By Adenike Lawal

Nine people, including a newly elected councillor, were kidnapped by gunmen in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred just days after three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were abducted from the same area.

The attack unfolded around 1:00 AM when heavily armed assailants stormed homes in the community, firing indiscriminately before seizing their victims.

Among those abducted is Hon. Alaba Ope, who represents the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council.

The other victims include seven residents of Odo-Ape—five Gwaris, two Bassa—and Silas, a resident of the neighboring Agbadu community.

Residents are gripped by fear and uncertainty, following what appears to be a spate of targeted kidnappings.

A local source revealed that the community remains tense after last week’s abduction of three individuals by gunmen.

In response to the escalating crisis, community members have called on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently, ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals, and enhance security measures to protect lives and property.

While no official statement has been issued by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, a senior government security official confirmed ongoing efforts to address the situation.

The official assured residents that the government is prioritizing security concerns and urged them to remain vigilant but continue their daily activities.

The rising wave of kidnappings in Kogi State underscores significant security challenges facing rural communities.

With repeated incidents occurring within short intervals, there is a pressing need for swift and effective measures to restore public confidence and curb the menace of abductions.

By Emmanuel Ogbodo

Dr. Joseph Haruna Kigbu, a former member of the House of Representatives, was abducted by gunmen on Monday evening near Nunku in Akwanga Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

The assailants, believed to be bandits, attacked while Dr. Kigbu was traveling to Jos, Plateau State.

The attack took place around 6 p.m. on a notorious stretch between Nunku and Gwantu in Sanga Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

Witnesses reported that the gunmen fired indiscriminately, causing panic among travelers.

During the confrontation, Dr. Kigbu’s police escort engaged the attackers but was tragically killed in the exchange of gunfire.

Local sources have confirmed that the area has been a frequent target for criminal activities, including armed robbery and abductions.

Efforts to contact DSP Ramhan Nansel, spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, for further comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

Dr. Kigbu, who served as the representative for Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State from 2011 to 2015 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), later joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Investigations into the abduction are underway, amid growing concerns over the escalating security challenges in the region.

By Alexis Uchendu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has achieved its most significant asset recovery since its inception in 2003, securing the final forfeiture of a massive estate in Abuja.

The property, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, covers 150,500 square meters and includes 753 duplexes and apartments.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court delivered the landmark ruling on December 2, 2024, ordering the estate’s forfeiture to the federal government.

The judgment came after the EFCC invoked the Advance Fee Fraud and Related Offenses Act and Section 44(2)(B) of the Nigerian Constitution, arguing that the property was acquired through illicit means.

“The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

“The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” Justice Onwuegbuzie stated in his ruling.

The forfeiture process began with an interim order on November 1, 2024.

The estate is linked to a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

This historic recovery underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and reinforces the federal government’s resolve to establish a more transparent and accountable system for all Nigerians.