Kidnappers In Kogi Hold Prophetess For 19 Days Despite Collecting ₦10million, Family Laments
The family of Prophetess Iyabo Yagba Asuajo, the Secretary to the Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State, has expressed concerns over her prolonged captivity, 19 days after she was abducted by gunmen along the Egbe–Eruku Road.
SaharaReporters had report that prophetess Asuajo and her husband, Prophet Michael, were kidnapped on October 25, 2025, while travelling along the notorious route, which has recorded repeated incidents of bandit attacks in recent months.
However, despite paying a ₦10 million ransom, the family says only the husband was released, while the Council Secretary remains in the kidnappers’ den.
Okun Media Hub, a local platform on Friday, said a distraught family member lamented the silence of local authorities and the slow pace of security intervention.
“My mother-in-law is still in their custody. She has not been released since October 25. The kidnappers collected ₦10 million and released only my father-in-law. The chairman has been silent, and we don’t know what else to do. Please help us,” the relative said.
The family described Prophetess Asuajo’s continued detention as emotionally devastating and called on the Kogi State Government, Yagba East Local Government authorities, and security agencies to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.
They urged Governor Usman Ododo, the Kogi State Police Command, and other relevant security formations to intensify rescue efforts and ensure that the Council Secretary is safely reunited with her loved ones.
Residents of Yagba East have also voiced concerns over the growing insecurity along the Egbe–Eruku axis, calling on the government to take decisive action to curb kidnappings and restore confidence in the area.
SaharaReporters previously reported that terrorists attacked a commercial bus and left one passenger dead and several others injured along the Ayere–Kabba road in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Sources told SaharaReporters on Monday that the incident occurred around 5pm on Sunday when gunmen opened fire on travellers along the busy route.
According to a witness, some vehicles managed to escape the ambush, but several passengers were hit by bullets.
“One person was confirmed dead at the general hospital, while others are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries,” the source said.
Residents say the Ayere–Kabba axis has become increasingly dangerous for travellers, with frequent attacks by armed gangs believed to be operating between Kogi and neighbouring Kwara State.
In a surprising move, Bangladesh has announced it will be scrapping all plans to hire music teachers for primary schools. Along with the post for music teacher, recruitment for physical education has also been halted.
As per reports, this decision by the Muhammad Yunus-led government comes amid growing opposition from Islamist groups.
As per local news outlet bdnews24, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education issued a gazette on Sunday regarding the changes.
"Although the rules issued last August had four categories of posts, two categories have been included in the amendment. The posts of assistant teachers for music and physical education are not in the new rules,” Masud Akhtar Khan, additional secretary of the schools division told bdnews24.com.
Dhaka gives in to Islamist pressure
Several protests have been carried out by Bangladesh's largest Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami. JeI, along with other Islamist organisations have raised their concerns regarding the inclusion of music in school curricula, stating that the policy “goes against Islam”.
"Imposing music and dance is a conspiratorial move and goes against Islam," Sajidur Rahman, a senior leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, an influential pressure group made up of multiple political parties, organisations and religious schools, was quoted as saying by AFP.
Many have also criticised the government's decision to scrap music. Speaking to AFP, Rasheda K. Chowdhury, a prominent education expert, said the Yunus government should have established that music and religious studies can go hand and hand.
"What kind of nation are we trying to create? The government should have convinced them that religious studies and music can go hand in hand; there is no conflict between them," she said.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the threat by the United States President Donald Trump to take military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians should be a source of concern to every Nigerian.
Oyintiloye, who commended President Tinubu and security agencies for their commitment to decimating insecurity in the country, urged Nigerians to be united in order to defend their sovereignty.
He called on religious, community, and political leaders in the country to rally behind President Bola Tinubu to end terrorism in the country.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker said at this critical period, Nigerians, irrespective of political or religious affiliations, should come together to support the President and join efforts to overcome the security challenges facing the country.
He said the current security situation did not start with Tinubu’s administration but grew over a long period of time from terrorism to banditry, insisting that at no time did Nigeria have war against any particular religion.
“We must come together and rally behind the President at this period. Our religious or political affiliations are irrelevant at this period; what we need is oneness and unity to protect the sovereignty of our dear country,” he said.
He added that all religions in the country, Muslims, Christians, and others, have experienced negative impacts of terrorism, noting that no religion could be said to be the target of the murderous acts of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
Appreciating the concerns of the United States over the security situation in the country, he further said sharing of intelligence information and US military equipment support to fight insecurity in the country would go a long way in helping Nigeria to tackle and defeat the menace of insecurity.
The APC chieftain, however, cautioned Nigerians, especially members of the opposition, to be mindful of their utterances at this period, adding that whatever happens will affect everyone.
Oyintiloye also urged the newly appointed military chiefs not to betray the trust reposed in them by the President and work hard to defeat terrorists in the country.
He appealed to them to do everything within their power to justify their appointment at this critical period.
“This is not a time to play opposition politics. We must all come to the realization that all our hopes, aspirations, and dreams to get public offices rest squarely on the continued existence of Nigeria.
“Our current set of leaders will be there for a period of time and move on. But Nigerians must not walk into a trap that will make the country cease to exist. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, we have the capacity to end terrorism.
“Getting foreign support in terms of equipment will be good but not deployment of soldiers. It may complicate the situation and lead to a greater problem.
“The political, religious, and community leaders must be united in their resolve to protect the country. What Tinubu needs at this time is the support of all Nigerians,” Oyintiloye said.
So let me get this straight: After bragging to the world in September that Nigeria’s revenue targets have been met for 2025, he has over borrowed by 55.6% and still intends to over borrow by as much as 80% before the 31st of December 2025?
In Mourinho's voice: "If I speak, I'm in big trouble"
As the Anambra State governorship election holds, some individuals continued with their normal activities in parts of Awka, the state capital.
Small markets were open while some men were found playing football at street corners.
However, at Okpuno and Mgbakwu, near Awka, voters were seen trickling in for accreditation.
At Uruotulu, Awka, a mobile town crier drove around with public address system mobilising voters to come out and vote.
“Come out and voter, wherever you are,” he said.
As of 8:54 a.m., voting was yet to commence at Polling Units 004 and 005, Umuobi Village Hall, Awkuzu, though electorates were already lined up, waiting for INEC officials to be fully set.
Security personnel were also stationed at the venue. One of the officers told us “everything is in order” and there was “no security threat so far.”
Meanwhile, business activities were picking up near the polling centre, with provision shops open and food vendors attending to voters.
A food seller, Justina Oyibo, said she came out to make some sales since voters will need something to eat, while another vendor, Grace Igwebuike, noted that many voters left home early without breakfast, adding that as they vote, they can eat.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a bid to set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest dining table.
The attempt, a centerpiece of the upcoming ‘Oriki: Taste of Culture’ Gastronomy Festival, will feature a table stretching an impressive 3.6 kilometers through Abuja.
Abisoye Fagade, the director-general of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), announced the attempt on Thursday at a meeting attended by Hannatu Musawa, the minister of art, culture, and creative economy.
Scheduled for December 6, the record-breaking attempt will see a table long enough to accommodate between 2,000 and 3,000 participants.
According to Fagade, the structure will serve a dual purpose: a stage for a morning world record attempt and a communal dining space for an evening of food, music, and comedy.
“We plan to break the record in the morning of December 6 and use the same table for a dining event later. There will be food, culture, music and comedy in the evening. It will show that Abuja can also host major cultural events in December,” he said.
He emphasised that the festival is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s tourism value chain through skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, ultimately aiming to attract investors and expand business prospects in food, hospitality, and agribusiness.
On her part, Musawa endorsed the initiative, highlighting gastronomy as a critical driver for economic growth and youth development, on par with Nigeria’s renowned film and music industries
“When we talk about economic growth and youth development, gastronomy plays a role just like film, music and fashion. People eat every day, and Nigeria has made significant progress in showcasing its food globally,” she said.
She praised the creativity of Nigerian chefs and food entrepreneurs for deepening the country’s global cultural influence through cuisine.
President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to formally unveil the festival and the world record attempt in Abuja.
The current record for the longest dining table is held by the administrative capital of Egypt, which set up a table measuring 3,189.93 meters in Cairo in 2019.
Nigeria’s proposed 3.6-kilometer table would significantly surpass this benchmark.
I was in the town of Ọ̀kákà, a big town just after Ìsẹ́yìn in Oyo State. I spent two nights. That was some three years ago. I have never felt so unsafe anywhere in Yoruba land.
It was difficult for me to positively identify the Yoruba faces there and I couldn't even assure myself that I was not in some village in Zamfara State.
We are been railroaded and herded into the city centers, removed from our ancestral homelands, getting separated from our culture, customs, ancestors, everything familiar to us and being hooked to foreign ideals.
They take you seriously enough to pump €45 billion out of you every year while they give you €600+ million as "aid" and "financial assistance"
The number of people who don't know that colonialism never ended is disturbing, even more disturbing than the people who believe all the audio achievements and propaganda which this APC government is using to program them for 2027.
Gaithersburg, MD - A 44-year-old Takoma Park man has been arrested for recording women inside a gym bathroom. Detectives are concerned that there may be additional victims and are asking for them to come forward.
On Friday, October 10, 2025, Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District officers responded to One Life Fitness Club, located in the 20500 block of Seneca Meadows Parkway in Germantown after a woman reported an unknown suspect entered the women’s locker room and recorded her in the shower.
Fifth District officers conducted an extensive investigation and identified the suspect as Tshikundi Taty of Takoma Park.
During the investigation it was determined that Taty would disguise himself as a woman to gain entry into the women’s locker room. After the crime, he would then remove the disguise in an attempt to conceal his identity, and flee the scene.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, officers followed Taty to a Planet Fitness in White Oak. Taty was located in the women’s locker room disguised as a woman. Taty was quickly taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. He has been charged with multiple counts of peeping tom and related offenses.
What is happening in Sudan is not Islamists killing Muslims. It is Muslims killing Muslims.
The day Muhammad died, his companions left his body to rot while they met at a place called Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah to decide who would inherit the empire. Within twenty years:
The first caliph after Muhammad is believed to have been poisoned.
The second caliph, Umar ibn al‑Khattab, was killed;
The third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, was killed;
The fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was killed;
Ali’s two sons, who were supposed to take over, were killed.
His wife Aisha bint Abu Bakr and his cousin Ali fought each other in the Battle of the Camel. Then Ali fought Mu‘awiya at the Battle of Siffin.
In those early years, the number of Muslims killed by other Muslims ran into 250,000.
Later: the Umayyad Caliphate attacked Mecca and struck the Kaaba. The Abbasid Caliphate then massacred the Umayyads.
From the first “fitna” to the dynastic slaughter, the story of Islam contains internal bloodletting, not only conquest abroad, but strife within.
What we are seeing in Sudan today is simply the natural result of a political ideology that religiousised Arabness, tribal raids became globalised.
We can’t possibly call Muhammad’s companions, wife, and cousins “Islamists.” They were not radicals; they were the original Muslims. They memorized the Qur’an, fought beside Muhammad, and built the empire he left behind. And yet, they slaughtered one another.
What they did to each other in Medina, Basra, and Siffin is no different in spirit from what Muslims are doing today in Sudan, what they’re doing to Christians in Nigeria, and what they dream of doing to Jews in Israel.
Eeeya, sorry Prof. But seeing as you destroyed the Green Card in 2017 which a former US President lobbied to help you get, you ought to have an idea of why you find yourself in this predicament.
I agree that it is a shame that a Nobel laureate and one of the finest intellects that Africa has ever produced, cannot enter into the United States, but a former drug lord with dubious academic credentials can enter and leave America as he pleases, with his frequent meanderings funded by the Nigerian tax payer.
Nigeria has over 800 km of coastline whilst Togo has just over 50 km of coastline. So how does Togo have more "bodywater" than Nigeria?
helinues: Togo have more body water than Nigeria if I am not mistaken and also, their body water path connect to other places than Nigeria. They have been amongnst the best port for decades now.
Life gradually returns to deserted Igbo communities formerly occupied by unknown gunmen
•We returned to desolate homes, but are happy to be back -Residents
•Five years after, hope, normalcy returning to abandoned Imo communities
•Burials, weddings, new yam festivals, other traditional ceremonies once again hold in the villages
ENUGU — FOR close to five years, the South-East region was under attack by criminal elements who killed, kidnapped, destroyed and devastated communities in Igbo land. Although the five states that constitute the zone were affected but Anambra and Imo states were worst hit, they were the hotbed of the evil activities of the criminal gangs. They destroyed the economy of the region, killed thousands of innocent people. They held the region under siege for years. They were completely in charge, dictating the pace; they declared every Monday a sit-at-home day and violently enforced it leading to killings and destructions. They sacked communities, occupied and built terror camps from where they terrorized and kidnapped people.
In Anambra State, the most dreaded camps were found in Ukpor, Utu, both in Nnewi South, as well as Lilu, Orsumoghu, Mbosi, Uli, all in Ihiala Local Government Area and Ogbuka and Owerre Ezukala that shared boundary with Umunneochi, Abia State, where the terror gangs were strong too. These camps were well fortified and strategically located to make it difficult for security operatives to penetrate. Security operatives sometimes hover around these camps (usually located in forests) in helicopter, but they always found it very difficult to gain full access to the camps which of course were well wired. They operated from there and kept their kidnapped victims with them for ransom to be paid. Victims who survived their captivity narrated very horrible experience, describing them as hell on earth. A survivor from one of the camps in Lilu, Ihiala Council Area said: “In that forest, people are killed like chickens. Charms and various types of hard drugs are freely used. Women bring cooked food into the forest and are paid and the victims are constantly tortured and their cries put on speaker of mobile phones to force family members to bring their ransom.”
For the people of the region, life was hellish. They were in total bondage. Movements were restricted as no one could predict when the hoodlums would strike. They also targeted security operatives manning roads in the region. Indeed, no place was safe. But with sustained intensive battle against them by the security agencies in collaboration with State Government vigilantes, normalcy has started to return and life is returning in communities hitherto occupied by these criminal elements. To the great relief of the people, people who deserted their homes are returning. Anambra is relatively calm now, hence political campaigns and rallies are being held across the state.
It all first started in Imo State not long after Governor Hope Uzodimma assumed office in January 2020 as governor of the state. For unknown reasons, gunmen began to attack the state. Ironically, they were christened Unknown gunmen, a new lexicon in Nigeria’s security dictionary. They went on rampage, killing and maiming innocent people, attacking and destroying public institutions, including security formations. Tension and apprehension heightened as the attacks spread to other parts of the South-East region.
While the terror attacks were spreading beyond Imo, Governor Uzodimma, however, blamed it on the opposition. He strongly believed and held the view that those who were opposed to his governorship were sponsoring the attacks. Inaugurating a security council for the grassroots in June 2021, Uzodimma vowed to arrest the situation and secure the state.
“The opposition party and some aggrieved members of our party who are hiring boys from neigbouring states to come in here, allow me, I will deal with them. I can assure you, leave that for me,” he said during the event.
“So, the people who threatened me that they will make Imo ungovernable; before Imo becomes ungovernable, they will be ungovernable themselves.
“I had advised that traditional rulers should warn these boys because I am bringing a security strategy, known and unknown, to manage security in Imo State,” Uzodinma said.
Shortly after, the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Imo State headquarters, as well as the Police Command headquarters were attacked and many inmates in the centre escaped. Reports said they shot at sight, set vehicles ablaze and more than1,500 inmates escaped. The situation got worse.
Uzodinma to announce sponsors
In December 2021, the governor announced that he would release the names of sponsors of the insecurity that was ravaging the state. Uzodimma said 18 suspects arrested over the attacks had revealed their sponsors. He fixed 3rd January, 2022 for the revelation. Nigerians and the world waited with bated breath for the exposure. But he never did. Stakeholders who gathered at the Sam Mbakwe Multipurpose Hall, Government House Owerri, on the fateful day were disappointed as the governor reneged and declared that he had decided to allow the security agencies do their work and prosecute those found culpable.
Communities deserted as the attacks intensified and directed to rural areas
As the gunmen lost grip in Owerri, the state capital and other major towns in the state due to pressure from security operatives; they retreated into the communities and took control and continued to cause havoc. Orsu Council Area in particular, became the worst hit, as almost the entire communities were occupied by the non-state actors, who sacked community members. They held sway and determined who lived or died.
It was a reign of terror. Residents fled. Schools, markets, churches shut. They razed buildings and reportedly occupied the ones that caught their fancy, especially those built by politicians and converted them to their criminal camps. Communities in the area were completely deserted as residents abandoned their houses and relocated to safer places. People avoided plying roads around the area for fear of being killed or kidnapped.
The situation continued to rapidly degenerate with kidnappings and killings becoming the order of the day. There were also allegations of cannibalism. Fleeing indigenes conducted burials of loved ones, as well as weddings and other traditional ceremonies in Owerri, the state capital and other cities of their residence. Orsu was totally a no-go area.
Okigwe also boiled
Communities in Okigwe Local Government Area, including Aku, Ihube, Ezinnachi and Umulolo were also under serious attacks and occupied. Ezioha in Mbaitolu Council Area, also came under serious attacks. Fear and apprehension enveloped many communities as no one could predict when the hoodlums would strike.
The battle of Edenta
While security operatives continued to confront the attackers, the battle against these criminal elements could be said to have been won and lost in March this year during a breakthrough operation by security forces at the dreaded and notorious Produce Camp at Edenta –arguably the strongest hold of the gunmen in Orsu area . “Produce” was said to be a popular place where lorries loaded farm produce from Orsu communities and neighbouring Anambra communities for transportation to the cities for sale. It was a place of great commercial activities before the gunmen sacked everyone and crippled economic activities in Edenta, said to be the richest town in Orsu.
A coordinated onslaught by security forces invaded the place and reportedly eliminated over 20 of the terror gunmen at the Produce Camp and recovered the area. According to reports, more than 200 human skulls and bones of other parts of human body were found littered at the camp as well as charms of various magnitude. The operation resulted in the reclaiming of Ubahaezike, Edenta, Amadim, Ezeogwu and other communities around the area.
This operation led to the recovery and the reopening of the Orsu Police Divisional Headquarters which was sacked and destroyed by the criminals who held sway for about three years. The recovery of the police divisional headquarters marked a strong and convincing indication that security forces were winning the war and restored confidence to people.
Return of life to Orsu
With cautious confidence, indigenes who had fled the communities are gradually returning. Youths of Orsu-Ihiteukwa were seen last month in a viral video joyfully singing and dancing around the community in excitement of a return after many years of forced exile. They had earlier cleaned up the communities almost overtaken by bush and urged fleeing residents to return without fear.
A native of Ubahaezike in Orsu, Geoffrey Okereke confirmed that life has returned to their community. He told SEV that a burial was held in the community last week. He felt elated that they could once again peacefully bury their loved ones in their homes.
“We are back to our homes. There hasn’t been any attack for some time. In fact, we held a burial last week. Nothing feels like home; imagine buring your loved ones in the cemetery or outside your home against your wish. Even holding other ceremonies outside, it was painful.
“There is also the presence of security men. We pray the peace that has returned will remain”, Okereke submitted.
An indigene of Amaruru, another community in Orsu, Chibuike Uba, said they celebrated this year’s new yam festival in grand style.
“We celebrated this year’s new yam festival in a massive way after many years. It was a huge celebration and a big relief. Those who wanted to destroy our land are all gone. Peace has returned to Orsu. Those who are still afraid should come home. There is now peace”, he stated.
Arrest of Gentle De Yahoo brought calm in Okigwe
For indigenes of communities in Okigwe, the arrest of by the military, of the dreaded terrorist leader, Ifeanyi Eze Okorienta, notoriously known as ‘Gentle De Yahoo’ has given them a huge relief. He and his boys held the entire Okigwe hostage, killing, kidnapping, maiming and destroying people’s properties. Incidentally he is from Okigwe, Aku to be precise. His arrest and the elimination of some of his gang members has brought life back to the area. Concerned leaders, especially business men in the area, are making concerted efforts to encourage locals to return home to rebuild their battered businesses. A five-million naira table tennis tournament which is to hold soon in the area is one of such efforts to revive activities in the area.
Though a date for the contest was yet to be fixed, it was gathered that the organizers are leaving no stone unturned in using the competition to rally home indigenes of the insecurity-ravaged communities in Okigwe.
“You know, because of the way the military handled the issue of ‘Gentle De Yahoo’, people don’t really know the true situation; whether he was arrested, killed or if he escaped. But the recent confirmation by the military that they have him has brought relief to the people and you can see that the area has been calm since the operation where he was arrested.
“There is a five-million naira table tennis tournament for Okigwe Zone being organized by some businessmen from Okigwe. It is part of the efforts to see how complete normalcy can return”, an indigene of Ihube community in said.
Imo and indeed, the whole region is heaving a sigh of relief after years of agony. The people are gradually recovering their lives. It is hoped and believe that this peace would be sustained.
Nigeria has almost 800 km of coastline, but only one viable deep draft port for our exports and imports.
For a nation of 230 million, this is simply not enough. Smaller countries like the Netherlands which has only about half of Nigeria’s coastal space, has an extensive and well developed port system with several ports that can easily accommodate large draft marine vessels.
Meanwhile Nigeria laments about port congestion every day, but does absolutely NOTHING to resolve the issue.
The ambitious $1 trillion GDP which APC claims that it wants to achieve, will never become a possibility if Nigeria’s port infrastructure is not fully developed to take advantage of our ample coastal space.
The Gombe State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Col Abdullahi Bello (retd), has died in a motor accident along the Malam Sidi–Gombe Road on Friday.
According to a statement by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, Ismaila Misilli, the late commissioner was returning from Maiduguri, Borno State, where he attended the North-East Regional Consultation on the Development of a National Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration framework.
The crash also claimed the life of his police orderly, Sgt Adamu Hussaini, while the commissioner’s driver sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya expressed deep sorrow, describing the late commissioner as “a disciplined officer and dedicated public servant who brought his wealth of military experience, leadership, and patriotism into the service of Gombe State.”
The governor said, “Col. Abdullahi Bello (retd) will be remembered as a pillar of discipline, courage, and selfless service. He carried out his duties with unmatched diligence and a deep sense of responsibility. His demise is a monumental loss, not only to his family and our government
Education › Literacy Rates Of Nigerian Women By Tribe by DiamondsAreFore(op): 2:56pm On Nov 14, 2025
