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Bandits Begged For Forgiveness–Victims Of Niger Abduction Recount Ordeal
The freed passengers of the Niger State Transport Authority abducted by bandits recently have recounted their ordeal, saying their abductors asked them for forgiveness.
52 individuals were kidnapped in Kundu village of Rijau Local Government Area on February 14, while returning to Minna.
They were kidnapped on February 14, after the gunmen ambushed their bus while they were returning from a wedding in Rijau local government area (LGA) of the state.
Abubakar Sani Bello, Niger state governor, announced their release on Sunday, and said securing the freedom of the victims was the result of “dialogue and hard work”.
Recounting their ordeal on Monday, the kidnap victims said the bandits made them trek inside the bush amid starvation and beating.
According to NAN, Hamza Mohammed, one of the victims who described the experience as “terrible” said they were only given one bottle of dirty water used in feeding cattle to drink.
“The first day, we rested on a mountain and anyone who attempts to sleep will be flogged,” he said.
Mohammed said on the day they were to be released, the bandits asked for forgiveness and begged them to pray for their repentance.
“The bandits only carried women and children on their motorcycle to a particular destination,” Ndagi said.
“When we trekked to where the women were kept, it was already night, they cook spaghetti and poured on our hands to eat. We were cooking for ourselves and they kept beating us on daily basis and as we moved, we kept seeing more of the bandits.”
Mohammed Ndagi, a civil servant with the state science and technical board, said their vehicle was intercepted at about 2:30 pm and the bandits led them into the bush where they trekked “day and night”.
Ndagi said a particular bandit kept beating them with sticks and threatened them to give them money or risk being killed.
Jummai Isah, one of the victims, said the bandits used their motorcycles to convey women and children and did not allow them to trek.
“We had little or no food to eat, they usually give us little food to cook and eat,” she said.
“They beat the men and spare the women and children, they only started beating women three days before we were released. They started beating us and shooting on the air because they said our people refused to give them money.”
Isah appreciated the state and federal governments for their efforts in ensuring their release.
While addressing the victims before handing them to their families, Sani-Bello advised them to see their abduction as one of the issues of life and commended the people of the state for their prayers and support.
Bello, who was represented by his chief of staff, said his government has approved some stipends for the victims to aid their transportation back to their families.
He also said efforts are being made to secure the release of the students and staff of the state science school in Kagara.
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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