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Wednesday, 15 April 2026

NANS kicks as abductors of UNIJOS student demand N30m

The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, who was reportedly abducted while travelling to Kaduna, with the abductors demanding a ransom of N30m.

The NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

NANS said disturbing evidence of the student’s captivity had surfaced in the public domain, showing the conditions under which he is being held and the inhumane treatment meted out to him.

The association stated that the slow response of the authorities towards the student’s plight has also raised concerns.

“It is disturbing and highly challenging to acknowledge that such inhumane treatment can be meted out by one human to another.

“However, what is more perplexing is the apathy and weak response of our security institutions and local authorities at the state and federal levels,” the statement read.

Oladoja described the incident as a reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the vulnerability of students to criminal activities, and called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to address both the immediate situation and the broader security challenges facing the country.

He continued, “The horrifying incident that has happened to John is yet another reminder of the steady and unacceptable decline in the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially students.

“No Nigerian student should have to endure such acts of wickedness, cruelty, and dehumanising experience, just as no family should be left in anguish due to negligence.

“Silence, delay, or half-measures in moments when decisive action is required only embolden perpetrators and deepen public despair.”

NANS demanded the immediate deployment of intelligence and security resources to secure Arum’s safe release, as well as regular updates to the public on efforts being made, while issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government.

He also called for intensified measures to address the rising cases of kidnapping, abduction, and killings across the country.

“As an organisation, our demands are clear, and failure to meet them within the stipulated timeframe will compel Nigerian students to embark on a nationwide solidarity protest and shutdown of socio-economic and academic activities,” the statement warned.

Oladoja concluded that the association would not remain silent while students continue to face threats to their safety, urging authorities to take decisive action.

Tragedy in Bayelsa as medical doctor dies after giving birth to triplets

A medical doctor, Dr Ere Ogbachi, has died after developing complications following the delivery of triplets in Bayelsa State.

Her death was confirmed in a Facebook post on Wednesday by her brother, Meshack Sintei, who disclosed that she was moved to the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where she died at about 2:45 am on April 14, 2026.

The family said complications began shortly after the successful delivery, leading to her emergency transfer to intensive care.

“She successfully gave birth to triplets at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri… complications arose that eventually forced us to rush her to the Intensive Care Unit in FMC Yenagoa,” the statement said.

The family noted that medical personnel battled to save her life at the ICU as her condition worsened rapidly.

“We watched her struggling to live, we watched her gasping for breath, we watched how the team of doctors and other experts in FMC kept trying their best to revive her,” it stated.

They added that her oxygen saturation levels dropped significantly during the emergency response.

“The SpO2 machine in the ICU began reading downwards from 70 to 50 and then to 0,” it said.

Sintei described the loss as devastating, noting that she was a committed medical professional and a new mother of triplets.

“It was a painful experience… my beloved sister died at exactly 2:45 am on April 14th 2026. A generation has been lost, and the Sintei family mourns,” he said.

He added that she “was a fighter to the end,” while appreciating the support received from friends and well-wishers.

Until her death, Dr Ogbachi was a wife, mother of triplets, a medical doctor, registrar at NDUTH, member of the Nigerian Medical Association, and an alumna of Niger Delta University.

Fayose meets Olubadan amid removal 'plot'

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, is currently meeting with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, behind closed-door, amid alleged plot to depose the first class monarch.

Before proceeding into the meeting, Fayose briefly told journalists that, “I am in Ibadan to identify with the traditional institution. The truth about the whole saga will soon be revealed.”

Fayose had accused Governor Seyi Makinde of plotting to remove the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The allegation was denied by both the government and the palace of Olubadan.

Bit in a tweet on Tuesday, Fayose, posted that “Those who are still in doubt, Governor Seyi Makinde’s plot to remove the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, should just keep their fingers crossed and follow unfolding events,” alleging that recent accusations against the monarch were part of a broader plan to justify action against him.

He said, “They denied any rift between Olubadan and Makinde after making it public. But now, they are accusing the Olubadan of plotting to impeach Governor Makinde,” adding that claims of partisanship against the monarch were “parts of the orchestration… to prepare grounds for the Olubadan to be queried.”


Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Police nab suspected kidnappers, rescue victim in Ondo

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has nabbed a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the Command’s spokesperson, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Akure, said the arrest was made on April 10.

According to Jimoh, one Ahmadu reported at the Isua division that two young men had gone to Ipesi Akoko for cattle rearing, but one of them did not return home.

“Acting on the report, the police immediately initiated a coordinated intelligence-driven operation, which led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim.

“The victim narrated that he was abducted at night by three suspected kidnappers. During the incident, while trying to resist his captors, he inflicted a head injury on one of the suspects.

“Acting swiftly on credible information obtained from the victim, operatives of the Isua division mobilised and stormed Obasanjo Motor Park, Isua, at about 0609hrs, where a suspicious individual with a visible head injury was apprehended

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of the kidnapping gang. The victim later, positively identified the suspect, particularly noting the injury inflicted on him,” he said.

The spokesperson explained that the victim had been taken to the hospital for medical attention, while the suspect was transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

According to him, the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

He also said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, appreciated the timely, credible, and actionable information provided by members of the public.

He said collaborative efforts remained vital in combating crime and criminality.

“The CP commends the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous support and strategic guidance, which has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in the command.

“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.

“It also urges residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and useful information,” he said.


Ajimobi’s wife denies alleged role in plot to impeach Makinde

A former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate to Austria, Dr. Florence Ajimobi, has denied allegations linking her to financial inducements allegedly aimed at influencing members of the Oyo State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde.

In a statement issued by her media office, Ajimobi described the claims as entirely false, baseless and a deliberate act of disinformation intended to tarnish her image, undermine her reputation and mislead the public.

Her reaction followed separate denials by lawmakers, including Hon. Gbenga Oyekola and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi, who distanced themselves from any alleged plot to destabilise the state government or receive inducements from political figures.

Ajimobi also dismissed claims that she hosted or attended any meeting in Lagos or elsewhere where plans to influence the State Assembly were discussed.

Part of the statement read, “At no time did Ambassador Ajimobi convene, attend or participate in any such meeting with any individual or group for the purpose of discussing impeachment or destabilising the Oyo State Government.”

She maintained that efforts to link her to the allegations amount to malicious political propaganda designed to bring her into disrepute, particularly among the people of Oyo State and beyond.

“Activities of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State are of no concern to me. Linking me to such a plot could only be borne out of mischief and deliberate reverse propaganda to malign my reputation”.

Reaffirming her commitment to peace and democratic values, Mrs. Ajimobi stressed that she has never been involved in activities capable of undermining the stability of the state.

The statement urged the public to disregard the reports, warning that the spread of false information could generate unnecessary political tension and this would be legally further addressed if not retracted. 

NANS kicks as abductors of UNIJOS student demand N30m

The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, who was reported...