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.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 10 comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States Gyogon Augustine Grimah has directed commissioners of police under his zone to ensure adequate security measures in their respective domains before and after the Easter celebration.
Grimah, in a release by the zone 10 Public Relations Officer DSP Uthman Muhammad Yaqub appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with security agencies to enable them serve them well.
The release read in parr, “”Zone 10 headquarters under the leadership of AIG Gyogon Augustine Grimah psc,FCAI, wish to inform the members of the public particularly those residing in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, that it has made adequate security arrangements that will ensure the protection of lives and properties before, during and after the Easter celebrations.
“”AIG zone 10 headquarters, directed the three commissioners of police Commanding Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara Police states Commands to emplace adequate security measures that will ensure smooth and hitch free celebrations. Intelligence gathering apparatus of the zone has also been directed to actively generate actionable intelligence that could assist in mitigating any form of threats””.
While wishing Christian faithfuls a happy Easter celebration, the AIG, Grimah enjoined all of them to seize the moment and pray for continues peaceful coexistence in the zone and beyond.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Christians and all residents of the state to use the Easter season to reflect on the virtues of peace, unity, and sacrifice, as demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its Chairman, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the PDP extended warm greetings to Christians across the state and Nigeria, describing Easter as a season of hope, renewal, and triumph over adversity.
“Easter reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and most importantly, of love, peace, and unity among all people,” Masha said.
He noted that the message of Easter was especially significant at a time when Kaduna State is grappling with economic hardship, political tension, and persistent security threats, particularly in vulnerable communities.
“These are trying times for our dear state. We urge all citizens to remain steadfast in faith, committed to peace, and united in the pursuit of a better future. No matter our religious or ethnic backgrounds, we must come together to pray for Kaduna and Nigeria,” he added.
The PDP also called on residents to pray for divine intervention in addressing the state’s worsening socio-economic and security challenges.
“We believe in the power of collective prayers and unity,” the statement continued.
“Kaduna must rise above the tide of division, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Only with sincerity of purpose and inclusive leadership can we achieve that.”
“This Easter should inspire our leaders to embrace sacrificial service. Jesus gave His life to save others — that’s the true test of leadership,” he said.
“We must put aside politics and speak as one voice against the suffering of our people.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kaduna, assuring that it would continue to advocate for good governance, equity, and development. he concluded.
A new terrorist group known as Mahmuda has emerged in Nigeria’s North Central region, launching deadly attacks on communities surrounding the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP), according to local sources and a report by Sahara Reporters.
The group, which operates with impunity in the national park spanning Kwara and Niger states, has besieged villages in Kaiama and Barutein Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kwara, as well as Babana and Wawa districts in Borgu LGA, Niger State. On Wednesday, Mahmuda militants attacked a vigilante group in Kemanji, Kwara, killing over 15 vigilantes and villagers, a source confirmed.
“They call themselves the Mahmuda group. Their leader, in a voice note, is threatening all the communities. They kill, kidnap victims, and demand ransom,” a local source told Sahara Reporters.
The KLNP, covering 3,970.29 square kilometres, has become a haven for the militants, who reportedly displaced park rangers over five years ago.
Sources trace the group’s origins to Mokwa LGA in Niger State, from where they were expelled by former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, who accused them of being Boko Haram affiliates.
The group then relocated through various regions, including Kaduna State, before entrenching themselves in the KLNP.
A recent audiotape from the group’s leader suggests they are a moderate Islamist sect that splintered from the extremist Boko Haram faction led by Abubakar Shekau.
The militants, who primarily speak Hausa, identify as the Mahmuda or Mallam Group and claim to be jihadists promoting Sunni Islam.
The Mahmuda group has imposed a reign of terror on local communities.
Herders pay dues to graze cattle, farmers pay levies to access farmland allocated by the militants, and residents are forced to work on the group’s farms as “sadaka” (charity).
The militants also kidnap locals for ransom, mount illegal roadblocks, and regulate social activities, banning alcohol sales and smoking while settling community disputes.
“They preach Islamic ethics, urge disloyalty to the Nigerian state, and insist disputes be reported to them,” a source said, adding that the group is recruiting locals as informants.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the militants are engaged in illegal mining within the park and threaten herbalists suspected of aiding vigilantes.
In a bid to consolidate control, the group has expelled bandits from the park, kidnapping or executing their collaborators after collecting ransoms.
The rise of Mahmuda highlights Nigeria’s growing insecurity, with ungoverned spaces like the KLNP enabling militant groups to thrive.
Loggers, fishermen, and hunters exploit the park’s resources, with some loggers reportedly negotiating with the militants to harvest trees, providing the group with revenue.
“The surge of insecurity in Nigeria is a source of concern due to its destructive impact on livelihoods,” a source noted.
“New militant groups continue to emerge and occupy ungoverned spaces.”
Locals suspect the authorities are aware of the group’s activities but have failed to act, possibly due to the militants’ sophisticated weaponry. Vigilante groups, frustrated by the lack of security intervention, have resorted to collaborating with Mahmuda to rescue kidnapped victims, further complicating the situation.
The Mahmuda group’s control over a vast swathe of Nigerian territory underscores the challenges facing the country’s security forces. With communities living at the mercy of the militants, the group’s blend of coercion, religious rhetoric, and economic exploitation poses a significant threat to stability in the region.
As Nigeria grapples with this emerging menace, questions remain about the group’s true origins and affiliations. Some locals speculate the militants may have ties to groups from Benin or Niger Republic, while others see parallels with Boko Haram’s tactics. Further investigation is needed to unmask this faceless group and address the crisis in the KLNP.