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Teacher abducted with Kaduna schoolchildren died in captivity

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A teacher who was abducted alongside the Kuriga schoolchildren in the Chikun Local Area of Kaduna State died while in captivity.

The state governor, Senator Uba Sani, who disclosed this on Channels Television’s Sunday’s Politics programme, said all the schoolchildren abducted by the terrorists were rescued by the military in collaboration with local authorities from neighbouring Zamfara State.

The abducted Kuriga schoolchildren were taken from the Government Secondary and Primary Schools, Kuriga 1, Chikun LGA of the state, on March 7, 2024 and spent 17 days in captivity.

Sani, however, noted with regret that the teacher could not make it alive following health complications while in captivity.

“It’s only one person that has not returned, and that is the teacher. That is the fact of the matter, but all of the 137 children are safely back.

“We had the unfortunate incident that the teacher couldn’t make it because he had some complications; he was sick — that was the report we got from the military and the security agencies but the rest of the children, all of them are back with us,” he said.

Meanwhile, According Online learnt that the rescued 137 schoolchildren had arrived in the state capital and were being kept in an undisclosed medical facility in the state.

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137 schoolchildren, not 287 abducted in Kaduna, gov clarifies

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Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has clarified that 137 schoolchildren were abducted on March 7, 2024, from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said it was not 287 schoolchildren, as was previously reported.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, the governor provided the update, revealing that the military, in cooperation with local authorities from Zamfara State, successfully rescued all the kidnapped children from the clutches of the bandits.

He said, “Those numbers were just figments of people’s imaginations. They just went to the media and reported those figures.

“At that time as a leader, I shouldn’t bother myself about figures and numbers.

“I met with the families of the children, and they confirmed to me that the numbers given by the military are the correct number.

“Today, I am happy. The families are happy, and the state government is happy.”

The schoolchildren were abducted from LEA Primary School and Government Secondary School, Kuriga, on March 7, 2024

Contrary to earlier reports, the Defence Headquarters announced on Saturday that a total of 137 students have been successfully rescued.

FULL LIST: AMVCA 2024 nominations 

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Multichoice Nigeria has announced the list of nominations for the 10th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, which is scheduled to be held on May 11, 2024.

The event will take place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos State.

The AMVCA is an annual award presented by MultiChoice recognising outstanding achievements in television and film.

 

Below is the list of nominees:

Best Digital Content

National Treasure – Adebola Adeyela (Lizzy Jay)

Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement – Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi)

Hello Neighbour – Elozonam Ogbolu, Lina idoko and Jemima Osunde

The Boyfriend – Maryam Apaokagi-Greene

 

Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa)

Mami Wata (CJ Fiery Obasi)

Jagun Jagun (Femi Adebayo)

Ijogbon (Kunle Afolayan)

Orisa (Odunlade Adekola)

Nana Akoto (Kwabena Gyansah)

 

Best Indigenous Language (East Africa)

Where The River Divides

Ormoilaa Ogol (The Strong One)

Wandongwa

Nakupenda

Itifaki

 

Best Indigenous Language (South Africa)

Service To Heart

Uncle Limbani

Motshameko O Kotsi

Best Multichoice Talent Factory Movie

Grown

Her Dark Past

Somewhere in Kole

Full Time Husband

The 11th Commandment

Mfumukazi

 

Best Scripted M-Net Original

Slum King

Half Open Window

Itura

The Passenger

Magic Room

 

Best Unscripted M-Net Original

What Will People Say

The Irabors’ Forever After

Nwuyee Bekee (Foreign Wives)

Date My Family Zambia

Royal Qlique (Season 2)

Best Indigenous M-Net Original

The Passenger

Nana Akoto

Apo

Irora Iya

Love Transfusion (Kiapo Cha Damu)

 

Best Short Film

T’egbon T’aburo

Broken Mask

Eighteenth Year

Man and Masquerades

A Place Called Forward

Best Supporting Actor

Alexx Ekubo (Afamefuna)

Demola Adedoyin (Breath of Life)

Itele d Icon (Jagun Jagun: The Warrior)

Gregory Ojefua (This is Life)

Timini Egbuson (A Tribe Called Judah)

Levi Chikere (Blood Vessel)

Ropo Ewenla (Over the Bridge)

Best Supporting Actress

Joke Silva (Over the Bridge)

Fathia Williams (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Bimbo Akintola (The Black Book)

Genoveva Umeh (Breath of Life)

Eliane Umuhire (Omen)

Tana Adelana (Ijogbon – Chaos)

Ejiro Onojaife (The Origin: Madam Koi Koi)

 

Best Lead Actor

Wale Ojo (Breath of Life)

Stan Nze (Afamefuna)

Marc Zinga (Omen)

Gideon Okeke (Egun)

David Ezekiel (Blood Vessel)

Richard Mofe Damijo (The Black Book)

Adedimeji Lateef (Jagun Jagun – The Warrior)

Gabriel Afolayan (This is Lagos)

 

More to come…

Israel Adesanya unveils real estate business in New Zealand

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Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, has unveiled a new property development in New Zealand.

According to a video shared on his official X handle on Friday, his father, Femi Adesanya, played a key role in the project.

His father, in a video of the housewarming, said “The idea is that after fighting, Israel needs to have something solid as investment.

“So, we decided that we were going to go for property development so that one, physically, he can see what he is putting together. And secondly, the investment can be protected.

“And with me there as the father, he’s got no better person to look after him than myself. A good boy that he is, he trusted me with my decisions and here we are.”

He further acknowledged the contributions of the project’s team, particularly Houston Architects in Auckland.

He added, “We look at the houses and say ‘Oh, they are beautiful.’ They wouldn’t have been beautiful but for the highly experienced team from Houston Architects in Auckland. They have been very dedicated to our cause. Everybody that took part in this project put in their best efforts.”

Israel, fondly called ‘The Last Stylebender’, also expressed gratitude for his father’s vision and leadership throughout the project.

The Nigerian-born fighter said, “This is my dad’s vision, not just for me but for the family. :Thank you all for everything you’ve done. The ups and downs, the smiles and frowns. Because I know a project like this isn’t easy.

“I want to say thank you to my dad, I just fund this, he is the guy that takes his time to actually be there day in, day out. In touch with everyone who’s part of the project.

“I come in once in a while and just have a little look-see and be like ‘This is actually growing. The progression is happening.’

“I just want to say thank you to my dad for making this happen and thank you to my mum for supporting him. One down, 50 more to go!”

Ogun gov shares palliatives to Christians

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Ogun State Government, on Sunday, continued its palliative distribution across the three senatorial districts of the state to cushion the effect of the current economic challenges on the people.

The palliative were distributed in churches across the state in the spirit of Easter celebrations just as some mosques also reportedly benefited from the gesture on Friday

This was according to a statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Lekan Adeniran.

The statement partly read, “In Ogun Central Senatorial District, the palliatives, majorly rice, were extended to worshippers at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Isale Ake and the Celestial Church of Christ, Ijaiye in Abeokuta South Local Government Area

“Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke, commended the governor for his kind gesture, noting that the palliative was another means of ameliorating the suffering of the people”.

In separate remarks, the Shepherd-in-charge of the Celestial Church, Ven. Superior Joseph Talon, Mr. Abeeden Hammed and Mrs Julianah Adesanya, who were overwhelmed by the palliative gesture, thanked the governor for the gift.

In Ogun East Senatorial District, worshippers at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, C&S, Orisun Emi Alafia, and United Baptist Church all in Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government also benefitted from the palliative.

The Bishop of Remo Diocese, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Bamidele Ibikunle, described the initiative as a welcome development.

Speaking on Sunday at the Rev. Mellor Methodist church, Agbowa, Sagamu, Bishop Ibikunle noted that the gesture would go a long way in easing the suffering of the people particularly those who are not sure of where the food would come from during the Easter period.

“It is an exciting thing to know that our governor is thinking well of the people, and I am happy, especially today, that we are commemorating the Palm Sunday.

“We want to thank the governor in a special way for being mindful of his people because times are hard and this palliative will go a long way to ameliorate people’s suffering particularly people who are not sure of what to eat at Easter can now have something on their table to eat with their families,” Ibikunle stated.

Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor dies at 62

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Amaechi Muonagor, has died at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness.

This was disclosed by a social commentator, Morris Monye, via his X handle, on Sunday.

Muonagor was said to have suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis.

The sudden news of his demise comes just few days after a viral video where he solicited funds to help him have a Kidney transplant.

Monye wrote, “Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing.

“He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.

“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Muonagor, a native of Idemili, in Anambra, was born August 20, 1962.

He was an actor and producer. In 2016, he was nominated for AMVCA 2017 Best Actor in a comedy.

In 1989, after his youth service, Muonagor started working for the News Agency of Nigeria. He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie.

NAN

Suspected herdsmen kill six farmers in Nasarawa community

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No fewer than six persons have been reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen in the Kadarko community of Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Our correspondent gathered that two residents were killed at the Tse-Abir Azer community in Kadarko on Friday, while three Tiv farmers were shot dead on Sunday in the area.

However, during the attack on Sunday, there was an alleged reprisal by the Tiv farmers, which led to the death of a suspected herdsman.

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on Sunday, the Chairman of the United Farmers Association in Kadarko, Denis Utsa, said the armed herdsmen invaded Tse-Abir Azer area of Kadarko around 4pm on Friday and unleashed mayhem on the people of the area.

He explained that apart from the two earlier killed by the bandits, many survivors of the attack escaped with gunshot wounds.

He identified the victims to include a clergyman, Pastor Kingsley Orshase, who he said later died at a hospital in Lafia on Saturday.

He said, “The victims had gone for fishing at a nearby river in the Tse-Abir Azer area when the armed herdsmen attacked them, resulting to the death of two persons.

“However, we heard that one of the herdsmen was also killed in a reprisal during the attack.

“At the moment, the killer herdsmen have invaded the IDPs rebuild settlements in Kadarko, and a dozen of the IDPs have fled to nearby communities, including Giza for refuge.

“We are appealing to the state government to urgently look into the matter so that we can have adequate security in the area.:

As of the time of filing this report, efforts made to get the reaction of the Nasarawa State Police Command proved abortive as the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, did not respond to phone calls.

He also did not reply to text messages sent to his mobile line.

NDDC to tackle erosion in Bayelsa community

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The Niger Delta Development Commission has said it would deploy modern technology to tackle the erosion scourge in the Sangana community in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

This follows the recent devastating ocean surge in the community.

The Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who stated this during an inspection of the eroded shoreline, said the intervention of the commission was a response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive for urgent action to ameliorate the sufferings of the people.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Sunday by the commission’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni.

Ogbuku described the President as a caring leader who had the interest of the people at heart, hence his call to action in the wake of what was considered to be one of the worst ecological disasters in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku, who was accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Victor Antai, visited the community for an on-the-spot assessment of the level of devastation and donated relief materials for the immediate needs of the people who were displaced by the ocean surge.

He noted that the President was happy with the people of the community because of its economic importance and the sustained peace over the years, which created the enabling environment for oil exploration and exploitation activities.

He stated, “Before your letter of appeal arrived at our head office in Port Harcourt, the ocean surge in Sagana was already publicised in the media, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria saw it and directed that we must come and see what is happening in Sagana and give him feedback.”

The NDDC boss said he feels elated at the presidential directive, which indicated that the country has a responsible leader who is interested in the welfare of the people, no matter how far they are.

“My presence in your community, apart from being a son of the soil, is in response to Mr. President’s directive and having witnessed first-hand the devastation in your community. We will proceed immediately to see how we can salvage the situation.”.

Ogbuku urged the people of the community to continue to maintain peace and to attract development, as it could only take place in a peaceful environment.

He added, “We had earlier awarded the contract for shore protection in your community, but we are going to review it.  The whole idea in NDDC is that we are also looking at new technology such as the Geotube system. The system is also used in rebuilding and reclaiming the land naturally.”

The NDDC Managing Director also used the opportunity to call on the multinational oil companies operating in the area to join hands in addressing the persistent ocean surge in the communities around the area as NDDC would not do it alone.

“Having ascertained the situation on the ground, we will go back and put the papers together and also see how we can partner with the state government and the International Oil Companies (IOCs) to see how we can all come together to ensure that we protect our communities,” he stated.

The Chairman, Sangana Council of Traditional Rulers, Moses Kenibara VII, Amadabo of Moko-Ama Sangana, thanked the president for the love showered on the people of the community.

Edo PDP chairman’s abductors demand N500m ransom

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Abductors of the Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tony Aziegbemi, have reportedly contacted his family members, demanding N500m ransom.

The gunmen kidnapped Aziegbemi on March 15 at around 11pm on Idaro Street, off Country Home Road, Benin, Edo State.

Aziegbemi was said to have left a meeting at the Government House and was going home in his vehicle when he was waylaid and kidnapped in the presence of his driver, who was attempting to climb a speed breaker.

A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed this on Sunday to journalists in Benin.

The source added that the abductors made contact with his family on Friday.

The source disclosed that the kidnappers demanded ₦500 million as ransom to free Aziegbemi.

The source said, “The kidnappers have contacted the family of Tony Aziegbemi, and they have demanded N500 million ransom.

“I don’t know what the family members are doing to raise the money or if the party, the PDP, is doing anything to assist them.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the police were not aware of the ransom demand.

“I am not aware of any ransom demand. I can only confirm what I am aware of,” he said.

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Trafficking: Beware of fake $900 jobs, NAPTIP warns Nigerians

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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on Sunday warned the public against accepting job offers from entities masquerading as oil and gas companies.

It identified this as a new ploy by suspected human traffickers who are exploiting coordinated global brand trademarks and offering unrealistic oil and gas job offers to traffic unsuspecting persons between 15 and 35 years to neighbouring West African countries for various forms of exploitation.

“Under the guise of lucrative employment opportunities in gold mining and oil companies, victims are enticed with promises of monthly incomes as high as $900, which, as always, are blatant lies,” said the Director-General of the Agency, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, in a statement Sunday.

NAPTIP’s Chief Communications Officer, Adekoye Vincent, revealed this in a statement on Sunday titled ‘Beware of fake oil and gas jobs in West African countries.’

While discussing emerging trends in human trafficking for 2024, Waziri-Azi said, “Victims are often instructed to bring up to N850,000 for documentation and other logistical expenses.

“Upon arrival at their destination, traffickers confiscate this money, along with the victims’ phones and other personal belongings.

“The targeted demographic includes male and female victims aged between 15 and 35 years old. They are typically trafficked through the waterways of Ode Jetty in Lagos en route to Benin Republic and other parts of the West African region. Some victims are also trafficked via land routes.”

Waziri-Azi reiterated her earlier appeal to Nigerians, saying, “I urge you to exercise caution, ask questions, and seek a second opinion before accepting tempting offers. Do not allow desperation to cloud your judgment.”

She explained that the agency has doubled efforts through enhanced partnership, collaboration, diligent prosecution, and extensive awareness campaigns to bolster its operations, resulting in a significant increase in convictions of human traffickers.

“As part of our comprehensive enlightenment strategies to equip Nigerians with timely and accurate information to reduce their vulnerability, we have received reports indicating that traffickers have adopted new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims, predominantly to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia and other West African nations,” she said.

The DG said NAPTIP remains committed to combating human trafficking and protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, urging the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking.