arrested and brought to justice,” the governor said.

The victim, a 400-level student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), was reportedly shot dead by masked gunmen while driving out of the university main gate in a JLK Mercedes-Benz vehicle after completing his examinations.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers, who were armed and masked, approached the vehicle and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene. Two other occupants of the vehicle were also injured and rushed to the UNIBEN Health Centre for emergency treatment.

READ ALSO:

Security operatives from the Ugbowo Divisional Police Headquarters later arrived at the scene and evacuated the remains of the deceased student.

While police authorities are yet to release full details, preliminary findings suggest the attack may be linked to suspected cult-related violence, a recurring security concern in parts of Edo State and university environments.

The governor, however, vowed that his administration would not allow criminal elements or cult groups to operate freely in the state.

Okpebholo reiterated his government’s ongoing crackdown on cultism in Edo State, noting that sustained security operations have led to arrests and prosecutions of suspected cultists across various communities.

He highlighted ongoing collaboration between the state government and security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to dismantle criminal networks and reduce violent crime.

The governor also pointed to community-based interventions involving traditional rulers, youth groups, and religious leaders aimed at preventing youth involvement in cultism and violent crime.

“These efforts are already yielding results, but the killing of a young student in broad daylight shows that we must intensify the fight against cult violence and criminality,” he said.

Okpebholo urged residents with useful information about the attack to assist security agencies, assuring that all information will be treated confidentially.

Meanwhile, students and residents around the UNIBEN Ugbowo campus have expressed fear and concern over rising insecurity, calling for increased police presence and improved surveillance around the institution.

Police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and tactical units have been deployed to track down the suspects responsible for the attack.

The university community has also been thrown into mourning, with calls for justice and improved campus security to prevent future attacks.

Okpebholo Condemns Killing Of UNIBEN Student, Orders Manhunt

metro

Asylum Seeker Who Posed as Teenager on Snapchat Jailed for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

Published

2 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

Asylum Seeker Who Posed as Teenager on Snapchat Jailed for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

An asylum seeker who masqueraded as a teenager on social media before grooming and raping a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. Abdul Khan, believed to be 28, arrived in the UK hidden in the back of a lorry in 2015 and faces automatic deportation to Afghanistan after serving two thirds of his sentence, Nottingham Crown Court heard. Khan, currently residing at HMP Nottingham, is already serving a 23-month sentence for sexual communication with another child in the Derbyshire area. Last week, jurors found him guilty of two counts of rape, one count of sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following grooming, and perverting the course of justice.

The four-day trial heard how Khan communicated with his victim on Snapchat, pretending to be a 14-year-old boy, before meeting her at a nature reserve in the Clifton area of Nottingham. When the victim met Khan in person, it became apparent to her that he was older than 14, and he attempted to placate her by claiming to be 16, the court heard. After an initial encounter which jurors determined had been consensual, Khan raped the girl twice in May 2025. The court also heard that Khan had given at least four different dates of birth to various agencies, with the year he was born ranging from 1998 to 2009. He was prosecuted as being 28 years old.

READ ALSO:

His victim was present in court on Monday, August 10, as prosecutor Dawn Pritchard read a personal statement from the victim to Judge Mark Watson, stating that the complainant “feels numb when she thinks back to how she felt at the time.” Summarising the statement, Miss Pritchard added: “She felt scared of the world after it happened and felt overwhelmed. When she has flashbacks she sees his face and what happened. She feels like she can’t trust anyone.” The victim also revealed she no longer wishes to wear her school uniform—which she was wearing during the abuse—and has suffered flashbacks and felt like self-harming. A victim impact statement indicated that the attack had left her unable to trust people.

Defence barrister Andrew Wesley stated that he was unable to provide any personal mitigation on behalf of Khan as he continues to dispute the identity and age under which he was prosecuted. Khan had been communicating through a Pashto interpreter throughout the proceedings. In sentencing, Judge Watson told Khan: “You deliberately concealed your true identity. She (the 13-year-old) thought she was communicating with a child of her own age. It was a lie you have persisted with throughout these proceedings.”

The judge, describing the defendant’s claims about his age and identity as “nonsensical” and doomed to fail, added: “The police were called by her father, after learning from her that she had been raped. She has on any view been profoundly affected, as her parents must also have been. Your sentence will mean automatic deportation.” Khan, who shielded his face with his hands as he left the dock, was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely. Detective Constable Madeleine Johnson of Nottinghamshire Police described Khan as an “opportunistic and predatory offender” who poses “a clear risk to teenage girls and other young women.” She added: “As his previous grooming conviction demonstrates, he was absolutely determined in his ambition to strike up sexual relationships with young girls… It is thanks to her bravery and the compelling evidence she was able to give that this man is now off our streets for good.”

Asylum Seeker Who Posed as Teenager on Snapchat Jailed for Raping 13-Year-Old Girl

metro

‘Don’t Let My Sick Daughter Die in Nigeria’ — Nigerian US Army Woman Begs Trump

Published

3 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

‘Don’t Let My Sick Daughter Die in Nigeria’ — Nigerian US Army Woman Begs Trump

A Nigerian-born woman serving in the United States Army has made an emotional public appeal to President Donald Trump, pleading for a humanitarian exception to visa restrictions so her critically ill 10-year-old daughter can join her in the US for urgent medical treatment. The soldier, identified as Uzoamaka (also spelled Uzamaka), broke down in tears in a TikTok video posted on Sunday, saying she has been separated from her daughter for about 10 years and fears she may lose the child before they can reunite. She said her daughter completed all required immigration processes but cannot travel because of current visa restrictions.

Uzoamaka, who said she is an American citizen and has taken an oath to serve the United States, described her appeal as a mother’s desperate fight to save her child’s life. “Please do not scroll. I’m at the verge of losing my daughter. They said social media is powerful, and this is my last resort,” she said in the video. She added: “I’m not just speaking as a soldier; I’m speaking as a mother whose heart is gradually breaking. I have been separated from my daughter for the past 10 years, and she remains in Nigeria.” According to the soldier, her daughter became critically ill while the family waited for the immigration process to be completed, and she is concerned that quality healthcare is difficult to access in Nigeria. “How can I be in a country that has quality healthcare and let my daughter die?” she asked.

READ ALSO:

Uzoamaka said she has sought assistance through official channels, including her military commanders and US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who she said tried to intervene but was informed that the visa process was proceeding as planned. “Senator Amy Klobuchar, she tried her best. And they told her that everything is going as planned. But your visa process and policies are keeping my children from reuniting with me,” she said. She also said she contacted major American media organisations, including Fox News and CNN, to draw attention to her daughter’s situation but had not received a response. She has now turned to social media, urging users to share her video and tag the president.

Acknowledging the importance of US immigration laws and national security, Uzoamaka appealed for a humanitarian exception. “My plea now is not about politics but a humanitarian one, a compassionate one that you should review carefully and consider. I’m simply asking that there should be an exception for me and for people that fall into this category,” she said. She maintained that she possesses medical records documenting her daughter’s condition and insisted her appeal was solely to save her child’s life. She argued that her children do not pose a security threat: “My kids are barely minors that can’t pose a threat and are not coming here to be criminals.” Uzoamaka also said she cannot return to Nigeria because of security concerns and the US government’s security advisory regarding the country. She pleaded: “Dear Mr President, please help me reunite with my daughter. I never thought a day would come that I would be facing the camera and pleading.”

‘Don’t Let My Sick Daughter Die in Nigeria’ — Nigerian US Army Woman Begs Trump

metro

How Enugu Abduction Led to Recovery of 4 AK-47 Rifles, 133 Ammunition – Army

Published

3 hours ago

August 11, 2026

Trends Admin

How Enugu Abduction Led to Recovery of 4 AK-47 Rifles, 133 Ammunition – Army

An investigation into the August 2 abduction of two persons in Enugu State has led the Nigerian Army to a suspected kidnapping commander and a weapons cache containing four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition. The operation was carried out by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The Army said the suspected commander was arrested in the Gariki General Area of the state while allegedly attempting to flee Enugu. The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed the development, stating that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the South-East. Troops, working with other security agencies, would continue to pursue criminals and deny them access to weapons and hideouts, he added.

The suspect’s arrest followed investigations into the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on August 2. The Army said troops had earlier killed one member of the syndicate and arrested another suspect during an operation. Information obtained from the arrested suspect reportedly led security operatives to the fleeing commander and helped them locate the gang’s hidden weapons. Acting on the intelligence, the troops launched a manhunt for the suspect and eventually intercepted him as he attempted to escape from the state. The Army said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to several kidnapping operations in parts of the South-East and North-Central regions. Items recovered from him included $1,000, N785,900 and other incriminating items.

READ ALSO:

Following further interrogation, the troops reportedly moved to the Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where the gang was said to have hidden its weapons. A search of the forest led to the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines, and 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. The Army said the suspect remained in custody and was being interrogated to provide information that could lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and their alleged collaborators. It described the operation as another demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks and denying them access to weapons and safe havens. Lt. Col. Ayeni said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the South-East. He also urged members of the public to continue providing security agencies with useful information to assist ongoing operations in the region.