Connect with us

News

8 MRS Oil Workers Rescued

Published

on

In a significant development, the authorities have announced the successful release of eight MRS Oil Nigeria plc employees who were recently abducted while aboard a private boat in Lagos. The incident took place approximately a week ago when the workers were making their way from Lagos Island to Lekki.

The freed oil workers, who endured a harrowing ordeal, were set free on Sunday night in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State. Their personal belongings, left behind by the kidnappers, serve as a reminder of the traumatic experience they went through.

Confirmation of the workers’ release came from the Lagos State Police Command, with SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police, sharing the positive news. However, he refrained from providing details regarding the arrest of the kidnappers.

It was last Monday when the oil workers mysteriously disappeared from the boat they had boarded at a jetty on the Island. The discovery of the boat in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, led to the suspicion that they had been abducted.

Subsequent investigations uncovered a startling revelation

The MRS oil workers had been kidnapped by individuals clad in Army uniforms.

These gunmen had seized the workers while traversing the Tin Can Waterways of Lagos State.

SP Hundeyin, shedding light on the abduction, disclosed, “The victims boarded a boat at a jetty on the Island. They had not been seen since then. Meanwhile, the boat was found around Ikorodu, and a manhunt has been initiated to apprehend the suspected gunmen.”

Safety Restored: The Rescued MRS Oil Workers Emerge Victorious

Amidst great relief and jubilation, the MRS Oil workers who were held captive have emerged triumphant after their release. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevailing security challenges in the region, necessitating renewed efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and workers.

ALSO READ:  Northern Leaders Express Regret Over Voting President Tinubu In 2023 Election

The Plight of Kidnapping: A Grave Concern In Lagos

Kidnapping incidents continue to pose a grave concern in Lagos, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures and stringent law enforcement. The safety and well-being of individuals, particularly those working in industries vulnerable to such threats, must be prioritized.

Authorities’ Swift Response: A Step Towards a Safer Lagos

The prompt response from the Lagos State Police Command is commendable, as it reflects their dedication to upholding law and order in the face of criminal activities. However, it is imperative that comprehensive investigations are conducted to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind this heinous act.

Protecting Workers: Enhancing Security in High-Risk Industries

The incident involving the MRS Oil workers underscores the vulnerability of employees working in high-risk industries. Companies operating in such sectors must prioritize the implementation of robust security protocols to safeguard their workforce. It is crucial to invest in training, technology, and surveillance to mitigate the risks faced by employees.

Supporting Victims: The Importance of Post-Traumatic Assistance

The traumatic experience endured by the kidnapped oil workers necessitates the provision of adequate post-traumatic assistance. It is crucial for both government agencies and private organizations to extend support to the victims and ensure their physical and psychological well-being during the recovery process.

Collaborative Efforts: Strengthening Security Partnerships

Addressing the growing security concerns in Lagos demands collaborative efforts from all stakeholders involved. Government agencies, private enterprises, and local communities must join hands to devise effective strategies and share intelligence to prevent future incidents of kidnapping and ensure the safety of all residents.

ALSO READ:  Senator Katung Exemplifies Generosity – Rep. Amos

The release of the abducted MRS Oil workers brings a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing security challenges in Lagos. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures to combat kidnapping and ensure the safety of individuals. It is crucial that authorities continue to invest in improving security infrastructure, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, and fostering collaboration between different agencies.

While the release of the MRS Oil workers is indeed a positive outcome, it is essential not to overlook the underlying issues that contribute to the rise in kidnapping incidents. Socioeconomic factors, unemployment, and inequality can create an environment conducive to criminal activities. Addressing these root causes requires a comprehensive approach that includes job creation, poverty alleviation, and social welfare programs.

Furthermore, raising awareness among the general public about personal safety measures and the importance of reporting suspicious activities can contribute to a safer environment. Citizens must be encouraged to be vigilant and actively participate in community-based initiatives aimed at preventing crime and supporting law enforcement efforts.

The release of the abducted MRS Oil workers is a testament to the relentless efforts of the authorities and the resilience of the victims. However, it should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to redouble their efforts in creating a secure and conducive environment for all residents of Lagos. By working together, implementing proactive strategies, and addressing the root causes of criminal activities, we can strive towards a safer future for everyone.

News

NDLEA laments high intake of cannabis, loud in Oyo

Published

on


The Narcotics Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, Mr Olayinka Joe-Fadile, has expressed worry over the high intake of illicit drugs in the state.

Joe- Fadile made the observation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abeokuta at the sidelines of the “Public Destruction of Drug Exhibits” held at Ipara town, Ogun, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Way.

According to him, the high consumption of Cannabis Sativa in the state which has metamorphosed into loud with different strains like Scottish Loud, Canadian Loud, Arizona Loud among others is worrisome.

“These loud drug are even expensive and more dangerous than Cannabis Sativa,” he said.

He said that the illicit substance killed gradually and painfully.

Joe- Fadile said “I am using this medium to appeal to the youths, who will become the country’s future leaders, to stay away from drugs.

“You may think the drug is giving you inspiration now, but it will eventually kill slowly and painfully.”

He reiterated that the Command had cordial relationship with all security agencies saying the 1.6 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs destroyed was possible because of joint efforts.

“Each command used to burn its exhibits separately; that is, Oyo state Command will burn its exhibits separately, Lagos will do same, Ogun will do the same.

“But the three states and some strategic commands, shared under Zones 9 and 11, came together today to perform the task jointly.

“The Zones comprised Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun Command, Oyo State command, Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports Idiroko Border Command and Seme Command.” (NAN)

ALSO READ:  Senator Katung Exemplifies Generosity – Rep. Amos
Continue Reading

News

Agribusiness : FG denies exclusion of North-East from SAPZ programme

Published

on

The Federal Government said the statement by the National Assembly North – East Caucus that its zone was ” completely excluded” from the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) programme was not correct.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Saturday in Abuja, while responding to the National Assembly North – East Caucus statement.

Kyari said that the Caucus in a statement had said that the North East was “completely excluded” from the SAPZ initiative.

The SAPZ is part of a strategic initiative of the Federal Government aimed at promoting agricultural industrialisation.

He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu has recognised the absolute need to avoid exclusion because one of the agenda is ‘Inclusivity’

Kyari said this was to ensure that all segments of the country and all relevant stakeholders and groupings were carried along in the design and implementation of government programmes.
He said that the SAPZ programme was inaugurated in 2022 based on its conceptual design of Phase 1 in 2019.

Kyari said that the project is a Federal Government enabled initiative with subscription by the State Governments of the Federation.

” All state Governments are expected to individually express Interest in the programme.

” For clarity the following steps were taken to arrive at the programme as it is today:The selection Process.

” In 2019, each state governor was notified in writing to express interest with an attached eligibility criteria that will enable them to participate in phase 1 of the programme,” he said.

ALSO READ:  AfDB President Commends Governor Sani for Significant Budget Increase in Agriculture Sector

He explained that upon receipt of their expression of interest, a joint team comprising the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Finance, the African Development bank conducted a mission to each of the states to verify the fulfillment of the eligibility criteria as a selection process.

” This stage got eight States that qualified namely,Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and FCT.

” However, upon the assumption of office by this administration, we reviewed development potential of this programme under the renewed hope agenda of Mr President and decided that no state will be left behind,” he said.

He said Vice – President Kashim Shettima’s first international mission was to Rome, Food System summit where he galvanised more funding to enable us take more states.

” He embarked on a second mission to the World Food Price meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. where he obtained a commitment of 1 billion dollars from the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the sole purpose of bringing on board more states,” he said.

Kyari further explained that SAPZ is a Subsidiary Loan Agreement Programme which meant that the Federal Government onboards the obtained loans to the state for the implementation of the programme.

” Considering this is a loan, it is solely the discretion of the state to participate or not, and we have cases where states have not expressed interest,” he said.

He said that the overall policy directive of President Tinubu was that all States must be brought on board adding that this would be in phases.

ALSO READ:  Miraculous Arrival: Infant Emerges Beaming With Full Set Of Teeth

” We are convinced that as other states see the actuality of this project, they get more interested and therefore express their interest in being the first stage of being onboarded.

” Perhaps, this is the case with the North East Caucus seeing two landmark events being held back-to-back in Kaduna and Cross River,” he said.

The minister said that the phase 2 of the programme had already commenced in earnest.

” I have personally communicated to all the states that are not in phase 1 in written notifying them of the programme and to express interest.

” We have received Expression of Interests from 27 States but only 10 States fully complied with the eligibility criteria which includes Gombe, Borno and Bauchi States for the first tranche of phase 2 as they will be 3 tranches of onboarding states in the phase two,”he said.

Kyari expressed confident that more States would do the needful to fulfill the eligibility criteria to enable government capture them in the second tranche funding of phase 2.

” I therefore also want to appeal to the legislators especially the North East NASS Caucus to appeal to the other Governors u of Taraba, Yobe and Adamawa to reinvigorate their interest in the programme and to ensure they fulfil the eligibility criteria for the second phase,” he said.

He said that beyond the SAPZ Programme, the Federal Government had continued to provide targeted support for farmers in the North-East and across the country.

” We will continue to listen; and we’ve heard the statements of the representatives of the North East and we assure you all that the SAPZ Programme is for all Nigerians and each and every State of the Federation will be brought on board,” he said. (NAN)

ALSO READ:  FBI’s most wanted fugitive arrested in Wales
Continue Reading

News

NDLEA interdicts Malaysian returnee with meth consignment concealed in music speakers

Published

on

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a 41-year-old ex-convict and Malaysian returnee, Ndubuisi Udatu (aka Richard) with two giant music speakers used to conceal four large parcels of methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine weighing 2.700kilograms for distribution in Yola and Mubi, Adamawa state, and across the border into Cameroon.

The NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday via the agency’s X handle.

Mr Babafemi said Ndubuisi was arrested inside a commercial transport bus at an NDLEA check point at Namtari along Ngurore -Yola road, Adamawa on Monday 7th April 2025.

“He was found with two new music speakers used to conceal four packages of methamphetamine and monetary exhibit of N22,300.

“In his statement, he claimed he returned to Nigeria to continue his illicit drug trade after serving out his jail term in Malaysia where he had been arrested, convicted and sent to prison for drug trafficking offences”, he said.

ALSO READ:  FBI’s most wanted fugitive arrested in Wales
Continue Reading