News
Abducted IDPs in Borno went beyond permissible distance – DHQ
Mariam Sanni
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters says the 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were abducted by terrorists in Borno recently, reportedly went beyond the permissible distance from their camp without informing the camp officials.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while giving update on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces across the country in Abuja.
Buba said that troops, on March 3, received information from the Coordinator of Borno State Emergency Management Agency about suspected abduction of an unknown number of IDPs in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.
He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the IDPs left camp to an undisclosed location to fetch firewood.
He said that the IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance.
According to him, the IDPs reportedly did not notify the camp authorities of their movement.
“It was later, at about 2030hrs at night, when the IDPs did not return to camp, that alarm was raised as to their possible abduction by terrorists.
“It was at that stage that troops were notified of the incident.
“The standard practice was for troops to be notified prior to any movement of IDPs beyond the permissible distance of 5-7km from their camp.
“The IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance to get firewood as a result of deforestation around their camp.
The terrorist abducted 112 IDPs in the process,” he said.
Buba said that efforts were ongoing to rescue them and others abducted in other locations including Kaduna and Sokoto states.
He said that search-and-rescue efforts were affected by the late notification of troops about the abduction.
He gave the assurance that the military would do its best to get back the abducted people.
“Because of the sensitivity of the matter, I cannot go into further details as to signs of life, location and the different options that we have in order to get these hostages back.
“I can further assure that getting these hostages back is very clearly on the top of our priorities.
“It is for this reason we have leveraged on our international partners for support,” he said.
Politics
Ochei to Ndokwa: “Your Gas Must Light Your Homes and Create Jobs — Not Just Enrich Outsiders”
Elumelu Felix
Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, the NDC Delta North Senatorial Candidate, led a delegation of party candidates on consultation visits to traditional rulers and institutions in Utagba-Ogbe and Emu Kingdoms on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The delegation first met with the Obi Ndu Eze Council of Chiefs in Utagba-Ogbe, where Ochei outlined his vision for the development of Ndokwa Nation.
He expressed concern that communities endowed with substantial natural gas deposits continue to face inadequate electricity supply. Drawing on his background as a power engineer, he explained how the Okpai Power Plant could be leveraged as part of efforts to improve power supply across Delta North.
Ochei also called on the people to hold prospective representatives accountable by examining their previous performance and stated plans. He referenced his record as a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, during which he facilitated constituency projects and oversaw the renovation of the Assembly complex.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Ugochukwu Nwokolo (Overdo), Engr. Edwin Nzei (NDC candidate for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency), the party’s candidate for Ndokwa West State Constituency, and NDC Delta North chairman Hon. Aaron Udoka Ebenuwa.
The team later proceeded in a procession to the palace of HRM Isaac Obi, the Oduosa I of Utagba-Ogbe. The visit drew public attention, with residents gathering along streets, shops, and market areas in Kwale.
At the palace, Ochei paid respects to the monarch and recalled the passage of the Anti-Kidnapping law during his tenure as Speaker as evidence of his capacity to deliver results. The traditional ruler, accompanied by his council, received the candidates, offered prayers for their aspirations, and urged them to remain committed to the development of Ndokwa Nation.
The consultation continued at Emu Kingdom, where the delegation was warmly received. Ochei assured residents of his commitment to promoting development through effective legislative representation. He stressed that reliable electricity must be prioritised, noting that improved power supply could stimulate businesses, attract investment, create jobs, and unlock local economic potential.
HRM Johnson Ekpechi, the Obueweh of Emu Kingdom, expressed support for the candidates’ development agenda, which he said aligns with broader calls for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy toward one focused on production and value creation.
The visits to Utagba-Ogbe and Emu Kingdoms highlighted electricity, infrastructure, economic transformation, and purposeful representation as priorities for Ndokwa Nation.
Ochei maintained that the region’s natural resources should translate into tangible benefits for its people through policies that support industrialisation, empower young people, and raise living standards.
Vote Mr. Peter Obi for president
Vote Dcn Chris Iyovwaye for Governor
Vote Rt. Hon Victor Ochei for senate
Vote NDC 5/5 ✌🏾
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
