News
Bandits release 40 of 150 abducted residents in Niger State
Forty out of the 150 residents abducted from Kuchi community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State, have been freed by their captors.
The released hostages, predominantly women and children, were set free after the community provided N2 million and 12 Honda motorcycles to the bandits.
DAILY POST learnt that the release took place on Tuesday morning following the community’s efforts to meet the bandits’ demands. Each motorcycle reportedly cost N1.2 million. However, 110 hostages remain in captivity.
Reliable sources indicated that the bandits have proposed to release another 40 hostages if the community can provide an additional N2 million and six more motorcycles. Negotiations are ongoing between the bandits and community representatives.
DAILY POST recalls that this ordeal began three weeks ago when a large group of bandits invaded Kuchi community.
The attack resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including four security personnel. The bandits looted homes, shops, and barns, taking over 150 residents hostage in an assault that lasted more than three hours without any resistance from security forces.
Initially, the bandits demanded N150 million for the release of all captives, but the community attempted to negotiate a payment of N100,000 per person, which the bandits refused.
The bandits later settled for the motorcycles and cash deal for the release of smaller groups of hostages.
According to a source: “We have been negotiating with the bandits but finally they agreed to collect six Honda motorcycles and N2 million for the release of two groups totalling 40 in number.
“The 150 people they abducted were divided into six groups, and they said we should bring six Honda motorcycles and N2 million cash for each of the groups.
“This is after they rejected our initial offer of N100,000 for each person. They have released two groups, remaining four groups. ”
The source also expressed frustration over the lack of government and security presence, stating: “Since the incident, no single government official or security agent has visited the community for on-the-spot assessment of what happened. The community is left without security at the moment and it has remained deserted.”
Local government chairman Aminu Najume confirmed the attack and abduction but could not verify the release of the 40 hostages.
He clarified that the council was not involved in the negotiations. Najume promised to gather information and update accordingly.
Similarly, Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, said he would verify the information and provide details.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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