News
8 MRS Oil Workers Rescued
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.
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.
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.
The Senior Pastor and founder of Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries (ZFPIM),Apostle Promise Momo, has called on Nigerians to shun ethnic bigotry and embrace love and unity to move the nation forward.
In an Easter message personally signed and shared with journalists in Lagos, Apostle Momo emphasized the need for Nigerians to see one another as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic differences.
“We must look for ways to unify the nation in love, because united we stand and divided we fall,” he said.
The cleric condemned acts of hatred, violence, and exploitation, stating, “It is not the will of God to see people killing each other or hating one another, cheating one another, taking advantage of people, or preying on the weak.”
He urged Nigerians to build a society grounded in love and unity, warning that progress would remain elusive without these values.
Reflecting on the significance of Easter, Apostle Momo described the holiday as a cornerstone of Christian faith.
“Easter Sunday, or Resurrection Sunday, is one of the most significant Christian holidays on the calendar,” he said.
“The day commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, who resurrected after three days in the tomb.”
Quoting John 3:16, he added, “Jesus Christ is love personified… I want to see love come back to life amongst we Nigerians.”
The pastor’s message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with ethnic tensions and social divisions, underscoring the urgency of his call for unity.
Says Leadership Not Contest Of Noise
Says Nigerian Leaders Should Prioritize Governance over Politics
The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev Ignatius Kaigama has called on the Federal Government to address the challenges of insecurity, revive the economy, and restore the dignity of human lives because Nigeria is bleeding, people are hungry, unsafe and disillusioned.
According to him, as a people, the citizens must rise above despair, division, and violence and commit themselves to peace, justice, and truth.
“Our country is bleeding – our people are hungry, unsafe, and disillusioned. It is therefore imperative that politicians in government focus more on addressing the real challenges before us: ending insecurity, reviving the economy, and restoring the dignity of Nigerian lives”, he said
While describing the political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “deeply troubling”, the cleric said that although government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, the government must be cautious in its reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
Kaigama said these in his Easter Message titled, “The Light Shines in the Darkness, and the Darkness Cannot Overcome It”, taken from John 1:5 and sent to Arise News in Abuja.
He said Easter is not just a Christian ritual—but a powerful reminder that light always follows darkness, and life prevails over death.
Kaigama said, “Yet, even as we celebrate, our hearts are heavy with grief and concern over the senseless bloodshed and insecurity that continue to plague our land.
We mourn the tragic and reckless killing of innocent travellers in Uromi, Edo State—lives cut short without reason or mercy.
“We grieve the repeated violence and massacres in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State, where entire communities are being decimated. These attacks have left families shattered and dreams destroyed, and they underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity across Nigeria.
We are also alarmed by the continual hunger and economic hardship gripping our people. Families struggle daily to put food on the table, and children go to bed hungry in a nation so richly blessed.
“The desperation in the land is palpable, and it calls for immediate action from all levels of government, faith-based institutions, and citizens. As Jesus fed the multitudes with compassion, so must we work together to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry in the midst of plenty.
“Equally distressing is the increasing trend of kidnapping and targeted attacks on clergy, especially priests who dedicate their lives to serving others. These brutal acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also strike at the heart of our moral and spiritual fabric. Every priest kidnapped or murdered is a blow to the conscience of our nation.
“In addition, the recent political tensions and institutional breakdown that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State are deeply troubling. While government intervention in moments of crisis is sometimes necessary to restore order and protect democratic institutions, we must be cautious in our reactions and avoid actions that could further polarize an already tense environment.
“Let this moment serve as a call to all stakeholders – political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society, and citizens – to embrace dialogue over division. No democracy can thrive without the culture of give and take, live and let live.
Power, like life, is transient. Therefore, we must strive to build bridges and not burn them, to prioritize the welfare of the people over personal or party interests. Let us resist the temptation of inflammatory rhetoric and embrace peace, understanding, and mutual respect as the pathway to lasting stability.
“We must also be deeply concerned about the rising tide of acrimonious political rhetoric that is spreading across the nation. Words are powerful, and when used carelessly, they can inflame tensions and deepen our divisions. This is not yet the time for political campaigns or endless jostling for power.
Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
He said since leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a contest of noise, Nigerian leaders should “prioritize governance over politics, solutions over slogans, and unity over personal ambition. Nigeria needs healing, not hostility.”
Kaigama said that in the face of the darkness that seems to surround Nigeria and envelop her lands, “we must not lose hope” as Easter teaches that even the tomb cannot hold back the power of resurrection.
“As a people, we must rise above despair, division, and violence. Let us commit ourselves to peace, justice, and truth. Let us demand accountability and protection for every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, faith, or region.
“This Easter, may the risen Christ ignite in us the courage to speak up against evil, the strength to support one another, and the wisdom to build a Nigeria where dignity and life are sacred once again. Let our celebration not just be of Christ’s resurrection, but of the renewal of our national spirit. May God bless Nigeria, and may peace reign in our hearts and across our land”, the cleric emphasized.
ENDS***
Zion Flames Prophetic and Intercessory Ministries, a Nigerian church, has extended its charitable outreach to Uganda, donating food items, diapers, and clothes to an orphanage in Kampala during Good Friday.
The gesture, aimed at sharing love with vulnerable children, underscores the church’s ongoing commitment to supporting disadvantaged communities across Africa.
Glory Momo, the church’s Director of Protocol and Communication Strategy, presented the items to the orphanage, emphasising the ministry’s five-year legacy of philanthropy.
“Our ministry has been known for charity work across Africa,” Momo said during the event.
In a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, he added, “We have reached out to less privileged communities, refugee communities, and provided scholarships to students in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The church’s mission, according to Momo, is divinely inspired.
“This is what God has called us to do as a church, and we will not relent. What you see us do here in Uganda is simply sharing love with those who need it most—children who have been abandoned.
“We will continue, as the Lord enables us, to show love across the continent and the world.”
This is not the first time Zion Flames Ministries International has supported vulnerable groups.
The church has a history of aiding disadvantaged communities in Nigeria, including hosting celebrations with orphans during the Christmas season.
The donation comes as part of the church’s broader efforts to uplift marginalised groups, with its leadership pledging to sustain such initiatives in Uganda and beyond.