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UTME Candidates Recount Horror As Kidnappers Feed Them With Garri And Salt In Captivity.

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Kidnapped candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have narrated their traumatic experience after being rescued from captivity, where they said they were subjected to starvation, beatings, and inhumane treatment for four days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the victims were abducted on Wednesday along the Taraku–Otukpo road in Benue State when armed men attacked a Benue Links passenger vehicle. They were later rescued in the early hours of Sunday following coordinated operations by security operatives.

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who received the victims at the Government House in Makurdi, confirmed that among those rescued were eight UTME candidates, while others were regular commuters. He assured that the victims would receive medical attention and support, adding that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He also appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider special arrangements for the affected candidates who missed their examinations.

Recounting their ordeal, one of the victims, 18-year-old Gbenga Daniels, said the abductors dispossessed him of ₦8,000 and subjected them to constant assault, adding that they survived without proper food or clean water. Another survivor, Ngukulan Iornav, also 18, said they were fed only garri mixed with salt throughout their captivity and were repeatedly beaten.

A medical student, Orih Raphael Sylvester, explained that the victims were moved from one location to another within the forest to avoid detection by security forces. He said they initially went without food, later drank unsafe water, and were eventually forced to contact their families under duress while being assaulted. He added that they were later given instructions early Sunday morning to move toward the express road, where they eventually encountered military personnel.

Other victims, including a 100-level Accounting student of the Federal University of Lafia, Sunday Augustine, and Akor Jessica, also described the experience as traumatic, noting that they sustained injuries from repeated beatings with sticks and machetes.

A relative of two of the victims disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million per person before a ransom of ₦3.4 million, along with food supplies, was eventually paid to secure their release.

Security authorities confirmed that 18 passengers were initially abducted, with some escaping during the ordeal, while 13 remained in captivity until their rescue. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Enemari, said several suspects have been arrested and are assisting investigations, noting that the operation involved multiple security agencies.

However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disputed claims that the victims were UTME candidates, stating that preliminary findings suggest they were participants in a police recruitment exercise returning from Makurdi when the incident occurred.

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“The Truth Finally Out: How Peter Obi Shocked Critics By Leaving ₦86.6 Billion Behind In Anambra!”

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Oseloka Obaze, a former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, has stated that former governor Peter Obi left ₦86.6 billion in the state treasury when he handed over power in 2014. Obaze, who served under Obi from 2006 to 2014, made this revelation in a post on X amid ongoing controversies regarding the financial records inherited by successive administrations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obaze noted that he was personally present on March 17, 2014, when Obi officially handed over financial documents and the Handover Report to his successor, Willie Obiano. According to him, Obiano received and signed an acknowledgment copy of the letter, which included certified bank statements detailing the state’s assets and liabilities.

Past Debates and Public Corroboration

Recalling the 2017 Anambra governorship debate organized by Channels Television, Obaze mentioned that he challenged Obiano—a certified accountant and auditor—on national television for later expressing reservations about the funds after formally signing off on the handover documents. Following this, Obiano publicly acknowledged that certain funds were left behind, though he questioned the rationale of saving money instead of executing projects.

Obaze also referenced remarks from former Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku, noting that Obiano once told the Nigerian Press Corps that Obi left substantial funds used to finance the construction of the Anambra Airport at Umueri. Additionally, he cited comments from Abia State Governor Alex Otti, a former banker, as further public validation of the financial legacy.

Expressing confusion over why the records remain a subject of dispute under the current administration, Obaze concluded: “If Governor Obiano… would eventually acknowledge, implicitly and explicit, that Governor Peter Obi indeed left the stipulated funds; a fact that was also publicly corroborated by Governor Alex Otti… what then, one may ask, is the beef and grouse of the incumbent Anambra State Government?”

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“The Internet Never Forgets: How An 11-Year-Old Tweet Cost Blaqbonez A Major Young Jonn Feature”

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Music producer-turned-singer Young Jonn turned down a collaboration offer from rapper Blaqbonez after unearthing a resurfaced 2015 post where the rapper stated a preference for DJ Coublon over him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The exchange began when Young Jonn posted on social media: “I need like 5 bad friends way we go dey move in bulk!”

Blaqbonez quickly expressed interest in linking up, replying, “Oya, make we dey together, sing as one.”

Instead of accepting, Young Jonn posted a screenshot of the old tweet showing Blaqbonez’s historical preference and clapped back: “Go sing as one with Coublon.”

In his defense, Blaqbonez denied writing the post himself, claiming it was the work of his social media handler back in 2015.

Why Peter Okoye Changed His Birthday Away From Twin Brother Paul

In other entertainment news, Nigerian singer Peter Okoye has explained his decision to shift his birthday celebration from November 18 to November 30.

Speaking on the Capital XTRA Podcast, Peter revealed that his shared birthday with his twin brother, Paul, had become one of the worst days of his life over the past 13 years due to toxic family dynamics and tension.

He alleged that visitors would frequently go to Paul’s house to gossip about him before visiting him, making the shared occasion deeply uncomfortable. “I wish I could change it on my documents and passport,” Peter stated.

This development highlights the ongoing strain between the twin brothers, who initially split in 2017, briefly reunited in 2021, and parted ways again in 2024.

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“World Cup Panic: NFF Fires Back At Reports Claiming Falconets Refused To Train Over Unpaid Bonuses!”

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly refuted claims that the Falconets planned to boycott training ahead of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup quarter-final match against Colombia. While rumors suggested players were considering a training strike, the NFF dismissed the reports as entirely false and affirmed the team’s full focus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • “Reports in a section of the media that the Falconets are planning to boycott training are an absolute falsehood,” the NFF stated.

  • “The girls are now heading to training for their last session before tomorrow’s match against Colombia.”

The Falconets advanced to the quarter-finals following a dominant 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16. They are set to face Colombia at Stadion Miejski ŁKS in Łódź, with a semi-final spot on the line.

Squad Brilliance and Super Falcons Prospects

Reflecting on the tournament, head coach Moses Aduku expressed confidence that several players possess the talent to eventually transition into the senior national team, the Super Falcons.

Key performances have propelled Nigeria’s run:

  • Captain Christianah Uzoma delivered a crucial performance against England, saving a 33rd-minute penalty by Rachel Maltby to secure the team’s place in the last eight.

  • Winner Onajite David and Ramotalahi Kareem have spearheaded the attack, netting three goals each.

  • Janet Akekoromowei, Tosin Rafiu, and Rebecca Adegbemile have each contributed two goals to the campaign.

Emphasizing the importance of the tournament for player development, Aduku told FIFA, “I think the girls are doing well. We need to do more. There is going to be a transition to the senior national team from this junior side. So they really need to apply themselves.”

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