The Police Command in Benue have rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.  Confirming this development to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, said that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the d3ath of the driver and one passenger. She mentioned that the armed kidnappers thereafter took the 14 other passengers to an unknown destination. Anene added that commands officers in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, stormed the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, after others were whisked away by the kidnappers. The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor. The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment, she said. Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book. She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.  The post Police rescue 14 Benue Links passengers kidnapped in Otukpo appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

Apostle Johnson Suleman, the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, has courted controversy once again after making a bold declaration about his followers’ tendency to unleash violence on anyone who dares criticise him.

In a video that went viral on social media on Friday, April 4, 2025, the cleric boasted that anyone who speaks ill of him anywhere near his church, situated in the Auchi Area of Edo State, risks extreme repercussions from his devoted followers.

“If you want to die and you’ve been praying for death, but it hasn’t come, there’s a way to make it happen,” Suleman declared.

“Come to Auchi, stand by the front gate of our church, and say something against me. Somebody will kill you, another will bury you, and the third will be doing praise and worship on your dead body.”

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The cleric, who has a reputation for controversial remarks, recalled a time when cultists beat up someone for insulting him and instructed the person to apologise.

“I’ve had cult boys bring people to me and say, ‘This boy was insulting you, we beat him and told him to apologise.’ I asked them, ‘Who are you?’ They said, ‘You no go like who we be, but you don help us.’ Kindness.”

Suleman is famous for his strong opinions on societal issues, ranging from secular, governmental policies to entertainment.

He attributed current economic hardship to poor decisions made during the 2023 elections while speaking during his church’s two-day “Recovery Conference 2025” in Bauchi State in January.

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Police authorities in Ebonyi State have confirmed the abduction of Blessing Adagba, the Coordinator of Ngbo Central Development Centre in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.  The incident, which occurred around midnight on Thursday, has caused deep concern across the community. Police spokesperson SP Joshua Ukandu said the Anti-Kidnapping Squad has been mobilised and is working tirelessly to secure Adagbas release. According to reports, the abduction happened in the Okposhi Eheku community, where armed men, disguised as soldiers, stormed the coordinators residence. Around 12 a.m., a group of men disguised as soldiers invaded the residence of Hon. Blessing Adagba. They demanded she open the door, but she refused, questioning why soldiers would come at such an (odd) hour, a source told Channels Television. The kidnappers brandished firearms, overpowered the coordinator and abducted her to an unknown location. Residents and security operatives in Ohaukwu are said to be working closely together in ongoing efforts to ensure Adagbas safe return. The incident has also prompted local leaders to call for urgent action. Community stakeholders expressed concern over what they describe as a disturbing rise in kidnapping cases in the area. They are urging both state and federal authorities to step up security operations and restore confidence among the people.The post Government official abducted in Ebonyi appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.