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Nigerians spent ₦2.23tn as payment for ransom to kidnappers in one year — NBS

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Nigerians paid ₦2.23tn as ransom to kidnappers in twelve months.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the payments were made between May 2023 and April 2024.

According to the NBS’s latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report published on Tuesday, 65 per cent of households affected by kidnapping paid ransoms for the release of their loved ones from the abductors’ den.

“The average amount paid as ransom was ₦2,670,693, with an estimated total ransom of ₦2,231,772,563,507 paid within the reference period,” the NBS report read.

It said kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954 nationally with results showing that rural areas (1,668,104) recorded more kidnappings than urban areas (567,850).

“Further analysis by zones revealed that North-West had the highest cases (1,420,307), followed by North-Central (317,837), while the least was recorded in South-East (110,432),” it said.

Of the households that experienced kidnapping, the survey indicated that 80.5 reported it to the police.

“The South-South zone had the highest reporting rate at 100 percent, followed by North-Central at 89.6 percent, while North-West was least reported at 73.9 percent,” the report noted. “Disaggregated by place of residence, urban areas recorded 87.1 percent compared to 77.3 percent in rural areas.”

A further analysis of the report showed that some of the abducted persons were killed, while others were released.

It showed that of the reported cases of kidnapping, 82.1 percent were released,
12.8 percent were killed and 3.3 percent were still in captivity.

Motivated By Money, Others

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The study indicated that “About 91 percent of kidnapping incidents were done for ransom in the form of money, goods, or other benefits.

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“Also, 2.4 percent of cases were attributed to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives, while 2.1 percent were linked to personal or family disputes. Custody disputes accounted for 0.5 percent of cases”.

On the overall crime rate in Nigeria, the NBS survey suggested that North-West region had the highest incidence of crime. There were 14.4 million reported cases in the region. This was followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million.

However, the South-East region recorded the lowest number of reported crimes. It had 6.18 million incidents in the period under review.

Stories about abductions are rife in some parts of Nigeria. From mass abductions in schools to the killing of abductees, the crime seems to have become a business venture for gangs.

Despite government reassurance and that of security agencies, the situation, experts believe, has not been minimally reduced.

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Communal clashes: Adeleke vows to remove erring traditional rulers

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said the government will remove from office any traditional ruler that fails to sustain peace in their community.

Adeleke, in a statement by his Media Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Monday, said that action would be taken against traditional rulers of Ifon and Ilobu/Erin-Osun communities in Orolu and Irepodun Local Government Areas.

He said that action would be taken, if the traditional rulers failed to sustain peace and de-escalation crisis in their communities.

The governor issued the warning against the backdrop of online reports that some faceless groups across the conflict areas, were planning another round of attacks.

“In the midst of sallah celebrations, I got reports of some people planning another round of conflict around Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun towns,” he said.

According to him, security agencies have tightened surveillance to ensure no attacks take place, and are speeding up the interrogation of key chieftains and actors in the conflict.

“I will remind top leaders of the towns that the peace undertaken they are signing are not for joke. They will be held accountable. There will be accountability before the law.

“The curfew we relaxed was on humanitarian grounds. As a compassionate government, we know many innocent people are suffering because of the evil agenda of a few elements across the conflict areas.

“Any attempt to exploit the adjustment of the curfew for renewed violence will be met with full re-imposition of the 24-hour curfew.

“Additionally, I will remove from office, any traditional ruler where violence recurs. This card is on the table. Royal fathers of each town must call their subjects to order.

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“I will wield the big stick. Enough is enough,” the governor said.

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Group Commends State Labour Minister For Women’s Empowerment

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The Managing Director and CEO of Global Smart System Technology (GSST) Group, Apostle Chuks Alozie,has commended the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, has been lauded for her contributions to women’s inclusivity in governance and her efforts to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Alozie in a statement marking Mother’s Day, highlighting her achievements as a grassroots mobilizer and advocate for truth.

“As a selfless woman, your type deserves to be celebrated. As Chair of Women in Parliament, you spearheaded numerous reforms aimed at strengthening female participation in politics and legislative roles,” Alozie said.

The Executive Director said Onyejiocha’s tenure as Transition Chairman in Umunneochi and as Commissioner for Resource Management and Manpower Development in Abia State was also praised.

Alozie noted that she initiated transformative programs that impacted countless lives, particularly women and those in need.

A four-time member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Onyejiocha has played a key role in legislative development. She sponsored several people-focused bills, including the Emergency Treatment of Gunshot Victims Bill, which mandates hospitals to provide immediate care without requiring police reports.

She also backed the National Senior Citizens Center Act 2018, which established an institution to support elderly citizens.

As Chair of the Aviation Committee, Onyejiocha oversaw significant sectoral improvements, including the establishment of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology in Amuda-Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA, Abia State. She was also instrumental in the creation of the Federal Polytechnic Umunneochi.

Alozie further commended Onyejiocha’s leadership as Minister of State for Labour and Employment, citing her dedication to resolving labour sector challenges through dialogue and proactive engagement.

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While congratulating Onyejiocha and other women on this year’s Mother’s Day, he urged her to continue her selfless service to Nigeria and assured her of GSST Group’s readiness for future collaborations.

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2027: TOMPOLO, HOSTCOM, Southerners Flies Behind President Tinubu’s Re-election.

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By Our Reporter

The leaders and indigenes of Host Communities of Nigeria producing oil and gas HOSTCOM under the leadership of His Highness , (Dr) Benjamin Style Tamaranebi of in collaboration with the grand patron, Government Oweizide Ekpemukpolo Tompolo who doubles as Chairman , Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL has endorsed the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda come 2027 election.

In a world press conference addressed by the two prominent stakeholders on Monday , described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a process of recovery, stability and growth and a turning point for the nation.

According to the joint press conference , HOSTCOM commended the strategic reforms embarked two years down the line , and policies have set the country on the part of prosperity, hence the need t9 consolidate on the gains with efforts to ensure his re-election in 2027.

By feeling the pulse of Nigerians and making efforts to right the previous wrongs , it is imperative to support his desire to change the course of unprogressive history . Hostcom stated.

Nigerians expectations was high with his experience both in administration and politics, with the country at a crossroads, crude oil at a dwindling level , high revenue servicing profile before his assumption of duty , with insinuation that the new administration cannot sustain it for six months by naysayers, that is now history.

The new Nigeria’s leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda was determined to reverse the negative trend , by rolling up his sleeves and turning the whole situation to a more promising situation.

After assessing the success story and indices of performance in the last nearly two years , we have resolved to support his re-election come 2027.

Having secured lives and properties as well as oil installations in the Niger Delta with the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited TSSNL and other government security apparatus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserved continuity in all ramifications.

With the security of oil installations, the abandoned oil and gas long left dead , have staged a comeback ,with a promising production from down 600,000 barrels per day to 1.8M barrel and competing globally within the short period.

The well secured Niger Delta and oil installations had reduced to the barest minimum incidence of oil thefts, increased production among many other activities, including the promulgation of Petroleum Industry Act PIA and the gradual improvement of lives and properties of oil producing indigenes, with more revenue allocation and provision of economic and social amenities.

The release further continues.

“THE ROLES OF OUR GRAND PATRON, HIGH CHIEF (DR.) GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO, ALIAS TOMPOLO, IBE-EBIDOUWEI OF IJAW NATION AND CHAIRMAN, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL) ”

“As Nigeria continues its journey towards economic recovery, stability, and growth, it is clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership has been a turning point for the nation..”

“His strategic policies and bold reforms have set Nigeria on a path to prosperity, and it is imperative that we consolidate these gains rather than disrupt the progress made so far.”

“Now and then, a leader emerges, who understands the pulse of the people, feels their struggles, and dares to change the course of history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is that leader. ”

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“The weight of expectations was heavy when he assumed office. Nigeria was at a crossroads- Crude Oil production dwindled, debt servicing consumed nearly all revenue. The naysayers scoffed: They said he couldn’t last 6 months.”

“But they were wrong. With the audacity of a man, who has walked this path before, President Tinubu rolled up his sleeves and got to work. ”

“In nearly two years, the results speak for themselves. ”

“As a follow up to the foregoing, we, LEADERS AND INDIGENES of the HOST COMMUNITIES OF NIGERIA PRODUCING OIL AND GAS (HOSTCOM), in collaboration with our GRAND PATRON, HIGH CHIEF (DR.). GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO, ALIAS TOMPOLO, IBE-EBIDOUWEI OF IJAW NATION AND CHAIRMAN, TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL) ARE FULLY ENDORSING AND COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING ASIWAJU BOLA AMHED TINUBU FOR RE-ELECTION IN 2027.”

“We took this position after a thorough evaluation and critical appraisal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in less than 2 years of his first term and in obedience of clearly unambiguous directives of our GRAND PATRON, High Chief (DR.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, who also scored Mr. President high in human development
Indices, especially as they favoured the Niger Delta region, nay the host communities producing oil and gas, and believed that our President should remain in office till 2031 to enable him to conclude all ongoing development initiatives of his administration across the six geopolitical zones of the country.”

“WHY TINUBU DESERVES 2027: A CASE FOR CONTINUITY

SECURING THE FUTURE OF OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES.”

“For decades, oil theft and pipeline vandalism have crippled Nigeria’s economy. The twin cancerous maladies also destroyed the normal life of our people. President Tinubu, through his strategic partnerships with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and other security agencies, has reduced oil theft to historic lows.”

“The oil and gas sector—long left for dead—has staged a stunning comeback. Crude oil production has jumped from a shameful 600,000 barrels per day to a respectable 1.8 million. Nigeria is earning its rightful place in the global oil market for the first time in years.”

“But perhaps the most significant win has been on security, particularly in the oil-producing Niger Delta. For years, crude oil theft was an open secret, a cartel-driven industry that drained the nation’s lifeblood. Tinubu took the fight to them.”

“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) and other state-backed initiatives put the thieves on notice. Pipelines that once bled crude to illicit refineries now serve the nation. The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), long a paper tiger, is finally delivering tangible benefits to host communities.”

“Billions of naira are now flowing into community trusts, to be channelled into provision of local projects—schools, hospitals, and water schemes and these projects are springing up in about 200 locations in Niger Delta. ”

“A region once known for restiveness is finding stability.

But stability needs time. It needs continuity. A change in leadership now would be a return to uncertainty, a needless gamble with a winning hand.”

“Operation light up Niger Delta is currently taking off darkness in Niger Delta through NDDC and is effective today. ”

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“The refining revolution has begun. The Dangote Refinery, now operational, in strategic synergy alongside Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries are all refining and taking away over dependency on importation of refined Petroleum Products. With the new leaves of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), under the able and competent leadership of its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mallam Mele Kyari, Hon. Minister of State (Petroleum )Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is poised to end decades of dependency on petroleum imports. The deal is clear: refine locally, save forex, and strengthen the naira.”

“Critics talk about inflation. They point to hardship. But they forget that change is painful. The old wasteful subsidy regime is gone. The exchange rate is finally finding its value. These reforms are not just necessary, they are overdue.”

*Revenue has more than doubled, hitting over N9.1 trillion. The days of borrowing to pay salaries are fading into history. Debt servicing, once a back-breaking 97% of national income, is now 68% and declining.”

“Beyond oil, Tinubu’s infrastructural vision is taking shape. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is no longer a campaign promise—it is breaking ground. The Sokoto-Badagry Highway will link the North to the Southwest in ways never imagined. Long abandoned roads, including the East/West Highway, Benin/Warri Highway, Asaba/Benin and Abuja/Benin/Highway, among others are being constructed and rehabilitated. Just last week, Mr. President officially flagged off the construction of the 17.55 kilometres access road to the Second Niger Bridge, linking Anambra and Delta States.”

“The Tinubu administration is not just fixing the present; it is building the future. The Students Loan Fund is a game-changer. N45.6 billion has been processed, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.”

“Jobs are returning. Over 400,000 have been created through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tech sector is seeing unprecedented investment, signalling a new era for Nigerian innovation.”

“The solid minerals sector is another goldmine in the making. It is valued at over $700 billion and is finally getting the attention it deserves. If managed well, Nigeria could soon rival top global mining nations.”

“But all of this means nothing if insecurity is allowed to fester. That is why Tinubu’s administration has prioritised national security. From the Northeast to the Niger Delta, the message is clear: the era of impunity is over.”

“More beneficial to our belt was the recent signing into law by Mr. President the bill for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, recently passed by the National Assembly. We commend Mr. President for this act of benevolence to the South-South geopolitical zones and other five zonal belts that benefitted from the presidential gesture.”

“We are excited that the creation of the South-South Development Commission came on the heels of similar gesture in the wake of the signing of the Bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Warri South West LGA, Delta State. The euphoria over the signing of the Bill of NMU into law was yet to fizzle out when Mr. President sprang fresh surprise with the birth of the South-South Development Commission.”

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*We are indeed very grateful to Mr. President. ”

“It’s our assured belief in HOSTCOM that with the
South-South Development Commission working in synergy with other development interventionist agencies in the zone, especially the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the state governments, the much anticipated all round advancement of the oil belt would be speedily achieved.”

“But before wrapping up this world press conference, we want to seize this opportunity to appeal and beg Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to use his good offices to ensure an amicable resolution of the political imbroglio, which has engulfed River State.”

“We urge Mr. President to prevail on the warring groups in Rivers State to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the people of the state.”

*We know and trust that Mr. President has the capacity to restore peace and sanity in the crisis-torn state.”

“We are sure that Mr. President will do this for us. Thank you, the father of all.*

“We are convinced beyond reasonable doubts that even his detractors are now better informed as he had silenced them and changed the landscape of our beloved country for good.”

“This is why the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi (JP), have taken a stand. Alongside our Grand Patron, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), we endorse Tinubu for 2027.”

“Our reason is simple: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has delivered. He has steadied the ship. He has empowered local communities. And he needs more time to finish what he started.”

“Politics is about choices. In 2027, Nigerians must choose between continuity and chaos; between stability and the unknown.”

“The future is not built in four years. It takes patience, persistence, and vision. Tinubu has shown that he has all three. He has proven that he is not just a politician but a statesman.”

*In a democracy, no leader is perfect. There will always be challenges, mistakes, and tough decisions. But one thing is clear: Nigeria is better today than it was two years ago. And it will be even better in the years ahead—if we stay the course.”

“FOR ALL THESE REASONS AND MORE, WE IN THE HOST COMMUNITIES OF NIGERIA PRODUCING OIL AND GAS (HOSTCOM) WITH THE FULL BACKING AND SUPPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM OUR GRAND PATRON, HIGH CHIEF (DR.) GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO, THE IBE-EBIDOUWEI OF IJAW NATION AND CHAIRMAN, OF THE PERFORMING TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL), STAND BY OUR CALL: PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU- EYIN L’OKAN L’EEKAN SI! (IT’S YOUR TURN AGAIN, SIR FOR ANOTHER TERM OF 4 YEARS IN 2027!)”

“GOD BLESS HOSTCOM

GOD BLESS OUR GRAND PATRON, HIGH CHIEF (DR.) GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO, ALIAS TOMPOLO, FOR HIS GOOD WORKS IN THE NATIONAL INTERESTS.”

“GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT TILL 2031, THE REVERED ASIWAJU BOLA AMHED TINUBU, GCFR

GOD BLESS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.”

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