Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a suspected kidnapping and armed robbery attempt along the Jere–Bwari Expressway in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, rescuing a victim unhurt.

This is contained in a statement by security expert, Zagazola Makama on X.

Makama said the incident occurred at about 2:45 a.m. on July 25, when troops of 102 Guards Battalion deployed at Jere responded to credible intelligence on an ongoing armed robbery and possible kidnapping along the highway.

According to him, the troops swiftly mobilised to the scene and, on sighting the approaching soldiers, the suspected armed robbers fled into nearby bushes, abandoning their victim.

The security expert noted that the victim was successfully rescued by the troops without further harm, while efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He added that the prompt response by the troops prevented what could have resulted in a successful abduction and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters along major highways in and around the Federal Capital Territory.

Abia State Environmental Mobile Court ini Umuahia, on Saturday, convicted and fined 52 persons out of the 64 offenders that were arrested on Saturday during the State’s environmental monthly clean up exercise.

The offenders, who were arrested in various parts of Umuahia between 7 am and 10 am by officials for trading and loitering, were arrained at the Mobile Court sitting inside the Umuahia High Court complex, for allegedly contravening the Abia State Basic Environmental Laws.

In his ruling, the Presiding Magistrate, O.C. Ibekwe, after listening to 64 arrested persons, convicted 52 of them and directed them to pay fines to the State government.

The court also discharged nine persons after discovering them to be sick, students heading for exams or workers on essential duties.

Three other arrested offenders were ordered by the Mobile Court to carry out community services in Umuahia, as a correctional action.

Speaking earlier with journalists after monitoring some markets, drainage and waste disposal points in Umuahia, Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, appealed to Abia residents to support the clean environment initiatives of Governor Alex Otti.

Ogbonna, who was represented by Ikechukwu Oriuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, disclosed that a Neighbourhood Environmental Watch would be established in the State to deepen cleaner environmental activities in Abia communities.

The initiative, he said, would further prevent indiscriminate dumping of refuse and to discourage other harmful practices to the environment.

Several persons are feared dead, while about 30 others have been declared missing following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

DAILY POST gathered that the attackers had earlier invaded Ochobo community, where two persons were killed.

Their initial attempt to attack Agadagba community was reportedly repelled by residents. 

However, the gunmen returned on Saturday evening and opened fire on the community, killing several people, while about 30 others remain unaccounted for.

A resident, who spoke to our reporter from a hiding place, said the attackers stormed the community unexpectedly, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

“They came shooting sporadically. Many people were killed, while several others escaped into the bush. As I speak with you, about 30 people are still missing, and we don’t know whether they are alive or dead,” the source said.

More to come.