Headlines
Stopping Kidnapping’s Impossible, It’s Been Commercialised, Says Wike
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has said it is impossible to stop kidnapping in the country because it has been “commercialised”.
Wike said this when Rotary International District 9141 paid him a courtesy visit at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.
He said since kidnapping had become business in the country it could only be reduced.
The governor said, “It is now impossible to stop kidnapping in Nigeria; it is now business. It has been commercialised.
“It is now a major business. Everyone must partner the government to ensure that we reduce it to the bare minimum. But it cannot be totally eradicated.”
From security reports, according to him, people aged between 16 and 22 are those involved in kidnapping.
Wike said, “Look at what is happening across the country. Kidnapping has taken over all states. When it started here, it was politicised. But today, it is negatively affecting all states.
“A few days ago, a Court of Appeal judge was kidnapped in Benin. Before that, a Federal High Court judge was kidnapped. All of us must work together to stop this scourge.”
He called on Rotary Nigeria to embark on a campaign to educate young people on the dangers of cultism and kidnapping.
The governor urged everyone in the country to be conscious of their environment and take measures to protect themselves.
According to him, kidnappers always use co-workers, family members and associates as informants.
He commended Rotary Nigeria for its contribution to the development of the state. Wike assured the group that the state government would continue to partner them to achieve developmental goals.
He also said the state government would continue to protect life and property, health, education and vital social services by investing heavily in them.
The District Governor of Rotary International District 9141, Nze Anizor, described the governor as a rare leader, who contributed to the development of the state.
He congratulated Wike on his re-election, describing his victory as an opportunity for him to do more for Rivers people.
Former governor of Anambra State, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has officially defected to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced the decision on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
The National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, was among the attendees.
United States Representative Riley Moors has said further military strikes against Islamic State-linked militants in Nigeria could follow recent operations ordered by President Donald Trump, describing the actions as aimed at improving security and protecting Christian communities facing violence.
Moore made the remarks during a televised interview in which he addressed U.S. military strikes carried out on Christmas Day against militant targets in North-west Nigeria.
The strikes were conducted in coordination with the Nigerian government, according to U.S. and Nigerian officials.
“President Trump is not trying to bring war to Nigeria, he’s bringing peace and security to Nigeria and to the thousands of Christians who face horrific violence and death,” Moore said.
He said the Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State affiliates had provided hope to Christians in Nigeria, particularly in areas affected by repeated attacks during past festive periods.
According to U.S. authorities, the strikes targeted camps used by Islamic State-linked groups operating in parts of north-west Nigeria.
Nigerian officials confirmed that the operation was carried out with intelligence support from Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation between both countries.
The United States Africa Command said the operation was intended to degrade the operational capacity of extremist groups responsible for attacks on civilians and security forces.
Nigerian authorities have described the targeted groups as a threat to national security, noting their involvement in killings, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.
Moore said the strikes marked a shift from previous years in which attacks were carried out against civilians during the Christmas period. He said the U.S. administration was focused on preventing further violence by targeting militant groups before they could launch attacks.
U.S. officials have said the military action was carried out with the consent of the Nigerian government and formed part of broader security cooperation between the two countries. Nigeria has received intelligence, training and logistical support from international partners as it seeks to contain militant activity.
Moore had previously called for stronger international attention to attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria and has urged continued U.S. engagement in addressing extremist violence. He said further action would depend on developments on the ground and continued coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian officials have maintained that counter-terrorism operations are directed at armed groups threatening civilians, regardless of religion, and have reiterated their commitment to restoring security across affected regions.
World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua on Monday survived a ghastly road accident in Makun, Ogun State.
Eyewitnesses report that the incident occurred along a busy highway of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The vehicle carrying Joshua, a Lexus Jeep with the number plate, KRD 850 HN, reportedly collided with a stationary truck under circumstances that are still being investigated.
Joshua reportedly sustained minor injuries, while two persons were said to have died on the spot.
