Kidnappers demand N20 million to free Imo catholic priest

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7 days ago

March 26, 2025

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Kidnappers of Rev Fr John Ubaechu, the Parish Priest of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, are demanding N20 million as ransom for the release of the clergyman.

Ubaechu was abducted in Ejemekwuru on Sunday evening while on his way to attend the annual retreat of priests of the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Imo.

His abduction was confirmed by the Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev Fr Patrick Mbarah on Monday in Owerri, in a statement.

A source from the church, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on condition of anonymity, on Wednesday in Owerri, said the kidnappers had contacted some persons through whom they first demanded N50 million, before they reduced the amount.

“Most parishioners have been extremely worried about the safety of the priest since Fr John was kidnapped and his abductors are still keeping him up to today being Wednesday,’’ he said.

The source said, though there were conflicting reports on the kidnappers’ demand, nobody is sure if the demand is actually coming from the abductors.

“Some people are saying that the kidnappers are demanding N50 million, some N20 million and some N10 million, the fact remains that Fr. John is still with the kidnappers, we keep praying for his safe release.

He also pleaded with the state government and security agencies to intervene and help rescue the priest, because he is a missionary who does not have anything yielding money for him,’’ he said.

Another parishioner, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, noted with regret that the abductor forced the priest to remove his cassock, forcing him out of his official vehicle before taking him away.

“We got information that the kidnappers forced our priest to remove his white cassock and took him out of his vehicle before they went off.

“Naval personnel at Izombe later recovered the vehicle,’’ he said.

He, however, appealed to the abductor to have a change of heart and release the priest.

Algiers-Abuja direct flight service begins April 6 – Nigerian govt

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9 minutes ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Nigerian government has announced the commencement of a direct flight service from Algiers to Abuja through Air Algérie.

The government stated that flights on this route will begin on April 6, 2025.

The acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, the new route, which is a result of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries, will be operated by the national carrier, Air Algérie, using a Boeing 737 aircraft.

This new service is expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and Algeria.

With this development, the ministry noted that Nigerians will have access to more affordable flights from Algeria to Europe.

“This historic development marks a significant milestone in the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

“It is pertinent to state that the implementation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both countries has culminated in this successful venture.

“The affordable fare structure and Algeria’s proximity to Europe will also provide Nigerians with a convenient gateway to Europe, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transit.”

LASTMA issues stern warning to mini-bus drivers over traffic violations

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3 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has issued a firm directive to commercial bus operators, particularly drivers of mini-buses, commonly known as Korope, warning them against unauthorized route violations or risk facing strict legal actions.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, reiterated the state government’s dedication to maintaining order on Lagos roads and ensuring the free flow of traffic.

He disclosed that LASTMA operatives have been mandated to intensify enforcement against reckless driving and illegal practices that disrupt the city’s transportation system.

Giwa strongly condemned the indiscriminate use of public roads for unauthorized parking and loading, emphasizing that such activities contribute significantly to traffic congestion and pose serious risks to other road users.

He stressed that commercial transport operators must adhere strictly to designated bus stops and terminals, warning that habitual violations will no longer be tolerated.

“Illegal parking and flagrant route violations have become a major challenge in Lagos, particularly due to the erratic conduct of mini-bus operators. These infractions not only obstruct smooth traffic flow but also compromise public safety. LASTMA has been instructed to enforce full compliance with existing traffic laws and to apprehend offenders accordingly,” Giwa stated.

He further emphasized that adherence to designated routes is essential for security purposes, as unauthorized detours by commercial buses could create loopholes for criminal activities.

LASTMA urged all road users, especially commercial drivers, to cooperate with traffic enforcement authorities by adhering to regulations and cultivating responsible driving habits.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring a more efficient transportation system for all Lagos residents.

US Senator breaks record for the longest speech ever on the senate floor with over 24 hours

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7 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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Senator Cory Booker has broken the record for the longest speech ever delivered in the Senate.

The New Jersey Democrat spoke for 25 hours and 5 minutes, according to his office, breaking the record for the longest floor speech in modern history of the chamber as he spoke in protest of President Donald Trump’s “unconstitutional” actions.

Booker said he would speak for as long as he was physically able as he began his address at around 19:00 local time on Monday evening. He concluded at 20:06 on Tuesday.

Booker, 55, surpassed the late Sen. Strom Thurmond’s speech that lasted 24 hour and 18 minutes in 1957. Booker said that he was speaking “in spite” of the previous record holder’s remarks against the 1957 Civil Rights Act.

“Since I’ve gotten to the Senate, I always felt it was a strange shadow hanging over this institution — that the longest speech, all the issues that have come up, all the noble causes that people have done, or the things that typically try to stop – I just found it strange that he had the record,” Booker told CNN. “And as a guy who grew up with the legends of the Civil Rights Movement, myself, my parents and their friends, it just would seem wrong to me. It always seemed wrong.”

He lashed out at Trump’s radical cost-cutting policies that have seen his top advisor Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, slash entire government programs without consent from Congress.

The senator said Trump’s aggressive seizing of ever-more executive power had put US democracy at risk.

“Unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds. And institutions which are special in America, which are precious and which are unique in our country, are being recklessly – and I would say even unconstitutionally – affected, attacked, even shattered,” Booker said.

“In just 71 days the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy,” he said.