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Nigerian Army Rescues Corps Member and Six Others from Kidnappers in Benue

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Troops from the 401 Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector One, successfully rescued a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along with six other victims from kidnappers in Tse-Annaka, located on the Wukari/Zaki-Biam road in the Ukum local government area of Benue State.

The corps member, identified as 29-year-old Samuel Muekara, a law graduate, was among those freed. The operation also liberated several others who had been kidnapped at various times in the same area.

The additional victims include 32-year-old Anaelechi Bob, 28-year-old Ayuba Luka, 30-year-old Ibrahim Umar, 48-year-old Rabiu Muhammad, 17-year-old Buhari Ahmadu Saleh, and 47-year-old Blessing Ayuba.

A security officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that the bandits wreaking havoc in the Sankara region were known by names such as “Full Fire,” Ayongo, Chen, and their group.

These bandits are reportedly linked to the notorious criminal kingpin Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana, who was infamous in Benue.

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According to the officer, the local communities are aware of the identities of these armed bandits but remain silent due to fear of retribution.

He emphasized that security should be a joint effort, urging residents to provide vital information to the military and other security forces to help apprehend these criminals.

Several rescued victims spoke about their harrowing experiences at the military camp in Zaki-Biam.

They recounted being held hostage for several days before the military’s intervention. Some of them described how they were taken to nearby villages, including Chito, Adamawa, Atereyange, Ututu, and Pevkyaa, where the armed bandits established their hideouts.

These bandits have made kidnapping a lucrative business, executing their crimes brazenly during the day without concern for repercussions.

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Victims reported that bandit families often visited the hideouts, bringing food to the captives.

Despite witnessing the ongoing violence, local residents felt powerless to speak out for fear of their safety.

One victim, Rabiu Muhammad, shared a particularly tragic story: he had come to pay a ransom for his cousin Ibrahim Umar but was himself captured in the process.

Another victim, Blessing Ayuba, revealed that she was abducted while attempting to secure her son, Luka Ayuba’s release.

In a shocking turn of events, Samuel Muekara, the rescued corps member, revealed that the families of the seven victims had collectively raised over N20 million to pay ransom, alongside other valuable items worth millions.

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Despite these efforts, they remained captives until the military’s decisive rescue operation liberated them from their dire situation.

The stories of these victims highlight the ongoing struggle against banditry in the region, emphasizing the need for community involvement in ensuring safety and security.

Their harrowing experiences serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in areas plagued by violence and crime.


 

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WAEC Says English Exam Was Not Cancelled and Warns Against Fake News

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WAEC has debunked rumours that the English Language paper written on May 28 was cancelled. The exam, part of the ongoing WASSCE for school candidates, faced serious delays at several centres across the country. In some places, the paper meant to start by 9 a.m. didn’t begin until late at night, leaving students to write under poor conditions, with many using phone flashlights and torchlights to read their questions.

WAEC explained that it received reports of a possible paper leak and had to act fast to protect the credibility of the exam. But contrary to claims making rounds on social media, the council made it clear the paper was not cancelled. In a statement by Moyosola Adesina, the acting Head of Public Affairs, WAEC said a press release dated May 30 announcing the cancellation was fake and not from the council.

She said WAEC doesn’t know where the false information came from, but suspects it was shared by individuals trying to create panic and damage the council’s image. The Head of WAEC’s National Office, Amos Dangut, also commented on the situation, saying the late-night exams held in some areas were far below the council’s standards.


 

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Tinubu Welcomes Ademola Adeleke and Davido to His Home in Lagos

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, for a private meeting at his Lagos residence on Monday. The governor was joined by his older brother, prominent businessman Chief Adedeji Adeleke, and his son, the internationally popular Afrobeats star David Adeleke, better known as Davido.

The visit was confirmed by President Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, who shared the news on X the following day. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, accompanied by Chief Adedeji Adeleke and Afrobeats superstar Davido, at his Lagos home,” Olusegun posted.

So far, no details have been shared about the purpose of the meeting, and neither the Presidency nor the Adeleke family has made an official statement. Photos from the gathering have appeared online, offering a rare glimpse into the private talks between the President and the Adeleke family.


 

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Omokri Urges Tinubu to Focus on Nigeria’s Progress not Peter Obi’s Negativity

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Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has shared his advice on how President Bola Tinubu should handle Peter Obi and the Obidient Movement. Omokri suggests that instead of engaging with their negativity, Tinubu’s government should focus on highlighting its achievements and ongoing projects to outshine the critics.

Writing on X, Omokri emphasized the visible progress happening across Nigeria, especially in Abuja and Lagos. He pointed to major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is being built simultaneously from both ends, as well as the reconstruction of the Ile-Ife to Sokoto-Badagry Expressway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

“There’s development happening everywhere,” Omokri said. “The government should use every platform—TV, radio, print, social media—to showcase these efforts.” He also took a swipe at Obi’s supporters, saying, “While they praise leaders like Traoré, who hasn’t even reached the level of a local council chairman in Lagos, they criticize Nigeria harshly. Just the Third Mainland Bridge alone is worth half of Burkina Faso’s GDP.”

Omokri concluded by suggesting that if Obidients have nothing positive to say about Nigeria, perhaps they should consider moving to Burkina Faso.


 

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