As part of efforts to curb kidnapping in Edo State, the State Government, security operatives stormed a major hideout used by kidnapper in Esan North-East Local Government Area, Edo Central Senatorial District.

The action was led by the Task Force against Kidnapping, according to a government house statement in Benin City transpired on Friday.

It was gathered that the Task Force during the operation cleared abandoned structures and thick bushes along the Uzea-Itakpe railway corridor in used by kidnappers.

It added that the exercise was aimed at eliminating criminal hideouts, with a view to improving visibility for enhanced security surveillance.

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The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Akhere Paul described the area as a notorious transit point for kidnappers operating along the railway axis, Esan forests, and parts of Etsako West.

He explained that criminals used the abandoned structures as temporary holding camps for their victims before relocating them.

“If they kidnap people here, they bring them to this hideout, rest, and then move them to other locations, including Itakpe in Kogi State and Ama Community in Etsako West. This area has been a hotspot for kidnappings, affecting both the wealthy and poor, including farmers who use this route. As a government, we will not rest until kidnapping is eradicated in Edo State,” he stated.

The Commander of the Task Force, SP Michael Anetor, emphasized that intelligence reports and recent arrests informed the demolition exercise.

“The DPO covering this area and the local government authorities have investigated, and our findings confirm that this location is a strategic point for kidnappers. They ambush victims, and if moving them immediately is not feasible, they hold them here before proceeding. These abandoned houses and dense trees serve as their operational base,” Anetor explained.

He further assured residents that security agencies would sustain their crackdown on criminal elements to restore safety in the area.

Citing some residents who preferred to remain anonymous, the statement added that the abandoned structures and overgrown vegetation had long served as hideouts for criminals, allowing them to monitor potential victims before launching attacks.

Tragedy struck on Thursday as an unidentified woman plunged into the Lagos Lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge near the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront.

Despite prompt efforts by marine police officers stationed nearby, she was recovered lifeless.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 4 p.m., prompting an immediate response from the marine police unit.

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However, despite their swift intervention, the woman was confirmed dead by UNILAG medical personnel upon arrival.

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police Command spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin provided details of the recovery operation.

“Today, March 13, 2025, at about 1600 hours, an unidentified woman reportedly jumped from the Third Mainland Bridge into the water near the UNILAG waterfront at approximately 1500 hours.

“She was recovered at the University of Lagos shore slipway by a team of marine police officers stationed in the area. Despite their efforts, she was confirmed dead by a team of UNILAG medical doctors in the presence of officers from the Sabo Police Division.”

He further disclosed that the body had been moved to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Mortuary in Yaba for preservation.

Although the motive behind the incident remains unclear, some witnesses suspected suicide. The authorities have yet to establish any conclusive reasons for the tragic act.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has accused suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of distorting facts and misrepresenting the Nigerian Senate at an international forum.

Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, was suspended for six months over alleged violations of Senate rules.

However, she took her grievances to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Conference in New York, where she accused Akpabio of victimization, sexual harassment, and abuse of office.

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During Thursday’s plenary session, Akpabio condemned her actions, stating that she had embarrassed the Senate by presenting a misleading narrative to the global audience.

“I am aware that she distorted the facts and globalized the matter, embarrassing the Senate by giving a different narrative,” Akpabio said.

He commended federal lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara for intervening and clarifying to international media that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s account did not reflect the true events in the Senate.

The Senate President further criticized Akpoti-Uduaghan for bypassing internal legislative procedures, saying she initially filed a petition in the Senate but later took the matter to court and the international community.

“She brought the matter before the Senate through a petition but did not allow us to examine it. Instead, she took it to court and later to the international community. Actions like these could discourage politicians from appointing women into key positions,” Akpabio said.

His remarks came after he received a vote of confidence from his colleagues, reaffirming his leadership in the upper chamber.

He urged senators to remain focused on legislative responsibilities and not be distracted by controversies.

“I thank you for this vote of confidence. Let us stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions,” he added.