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Nigerian Army Rescues Corps Member and Six Others from Kidnappers in Benue
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fuel prices in Abia have dropped from N1,300-N1,350 per liter to between N1,150 and N1,200. This decrease follows the Nigeria National Petroleum Company’s (NNPC) decision to allow direct requests and payments for fuel from members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). Marketers in Aba and Umuahia have begun sourcing fuel directly from the NNPC, contributing to the lower prices.
Mazi Oliver Okolo, Executive Chairman of IPMAN’s Aba branch, explained that improved supply from the NNPC is driving the price reduction. He noted that since the NNPC opened its portal for requests last Saturday, he expects further price drops once supplies begin next week. Okolo emphasized that direct supply from the NNPC and the operational status of local depots in Aba are crucial for sustaining low fuel prices.
He believes that if NNPC, the state government, and the federal government collaborate to ensure fuel availability at the Aba depot, prices could fall to around N900 or below N1,000 per liter. Okolo acknowledged the challenges faced by marketers due to high sourcing costs from third parties and thanked Governor Alex Otti for starting the rehabilitation of the Osisioma-NNPC-Ekeakpara road, a federal road that will aid in improving fuel distribution.
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, recently expressed that Nigeria’s continued existence is nothing short of a miracle.
In a video shared from one of the church’s events, Adeboye attributed the nation’s survival to the power of prayer and divine intervention.
He recounted a conversation with a senior Muslim leader who conveyed gratitude for the prayers being offered by individuals like Adeboye.
The cleric shared that the leader stated, “If it weren’t for the prayers of people like you, there would be no Nigeria today.”
This statement deeply resonated with Adeboye, who reflected on the profound implications of such acknowledgment.
Adeboye stated, “Nigeria remains one of the greatest miracles.”
He emphasized that the nation’s survival amidst various challenges demonstrates God’s faithfulness and the impact of collective prayers.
The pastor highlighted that the ongoing existence of Nigeria is a testament to the fact that God continues to listen and respond to the prayers of His people.
He concluded by reiterating the message that Nigeria being united today serves as a powerful sign of hope and divine grace, reaffirming his belief that God’s presence is still active in the nation’s affairs.
Adeboye’s remarks reflect a deep sense of faith and optimism for Nigeria’s future, encouraging citizens to remain steadfast in their prayers for the country.
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Olayemi Shedrack, 33, for allegedly robbing and sexually assaulting female students at Tai Solarin University of Education, ljagun.
Shedrack, who had been on the police’s wanted list, was captured while trying to blend into the crowd.
On July 21, 2024, he and accomplices reportedly broke into the female dormitory, stealing items like laptops, iPhones, and cash, and committing sexual assaults.
He is currently held at Igbeba Police Station for interrogation as investigations continue. Authorities are pursuing his accomplices.
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