News

Police confirm abduction of Dangote workers in Edo State

The Edo State Police Command has on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of workers of Dangote Cement Factory, Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Funsho Adegboye, confirmed the incident to newsmen in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chidi Nwabuzor.

Adegboye said the workers were abducted at about 6pm on Monday while going to Okpella community in a Coaster bus after the close of works of the day.

The commissioner, however, disclosed that three persons who sustained various degrees of gun shots injury during the kidnapping have been rescued and taken to hospital for medical treatment

The statement reads, “On 13th May 2024 at about 2200hrs the Divisional Police Officer of Okpella Division, Edo State received a distress call from the head of security to Dangote Cement Factory Okpella, Edo State that at about 1800hrs a bus conveying Dangote Cement workers from the factory moving to Okpella Town was attacked by the hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers and took some passengers into the bush.
“Immediately, the Divisional Police Officer mobilized his Operatives, Vigilantes group, and the Hunters into the forest for a vigorous bush combing operations to rescue the victims unhurt and to arrest the kidnappers.

“In the process, one Omoba, whose other names are unknown, was rescued, and at a look, it was discovered that he was with some bullet injuries on the back, shot by the hoodlums.

“He was immediately rushed to Halimatu Musa Hospital for medical attention.

“Meanwhile, one other victim who was earlier shot at the point of the attack and another victim one Victor Okon, were rushed to the same hospital for treatment.”

News

NAPTIP insists no reported case of organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom State Command, has insisted that there is no reported case of organ harvesting in any hospital within the state contrary to media reports.

This was contained in a statement, titled ‘Clarification on Misrepresentations regarding NAPTIP’S Presentation at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Press Briefing’, signed by Ben Essang on behalf of the Zonal Commander, in Uyo on Tuesday.

Essang, flanked by Eno Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Emem Ette, Director, Department of GBV, Ministry of Justice, as well as other stakeholders noted that the analogies presented at the event were drawn from global trends and intended “solely for the purpose of raising awareness without any specific reference to factual occurrences in Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him, “While NAPTIP promotes public awareness regarding the issue of organ harvesting, it’s important to clarify that there have been no reported incidents in any hospital or clinic within Akwa Ibom State.

“NAPTIP, Uyo Zonal Command therefore urges members of the public, government entities and organizations to ignore and disregard the publications.”

He also said human trafficking remained a pervasive global issue and urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious in their interaction, particularly concerning the welfare of both children and adults so they would not fall prey.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation of citizens in the fight against human trafficking in the state.

News

Federal Govt confirms bird flu outbreak in Kano

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu, in Kano State.

The bird flu affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.

The disease is said to have has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region.

According to a circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Teru Vakuru, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period.

“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.

While revealing how the outbreak started, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Kano State chapter, Dr Usman Gwarzo, recounted an incident from December 2024 that sounded the alarm.

“A young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens.

“The duck suddenly died, and shortly after, the chickens followed,” Gwarzo explained.

The carcasses, according to him, were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected.

“Samples were sent for testing, and by the first week of January 2025, the results confirmed the presence of the virus,” he added.

He advised Kano residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to veterinary authorities.

News

Soldier arrested with ammunition at Borno motor park

A soldier identified as Nathaniel Jeremiah, has been arrested by personnel of the 7 Division at the Borno Express Terminal Park in Maiduguri for illegal possession of ammunition.

Intelligence sources told security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama that Jeremiah, who was on welfare pass and en route to Adamawa State, was apprehended while attempting to board a vehicle at the terminal.

During the routine search, security operatives discovered 89 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his personal bag.

The soldier was immediately taken into custody for interrogation, and the recovered ammunition was handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.