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Tag: Bandit

  • “I Am Alive” — Abducted UNIJOS Graduate Speaks in New Video as Kidnappers Demand ₦4m Balance

    John Arum, the abducted University of Jos graduate, has appeared in a new video confirming he is alive, dismissing earlier rumours that he had died in captivity.

    The footage, released on April 20, 2026, shows the victim speaking while his captors also addressed the situation and ongoing ransom negotiations.

    Proof of life emerges

    In the video, Arum directly counters the reports circulating online.

    “Today is April 20, 2026 and I am alive,” he said.

    He added that kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million for his release, noting that ₦6 million has already been paid, leaving a balance of ₦4 million.

    Kidnappers issue fresh warning

    The abductors, who also spoke in the clip, warned that any delay in completing the payment could put his life at risk.

    They insisted that the remaining ransom must be paid promptly.

    Earlier fears and viral footage

    The development follows earlier viral footage that sparked widespread concern about Arum’s condition.

    Reports claiming he had died in captivity had circulated online before the latest video surfaced.

    What this means

    The latest video confirms the victim is still alive, while raising fresh urgency around the ransom demand and his possible release.

  • Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch, Wife In Midnight Palace Attack

    Suspected bandits have abducted a traditional ruler, his wife, and another individual after attacking a palace in Olayinka community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in the early hours of Saturday.

    The gunmen reportedly stormed the palace around 1:40am, firing sporadically before whisking the monarch away to an unknown destination, in what residents described as a terrifying overnight raid.

    How the attack happened

    Sources said the attackers arrived heavily armed and met little resistance as panic spread across the palace.

    “They came around 1:40am and started shooting. Everyone was scared. They took the monarch, his wife, and another person,” a source disclosed.

    The abducted monarch was said to have been recently installed by the state government, making the incident even more shocking within the community.

    Rising concern in Kwara South

    The latest abduction marks the third case involving a traditional ruler in Kwara South within a year, raising fresh concerns about security in the area.

    In 2025, two monarchs in the region were kidnapped by suspected bandits and later released after ransom payments were reportedly made.

    Residents say the repeated attacks have heightened fear, with calls growing for stronger security presence across affected communities.

  • Bandits Abduct JAMB Candidates, Other Passengers in Benue Night Attack

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted several passengers, including candidates heading for the ongoing JAMB examination, after attacking a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State.

    Attack on night journey

    The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the bus, travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, was ambushed near its destination.

    Passengers on board were reportedly young men and women heading to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination scheduled for Thursday.

    A source said the vehicle, carrying about 18 passengers, was waylaid around 8pm, with most occupants taken into the bush.

    “Two people, the driver and one passenger, managed to escape. Incidentally, the passengers were mainly young men and women going to write JAMB,” the source said.

    Police confirm abduction

    The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the attack, stating that 14 passengers were abducted while one victim escaped.

    He said security operatives had launched a rescue operation and were already combing the area.

    “I am in Otukpo now with my team, heading the operation. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, and one escaped,” he said.

    Investigation underway

    The police also revealed that the journey may have violated transport regulations, noting that Benue Links has a policy against night travel.

    According to the commissioner, the driver allegedly picked up passengers after official hours, a development now under investigation.

    “But as we are investigating, we are on the ground to make sure that the victims are rescued,” he added.

    Local authorities react

    Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and said security operatives had been deployed into nearby forests.

    “The victims are mainly young boys and girls coming to Otukpo to write JAMB,” he said.

    Rising insecurity on route

    The Makurdi-Otukpo road has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, raising concerns among travellers and residents over growing insecurity in the area.

    The latest incident adds to fears around the safety of commuters, especially students travelling for national examinations.

  • Bandits Kill, Kidnap Several in Coordinated Attacks Across Kwara Communities

    Suspected bandits have killed several residents and abducted others in coordinated late-night attacks on three rural communities in Isin and Ifelodun local government areas of Kwara State, deepening security concerns in the region.

    How the attacks unfolded

    The attacks occurred on Wednesday night, targeting Iwo Odo-Ore in Isin LGA, as well as Gaa-Idera and Gaa Dembo-Agunjin in Ifelodun LGA.

    Residents said the gunmen stormed the communities simultaneously, shooting sporadically and abducting victims during the raids.

    In Gaa-Odera, at least two people were shot while two others were kidnapped.

    Heavy abductions reported

    The violence was more intense in Iwo Odo-Ore, where at least five residents were abducted, including a prominent figure, Alhaji Yusuf Yunusa, alongside four Hausa residents.

    Sources described Yusuf as a well-known politician in the area and a school proprietor with interests in both Kwara and Lagos.

    He was reportedly preparing for a family Islamic ceremony before the attack.

    Wedding disrupted in Ifelodun

    In Ifelodun LGA, bandits abducted six people in Gaa Dembo-Agunjin and two others in Gaa-Idera.

    The victims reportedly included family members linked to a wedding scheduled for Thursday.

    “They kidnapped the bride’s mother and one other person,” a source said, adding that cattle were also rustled during the attack.

    Casualties and injuries

    Residents said the attackers opened fire during the عملیات, leaving at least two people injured.

    “One person was hit in the hand by a bullet,” a source confirmed.

    The number of those killed has not been officially verified, but multiple sources insist casualties were recorded.

    Authorities yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement on the attacks.

    The incident adds to growing concerns over rising banditry and insecurity in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring regions.