News
Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims in Kogi, recover vehicles
On reaching the scene, the troops discovered two dead bodies, five injured victims, as well as two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
• HRH Oba Sunday Omodamori,Paramount ruler of Ayegunle-Igun Community, Kogi State
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army said that they have rescued 23 out of over 25 kidnap victims abducted early this morning by bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi.
The update is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria Monday in Abuja.
According to the report, troops of 12 Brigade, deployed in Kabba, responded swiftly to the distress call but the assailants had fled before their arrival.
”On reaching the scene, the troops discovered two dead bodies, five injured victims, as well as two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
”The troops immediately launched pursuit operations along the kidnappers’ withdrawal routes, leading to the rescue of 23 passengers who had been abandoned due to the sustained pressure.”
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for medical attention.
It was gathered that the heavily armed assailants, who reportedly operated in a commando-style manner, stormed the community in the early hours of Monday, unleashing terror on residents.
During the operation, one resident was shot dead while attempting to escape, while several others sustained injuries before the attackers whisked their victims into a nearby forest.
A resident whose two siblings were among those kidnapped recounted the ordeal, saying the attackers invaded the community between 2:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
The traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Oba Sunday Omodamori, confirmed the incident , explaining that the kidnappers arrived in large numbers and strategically positioned themselves across the community before carrying out the operation.
Oba Omodamori further disclosed that the attackers intercepted two passenger buses along the highway, forcing travellers out of the vehicles before leading them into the forest alongside residents of the community.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Police Command and other security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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