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Pictures: Gas Explosion Destroys Properties Worth Millions In Niger

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Pictures: Gas Explosion Destroys Properties Worth Millions In Niger

A gas plant explosion engulfed a facility in Niger State on Saturday night, February 8, 2025, at about 11pm destroying properties worth millions of naira. The incident occurred beside Kalasma Filling Station in Sabon Wuse, along the Kaduna Expressway, during a gas transloading operation from a trailer tanker to a surface tank. Both the trailer and the gas plant were completely burnt, along with a car belonging to Abubakar Yakubu, which was parked nearby. The fire also spread to the Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, where 550 bags of beans and six bags of soya beans were destroyed. Confirming the incident on Sunday, February 9, 2025, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said no lives were lost. “At about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, 8th February 2025, Tasiu Gas Plant beside Kalasma Filling Station in Sabon Wuse exploded and burst into flames. “The incident occurred during transloading of gas from a trailer tanker to a surface tank. Both the trailer and the gas plant were completely burnt, along with a car belonging to Abubakar Yakubu. “The fire also gutted Ngeil Grains Processing Factory, destroying hundreds of bags of beans and soya beans. “As of the time of filing this report, no lives were lost, and the fire has been brought under control,” he said. Emergency responders managed to contain the inferno, but the damage remains extensive. Recall that there were two successive explosions in the state towards January ending – the fuel tanker with almost a hundred persons death toll and the one of illegal mining explosives storage. Punch

Ibadan’s SLA International Airport: A Symbol Of Makinde’s Commitment To Economic Growth |• By Kazeem Awojoodu

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  There is no doubt that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is doing everything pos­sible to expand the economy of the state, as this can be attested to by numerous infrastructural projects put in place to enhance ease of doing business for inter­ested foreign and indigenous investors. One of the projects that Gov­ernor Makinde will be remem­bered for in the history of Oyo State is the upgrade of Ibadan Airport now known as Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to in­ternational airport. This development is anoth­er win for Oyo State under the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde, and it is also histor­ic in the aviation industry of the country. With the Federal government approval, Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA) airport Ibadan to an international airport is fast becoming a reality. Governor Makinde in Sep­tember 2024 performed the ground breaking ceremony of the first phase for the upgrade of the airport to international status. This project comprises extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 meters with a width increase from 45 meters to 60 meters. To express his commitments to the project, and also ensure transparency, Governor Ma­kinde appointed a chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state who was a former commissioner for Finance during the late Governor Abi­ola Ajimobi administration, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi as the Chair­man of the committee for the SLA Airport Upgrade Project. Just last week, Governor Makinde commenced the second phase of the upgrade with a foundation laying ceremony of the new inter­national terminal building. While the first phase would be completed by September this year, the second phase which is expected to span 18 months is in line with Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of redefining the aviation land­scape for opportunities that would engender growth and connectivity to the world. Speaking shortly after the foundation laying ceremony of the project, Mr. Bimbo Adekan­bi gave an overview of the proj­ect and its viability, affirming that the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial com­ponent of the airport upgrade plan. Adekanbi noted that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Con­struction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional lead­ership of Governor Makinde. He maintained that the proj­ect is expected to be complet­ed in the first quarter of 2026, that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria. He said, “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation land­scape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportu­nity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the con­struction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwav­ering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. “His Excellency has cham­pioned the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Air­port, not just as an infrastruc­tural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense eco­nomic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest re­gion. His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his pro­found commitment to enhanc­ing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project. “Governor Makinde’s fore­sight and dedication to ensur­ing a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance. “His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sus­tainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, pros­perity, and pride for us all. The government had made tre­mendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explaining that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annual­ly, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000. “This initiative goes be­yond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class air­port that enhances the over­all travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State. With Governor Seyi Ma­kinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becom­ing a reality. “Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedica­tion to improving infrastruc­ture, fostering economic op­portunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical struc­tures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens. “With Governor Seyi Makinde leading the way, we are confident that the best is yet to come,” Adekanbi said. While conducting jour­nalists and other stake­holders’ round the proj­ect, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf main­tained that the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway. Speaking with journalists on the project, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr. Adejare Abiola, who rep­resented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport. “We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been do­ing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project ve­hicles for security patrol. Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport. “I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and, at the same time, appeal to them on the excavation that is on­going around our perimeter fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are go­ing to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence,” the FAAN chairman said. When completed, the SLA International Airport will boost economic activities in Oyo State and the entire South West es­pecially in the area of … Read more

Great Ife Movement Condemns Alleged Illegal Installation Of Baales By Ogunsua Of Modakeke In Ife Forest Reserve

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Great Ife Movement Condemns Alleged Illegal Installation Of Baales By Ogunsua Of Modakeke In Ife Forest Reserve

  The Great Ife Movement (GIM) has raised the alarm over an alleged illegal attempt by the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, to install Baales (village heads) in Toro, Oyere-Famia axis and the Ife Forest Reserve (F3) all located within Ife North Local Government Area, of Osun State. Speaking at a press conference held at the Oba Okunade Sijuade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, over the weekend, the President of GIM, Comrade Femi Oyeyinka warned that this move could provoke unrest in Ifeland if not urgently addressed. The GIM President acknowledged the past efforts of the Osun State Government under the able leadership of Asiwaju of Ede, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the traditional leaders, and peace committees, particularly the Osun State Boundary Adjustment Commission (OSBAC) under Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (Retd.), in maintaining harmony between Ife and Modakeke. The group also praised the role of the Ife/Modakeke Peace Committee, led by elder statesman Pa Sheik Saka Fawole, in preventing conflicts that could have led to bloodshed. However, Oyeyinka stressed that Ife lands, including Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, and Oduranyin, traditionally belong to Ife families and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. He noted the reported attempt to install Baales in these areas as an “act of trespass” and an “affront” to the Ooni’s authority. He further alleged that Modakeke leaders have been provoking Ife residents by making territorial claims and leveraging political influence. He called on the Osun State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intervene and prevent any actions that could disrupt the fragile peace in the region. “We appeal to the state government, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, and respected monarchs to swiftly stop this unlawful act before it leads to a crisis,” Oyeyinka stated. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await official responses from the government and traditional authorities.

Alleged N423bn Scam: Northern Christians Give EFCC 72 Hours To Arrest El-Rufai

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  ABUJA – As debate continues to heat up around the allegation of misap­propriation of funds by the for­mer Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; another group has come out to charge the anti graft agency to do its job by arresting him. In a statement made avail­able to newsmen on Thursday and signed by Barr. Gideon Jato and Bro. Sunday Adoka, Presi­dent and Secretary respectively of Northern Christians Accord (NCA); the group reiterated that, it was long overdue for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and probe Mallam El-Rufai. The group wondered why it would take the EFCC such a long time without taking action, even when series of petitions have been submitted at the national headquarters, after the Kaduna State House of Assembly indict­ed El-Rufai and some key officials of his government of allegedly embezzling the sum of N423 bil­lion. The Kaduna State Assembly ad-hoc committee probing the financial dealings of the eight years administration of former Governor El-Rufai had in June, 2024, indicted him and some key members of his cabinet for al­leged corruption in the awards of contracts and management of both domestic and foreign loans obtained by his government. In the report submitted to the House by the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Henry Danjuma, it said that there was evidence of several cases of corruption in the running of the affairs of the Government, Ministries, Depart­ments, and Agencies in Kaduna State from 29th May 2015 to 29th May 2023. After adopting the report, the House recommended, amongst other things, that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service with­draw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domi­ciled at Zenith Bank as Security for N20,000,000,000.00 guaranteed in 2023 forthwith and request the bank to refund all monies deduct­ed on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof. The House also recommend­ed that all the Commissioners of Finance and the Accountants General of the State from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for thor­ough investigation. Subsequently, a group under the auspices of Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), in July 2024 took petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Mallam E-Rufai and his men, over an alleged N423 billion fraud. Seven months after the indict­ment by the Parliament and the attendant petitions to the anti graft agencies, no action has been taken to arrest or probe the former Governor. “We perceive this as an affront and total disregard to the rule of law and a great insult to the sen­sibility of the people of Kaduna State, especially the institution of the State House of Assembly. “For the EFCC and ICPC to have closed their eyes and shut their ears against the indict­ments, petitions and cries of Ka­duna people, only means they are in support of corruption in Nigeria and as such, shielding El-Rufai. “It is very glaring that the law in Nigeria is centrifugally posi­tioned to favour some people and witch-hunt others. We remember how the EFCC was battling day and night a few months ago, looking for former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over a petition from a group in the state. “But the same EFCC has bra­zenly become blind, deaf and dumb over the El-Rufai issue, de­spite the indictment by the House of Assembly, and having received a series of petitions from various groups. Whereas, in the case of Kogi State, the Assembly did not indict the former Governor, but EFCC went for him, arrested and arraigned him. But Kadu­na is a special case that cannot be handled, because El-Rufai is untouchable? “The man who was alleged to have stolen N80bn is already standing trial. Why is it taking EFCC and others years to prose­cute a man who was indicted of almost N500bn? “The Northern Christians Accord is giving the EFCC and other agencies responsible for the arrest, prosecution and recovery of the N423bn confirmed by the Assembly to have been allegedly embezzled by El-Rufai, to do the needful and save themselves and the nation of this monumental embarrassment. “Failure to do so, we shall not hesitate to create awareness about the complacency of the agencies, both within Nigeria and to the international commu­nity. We shall also mobilise our members across the 19 northern states, to match the headquarters of EFCC and National Assem­bly”, the group added. Independent NG

Senate Moves Against ‘Japa’ Syndrome

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  ABUJA – The Senate Committee on Di­aspora and Non-Governmen­tal Organisations ( NGO) on Wednesday, declared that the mass migration otherwise known as ‘Japa’ by Nigeri­ans to overseas countries on a daily basis, must be reversed . Chairman of the Commit­tee Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan, made the decla­ration at its maiden meeting held in hearing room 305 of the Senate wing of the Na­tional Assembly. Senator Natasha at the well attended meeting, said reversal of Japa syndrome, will be at the front burner of actions by the commit­tee because the tide must be stemmed. “This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians, particularly youth, to believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country . “Patriotism is earned and not enforced or forced , mak­ing us identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy. Advertisement “We’re going to look into countries like India, Paki­stan, even Egypt, in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of citi­zens to stay . ” The committee will start this process by getting the da­tabase of Nigerians in Dias­pora country by country and also collaborate with various International organizations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home . ” India is a very good ex­ample of reversing the japa syndrome by being the ICT capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens “, she said . Earlier , the immediate past chairman of the com­mittee, Senator Victor Umeh ( APGA Anambra Central) , expressed hope in the ability of Senator Natasha to take the committee to greater heights in the area of tap­ping required resources from Nigerians in Diaspora and at the same time, make the country attractive to those at home the through required collaborations. “I knew that a great suc­cess has come on board for this committee with Senator Natasha on board as Chair­man . “She has what it takes to break into the grounds and then galvanize all efforts to­wards tapping the potentials of Nigeria’s diaspora com­munities.and also collaborate with other stakeholders on reversing the Japa Syndrome “, he said. Independent NG

Abuja Residents Lament As NNPCL Shuts Stations Over Logistics Issues

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  Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have been left stranded and grappling with fuel shortages following the sudden closure of several retail outlets owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited within the capital city. It was gathered that the stations closed for some days, were allegedly ordered by the management of the national oil firm and will continue till next week. The closures, attributed to logistical challenges, have led to long queues at remaining stations, with many motorists and commuters facing hours of delays. At multiple stations visited by The PUNCH on Wednesday, such as those in Lugbe, Airport Road, Zone 3, Lifecamp, and Kubwa, motorists were turned away while attendants sat idly. An attendant at an NNPC station in Garki, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “We’ve been dry for two days now. There is simply no product to sell. We are awaiting directives from our suppliers.” Another attendant in Kubwa, identified as Peter, said they have been selling previous petrol stocks and haven’t received fresh products due to the challenge. “We finished our old stock yesterday. We only do not have products for today. We are expecting supplies and will definitely have them by tomorrow. But we have gas available for sale today,” he said. A station manager at the NNPC Life Camp station, who confirmed the challenge and the directive by the NNPCL management, said the closure was due to some internal adjustments that affected all stations. The manager, who declined to give his name, stated, “The reason why there has been no fuel in most of our stations in Abuja here in recent weeks is due to some internal adjustments/programmes being done at the management level. “But there’s no cause for alarm as it is being settled, and a few NNPC stations have started getting fuel and selling to customers. Very soon, between now and next week, hopefully, we are supposed to have fuel here as well. The price still stands at 965 naira per litre.” Our correspondent gathered that the impact of this decision was not immediately felt because its mega stations are still in operation, selling old stock to customers. This development caught many residents off-guard as fuel availability in the capital city rapidly diminished. Efforts to reach the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, on the reasons for the closure, were futile as the spokesperson didn’t respond to messages sent to his line. However, a source within the company confirmed that the closure of the stations was due to unanticipated “logistical issues.”. “We have product in all our depots, but we had some logistics challenges.” Residents have expressed frustration over the situation, with long lines forming at the few operational stations. A driver who spoke to our correspondent said the situation has forced motorists to patronise independent marketers who sell at a higher rate. “I am disappointed with how this situation is being handled. Now I have no choice but to patronise independent marketers who sell at a higher rate.” Punch

Protesters Raze Buildings Linked To Ousted Bangladesh Leader

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  Hundreds of Bangladeshi protesters smashed down buildings connected to ousted former leader, Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday, hours after students with excavators began demolishing a museum to her father. The museum and former home of Hasina’s late father, Bangladesh’s first president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had been set on fire last year during the student-led revolution that ended her 15 years of autocratic rule. Late Wednesday, six months to the day since Hasina fled by helicopter to old ally India on August 5, crowds carrying hammers and metal rods began beating down the walls of the building in the capital Dhaka. Protests were triggered in response to reports that 77-year-old Hasina — who has defied an arrest warrant to face trial in Dhaka for massacres — would appear in a Facebook broadcast from exile. On Thursday morning, diggers were being used to knock down the remaining fire-blackened walls. Protesters also vandalised and torched other houses across the country linked to Hasina, including an arson attack on the Dhaka house of Hasina’s late husband. Prothom Alo, the largest Bengali daily, reported crowds used government-owned excavators to smash down a building owned by Hasina’s family in the city of Khulna. – Vandalised homes – In the western city of Kushtia, protesters vandalised the house of a leader of Hasina’s Awami League party, Mahbubul Alam Hanif. In Chittagong, protesters held a torch procession and smashed a mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. There has been no formal comment on the wave of attacks from the interim government, and security forces stood by allowing protesters to storm the buildings. A private security guard in the neighbourhood said he had called the fire service more than a dozen times fearing that the flames would spread to nearby buildings crowded with families. “We cut off the electricity line ourselves,” Jamal Uddin said. “I don’t know when the situation will return to normal.” A shopkeeper living near Rahman’s former home said he was worried about the chaos. “This vandalism is not a good sign,” he said, asking not to be named as he was fearful of reprisal for speaking out. AFP

Tunisia President Sacks Finance Minister

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  Tunisia’s President, Kais Saied, has sacked his finance minister and appointed a magistrate to the role. Michket Slama Khaldi will take on the country’s finance portfolio, the presidency announced on Facebook overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, alongside images of her taking the oath of office. The presidency gave no further details, nor did it mention outgoing minister Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia. The new finance minister had headed a national commission tasked with recovering embezzled public funds. Tunisia has over the past two years suffered sporadic shortages of basic items such as milk, sugar and flour. Recently, there has also been a scarcity of domestic gas cylinders, which are widely used for cooking and heating. AFP

Access Bank Champions Accelerated Action For Africa’s Sustainable Future

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Access Bank Champions Accelerated Action For Africa’s Sustainable Future

  LAGOS – Access Bank PLC has reinforced its leadership in sustainable finance and climate action as the Gold Sponsor of the Nigeria Climate Change Forum (NCCF) in Abuja, which brought together Africa’s most influential policymakers, global investors, and sustainability pioneers to drive urgent action towards a net-zero future for the continent. At the NCCF, Dr. Gregory Jobome, Executive Director of Risk Management at Access Bank, delivered a compelling presentation on “The Role of Innovation and Technology in Africa’s Net-Zero Transition.” He emphasised the urgency for Africa to leapfrog traditional development models by leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable finance to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Dr. Jobome also highlighted Africa’s heightened vulnerability to climate change, particularly in scenarios where global temperatures exceed 1.5°C. He called for urgent, transformative action to mitigate risks and ensure climate resilience. During a high-level panel discussion, the Access Bank Group Head of Enterprise Risk Management provided insights on unlocking financing for renewable energy projects in Nigeria. The session showcased the Bank’s leadership in pioneering sustainable financing solutions, including green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), outlining a roadmap for Africa’s energy transition. Access Bank: Financing a Green Future for Africa Access Bank continues to lead the charge in financing Africa’s low-carbon transition through groundbreaking initiatives: •Africa’s First Corporate Certified Green Bond – Investing in climate-resilient projects, setting a precedent in green finance for the region. •Securing Climate Finance – Attracting global capital to accelerate renewable energy, low-carbon transportation, and climate adaptation initiatives. •Driving Renewable Energy Investments – Financing solar farms, wind energy projects, and energy-efficient infrastructure to propel Africa’s clean energy revolution. •Leading the Decarbonisation Movement – Deploying solar-powered ATMs, championing paperless banking, and implementing waste recycling programmes to reduce institutional emissions. Pioneering Innovation for Africa’s Green Economy Recognising the critical role of innovation in sustainability, Access Bank is driving transformative financial and technological solutions to enhance Africa’s climate resilience: •Smart, Low-Carbon Infrastructure – Financing sustainable buildings, energy-efficient systems, and green supply chains to foster urban sustainability. •Circular Economy Innovations – Scaling investments in waste-to-energy technologies, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable manufacturing to promote a circular economy in Africa. A Unified Call for Accelerated Climate Action As Africa’s leading sustainability-driven financial institution, Access Bank is spearheading collective efforts toward a net-zero future. Through strategic collaborations with governments, international financiers, and industry innovators via the Sustainable Finance Accelerator Program, the Bank is mobilizing large-scale investments to drive Africa’s green transition. “Africa is experiencing a wave of innovation and technological advancement, much of it in collaboration with global partners. However, we are still at an early stage. To create meaningful opportunities for the continent’s rapidly growing youth population—who are eager to engage in the green economy—we must scale up efforts. Financial institutions have a pivotal role to play in this transformation,” said Dr. Jobome. Additionally, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, underscored the crucial role of women in driving Africa’s net-zero agenda. She noted that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and called for increased public-private partnerships to empower women in climate action. The NCCF served as a crucial platform for key stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions and shape actionable strategies for Africa’s sustainable future. Access Bank remains committed to driving impactful, long-term solutions that will ensure a resilient and thriving continent for generations to come. •About Access Bank PLC Access Bank PLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Access Holdings PLC, is a leading full-service commercial bank operating through a network of more than 700 branches and service outlets spanning 3 continents, 24 countries and over 60 million customers. The Bank employs over 28,000 people in its operations in Africa and Europe, with representative offices in China, Lebanon, India, and the UAE. Access Bank’s parent company, Access Holdings Plc, has been listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1998. The Bank is a diversified financial institution which combines a strong retail customer franchise and digital platform with deep corporate banking expertise, proven risk management and capital management capabilities. The Bank services its various markets through three key business segments: Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, and Retail Banking. The Bank has enjoyed what is arguably Africa’s most successful banking growth trajectory in the last 18 years, becoming one of the continent’s largest retail banks. As part of its continued growth strategy, Access Bank is focused on mainstreaming sustainable business practices into its operations. The Bank strives to deliver sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible, and socially relevant, helping customers to access more and achieve their dreams.

Police Rescue Kidnapped ASP, Three Others In Edo

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  The police in Edo State have rescued Elisha Jeremiah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, who was kidnapped on January 29, 2025 while travelling to Anambra State. He was seized along Okhuesan-Ewohimi Road in Edo with other passengers, including Ayedele Ebenezer of Ogbidi Road, Uromi and Useni Inusa. Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) announced this on Tuesday night. Yamu said: “Following the kidnap of the travellers, operatives of Ubiaja Divisional Police Headquarters, in a joint operations with other tactical teams, immediately went on the trail of the kidnappers. “The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, ordered additional deployment of Police Mobile Force personnel to ensure the rescue of the victims and arrest of the perpetrators. “The team, acting on intelligence today (February 4) at about 1530hrs, mobilised to the bushes around Ugbebor, in partnership with local hunters and vigilance members. This effort paid off, as the kidnappers abandoned their victims and fled, when they sensed that the operatives were closing in on them.” The PPRO also assured that the command was committed in its resolve to rid Edo of all forms of crime.

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