Abductors abuse our deaf, dumb daughters, collected N5.5m ransom - Edo family - Newstrends
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Abductors abuse our deaf, dumb daughters, collected N5.5m ransom – Edo family

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Edo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Funsho Adegboye

Abductors abuse our deaf, dumb daughters, collected N5.5m ransom – Edo family

The sleepy community known as Oke Old in Sabongida-Ora, Etsako West local government area of Edo State was thrown into mourning and anxiety as kidnappers suspected to be criminal Fulani invaded a feed mill plant for their criminal activity and at the end of their operation, two deaf and dumb girls were abducted but the trainee manager identified as Elisha Udejei was not so lucky as he shot to death at close range. The community has a school and a church.

While Udejei, a young graduate of the University of Ibadan was killed, an eye witness who is also a worker on the farm and identified as Emmanuel Atafo abandoned his motorbike and ran to safety when he heard the gunshot fired at Udejei.
While Udejei was buried a few days after the incident, the kidnapped girls spent eight days in their abductors’, abused and were only released after N5.5m ransom was paid by their parents. They are 33 and 28 years old

The owner of the farm who did not want his name mentioned for security reasons said he took the girls to Lagos where they were trained in a special school in Oyo State before going back to the community to work in the factory after they graduated.

He said the kidnappers used the phones of the girls to contact their parents and negotiated for their release. They were kidnapped in Sabongida-Ora and released somewhere along Afuze road in Owan East local government area.

There is a strong suspicion that an insider may have led the kidnappers to the facility and that from the negotiation with the kidnappers, they claimed that they had sponsors who insisted that they must not collect less than N5 million.

The kidnap

The father of the one of kidnapped girls (name withheld) narrated the situation to Sunday Vanguard “It was on the 1st of April that they were attacked in their place of work and one of them was shot dead then one escaped but two of the females who are physically challenged were abducted by the kidnappers and taken into the bus, they were with them from Monday till Monday, they were calling for ransom, they started by saying that it is N10 million each that is N20m for the two of them then during the negotiation, we begged and they finally agreed on N5m per person but we said we don’t have this money and they finally accepted N5.5m for the two of them and that was the ransom that we finally paid before they were released. You know what it means for two physically challenged people to be in the midst of hardened criminals in the bush for eight days.

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Security

“When this thing happened, one of them that managed to escape got to a place where you have a military checkpoint, he got to them, but he said they didn’t show much concern about the story he was telling them, they were just questioning him here and there so he sad he left them and went to tell the people what happened. The following morning, everybody went there, the soldiers said their Commandant was coming and he never came. We were there as early as 8: am and we were there till 6: pm, there was no effort from them whatsoever even the police did not do anything, they were busy extorting money from the people, go and do this, go and bring that, let us go to the mortuary to go and see the person that you said they killed.
“The annoying part of it is that it was on Friday, this thing happened on Monday that they now said they want to go and comb the bush and it was like, what are you combing, something happened on Monday and it is now Friday that you want to go for bush combing?”

State of the girls

“When they were released after we paid the ransom, we took them to the hospital that very Monday then by Tuesday they were discharged, they are fine just that they were traumatized. We are just trying to console them and anytime they ask after their colleague that was killed we were initially telling them he was fine but we have to let them know that he died and that increased their trauma.

From medical reports, the issue of abuse could not be ruled out. Imagine small beautiful girls though they are physically challenged being in the midst of hardened criminals, drug addicts, for eight days in the bush so that couldn’t be ruled out.”

Release

“That was another funny aspect of the whole thing, one person has to go with the money to go and pay ransom in cash. We searched here and there to raise the money then the person who wanted to go and pay the ransom was told to go to Afuze area, at a time they will tell him go to a particular location, you will see police checkpoint there, they were giving him directives so he finally got to the place where they finally sighted him and directed him to ride the motorcycle into the bush with his bike then they got to a place where he met four of them and then the two girls.

“When they were going to pay the ransom, they instructed that when we are coming with the money, we should come with one pack of predator, one pack of malt and one pack of fearless drink so we bought the three items added to the money for them. They handed over the two girls to the man who went to pay the ransom. It was traumatic.”

Abductors abuse our deaf, dumb daughters, collected N5.5m ransom – Edo family

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Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

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Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi
Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi

Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

Kaduna‑based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) possesses detailed intelligence on terrorists and armed bandits, including their names and locations, underscoring the government’s awareness of insurgent activities across the country. The statement was made during a recent interview with DRTV, which quickly trended on social media, sparking national discussion about Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis.

Gumi was responding to claims that he personally maintains contact with terrorist and bandit leaders responsible for attacks and kidnappings in northern Nigeria. He clarified that his engagements with armed groups are never conducted alone, but always in coordination with security agencies, including the police and military.

“The government knows every terrorist by name and by location,” Gumi said. “I don’t go alone to negotiate — I go with the police and other security agencies.” He also revealed that some negotiation efforts involved visits to traditional rulers and trips into forested areas believed to be hideouts for armed groups. “I would go to the Emirs. In fact, when we went to one forest, I even went with women into the bush,” he added.

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Gumi’s Role in Dialogue and Negotiation

Gumi, a former army captain and respected Islamic cleric, has participated in several dialogue initiatives with armed groups, including Boko Haram factions and bandit networks, advocating for negotiation as a means to reduce violence and encourage fighters to lay down their arms. He emphasized that peaceful engagement remains a vital component of Nigeria’s security strategy, particularly in areas where military operations alone have struggled to restore stability.

The cleric’s comments have reignited debate over the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategies. While some analysts say Gumi’s claims highlight the wealth of intelligence available to the government, critics question why insurgent activity continues despite this knowledge. Many Nigerians on social media expressed concerns over the implementation of intelligence and the apparent inability to fully neutralize armed groups.

Public Reactions and Security Implications

Reactions to Gumi’s statements were mixed. Supporters argue that his involvement is crucial for mediating conflict and reducing bloodshed, while critics worry that such negotiations could legitimize criminals and undermine military efforts. Similar assertions by regional leaders in the past have also prompted debate about how intelligence and security operations are coordinated across Nigeria’s troubled regions.

As of now, the Federal Government and security agencies have not officially confirmed or refuted Gumi’s claims, leaving the interview as a focal point in ongoing discussions about national security, counter-insurgency strategy, and intelligence deployment.

Nigeria Security: FG Knows Every Terrorist by Name, Location — Sheikh Gumi

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Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Jason Hughes
Jason Hughes

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

The family of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who died after a student prank went wrong, has called on authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against the teenagers involved.

Hughes, 40, a mathematics teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia, died on Friday, March 6, after he was accidentally run over during a prank outside his home.

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a group of students had gone to the teacher’s residence to carry out a prank commonly known as “toilet papering” or “rolling”, where trees and yards are covered with toilet paper.

Investigators said the students attempted to leave the area in two vehicles when Hughes came outside after noticing the prank.

Because it had been raining, Hughes reportedly slipped while moving toward the students and fell into the road.

Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving one of the vehicles when Hughes fell into the roadway and was struck as the car drove away.

The teenagers stopped immediately and attempted to help the teacher before emergency responders arrived. Hughes was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

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Following the incident, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering, while the four other teenagers involved were charged with criminal trespass and littering.

Despite the charges, Hughes’ family has publicly appealed for leniency, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.

In a statement to NBC News, the family revealed that Hughes had actually been aware that students planned to prank him and had been looking forward to catching them in the act.

They explained that the teacher slipped on the wet ground and fell into the street moments before the vehicle passed.

According to the family, Hughes had a deep connection with his students and dedicated much of his life to supporting them.

“He loved these kids, and they loved him too,” the family said, adding that they support dropping the charges against all the students involved.

“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring by ruining the lives of these students. That would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of young people,” the statement read.

The family also asked the public to pray for both their family and the students involved.

“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” they said.

Hughes’ brother, Richard Hughes, described him as an exceptional person and mentor.

“He was my mentor and someone I looked up to. It’s just tragic and sad all around,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee Darragh said the case is still under investigation and it is too early to determine whether the charges will proceed.

“It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case,” Darragh said.

Authorities say the Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about student pranks, school safety, and how seemingly harmless acts can quickly lead to devastating consequences.

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

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A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey
Priscilla Sackey

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

A pregnant Ghanaian woman, 22-year-old Priscilla Sackey, has appealed to authorities to release her husband, Richard Adjei, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for domestic violence.

Priscilla made the emotional appeal during an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, explaining that she never intended for the situation to lead to such a lengthy jail term. According to her, she initially reported her husband to the police only to warn and deter him from further abuse, not to have him imprisoned.

Priscilla recounted that the incident occurred after her husband allegedly assaulted her during a domestic dispute. She said she reported the matter to the police after the attack. However, when officers came to their home to arrest him, he was not around.

When Richard later returned and discovered she had reported him to the police, he allegedly became angry and assaulted her again.

“On the day my husband was arrested, he assaulted me, and I went to report him to the police. When the police came to arrest him, he was not home. When he came back, he beat me again for reporting him,” she said.

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According to Priscilla, her aunt, who was angered by the renewed violence, reported the matter to the police again, which eventually led to Richard’s arrest and prosecution. The court later found him guilty and sentenced him to six years imprisonment for domestic assault.

Despite the conviction, Priscilla says she now regrets how events unfolded and wants her husband released. The pregnant woman explained that she currently has no family support, as both her family and her husband’s relatives have allegedly turned their backs on her.

She added that she needs her husband’s help to take care of their unborn child and support the household financially.

“At least if Richard were here, he would have worked to take care of us. Please help me get him released,” she pleaded.

Priscilla also stressed that she never expected the police report to result in a prison sentence.

Priscilla and Richard have been married for two years, and the case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in Ghana, where economic dependence and family pressures often complicate such cases.

Legal experts say once a domestic violence case is prosecuted in court, it becomes a criminal matter handled by the state, meaning the victim cannot automatically withdraw the case even if reconciliation is later sought.

Advocates say the situation highlights the need for stronger support systems for domestic violence victims, including financial assistance, counselling, and shelters.

It remains unclear whether Richard’s sentence could be reviewed, as any release would likely depend on legal processes such as an appeal, presidential pardon, or court review.

Pregnant Woman Begs Authorities to Free Husband Jailed for Domestic Violence

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