Nine surveyors abducted in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have been released after their families paid a ransom of N20 million.

Recall that the victims were kidnapped a week ago while working at a site in Ilu-Abo.

Their captors initially demanded N100 million for their release.

However, following negotiations, market women intervened, pleading for a reduction to N50 million.

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The kidnappers initially rejected the appeal before eventually settling for N20 million.

Confirming their release, Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, said: “The victims have joined their individual family members.”

It was gathered that after regaining their freedom, the surveyors were taken to different hospitals for medical examinations.

The abduction sparked widespread outrage in the state, prompting market women and youths in Akure to stage a protest.

The demonstrators urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to take decisive action against the rising wave of kidnappings in the state.

Security authorities have yet to comment on any arrests related to the incident.

More to follow……….. 

The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step to curb access to pornographic content in the country, as the House of Representatives directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce a total shutdown of porn websites nationwide.

The directive, issued during plenary on Tuesday, mandates internet service providers to block access to such sites, with penalties for non-compliance.

The motion was sponsored by Dalhatu Tafoki, representing the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa Federal Constituency, who emphasized the need to protect societal values.

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“I would like to move a motion for the need to block internet websites hosting pornographic content and sanction the internet service providers responsible for the posting,” Tafoki stated.

“Nigeria is a highly religious country, and all the major religions in the country forbid nudity and obscenity in any form.”

He further highlighted concerns raised by psychologists and sociologists regarding the negative impact of pornography, stating that it leads to “promotion of adultery, prostitution, and other promiscuous behaviours, leading to addiction, escalation, and desensitisation, change of attitude towards oneself and family.”

The House adopted the motion and tasked its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance with overseeing implementation, with a report expected within four weeks.

Speaker Tajudeen Abass reinforced the stance, warning that internet service providers who fail to comply will face sanctions.

Nigerian literary giant, sports champion, and broadcaster, Mabel Segun, has passed away at the age of 95.

Her family confirmed her demise in a statement released late Thursday, stating that she breathed her last in the early hours of the day.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in Literature, Broadcasting and Sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (née Aig-Imoukhuede),” the statement read.

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A distinguished writer, Segun’s impact on Nigerian literature and society was profound. Born on February 18, 1930, she was a trailblazer in multiple fields, earning accolades as a novelist, broadcaster, diplomat, and sportswoman.

She pursued higher education at the University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan), graduating in 1953 with a degree in English Literature, Latin, and History.

This academic foundation propelled her into an illustrious career that spanned decades, influencing generations of writers and intellectuals.

Beyond her literary achievements, Segun was also a tennis champion, further showcasing her versatility and determination.

Her contributions to broadcasting and diplomacy cemented her status as a multi-talented icon in Nigeria’s cultural and intellectual landscape.

Her family noted that funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

Mabel Segun leaves behind a remarkable legacy of excellence and service, remembered not only for her literary prowess but also for her pioneering spirit in Nigerian academia, sports, and public service.