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.

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has articulated the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.

This view was shared in a statehouse statement on Thursday, in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga.

He declared thus, “For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future.”

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President Tinubu was receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West, when he bared his mind.

He highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties:

“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” he added.

President Tinubu made it clear that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.

“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”

He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.

“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.

“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”

Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.

“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.

Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa.

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.