Crime
Gunmen Kidnap 17 Passengers in Cross River, Police Confirm
CALABAR, Nigeria (AP) — Police in Cross River state on Thursday confirmed that 17 passengers traveling in a commercial bus were abducted by armed men along a highway, marking the latest in a series of kidnappings that have spread fear across Nigeria’s roads.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The victims were taken late Wednesday while traveling from Akamkpa to Ikom, a busy route in the southern state. Witnesses said the gunmen blocked the road, forced the passengers out of the bus, and led them into a nearby forest.
Cross River police spokesperson Irene Ugbo said security agencies had launched a search-and-rescue operation to free the victims. She urged residents to remain calm while authorities track the kidnappers.
“We are aware of the incident and our men are already combing the area. We will ensure the safe return of the victims,” Ugbo told reporters.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most persistent security problems. Armed groups often target highways, schools, and rural communities, demanding large sums of money from families. In recent years, hundreds of people have been abducted in Nigeria’s northern and central states. The crime is now spreading to the south, including Cross River, which was once considered relatively safe.
Locals say the Akamkpa-Ikom highway has become increasingly dangerous, especially at night. Commercial drivers have repeatedly appealed for stronger police presence along the road, warning that travelers are at constant risk.
One driver, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said passengers are now afraid to board buses without armed escorts. “People are scared. We don’t know who will be next. We need the government to protect us,” he said.
Families of the abducted passengers are anxiously waiting for news. Some relatives told local media they had not yet been contacted by the kidnappers for ransom demands, but feared calls could come in the coming days.
Security experts say the rise in kidnappings is linked to unemployment, poverty, and weak law enforcement in many parts of Nigeria. They warn that unless the government takes tougher action, the crime will continue to grow.
In 2021, Nigeria was ranked among the top countries in the world for kidnapping incidents, according to global security trackers. Human rights groups say the victims often suffer abuse in captivity, and families are forced to sell land or borrow money to pay ransoms.
Cross River authorities have promised more patrols and collaboration with community leaders to improve security. Police say they are also working with local hunters and vigilante groups who know the forests where kidnappers often hide.
For now, residents are demanding urgent action to make the roads safe again.
“This is not just about the 17 people taken yesterday,” said a youth leader in Akamkpa. “It is about everyone who travels. If we cannot move freely, then the economy, schools, and even hospitals will suffer.”
The federal government has said it is investing in better training and equipment for police and military units fighting kidnappers and bandits across the country. But critics say results have been slow, and rural communities remain exposed.
As the search continues in Cross River, families are holding onto hope that their loved ones will be rescued unharmed. Police say updates will be provided as the operation progresses.
Crime
BUS STOP BANDITS: Notorious Couple Who Drugged And Robbed Passengers Finally Caged by Police!.
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The Stupefying Heist: On September 18, 2026, a passenger on a Dreamline bus from Nairobi to Mombasa was allegedly drugged into unconsciousness by the person seated next to him, waking up later in Tudor Sub-County Hospital without his belongings[cite: 43, 44, 45].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Forensic Breakthrough: Detectives from Makupa Police Station immediately launched an investigation, following forensic leads that led them to a residence in Magongo[cite: 46].
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The Magongo Bust: In a raid on the home, police arrested a married couple, Pius Paskale Frugenze (52) and Redempta Revelian Kuleta (47), both Tanzanian nationals[cite: 47].
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The Evidence Trove: A search of the suspects’ house yielded the victim’s stolen HP laptop and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with a massive cache of suspected stolen goods, including multiple phones, chargers, watches, wallets, and clothing[cite: 48, 49].
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Drugging Materials Found: Crucially, detectives also recovered substances suspected to be the stupefying drugs used in the robbery[cite: 49].
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Suspects Caged: The couple is currently in police custody awaiting arraignment, while all recovered items have been detained as exhibits[cite: 50].
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Crime
“SHE CAME TO ME IN A DREAM”: Shocking Confession As Woman Ends Co-Wife’s Life Over Dream Dispute!.
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Shocking Confession: Bauchi housewife Hauwau Haruna, 35, has confessed to the murder of her co-wife, Jamila Adamu, whom she had lived with for 16 years[cite: 36, 37].....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Fatal Delusion: Hauwau told police she bludgeoned Jamila to death with a pestle on Sunday, September 27, 2026, claiming the victim had been appearing in her dreams attempting to kill her and her children[cite: 36, 38, 39].
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Metamorphosis Claim: The assailant alleged that Jamila appeared to her in a dream as a “cat” on Sunday. After striking the dream-cat with a food flask, it reportedly transformed into her co-wife standing outside, at which point Hauwau grabbed the pestle and attacked her until she died[cite: 38, 39].
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Attempted Escape: Following the killing, Hauwau fled the scene with her newborn twins, intending to drop them with her mother before turning herself in at a police station. She was apprehended before she could surrender[cite: 36, 40, 41].
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Dismissed Warnings: Hauwau stated she previously reported the disturbing dreams to her husband, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, but he dismissed her concerns. All attempts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful[cite: 36, 42].
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The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 30-year-old Okpara Emmanuel in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Chinyere.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The suspect, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was apprehended by operatives from the Awkunanaw Police Division after being rescued from an angry mob.
Key details of the tragic incident include:
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Discovery of the Crime: According to police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, Emmanuel allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19 following an argument. He then wrapped her body in nylon and concealed it inside his apartment’s toilet.
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Neighbours’ Intervention: The decomposing body’s foul odour eventually alerted neighbours, who forced their way into the apartment and detained the suspect before authorities arrived.
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Suspect’s Confession: During preliminary interrogations, Emmanuel reportedly confessed that the fatal dispute stemmed from an argument over who infected each other with HIV, during which he allegedly struck her on the head with a pestle.
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Next Steps: The victim’s remains have been moved to a mortuary for an autopsy and preservation, while the State Criminal Investigation Department—under the directive of Commissioner of Police Mamman Bitrus Giwa—has launched a full investigation for prosecution.
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Police Advice: Authorities have urged members of the public, especially young women, to exercise caution and always inform trusted friends or family of their whereabouts when visiting others.
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