The Police Command in Benue, on Friday rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, made this known in a statement, in Makurdi.

Anene said that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the death of the driver and one passenger.

She said the armed kidnappers thereafter took away the remaining 14 other passengers to an unknown destination.

The PRO said the command, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while 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, Mr 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. (NAN)

Adamawa government on Friday unveiled the distribution of teaching and learning materials to public primary schools across the state for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Speaking at the distribution in Yola, Hajiya Lami Fintiri, wife of the state governor, said the distribution marked the commencement of Phase II of the state-funded education support initiative.

Fintiri said: “Education is the key to unlocking the potential of children and I call on all stakeholders to double their efforts to build the future of the children.

“We must all work together to ensure these tools are used to build a better future for the next generation,” she said.

She appreciated the leadership of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) for their tireless efforts on their education development in the state.

She charged them to ensure judicious distribution of the materials .

Dr Murtala Babayi, the Executive Chairman of ADSUBEB, said the materials were 26,088 cartons of white chalk, 76,830 Lesson Plan notebooks, 73,079 teachers diaries.

Others included 85,480 class attendance registers, and 55,556 dusters.

“All were provided free of charge to the beneficiaries.

“This is a crucial step towards empowering our teachers and learners with the tools they need to succeed and this demonstrates our unwavering commitment to quality education and sustainability,” he said.

Babayi emphasised the importance of the materials in improving learning outcomes and classroom experience.

The first batch of the distribution exercise was conducted on Nov. 6, 2024(NAN)

Gov. Dapo Abiodun has described the death of All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesperson in Ogun, Tunde Oladunjoye, as a terrible loss to the state and the party.

In a statement on Friday in Abeokuta, Abiodun said he received news of Oladunjoye’s passing with disbelief and profound shock.

The governor expressed sorrow that the dedicated and dynamic politician died in the prime of his life and career.

He described Oladunjoye as forthright, grounded, and a consummate politician who firmly stood by any cause he believed in.

Abiodun noted that Oladunjoye was a stabilising force in both Ogun APC and government circles.

“News of the death of our gallant, cerebral, and diligent spokesman and consultant, Tunde Oladunjoye, is devastating.

“This is tragic and difficult to comprehend. One death too many, yet we surrender to the sovereignty of Almighty God who has called him home.

“As a party loyalist and aide, Oladunjoye gave his all to defend our policies, programmes, and the image of our government.

“He was an effective and accomplished spokesman whose brilliance and dedication were never in doubt.

“He was courageous, and arguably the finest spokesman Ogun APC has produced. His contributions to our administration’s achievements were significant.

“His doggedness, tenacity, and loyalty made him a pillar in building the Ogun APC brand. He was honest, grounded, and unwavering.

“Tunde Oladunjoye was a good man and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Ogun APC, and his many friends.

“Eternal rest grant him, O Lord,” the governor said.

Report says that Tunde Oladunjoye passed away on Friday. (NAN)