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N100 million ransom demanded by kidnappers to free abducted 5 school children, 4 staff in Ekiti

Kidnappers of five pupils of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, and four staff members have demanded N100 million ransom for the release of the nine victims who were taken away on Monday.

The principal of the secondary section of the school, Boje Olanireti, confirmed the ransom demand, in an interview with Punch on Tuesday.

The abduction epidemic has continued to defy the efforts of the security agencies as cases of kidnappings were being recorded in various parts of the country daily.

The abduction of the schoolchildren and four staff members occurred when the gunmen waylaid the school bus conveying 25 pupils home after school hours in the Emure community in Ekiti State.

Shedding light on how the incident occurred, Olanireti explained that the abduction happened about a five-minute drive from the school.

She said, “Immediately the school closed at 3 pm, and by the time we gathered all the children, it was already 3:30 pm. It was that time that they moved.

So, the incident happened between 3:30 pm and 4 pm. The school is in a suburb of Emure village, so they were going back home in Eporo. The incident occurred just about a five-minute drive from the school to Eporo.

“When the gunmen attacked, the people around heard the gunshots, and they came to Emure with motorcycles to inform the people in the school about what happened. We immediately reported to the police station at Emure.

“The students were over 25 on the bus when the incident happened. When the gunmen attacked them, they shot the tyre of the vehicle and asked the children to come out of the bus. They asked all of them to lie down. They picked five students and four staff members. They, after that, asked others to go.”

Olanireti added, “The five students comprise two from the secondary (school) and three from primary school while the four staff comprise two teachers, one driver and one bus assistant.

“When the parents heard about the incident, they came from Eporo, and they have been making frantic efforts by reaching out to some security outfits, including the police and Amotekun.’’

“The security operatives have also been talking to the proprietor of the primary school, and he has been giving them information. By the time they opened communication, they first called the husband of one of the teachers and demanded N10 million for each kidnapped victim. But when they later called the headmaster, they demanded N100m for all of them.” the principal said.

A family source at Eporo Ekiti, who preferred anonymity, confirmed on Tuesday that the kidnappers had contacted the family of one of the children demanding N100 million on the victims.

The source said, “They called the family of one of the school children, and they are requesting N10 million per victim. What we gathered is that there are nine persons kidnapped – five schoolchildren, two teachers, one bus assistant, and a driver.

“The parents are at Eporo. The bus was taking them home after closing. It was in the process that the kidnappers struck. None of the families of the abductees can afford the ransom.’’

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Security: Oyo Assembly Set to Curb the menace of incessant attacks in Ogbomosho, other zones of the State

Oyo State House of Assembly will leave no stone unturned in curbing the disgusting act of attacking and killing of innocent citizens by Fulani herders in Oriire Local Government and other parts of the State.

The Lawmakers unanimously declared this while reacting to a motion sponsored by the Honourable member representing Oriire State Contituency, Hon. Johnson Ogundele.

While presenting the motion, Hon. Ogundele maintained that two incidents of attacks and killing of innocent people by Fulani herders occurred within a spate of nine days in Oriire Local Government , describing both incident as absolutely inhuman and barbaric in a civilised world like ours.

Citing example of the evil act perpetrating by herders in Ogbomosho communities, Hon. Ogundele said “I have also visited the victims in the Hospital for on the spot assessment and it is disheartening to inform the House that one of the victims, Mr.Amusa Kareem got his left hand cut off completely by the herders”

In his comment, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who presided over the plenary stated that the leadership of the House will meet and look for parameters to be adopted to curb the menace of insecurity in the State.

“To tackle the challenges, there is need to engage the various State and local security agencies , Monarchs, farmers and other relevant bodies base on zones inorder to identify way forward.

The House however urged Ministry of Justice and all Security Agencies across the State to see to the strict enforcement of Oyo State Open Rearing and Anti – Grazing Law under Omituntun 2.0 in Addrressing the menace and reoccurrence of attacks on citizens by Fulani Herders.

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Breaking News: Kidnappers Gun Down Ekiti Monarchs

Two traditional rulers in Ekiti State have been killed by kidnappers who abducted them along Oke-ako road in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

One monarch luckily escaped from the scene of the killing.

While the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin, and the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olushola, were ambushed and killed by the gunmen on Monday, the Alara of Ara-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba, escaped from the scene.

According to a source, the monarchs were returning from a security meeting at Irele-Ekiti when they were attacked by the kidnappers.

When contacted, spokesman of the Ekiti State Police Command, DSP Sunday Abutu, said, “I will get the details and get back please.”

Speaking on the killing, chairman of the Ajoni Local Council Development Area, Micheal Ogungbemi, said the gunmen attempted to kidnap the three traditional rulers.

Lamenting the killing of the traditional rulers, Ogungbemi said he had mobilised local security outfits, including the Amotekun corps, to comb the forest in a bid to arrest the perpetrators.

“I just returned from the scene of the unfortunate incident along Oke-Ako road and I can confirm that two traditional rulers; the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti and Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti were killed by the gunmen who ambushed them.”

“The Alara of Ara-Ekiti managed to escape from the incident when the incident happened. We have evacuated the remains of the monarchs and deposited them in the morgue at the Ikole General Hospital.

“Our local security outfit and Amotekun have been drafted to the scene and the bush to arrest the bandits who committed this dastardly act.”

Ogungbemi, who begged the federal government to approve usage of arms by the local security outfits in the state, said the attacks have been on in the last few years.

“I am extremely sad with the situation and I want to call on the government to allow our local security network to carry arms because the traditional ruler who escaped told us the gunmen were carrying AK-47 and other dangerous weapons. These people are killing us and it is becoming unbearable.

Also speaking, the Secretary of Majority Obas of Ekiti Land (MOBEL) and Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde David Olushola, who condemned the killing of the traditional rulers, said the time had come for the government to localize security system in order to address the growing insecurity in the land.

“The two traditional rulers were active members of our association(MOBEL) and it is very sad. We have been talking over the years but government is paying lip service to the issue of security. The time has come for them to localize the issue of security and sit down with the traditional rulers to secure our communities, we know what to do.

“This is not issue about money , government should immediately sit down with the traditional rulers for us to secure our land and maintain peace,” he said.

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Fire Razes Properties At Ire Akari Estate, Soka, Ibadan

There was a commotion on Monday afternoon at Ire Akari Estate Area of Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State as a furniture shop was gutted by fire.

It is reported that the fire broke out at approximately 3 p.m.

Our correspondent’s investigation showed that a furniture store was the source of the fire. Community members are working to stop the fire from spreading. The cause of the fire is still a mystery as of the time of publication.

Also, an X user, rosheethat, posted a video of the fire while calling for help.

She posted, “Ire Akari Soka right now. Anybody that can help us.

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EFCC re-arraigns impeached Ogun speaker, Oluomo, for alleged N2.5bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday re-arraigned the impeached Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, for alleged fraud at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta.

He was arraigned alongside two other principal officers of the Assembly – Dayo Samuel and Adeyemo Adedeji – for alleged misappropriation of public funds running into N2.5 billion.

Oluomo, who was impeached by the lawmakers last week, was first arrested and arraigned by the commission in September 2022.

The EFCC alleged that the ex-speaker and other defendants forged receipts and signatures to divert billions of naira from the parliament.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail by the court.

However, the EFCC counsel was absent in court on Monday.
Justice Agatha Okeke adjourned the case till February 29.

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AFCON 2023: CAF picks Super Eagles striker, Osimhen for drug test

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been selected by the Confederation of African Football, CAF, for random drug tests at the tournament.

A source told newsmen POST that Osimhen was tested against hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

“(He was) tested against Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon. That is twice in four games,” the source said.

The Napoli striker was fouled for the penalty that gave Nigeria a 1-0 win over the Ivorians.

Osimhen then put in a ‘battering ram’ performance against the Indomitable Lions as they won 2-0 in a last-16 clash on Sunday.

He set up the first goal for Ademola Lookman and was a constant menace for the Cameroonians, before he was replaced by Paul Onuachu late in the game.

Osimhen’s only goal came in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their first fixtures.

The current CAF Player of the Year is expected to lead the line for the three-time champions when they face Angola in the quarter-finals this week.

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Iyalode Chieftaincy Title line declares support for 2024 Ibadan Week


Members of the Iyalode Chieftaincy Title line have declared their support for the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee.
This declaration was made when members of the committee led by its Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola paid a courtesy visit to the Council of Iyalode of Ibadanland.


The Otun Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs.. Amdalat Adekunle who spoke on behalf of others assured that members of the Iyalode line would support the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee individually and as a group.


” We want to give our blessings to this Committee. Be assured that we are behind you. As mothers of Ibadanland, we pray you make a huge success of this assignment. This year Ibadan Week will be a colourful and memorable occasion .”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola eulogised members of the Iyalode line for the collaborative role they are playing in ensuring peace reign supreme in Ibadanland.
According to him, “members of the CCII are very appreciative of your motherly roles in ensuring growth and stability in Ibadanland. We have come to seek your blessing for us to succeed”.

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Iroyin Ayo: Agbarada PrayerMountain Begins “Voice ofProphet’ Night In Ado-Awaye Tomorrow


Sponsored.
Agbarada Prayer Mountain invites the general public to Join them from tomorrow Monday through to Friday for 2024 OHUN AWON WOLI, day and night.
Special ROYAL NIGHT ( Asale Oba) comes on Friday 2/2/2024 to pray specially for our Royal fathers, their kingdoms and Queens, chiefs and other stakeholders in our land

The theme of the year programme is GLAD TIDINGS (
Iroyin Ayo). A special ROYAL NIGHT comes up on Friday
2nd if February starting from 9pm till dawn to be led by
His Royal Majesty, oba REVD ADEMOLA OLUGBILE.


A life time opportunity..,don’t miss it

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Founders’ Day: Alumni Launches #100million School Road, Gate Projects

….Rededicate Interest in Infrastructure, Students Welfare

…..Inaugurates New National Executive Members

The Old Students of Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin (IDGS) over the weekend launched a hundred million naira fund raising campaign to construct the school’s road and redesign its main entrance gate.

The event, which was part of the 60th Anniversary of the school also witnessed the inauguration of new national executive committee that will pilot the affairs of the association for the next three years.

The Chairman of the occasion who is also an alumnus, Senator Gbenga Babalola charged all alumni of IDGS at home and in diaspora to rededicate themselves to the development of the school’s infrastructure, students and members of staff’s welfare.

He commended the efforts of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on his dedication to change the fortune of the education sector for the better in Oyo State and urge the State administration to do more in physical infrastructure for public schools.

“We are happy to celebrate IDGS at sixty and we have seen wonderful jobs that have been done by every set among the alumni to give the school its present enviable condition, we are rededicating ourselves to serve the school more as it has served us in the past.

“While appreciating the executive governor of Oyo State for his efforts to make education affordable and effective through policies and proper funding, we appeal for more, like Oliver Twist, we also call on the old and new sets of alumni at home and in diaspora to continue to support the school, this we shall achieve, God willing.”

The event also witnessed the inauguration of the newly-elected national executive officers of the association, which include the National President, Alhaji Ademola Dauda and the Secretary General, Dr. Femi Oyediran.

Others are Mrs Felicia Shiyanbola, National Vice-President, Comrade Wasiu Ademola, Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Alhazan Abiodun, National Publicity Secretary and Mrs Rashidat Gambari as the National Treasurer.

The list also has Mrs Yetunde Olona as the National Financial Secretary, Mr. Liadi Adeyinka as National Auditor, Mrs Aliu Alice as National Social Secretary, Chief Ademola Bamidele as Ex-officio 1 and Dr. Toyosi Raheem as Ex-officio 2.

Among the dignitaries that attended the event is the former Honorable representing Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Kajola And Iwajowa, Abiodun Olasupo, the representative of State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Engr. Bayo Salam, community and religious leaders.

The five days-long celebration started with a sensitization rally on Wednesday and debate competition as well as career talk on Thursday, while a special lecture on educational advancement and school infrastructural condition held on Friday morning, which culminated in the observation of Jumat Service at the Olona Central Mosque, Barracks, Iseyin.

The election to pick national executive members also held on Friday afternoon and on Saturday, the inauguration of the national officers, launching of the #100million endowment fund for the school roads and redesigned entrance gate was done.

A special service to wrap up the anniversary held at the Anglican Diocese, Okutapemo, Iseyin on Sunday.

Signed:

Alhazan Abiodun R.

National Publicity Secretary,

IDGS Alumni,

Iseyin.

Sunday 28th January, 2024.

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10 Victims Of Ibadan Explosion Still Missing – Residents Association Claims

The Bodija Estate Residents Association, Ibadan, on Wednesday, said about 10 people were still missing following the January 17 explosion in the area.

Oduduwa News reports that five people died, 77 sustained varying degrees of injury and 58 houses were damaged during the explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese street in Ibadan, Oyo State.

 Governor Seyi Makinde presented the preliminary report of the explosion to President Bola Tinubu at the weekend.

“I think it is now more towards eight and nine persons now, or even 10, whom those in the neighborhood have talked about,” the Association’s President, Muyiwa Bamgbose, told newsmen after their consultative meeting.

“We took the map of the street to them (government) and tried to account for (people) house by house to get accurate information.

“If the person was seen yesterday and was not seen today or you can’t find him again, then you need to get worried. But I believe it’s nearer 10 now,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that BERA, an umbrella body of all communities in Bodija, also called for massive assistance for victims of the explosion to get back their lives.

It pointed out the need for continuous care and support for victims whose lives had changed unexpectedly since the incident.

Members of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday visited Governor Makinde to commiserate with him and the people of the state over the explosion.

The BoT led by its chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, met the governor at his office, State Secretariat Agodi, Ibadan.

According to NAN, Wabara commended Makinde on behalf of the board for his prompt response to the unfortunate incident and for showing his prowess as an engineer, by directing that a structural integrity test be conducted on about 230 buildings in the affected area.

He expressed the BoT’s condolences to the governor and the government of the state as well as families, who lost loved ones to the incident.

Wabara called for a thorough investigation to unravel the cause of the incident in order to avoid a recurrence of such incidents in the country.

In his response, Makinde appreciated the body for the visit which he described as encouraging, noting that it indicated that the body was looking out for his government.

“There has also been the humanitarian side of things, especially with regards to children affected by the incident, who are supposed to be in school.

“So, you need to keep encouraging us and supporting us where possible as well as keep praying for us,” he said.

Makinde also used the opportunity of the visit to pledge his support for the unity of the PDP, saying he would continue to play a positive role toward ensuring that the party became united and formidable.

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