Gunmen Kidnap Plateau NUJ Chairman

A former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau state, Kapdaba Gobum, was abducted by suspected kidnappers.  He was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday night.  This happened after he left the Press Centre, headed for his house in the Bukuru area of Jos South. Former General Manager of the Plateau Publishing and Printing Company (PPPC), Jonathan Ishaku, and the immediate past chairman of NUJ, Paul Jatau, have confirmed the incident.  Ishaku mentioned, “But early this morning (Thursday), the kidnappers called his wife and demanded N35 million.” Jatau expressed surprise at this development and wondered why journalists should be victims of kidnapping.  The former NUJ chairman recently retired as a senior editor with the Nigerian Standard, published by the PPPC.

Kidnapped Benue Commissioner Regains Freedom

The Benue Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Mathew Agbo, who was kidnapped in August, has regained his freedom. Agbo, in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi, thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia and the security agencies for ensuring his safe release. “I appreciate all the effort and prayers that have culminated in my release and subsequent reuniting with my family “I pray that my ordeal will lead to renewed efforts toward tacking both internal and external security challenges in the state. “I, therefore, call on all residents of the state to support government efforts and the security agencies toward tacking insecurity in the state,” Abo called. The Commissioner, who thanked his colleagues, family members, friends and staff of his ministry for their fervent prayers, promised to serve the state to the best of his ability. He called on the residents to pray for the success of the current administration in the state, adding that the Alia-led administration means well for the state. Agbo, who spent ten days in captivity, was kidnapped on September 24 at his hometown in Zaki-Biam Local Government Area of the state. Abo was sworn in as a member of the Benue Executive Council on August 29.

Amotekun arrests suspected cultist, burglar in Osun

Osun State Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested a suspected cultist in Osogbo and another suspected burglar in Ila-Orangun, Ila Local Government Area of Osun. Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, the State Commander of the corps, made this known in a statement on Friday, adding that the two suspects were arrested on Thursday. “Sodiq Adelabu, 20, a native of Osogbo, was arrested in Osogbo for allegedly being a member of a secret cult, engaging in cult-related activities and theft. “The suspect admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity when interrogated. “The second suspect, Sunday Oluwasegun, 22, a native of Ila-Orangun, was arrested for breaking into a house and stealing in Ila-Orangun Town. “He was reported to have stolen some money and some home appliances before he was later arrested.” Adewinmbi said both suspects were arrested after complaints were lodged against them and their activities by patriotic residents of the state. He, therefore, called on residents of the state to always report suspicious activities and criminal suspects living among them to security agents. He assured them that their identity would be kept secret, encouraging them to join in the fight against crime and criminality in the state. He stated that the arrested suspects had, however, been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.