Home Blog Page 1184

NSDC Official Killed, Palace Razed In Osun Obaship Crisis, Gov Adeleke Orders Deployment Of Security Agents

By
The Source
-
0
Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has ordered a massive deployment of Security Agents to restore peace in two communities feuding over chieftaincy issue.

Already, an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, has reportedly been killed in the process, Many others  sustained various degrees of injuries.

Also a Palace belonging to one of the communities was completely razed.

Crisis erupted between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local government area of the State since Tuesday evening.

Many residents were thrown into panic to the extent that some have  relocated from their homes for fear of an attack over the Obaship selection tussle.

According to sources, the injured NSCDC officers have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The State Government, in a statement,  issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said many properties were lost to the violent confrontation.

The Commissioner said Governor Adeleke has directed the immediate deployment of Security Personnel to fish out those behind the dastardly act and bring them to justice.

While calling for calm, Alimi stated that, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved and directed that security operatives should immediately be stationed in the areas to protect the communities by maintaining law and order.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.”

He also announced that the Government has ordered that the chieftaincy selection process which caused the communal clash be, henceforth, suspended.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr. Ojo, to mobilize security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, ensuring that anyone caught not abiding by the law is arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

“The Government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade Local Government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace, and which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the communities, is not acceptable.

“The Government, particularly, commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.

“The Government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assured Osun residents of security, while also calling for the support of residents, and urged everyone to embrace peace.”

Dangote Left It All In Lagos

By
The Source
-
0
Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote

By Femi Otedola

My brother, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State. Additionally, he has established one of the second-largest fertilizer plants in the world, soon to surpass the biggest one in Qatar, also in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan that God created specially for mankind.

Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers. In fact, the Dangote Group often pays more in taxes than the top banks combined. If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.

Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—THE MEN WHO BUILT America’s industrial landscape. These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation. Their contributions were immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.

Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For example, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce specially designed, all-electric plug-in vehicles and to develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California to produce battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components for powering these innovative vehicles. This initiative is part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the infrastructure law known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI.

In India, the government has been instrumental in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani. Their companies have received significant backing to grow and expand, contributing substantially to India’s economic growth and global business footprint.

There are also records of emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China where their governments have supported local businesses to jump-start industrialization. In Vietnam, the government has provided various incentives to tech companies, fostering a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, government support for the mining industry has been crucial in maintaining its global competitiveness. Brazil has seen substantial government investment in its agricultural sector, transforming it into one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, government backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global leadership in technology and e-commerce.

In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress… F.Ote💲

Hmmmm!

Otedola, serial entrepreneur, businessman, is the Chairman of First Bank Plc

State of the Nation: Obi Is “An Embittered Loser, Spoiler”, APC Slams LP Candidate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has replied Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, that the APC destroyed the country economically.

The party said the APC government could not be blamed for the current economic crisis, that President Bola Ahmed is trying to salvage.

According to a statement released by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka on Tuesday, the ruling party said the former presidential candidate was being economically with the truth, describing him  as “an embittered loser and spoiler”.

Obi had recently claimed that Nigeria has witnessed economic downturn since the party took power nine years ago.

For instance, the former Anambra state governor said  the country witnessed consistent economic growth for years while the People Democratic Party, PDP, was in power.

The PDP lost power to then APC in 2015 after ruling the country for 16 years.

Reacting to Obi’s claim, Morka said the former governor was only looking for cheap publicity after losing election last year.

Obi, he said, has been making remarks which were at variance with “the best interest of Nigeria” since he lost to President Tinubu in 2023.

‘His warped conclusion that Nigeria’s economic crisis was caused by nine years of APC-led administration is a highly revisionist,” APC said.

The party stated that the current economic hardship in the country is not the fault of President Tinubu, it said the country is affected by various global challenges including COVID.

“The country’s economic decline began under the watch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with GDP growth plummeting from 7.98% in 2010 to 2.79% in 2015. And since 2015, the global oil price crash, geopolitical tensions, climate change, global COVID pandemic and rising population have all taken a toll on Nigeria’s economy that is almost entirely dependent on drastically reduced oil export earnings,’ APC said.

BELOW  IS APC STATEMENT:

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has continued, unabashedly, to showcase his obsessive devotion to self promotion against the best interest of Nigeria.

 

Mr. Obi’s latest statement on the country’s economic situation is an admixture of half truths, blatant distortions and  misinformation calculated to mobilize outrage against the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

His warped conclusion that Nigeria’s economic crisis was caused by nine years of APC-led administration is a highly revisionist, dishonest, distorted and deliberately misleading assessment of the country’s economic trajectory in the last decade. He opined, rather mischievously, that no efforts were being made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to tackle poverty and unemployment in the country.

 

The facts tell a far more complex and different story. The country’s economic decline began under the watch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with GDP growth plummeting from 7.98% in 2010 to 2.79% in 2015. And since 2015, the global oil price crash, geopolitical tensions, climate change, global COVID pandemic and rising population have all taken a toll on Nigeria’s economy that is almost entirely dependent on drastically reduced oil export earnings.

 

The growth recorded during the PDP years was due entirely to high price of crude oil and increased government spending that it supported.

 

It is noteworthy that between 2007-2014, Nigeria earned $531.2 billion under the PDP, compared to $287.8 billion under APC between 2015-2022. This drastically reduced export earnings under the APC administration was even further stretched thin by the country’s population surge from 184 million in 2015 to 229 million in 2024.

 

Despite the huge revenues available to it, successive PDP administrations neglected to address  underlying structural challenges and distortions in the economy leaving the country vulnerable to economic shocks and volatility.  Had the PDP undertaken a sustained programme of economic reform as President Tinubu is currently engaged, Nigeria’s economic situation would be far better than it is today.

 

But in his selfish political desperation, Obi will never acknowledge the complexity of the causation of our economic challenges but would rather attempt to scapegoat the APC administration for all of the country’s economic ills while turning a blind eye to the bold and thoughtful policy interventions of President Tinubu’s administration.

 

The administration’s focused and determined efforts to tackle the country’s challenges through diversification, massive infrastructure development, social welfare, agricultural revolution and sustained improvements in national security are certain to accelerate Nigeria’s resurgence, create jobs and lift millions of our people out of poverty.

 

Quite contrary to Obi’s jaundiced and gloomy analysis, in the last one year alone, the country has attracted over $20 billion into the economy, aside recording an all-time high N6.52 trillion trade surplus in the first quarter of 2024 marking a positive shift from a long history of trade deficits.

 

Despite clearing the backlog of the foreign exchange debts owed foreign airlines and other economic actors by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the nation’s foreign reserves has continued to expand, hitting upwards of $34 billion, the highest in recent times. Capital inflow into the country increased by 66.27 percent this year alone.

 

Notable financial experts and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report that for the first time in our economic history, the All Share Index (ASI) of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) crossed the 100,000 benchmark this year, making the Nigerian Stock Exchange currently about the most profitable capital market in the world with a return on investment (RoI) as high as 22.90 percent.

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that the nation’s economy will have a 3.1 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2024, one of the highest projections for any African country.

 

Initiatives such as the Credit Corps, Students Loan, the newly approved minimum wage, the construction of 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, and many more are tailor-made by the President Tinubu’s to combat poverty and expand economic opportunities for Nigerians.

 

Mr. Obi is a loquacious and disruptive backseat driver who has assigned himself an ignoble role of an embittered loser and spoiler. Economic challenges and hardship are a stark reality of most countries of the world today, both developed and developing. It is an existential condition that must be tackled and transformed. This is an arduous task that requires collective patriotic collaboration.

 

Mr. Obi must know that inflaming passion and mobilizing outrage through false and manipulative narratives are not legitimate tools of opposition politics. Expecting President Tinubu  to accomplish total transformation of Nigeria in one year, a feat he failed miserably to accomplish in eight years as Governor of Anambra state, is the height of disgraceful hypocrisy.

 

President Tinubu remains focused and committed to building lasting blocks of economic prosperity for Nigeria.

 

Signed:

Felix Morka, Esq.

National Publicity Secretary

All Progressives Congress (APC

CBN: Business Leaders Reject Cardoso’s Interest Rate Hike

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Yemi Cardoso - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has sparked an out rage in the business sector following its decision to raise the benchmark interest rate to 26.75 percent, 50 points basic point from its May figure.

The MPR or interest rate is the basic lending rate in the country, lending or financial institutions charges as high as 40 percent interest rate on loans, according to experts, who said the continuous hike in the rate will further discourage investment.

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN announced during its monetary Policy Committee Meeting, MPC, on Tuesday that it needed to push back on inflation by hiking the interest rate.

The apex bank has raised the rate five times since the beginning of the year.

The latest hike, Cardoso state was necessary to urgently bring inflation under control.

He said: “The Committee was mindful of the effect of rising prices on households and  businesses and expressed its resolve to take necessary measures to bring  inflation under control. It re-emphasized its commitment to the Bank’s price  stability mandate and remained optimistic that despite the June 2024 uptick in  headline inflation, prices are expected to moderate in the near term.

“This is  hinged on monetary policy gaining further traction, in addition to recent  measures by the fiscal authority to address food inflation

Last month, the MPC raised the rate by 100 percent with the expectation that inflation will be tamed. That has not happened, according to experts who said, the CBN has failed to attack the high cost of goods and services in the country with the right instrument.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the headline inflation now stands at over 36 percent, with no end in sight to the rising cost of basic essentials in the country.

Rather than hiking the interest rate, what should be done by the government, according to Johnson Chukwu, the Managing Director, Cowry Asset management is to grant more credit to Nigerians to enhance their purchasing power.

Chukwu said the current inflation is driven by shortage of supply, rather than demand, as being suggested by the CBN as reason for consistently hiking the interest rate.

Also, Muda Yusuf, a former president of the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, said the continous hiking of interest rate  is not preferable considering the current economic challenges.

Yusuf in a statement on Tuesday said the 50 points moderate increase for the month is tolerable, uring the CBN to stop any incrase forthwith.

He said the CBN listened to the fedback from the business community that any  hike beyond the current threashhold will be unacceptable.

“The marginal increase marks a softening of the tightening stance. It is tolerable,” Yusuf said.

Reacting, National President of  Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Dele   Oye, said the increase will put more pressure on businesses in the country, adding that accessing loan has become more difficult with the decision.

He said: “A hike in the benchmark interest rate (MPR) by CBN can have several potential consequences for businesses, including: Increased Borrowing Costs – Higher interest rates mean that loans and lines of credit become more expensive, which can increase the cost of financing for businesses, leading to higher operational costs; Reduced Investment – As borrowing becomes more expensive, businesses may delay or scale back on investments in expansion, new projects, or capital improvements and this can slow down business growth and innovation; and Decreased Consumer Spending – Higher interest rates can lead to increased borrowing costs for consumers as well, which can reduce their disposable income, which typically results in lower consumer spending, which can negatively impact businesses, particularly those in the retail and service sectors.

Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote had following last month’s hike in the rate by the CBN, slammed the Cardoso-led apex bank, arguing that the decision will hurt businesses in the country.

“Nobody can create jobs with an interest rate of 30 per cent. No growth will happen,” the Chairman of Dangote Group said.

“We Will Leverage Superlig To Transform Abia, Export Our Talents To The World” – Vice President, Aba Club Owners

By
The Source
-
0
Hon Chijioke Kalu Ukpai and Others

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Vice President of  the umbrella body of Aba Football Club owners, Hon. Chijioke Kalu Ukpai, has assured that members will key-in to the recently introduced Abia state Superlig.

He described the concept as a real watershed which holds a very bright prospect both for the economy of Abia and the fortunes of clubs in the state.

The Source reports that the Abia State  Ministry of Sports and Youth Development in partnership with Alliance 51, a spots and entertainment management outfit, had, on July, 3,2024,  unveiled the  State’s novel Superlig.

The State Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba said the new football league was conceptualized to add value to existing sporting infrastructural facilities, shore up the State’s internally generated revenue ,grow the GDP through a cluster of businesses ,and provide a veritable platform for talents, and stakeholders in the football field to make a worthy living.

The Superlig, Ananaba noted, is anchored on a 9- team format ,with three clubs each from the three Senatorial zones of Abia state.

Addressing the Media after a crucial parley with the Chief Executive Officer of Alliance 51 and top member of the League Management Committee LMC , Dike Dinmiri, in Aba, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the Vice President of club owners ,noted that the programme represents a paradigm shift from what  is known to the club owners.

Hon Ukpai said with over 50 private football clubs in Aba, they are mulling a merger process to enable them reap maximally from the new opportunities presented.

“Initially, when the idea was sold to us (football club owners) we were lost. However after a considerable discussion with key operators, I can confidently say that what we have been introduced to is a very wonderful development.

“We have not seen such before in the annals of football management and development. Particularly, we are excited by the huge economic prospect which in turn will positively impact on all stakeholders within the chain.

“We thank God that today, private football club owners in Aba will begin to see a spectacular change in the administration of the Sport in this important city.

“It is a massive paradigm shift from what we are used to. The Superlig will be  transformational, both economically, and in talents hunt and development.

“We have a whole lot of serious clubs that are redundant,good players that are unknown,with zero opportunities to be exposed to the world” Hon Ukpai stated.

Further speaking ,he emphasized that the Abia Superlig provides a rare opportunity for Nigeria’s talents out side the Nigerian Professional League to get exposed, sign contracts and play professional football all over the world.

He noted that the live broadcast aspect of the Superlig will serve as rehabilitation therapy for  hidden talents and  private clubs in Aba and the entire Abia state.

“We have the factories for  football talents here in Aba, and what is remaining is the enabling environment to distribute the products from the factories to the entire  country and the world in general. The biggest chance, has been presented through the introduction of the Abia Supelig and we will grab it with both hands” the Vice President, Aba club owners promised.

Tinubu To Angry Nigerians: “Shelve Protests, I Will Address Pressing Issues”

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President

By Akinwale Kasali

Worried by the threat of a nationwide protest against his Government, President Bola Tinubu has pleaded with Nigerians to shelve the proposed Protest. He said that  his administration is working tirelessly to address the hardship faced by Nigerians.

President Tinubu pleaded with the conveners of the  nationwide protest and Nigerians in general to be patient with his Government.  He said he has heard their grievances and is working seriously to ensure that all their concerns are addressed.

The President who spoke through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said he is working assiduously to ensure that the country’s economy is placed in a good position.

Idris said: ‘‘We discussed the issue of the country in general and Mr President has asked me to again inform Nigerians that he listens to them, especially the young people that are trying to protest.

“Mr President said he listens to them and takes what they say seriously and he is working assiduously to ensure that this country is good not just for today but also for the future.

“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He asked them to shelve that plan and he has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas. He has listened to them”.

The nationwide protest is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024.

“My Wife Harassed Over  Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan” – Akpabio

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio

By Akinwale Kasali

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that his wife, Unoma was harassed on the phone by thousands of Nigerians over his response to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s  remarks on the Senate floor.

His disclosure followed the Social Media backlash which greeted his unsavoury response which not a few Nigerians termed “sexist”

Akpabio shut down Akpoti-Uduaghan from speaking  without him recognizing her to do so. And added: “Here is not a “nightclub”.

That generated controversy on several social media and Women Groups platforms all of which  called out Akpabio :for being sexist and insulting women.”

But rendering a apology apology to Akpoti-Uduaghan during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio said he would never intentionally denigrate any woman. He said his wife’s phone number was made public, resulting in her receiving about 3,000 calls over his response to Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He said, “I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women.

“Distinguished Senator Natasha, I want to apologise to you.

“The interest shown In the social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward

“Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t, out of anger, regulate social media.

He, also, denied social media claims that he has “numerous girlfriends, stressing that he has only one wife and she is enough for me.”

Umahi  Revoked Road Contract To  Competent Company, Handed It To Firm  His Son Is Director  – Katsina Elders Forum

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Dave Umahi
Dave Umahi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina Elders Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to step in urgently to reverse the revocation of the contract for the construction of the 147 km Katsina-Dutsinma-Marrarabar- Kankara road by the Works Minister, Engr. Dave Umahi.

The Forum said much as they don’t want to attack the person of Umahi, it is nevertheless in receipt of  information that the Minister has re awarded the contract to a company in which his son is allegedly  a Director.

In a statement issued in Kano on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, its Spokesperson, Dr Namanga Danmajiya, noted that the  road contract awarded in April, 2024, by the Tinubu administration represents the most  signature project being executed in the State by the President.

They wondered how the Works Minister would suddenly sideline a competent firm already doing a good job of the project, and re- award it  to a company in which he has vested interest.

The Katsina Forum warned that Umahi’s action is not doing any good to the image and perception of the President by the people of Katsina.

“Because of the award of the contract by President Tinubu, his popularity and support base swelled like a wild fire among the citizens of Katsina.

“Many welcomed the development with happiness because it will help in the transportation of goods across the Country.

“We don’t want to believe and work on the allegation against the Minister of Works that he revoked the contact because he has personal interest in the firms that he re-awarded the job to.

“The allegation further says that one of the contracting Companies has his biological son as a Director.” the Katsina Forum stated.

Dr Danmajiya said  after the road contract was awarded by the President, stakeholders in Katsina established a monitoring and supervision team to  follow the progress of work due to the importance the people attached to the project.

According to him, as at the time the contract was revoked and taking from the contracting firm, the monitoring team  attested to the good job it was executing .

The Forum, therefore, wondered on what other grounds, apart from some ulterior motives, the contract should be revoked by the Works Minister.

The Forum called on the President to intervene so as to protect his integrity and the love the people have cultivated for him because of the importance of the road project to the lives of Katsina citizens.

“We believe strongly that President Tinubu is being manipulated as far as the issue of the revocation is concerned”, the Forum noted.

Sudanese Crisis: South Sudan’s Oil Export, Economy  Face Uncertain Future

By
The Source
-
0
President Salva Kirr Mayardit of South Sudan

By Enitan Akinlabi, Head, Foreign/ Diplomatic Desk

The Sudanese civil war which erupted April last year is taking a huge toll on the neighbouring South Sudan’s oil export and economy.

The land locked country which until 2011 when it gained independence, was the Southern part of the Republic of Sudan is rich in crude oil butdepends on its war ravaged neighbour, Sudan, for its oil export.

According to South Sudanese Ministry of Finance, the country, for the past six months, has not exported oil through Sudan, owing to the ongoing war which has worsened its economy.

“From our knowledge, it is now six months, actually going to seven months now since we stopped exporting oil because of the conflict in Sudan, and has greatly affected our efforts to generate revenues”, a top South Sudanese official at the Ministry of presidential affairs told said.

The 1st undersecretary in the Finance Ministry, Malual Tap confirmed the developed but expressed hopes of a resumption soon.

“Let me say, maybe good news but with caution and optimism. I have to approach it from Sudan, likely in one month, maybe we will be able to resume our oil exports but until then, we will continue to struggle”, said Tap.

He was of the opinion that it was time the country and its leadership move forward to diversify the economy, moving away from depending on oil revenues exported to the international markets for sale through Sudan now engulfed in a raging war.

“I think it is high time for our people to move and develop other sectors so that if oil is not flowing or being affected by outside factors, we can rely on other sectors, more importantly the agriculture and the mining sectors but above all, we should switch our main focus to the most sustainable revenue we have in our country and that is non- oil revenue.  We have been relying on one commodity, the oil. and as we speak today, it has been six months without exporting our oil, especially the Dar blend that used to our budget”, he stressed.

This magazine gathered  that South Sudan and oil companies have been in dialogue with parties to the conflict in Sudan, but it appears challenges have not fully been resolved to permit resumption.

The military-led Sovereign Council of Sudan controls the port while the reb Paramilitary Rapid Support Force are operating in the area where the facilities of the pumping station are located.

Revenues from oil account for over 90 percent of South Sudan’s annual budget.

We Paid N5 Million Ransom To Our Abductors –  NYSC Members

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Kidnapped NYSC Members

By Ayodele Oni

Contrary to the claim by the Ondo State Police Command, the Youth Corps members that were kidnapped while returning from Anambra State after their orientation have revealed that the family of each of the victims paid a sum of one million Naira, before they were set free by the kidnappers.

The five victims, who include four corps members and one artisan, were kidnapped by the bandits at about 11.00 pm last Thursday at Omi Alafa Village in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, of Ondo State and dragged into the forest.

The driver of the vehicle and one passenger sitting in front were shot dead by the bandits.

Narrating their ordeal, one of the Corps members, Patience Andrew, said the bandits contacted their families and demanded a sum of N30 million each for ransom but after much negotiation they agreed to collect one million Naira.

She described the four days experience in the den of the bandits as horrible and hellish, saying they were beaten black and blue by the kidnappers while they were given garri and dirty water to eat once a day.

Andrew said: “We boarded a bus from Abia State to Onitsha, but our driver was not fast enough, one of the park drivers took us to where we boarded another bus going to Akure.

“We got there around 2.00pm

but the driver did not take off immediately, so we left Onitsha park around 5.00 pm with nine passengers in a Sienna bus. We got to Ondo State around 10.00 pm, and that was when the incident happened. They flashed a torch light on the driver and the driver said: “Oga I no see you”.

“They just shot him twice the moment he made that statement and the woman sitting next to him was killed. One guy too was matcheted, two people died and we don’t know about the guy that was butchered because he ran away.

“Then they brought us out of the vehicle and took us inside the bush, we trekked from past 10 pm till around 7.00 am the following day in the bush. The kidnappers were five in number and their age-range should be around 25 years. They were speaking the Hausa/Fulani language and they had one interpreter.

“They tortured us and we were only given garri and water once a day. At first, they asked for N30 million per person but as the negotiation was going they brought it down to  three million Naira so they now asked us to bring in one million Naira each.

“We slept inside the bush throughout the day. We heard the bark of a dog and the sound of a cow in the bush and we also passed through farmlands when we were coming out, and we didn’t meet anybody on the road then our brothers came with one million Naira.

The State Police Command had, in a statement, on Monday, claimed that the victims were abandoned following the hot pursuit men of the command gave them.

1...1,1831,1841,185...3,094Page 1,184 of 3,094