₦airaland Forum

The Katsina State Government House in Katsina has reportedly been gutted by fire early Monday morning.

However, the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained.

A source whose house is close to the Government House, Alhaji Bashir, told PUNCH Online in Katsina that the fire started around 6 am.

He said, “I saw a fire service truck rushing in. I was in my house as early as 6 am after prayers, a fire service truck rushed into the Government House, and I later learnt there was an inferno inside the red chamber where Governor Dikko used to host guests”.

Our correspondent’s efforts to speak with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim l Mohammed, proved abortive as he failed to respond to his calls.

A fire erupted early morning on Friday, August 30, at the Lagos State Government Staff Quarters on Odunsanmi Street, Ogba, causing significant property damage.

The fire erupted around 2:20 am and ravaged one of the two-bedroom flats in Block 21, a three-story building housing 16 flats.

Fortunately, no lives were lost, and there were no injuries.

Cause of fire incident

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the fire was caused by an electrical surge in the children's room of Flat 5.

"The fire completely destroyed the children's bedroom, resulting in the loss of properties worth millions of naira," said Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA.

Dr Oke-Osanyitolu praised emergency services' swift and coordinated response, including LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigerian Police Force.

"The prompt and coordinated efforts of the Agency's LRT, NPF, and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service ensured the fire was contained and extinguished quickly," he stated.

In the aftermath, occupants were educated on the safe use of electrical appliances to prevent future incidents.

By 5 am, emergency responders were still securing the area and preventing further damage.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has officially taken the reins as the 32nd President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) following his swearing-in ceremony in Lagos.

Osigwe succeeds Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, whose tenure concluded today.

In his inaugural address, Osigwe made it clear that his administration will prioritize accountability, stating that the NBA, under his leadership, will hold both federal and state governments to account.

His commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring government transparency marks the beginning of a new chapter for the NBA as it continues to play a critical role in Nigeria's legal and political landscape.

Olukayode Ojo, a 36-year-old Nigerian pilot, is facing a five-year prison sentence in Texas after being found guilty of making false statements to obtain a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The conviction was announced on Monday by U.S. Attorney Robert Troester, News360 Nigeria gathered

Following the guilty verdict, U.S. District Judge Jodi Dishman ordered Ojo's detention until his sentencing. The case stemmed from Ojo's attempt to secure a medical certificate required for piloting commercial passenger aircraft, which ultimately led to his conviction on August 16, 2024.

The investigation was conducted by the Transportation Security Administration Investigations (TSA), and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson Eldridge and Matt Dillon.

He said, “On June 4, 2024, a federal jury returned a two-count superseding indictment against Ojo, charging him with two counts of making a false statement. On August 16, 2024, a federal jury found Ojo guilty on both counts.

“Evidence presented at trial indicated that Ojo, an FAA-certified commercial airline pilot, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour theft charges on February 8, 2023, in Kentucky state court in connection with a theft of passenger luggage from the baggage carousels at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

“Ojo then made false statements to the FAA in March 2023 and March 2024 while applying for an FAA First Class Medical Certificate to conceal his history of prior criminal convictions. A First Class Medical Certificate permits an airman to pilot commercial passenger aircraft.”

The convict faces a potential sentence of up to five years in federal prison, along with fines of up to $250,000 for each count.

Popular music director and cinematographer, ThankGod Omori Smith, better known as TG Omori, has revealed he’s had a failed kidney transplant.

In an earlier update on X, the 29-year-old, who has been away for a while, revealed that his only brother volunteered one of his kidneys.

He wrote, “Yesterday my only brother gave me one of his kidneys so I could live again,”

Also taking to his Instagram story, the music director shared pictures of himself on a hospital bed receiving oxygen.

Captioning the pictures, he wrote, “keep my spirit alive. I don’t wanna die.”

However, in an update earlier reported by News360 Nigeria TG Omori revealed that the transplant was unsuccessful, and urged the public to pray for him in these trying times. “One year after my kidney crashed I just had a failed transplant at st Nicolas Lagos. Pray for me,” he wrote on X.

This revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers.

Popular Nigerian music video director and cinematographer, TG Omori, has expressed deep gratitude to his brother for saving his life by donating one of his kidneys.

The director made this revelation in a post on his verified X account late on Tuesday, as obtained by News360 Nigeria

TG Omori, who shared the shocking news with his fans, revealed that he had undergone a kidney transplant and is only alive today because his only brother donated one of his kidneys.

He wrote, “Yesterday, my only brother gave me one of his kidneys so I could live again.”

To further confirm the development, he posted a picture of himself receiving treatment at the hospital with the caption, “Keep my spirit alive.”

TG Omori, also known as Boy Director, is a familiar name to Nigerian music lovers. He has been active in the music industry since 2018 and has directed videos for a diverse range of music recording artists, including Olamide, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tekno, Kizz Daniel, Fireboy DML, Falz, Naira Marley, Asake, and many others.

The ongoing crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) escalated on Monday after the dissolved Austin Agada-led faction announced the nomination of 23 chairmanship and 276 councillorship candidates for the upcoming October 5th local government elections.

These nominations were made during primaries held on Saturday across all wards in the state's 23 local government areas.

The development comes amid internal strife following the dissolution of the Agada-led executive by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, a decision that has sparked legal battles and defiance, News360 Nigeria reports.

The dissolved executive members, led by Austin Agada, have taken legal action against Ganduje and the National Working Committee (NWC), claiming that the dissolution ignored an ex parte order from a Benue High Court, which restrained the NWC from removing the Agada-led State Working Committee before the completion of their four-year tenure.

Justice Theresa Igoche had granted the order, which temporarily halted the removal of Agada and his executives. However, despite this court order, the APC proceeded with the dissolution and set up a seven-member caretaker committee to manage the state's party affairs for six months.

The internal conflict within the Benue APC has seen the Agada-led faction, supported by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, at odds with Governor Hyacinth Alia, who backs the rival Benjamin Omakolo-led faction.

Despite the turmoil, the Agada-led faction has vowed to continue its operations, with the primary elections reportedly conducted through consensus and affirmations.

In the statement, the APC Chairman of Guma Local Government, Lazarus Asema, also described the process as peaceful and lauded the leadership of the APC in the state for effective leadership and proper organisation.

He said, “I am impressed with the process and commended stakeholders in the Local Governments for the successful primary election.

“I also thank the people, particularly party faithful for conducting themselves and the exercise peacefully.”

The primary exercise produced the following chairmanship candidates: Elias Ogbu (Ado), Tarkaa Solomon (Konshisha), Chia Terna (Vandeikya,) Atom Phillip (Kwande), Andrew Ocheme (Ogbadibo), Ogbole Mathew (Obi), Napoleon Otache (Agatu), Elias Ogbu (Ado), Eje Elvis (Apa), Washima Haris (Katsina-Ala), Ajeh Ogah (Ohimini) and Akombo Stephen (Logo).

Others include Terver Agwaza (Ukum), Benjamin Atoza (Gwer), Denise China (Gwer West), Vincent Apera (Guma), James Agudu (Buruku), Tyopaase Benjamin (Ushongo), Mrs Ene Ameh (Okpokwu), Jonathan Shimgbe (Makurdi) and Jackson Udama (Oju).

In Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Simon Aluor, who took part in the primaries said that APC has shown a good example of orderliness and peace.

In Otukpo, the party faithful in the area also trooped out in their numbers and voted in affirmation of their preferred chairmanship aspirant, Oleho Augustine.

No fewer than 150 people have been reportedly kidnapped as bandits invaded Gobir in Sokoto State, News360 Nigeria gathered

This comes amid the mourning the death of their Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa who was murdered by bandits.

A University Don, Prof Bello Bada disclosed this in an interview with Radio France International(rfi)Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna on Sunday, alleging that the scary activities of bandits in the area was due to certain lapses from many quarters.

He said it was such lapses that made the bandits had the effrontery to even threatened to Kidnap Former President Buhari when he was in power.

According to him, ” this is not the first time a prominent monarch was attacked, but this is the first time a prominent monarch was murdered.”

Professor Bada who said the murder of the Emir of Gobir was a humiliation to all Nigerians, added that now is the time for Nigerians to have a rethink on the nefarious acts of these bandits who have continued to kill people intermittently.

” The bandits had made a similar attempt on the life of the Emir of Potiskum while he was on the way to Zaria but he narrowly escaped. The Emir of Kauran Namoda escaped death by whiskers, but members of his entourage were killed by the bandits.”

“In Zuru community, a monarch was slaughtered by these bandits, but after some few days, these heinous acts would be completely forgotten as if nothing ever happened, until the bandits strike again. “

The University Don said such acts should not be left unchecked and allowed to become a recurring decimal, alleging that ” where these bandits are coming from is well known but the appropriate action against them is not well taken. “

Meanwhile, a security analyst, Dr Yahuza Getso has said that the security operatives who were complacent and allowed the late Emir of Gobir to be murdered by bandits after spending over 3 weeks in captivity, should be punished.

He warned that there was palpable tension in Gobir community after the gruesome murder of the Emir, as the activities of the bandits have caused deep division among the native Gobirawa, Hausa and the Fulani people in the area.

” The leaders of these bandits terrorising the Northwest region are well known, their places of origin are known, their parents and these who supply them with means of logistic are all known.”

” We all have agreed that the security operatives have the expertise to face this problem head on and bring it to an end. It appears the political leaders are not giving them the support they need to overcome this menace,” he alleged.

The Emir of Ningi in Bauchi State, Dr. Yunusa Danyaya, has died at the age of 88.

The monarch, who is said to have returned from a medical trip to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, August 22, died in the early hours of today at a hospital in Kano State.

Confirming Danyaya’s demise in a statement issued by his media, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Bala Mohammed extended his condolences to the late emir’s family and the Emirate Council over the monarch’s death.

The governor described the late monarch as a man of peace, wisdom, and immense dedication to the welfare of the people of Ningi Emirate and Nigerians at large.

The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that the Bauchi State Government announces the passing of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ningi, Alhaji (Dr.) Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya, OON, is a highly respected First-Class Emir in Bauchi State. His death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the people of Ningi Emirate, Bauchi State, and Nigeria at large.”

“Alhaji Yunusa Muhammadu Danyaya was a man of peace, wisdom, and immense dedication to the welfare of his people.”

“Throughout his reign, he exemplified the highest values of leadership, fostering unity, progress, and development across Ningi Emirate. His legacy as a guardian of tradition, culture, and Islamic values will continue to inspire future generations.

“In this moment of grief, the Bauchi State Government, led by His Excellency, Governor Bala Mohammed, extends its deepest condolences to the immediate family of the late Emir, the Ningi Emirate Council, and the entire people of Bauchi State.

“We mourn with you in this great loss and pray that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul eternal peace in Jannatul Firdaus. May Allah also grant his family, the people of Ningi, and all those affected by this loss the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.”

Supreme Court on Friday, laid to rest the legal battle over the Kogi state Governorship seat when it affirmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the validly elected governor of Kogi.

The governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Ajaka in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi state and his party had challenged the judgment of the Court of Appeal which upheld the decision of the Kogi state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which affirmed Ododo’s victory at the poll.

A five-member panel of justices of the apex court had, in a unanimous judgment upheld the concurrent judgments of the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal and dismissed the appeal filed by Ajaka and his party for lacking in merit.

The Apex Court panel said the allegation of substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act in the conduct of the election was not proven by Ajaka and his party.

It further held that allegations of age falsification and certificate forgery are pre-election matters and pointed out that it is the Federal High Court that has jurisdiction to hear such.

INEC had announced that Ododo polled a total of 446,237 votes to defeat Ajaka who came second with 259,052 votes in the November 11 governorship election of Kogi.

President Bola Tinubu is set to return to France today, Friday, after briefly arriving in Nigeria Friday morning to preside over the swearing-in of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The ceremony took place at 11:38 am at the State House in Abuja, where Justice Kekere-Ekun became the second woman to hold this prestigious position, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who served as CJN from July 2012 to November 2014.

Justice Kekere-Ekun will serve as the acting CJN until her appointment is confirmed by the Senate News360 Nigeria gathered

Her elevation to the role follows the recommendation by the National Judicial Council and the recent retirement of Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Supreme Court Justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives leader Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the outgoing CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Presidential Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

President Tinubu had cut short his visit to France to return to Nigeria for the swearing-in, and he is expected to resume his engagements in France later today.

Bandits have attacked Moriki community in Zamfara State on Wednesday night, kidnapping over 10 residents and demanding a ransom of N50 million.

The police spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police has directed operatives to take immediate action to rescue the victims.

A Moriki resident told BBC Hausa Service on Thursday that the bandits had previously disturbed the community and also kidnapped locals before.

“The bandits claimed that their cattle were killed by the community’s commander. They attacked the community, going from house to house to abduct our people, and have set a deadline for us to pay the N50 million ransom,” he said.

Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the 22nd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has officially retired from service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Born on August 22, 1954, Justice Ariwoola’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished judicial career.

Justice Ariwoola was appointed to the Supreme Court bench on November 22, 2011, and later became the substantive CJN on June 27, 2022, following the resignation of his predecessor, Justice Tanko Muhammad.

His appointment as CJN was formally confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 21, 2022.

As events marking his retirement unfold at the Supreme Court, there are strong indications that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun may be named as his successor, making her the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, a former chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has passed away at the age of 90.

His death, which marks the end of a distinguished era in Nigeria’s judiciary, was announced by his family in a statement released on Wednesday, News360 Nigeria gathered.

The family expressed deep gratitude for Justice Ayoola’s long and impactful life, stating, “With heartfelt gratitude to the Lord Almighty, for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing away of our beloved Dad, granddad, great-granddad, brother, uncle, benefactor, and friend, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola (JSC, rtd; CON).”

Justice Ayoola was celebrated for his unwavering integrity and dedication throughout his career in the Nigerian judiciary.

His leadership as chairman of the ICPC was marked by a resolute commitment to combating corruption, earning him respect and admiration across the nation.

His passing is a significant loss to the legal community and to those who were inspired by his work. Justice Ayoola’s legacy will continue to be remembered by many who respected his contributions to justice and public service in Nigeria.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Ogun State's political landscape, renowned banker and community leader Babatunde Adeluola, popularly known as Delu, has announced his candidacy for the Abeokuta South Local Government Area chairmanship under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeluola's declaration, made at his hometown of Igbore and later at the APC Local Government Secretariat in Ijaye, Abeokuta has garnered widespread support from party leaders, community members, and stakeholders.

The banker, known for his dedication and integrity, has been quietly consulting with party elders and community leaders, ensuring his candidacy aligns with the people's needs and aspirations.

Adeluola's journey is marked by his commitment to community development, having worked with various banking institutions in Abeokuta and earning a stellar reputation as a top banker in the state.

Beyond his professional achievements, Adeluola is deeply embedded in Egbaland's cultural fabric, serving as the Ogboye of Igbore and Secretary of the Egba Legacy Network.

His commitment to youth development is equally commendable, having spearheaded initiatives through Aktive Network, a youth and community development organization.

Adeluola's declaration has been met with enthusiasm, with many observers believing his candidacy presents a golden opportunity for the APC to secure a visionary leader who will bring meaningful change to Abeokuta South.

Delu's declaration at the APC Local Government Exco meeting was met with overwhelming support from the party's leadership. The LG Party Chairman, Hon. Adetunji Henry Fagbenro who has known Delu since 2006, spoke highly of his capabilities, recalling their shared passion for sports and community development. "We’ve played football together for years, and I’ve seen him scout for talent across Abeokuta. Delu knows how to build something from nothing. With him at the helm, our Local Government will not be dependent on allocations from Abuja alone," the Chairman remarked, expressing his full confidence in Delu’s ability to lead.

As the race heats up, Adeluola's unique blend of experience, dedication, and vision promises to bring a new era of prosperity to Abeokuta South, making him a standout candidate in a crowded field.

The response to Delu's declaration has been nothing short of phenomenal. His homecoming video from Ward 13 went viral, with countless young people across the state sharing it on social media,9 signaling their enthusiasm and commitment to his campaign. Many have pledged their support, vowing to rally behind him as he seeks to bring his vision of progress and self-reliance to Abeokuta South.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun has said that President Bola Tinubu transformed his life in 1998 within 24 hours when he first met him as a young officer noting that President Bola Tinubu made a significant impact on his life and career.

Egbetokun who made the revelations at the unveiling of a book in his honour titled, “Readings in Policing, Peace, and Security” at the Police Conference Centre, Abuja said, “I thank the Almighty God by whose grace I’m alive today to receive this incredible honour. My life and career are a testament to God’s infinite mercy. It has been God for me.

“As I’m standing here today, my mouth is filled with testimonies. I would have loved to share some of these testimonies, but today is not Thanksgiving Day. I will, therefore, reserve the details of that for another day.

“I must, however, acknowledge the significant impact of a particular individual on my life and career. I met President Bola Tinubu in 1998, and that meeting produced a positive transformation in my life within 24 hours. That story is also a testimony that I would like to leave for another day“.

Egbetokun said the book would serve as a reference material and a source of inspiration for young officers adding, “The book will not only be a reference material, but it is also going to inspire the new generation of law enforcement officers in Nigeria. “

“I can also confidently say that this book is an indispensable result for scholars, policymakers and practitioners in the field of policing, peace and security.

In his remarks, President Bola Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume described the book as a fitting tribute to the IG.

The President said Egbetokun’s dedication to the principles of justice, peace and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape saying, “I stand before you today at this public presentation of a book that embodies both the essence and aspirations of our nation’s internal security efforts.

“The book ‘Readings in Policing, Peace and Security’ is a fitting tribute to Dr Kayode Egbetokun, our esteemed Inspector General of Police, a man whose dedication to the principles of justice, peace and security has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s policy landscape.

“When I was asked to write the foreword for this remarkable compilation, I accepted without hesitation. This was not merely because of the gravity of the subject, Policing, peace and security at this critical juncture in our national experience, but also because of the extraordinary individual it honours.

“Dr. Ebetokun is a paragon of integrity and professionalism, a police officer whose career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to duty and an unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.”

Disclosing that Egbetokun served diligently when he was his Chief Security Officer during his tenure as the Lagos State governor, Tinubu said, “He is a man I have had the privilege to know and work with closely, particularly during my tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he served with distinction as my Chief Security Officer.

“The Society for Peace Studies and Practice, along with its collaborating institutions, deserves commendation for recognizing excellence and celebrating it by bringing together renowned scholars and peace practitioners.

“Their efforts have resulted in this anthology of original research and reflective articles that delve deeply into the complex dynamics of internal security management.

“This publication is not just timely, it is a necessary resource that undoubtedly has a lasting impact on the practice of law enforcement in Nigeria.

“Egbetokun is one of those rare figures who has consistently stood tall and resolute in our nation’s security architecture. “

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has declined an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force, citing prior engagements.

The rejection was contained in a letter from Ajaero’s lawyers, Falana and Falana Chambers, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, News360 Nigeria gathered.

The letter stated that the police invitation, which was received yesterday, came too late, as Ajaero had already committed to another engagement.

The letter read in part: “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Joe Ajaero… We have the instructions of Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday. He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter.”

The statement also revealed that Ajaero will be free for interrogation on Wednesday, 29th August, 2024.

The police had summoned Ajaero over allegations of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in response to the police summoning its National President, Joe Ajaero, over allegations of financing terrorism.

The NEC meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday (today) with the participation of all affiliate leaders and state chapter representatives of the NLC.

The notification for this emergency meeting, titled “Notice of Emergency National Executive Council Meeting,” was issued by NLC’s Secretary General, Emmanuel Ugboaja.

The notice reads: “I bring you fraternal greetings from the congress headquarters.

“You are invited to the emergency National Executive Council Hybrid meeting scheduled as follows:Tuesday, August 20, 2024; 8am
Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House.”

Earlier, News360 Nigeria reported that Ajaero had been summoned by the police on charges relating to “criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, reasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.”

The letter of invitation, dated August 19, 2024, and signed by ACP Adamu Mu’azu on behalf of the Commissioner of Police Intelligence, stated that Ajaero’s name was implicated in ongoing investigations linked to the aforementioned charges.

The letter directed Ajaero to appear at the IRT Complex, Abattoir near Guzape Junction on Tuesday, August 20, at 10 a.m., warning that a warrant of arrest would be issued if he failed to comply.

News360 Nigeria also reported that security forces conducted a night raid on the NLC national secretariat in Abuja on July 7.

The police later confirmed their involvement in the operation, stating that it was an effort to uncover incriminating documents related to an international “subversive” figure viewed as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The NLC rejected the police’s explanation for the raid last week and demanded the release of its detained members and the return of the seized documents.

The Congress also condemned what it described as government attempts to meddle in its internal affairs, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders.

Five students from the Enugu State College of Health Technology in the Oji River Local Government Area have been abducted by armed men.

It was gathered that the incident occurred as the students were leaving the school premises.

A video circulating on social media on Saturday captured the aftermath of the attack, showing an injured man covered in blood.

Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying that the attack happened on Thursday evening.

He clarified that reports suggesting a “countless number of students” were abducted were exaggerated and misleading.

DSP Ndukwe stated that the police received a tip-off about the attack and quickly responded, managing to rescue two of the abducted students.

However, three other students remain missing, he said.

He assured that a vigorous operation had been launched to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the kidnappers.