The governor of Oyo state in Nigeria has said that about 230 properties at the site of the Ibadan explosion were currently undergoing structural integrity tests. The investigation into the blast that claimed three lives and dozens of injuries is currently ongoing.

Nigerians sift through rubble after devastating blast | World of Africa

Nigerian police on Sunday (Jan 21) rescued five sisters who were held captive after being abducted in Abuja.

Six sisters were kidnapped by armed men at the beginning of the year who barged into their residence which was located just 15 miles (25 kilometres) from Abuja city centre, according to their family members.

The girls were rescued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police and the army on Saturday night (Jan 20) in the Kajuru forest in neighbouring Kaduna State.

"The FCT Police has rescued the victims and reunited them with their families," a police statement said.

One of the family members of the sisters confirmed their rescue to news agency AFP.

The abducters had demanded ransom for the release of the girls and when the deadline for it passed, they killed 21-year-old Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar which triggered a public outcry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-fire-breaks-out-at-gas-terminal-in-ust-luga-port-ukrainian-drone-sighted-in-area-682046">Russia: Fire breaks out at gas terminal in Ust-Luga port; two drones sighted</a>

<h2>Kidnapping incidents in Nigeria</h2>

Kidnapping is one of the major issues Nigeria has been battling for a very long time with criminal gangs abducting people from highways, apartments and even kids from schools.

Gangs, that are locally dubbed as bandits, operate out of bases in forests across the northwest and central states.

After the incident triggered public outrage, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the abduction and said that the country was recently witnessing a "spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks".

Watch |&nbsp;Sinking Naira pushes Nigeria to seek $1.5 bn aid from World Bank

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sinking-naira-pushes-nigeria-to-seek-15-bn-aid-from-world-bank-681071/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Tackling security concerns was one of the major promises made by Tinubu since he assumed office in May last year.

Some experts blame the country's current economic situation behind the rise in such incidents as desperate Nigerians get down to committing such crimes for income.

Even though paying ransom to kidnappers is barred under Nigerian law, some victim families thought they had no choice because of little to no faith in the authorities.

The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram jihadists from Chibok in northeastern Nigeria stoked global fury in the year 2014, but daily kidnappings rarely gain as much international attention.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian police on Sunday (Jan 21) rescued five sisters who were held captive after being abducted in Abuja. Six sisters were kidnapped by armed men at the beginning of the year who barged into their residence which was located just 15 miles (25 kilometres) from Abuja city centre, according to their family members.

Nigerian police on Sunday (Jan 21) rescued five sisters who were held captive after being abducted in Abuja. Six sisters were kidnapped by armed men at the beginning of the year who barged into their residence which was located just 15 miles (25 kilometres) from Abuja city centre, according to their family members. The girls were rescued by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police and the army on Saturday night (Jan 20) in the Kajuru forest in neighbouring Kaduna State. "The FCT Police has rescued the victims and reunited them with their families," a police statement said. One of the family members of the sisters confirmed their rescue to news agency AFP. The abducters had demanded ransom for the release of the girls and when the deadline for it passed, they killed 21-year-old Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar which triggered a public outcry. Also read: Russia: Fire breaks out at gas terminal in Ust-Luga port; two drones sighted Kidnapping incidents in Nigeria Kidnapping is one of the major issues Nigeria has been battling for a very long time with criminal gangs abducting people from highways, apartments and even kids from schools. Gangs, that are locally dubbed as bandits, operate out of bases in forests across the northwest and central states. After the incident triggered public outrage, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the abduction and said that the country was recently witnessing a "spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks". Watch | Sinking Naira pushes Nigeria to seek $1.5 bn aid from World Bank × Tackling security concerns was one of the major promises made by Tinubu since he assumed office in May last year. Some experts blame the country's current economic situation behind the rise in such incidents as desperate Nigerians get down to committing such crimes for income. Even though paying ransom to kidnappers is barred under Nigerian law, some victim families thought they had no choice because of little to no faith in the authorities. The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram jihadists from Chibok in northeastern Nigeria stoked global fury in the year 2014, but daily kidnappings rarely gain as much international attention. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria police secure release of sisters kidnapped from Abuja after public outcry

Nigeria is looking at $1.5 billion worth of loans from the World Bank to help with its chronic dollar shortage. The severe dollar shortage has been a significant factor in the sharp collapse of the Naira to a record low.

Sinking Naira pushes Nigeria to seek $1.5 bn aid from World Bank

British energy giant, Shell, is set to conclude nearly a century of onshore oil and gas operations in Nigeria, announcing the sale of its subsidiary to a consortium of mostly local companies for up to $2.4 billion.<o:p></o:p>

This is based on a Reuters report.<o:p></o:p>

This move comes after years of struggles with onshore oil spills due to theft, sabotage, and operational issues that led to costly repairs and legal challenges. <o:p></o:p>

Shell has been actively seeking to sell its Nigerian onshore assets since 2021 but will continue its presence in Nigeria's more lucrative and less problematic offshore sector.<o:p></o:p>

The sale involves The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and is valued at $1.3 billion, with the buyers making an additional payment of up to $1.1 billion relating to prior receivables at completion. <o:p></o:p>

The Renaissance consortium, comprising ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&amp;P, Waltersmith, and Petrolin, a Swiss-based trading and investment company, will take over responsibility for handling spills, theft, and sabotage. <o:p></o:p>

However, the sale requires approval from the Nigerian government.<o:p></o:p>

Reuters cited Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's head of upstream, who highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, "This agreement marks an important milestone for Shell in Nigeria, aligning with our previously announced intent to exit onshore oil production in the Niger Delta, simplifying our portfolio, and focusing future disciplined investment in Nigeria on our Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions." <o:p></o:p>

Yujnovich emphasised Shell's commitment to a disciplined investment strategy in Nigeria's offshore sector.<o:p></o:p>

The sale of onshore assets is part of a broader trend where western energy companies, including Exxon Mobil, Eni, and Equinor, are retreating from Nigeria to concentrate on more profitable operations. <o:p></o:p>

While Shell will part ways with onshore operations, it will retain other assets, including a liquefied natural gas plant, in Nigeria. <o:p></o:p>

Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Nigerian advocacy group Health of Mother Earth Foundation, stressed that Shell must take responsibility for the environmental damage caused by spills. <o:p></o:p>

"Shell must own up to its responsibility. This means full payment for the remediation and restoration of the polluted areas as well as reparations to the host communities. They cannot walk away from the virtually irreparable harm they have caused," he told Reuters.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

British energy giant, Shell, is set to conclude nearly a century of onshore oil and gas operations in Nigeria, announcing the sale of its subsidiary to a consortium of mostly local companies for up to $2.

British energy giant, Shell, is set to conclude nearly a century of onshore oil and gas operations in Nigeria, announcing the sale of its subsidiary to a consortium of mostly local companies for up to $2.4 billion. This is based on a Reuters report. This move comes after years of struggles with onshore oil spills due to theft, sabotage, and operational issues that led to costly repairs and legal challenges. Shell has been actively seeking to sell its Nigerian onshore assets since 2021 but will continue its presence in Nigeria's more lucrative and less problematic offshore sector. The sale involves The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and is valued at $1.3 billion, with the buyers making an additional payment of up to $1.1 billion relating to prior receivables at completion. The Renaissance consortium, comprising ND Western, Aradel Energy, First E&P, Waltersmith, and Petrolin, a Swiss-based trading and investment company, will take over responsibility for handling spills, theft, and sabotage. However, the sale requires approval from the Nigerian government. Reuters cited Zoë Yujnovich, Shell's head of upstream, who highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, "This agreement marks an important milestone for Shell in Nigeria, aligning with our previously announced intent to exit onshore oil production in the Niger Delta, simplifying our portfolio, and focusing future disciplined investment in Nigeria on our Deepwater and Integrated Gas positions." Yujnovich emphasised Shell's commitment to a disciplined investment strategy in Nigeria's offshore sector. The sale of onshore assets is part of a broader trend where western energy companies, including Exxon Mobil, Eni, and Equinor, are retreating from Nigeria to concentrate on more profitable operations. While Shell will part ways with onshore operations, it will retain other assets, including a liquefied natural gas plant, in Nigeria. Nnimmo Bassey, Executive Director of the Nigerian advocacy group Health of Mother Earth Foundation, stressed that Shell must take responsibility for the environmental damage caused by spills. "Shell must own up to its responsibility. This means full payment for the remediation and restoration of the polluted areas as well as reparations to the host communities. They cannot walk away from the virtually irreparable harm they have caused," he told Reuters. (With inputs from Reuters)

Shell bids farewell to onshore oil in Nigeria after almost a century

A tribe called Judah, a film produced by actor and director Funke Akindele has become the highest-earning Nigerian film. The film smashed box office records and became the first Nigerian movie to earn 1 billion naira or over 1 million dollars in domestic theatres. How and why did the movie achieve this feet, Louisa Olaniyi reports from Lagos, Nigeria.

'A Tribe Called Judah' becomes highest-earning Nigerian film

Nigeria's stock market has been among the best performers this year. Nigerian equities are beating all peers in Europe, West Asia & Africa. The reason for this surge? Pension funds and institutional investors. They anticipate record profits from banks gaining through naira's devaluation.

Nigeria's stock market among the best performers in 2024

Nigeria destroyed 2.5 tonnes of seized elephant tusks valued $11.2 million in a push to protect its dwindling elephant population from rampant wildlife traffickers. Watch this report to know more!

Nigeria: 25 tonnes of seized Elephant tusks worth $11.2 mn destroyed

Nigeria has destroyed 2.5 tons of seized elephant tusks in a bit to tackle the illegal ivory trade and has destroyed tusks valued at $1.2 million. This comes amidst Nigeria's dwindling elephant population affected by rampant Wildlife trafficking.

Nigeria: 2.5 tonnes of seized elephant tusks worth $11.2 million destroyed

Nigeria destroys seized elephant tusks worth $11.2 mn

A drug epidemic is sweeping Africa. Illicit drug consumption and smuggling is a global menace, but it is affecting some regions more than others. This menace is spreading faster with the advent of social media. WION correspondent Louisa Olaniyi has this report from Lagos, Nigeria.

Unconventional drug use on the rise

Nigeria's president Bola Tinubu has suspended the country's minister of humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu over allegations of fraud. Edu has been accused of diverting more than $640,000 of public money into a personal bank account.

Nigerian Humanitarian Minister Betta Edu suspended over corruption scandal

Top United Nations human rights official has voiced “deep alarm” over the series of attacks on communities in central Nigeria, which left at least 160 people dead and many more injured. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into the attacks that occurred in Plateau state.

Nigeria: Massacre in the plateau

The armed groups have reportedly killed at least about 160 people in central Nigeria in a series of attacks on villages. This is said to be 10 times who were the first 16 who were first reported being killed by the Army in a region that's long been riddled by religious and ethnic tensions.

Nigeria: Attacks kill nearly 200 people in Nigeria; Military gangs torch homes

In Pics | Year Ender 2023: General, Presidential elections around the world

Nigeria: Dozens killed in armed groups attacks on villages in central Nigeria

Nigeria: Armed groups attacks, kill at least 160 in Central Nigeria

Dozens killed in armed groups attacks on villages in central Nigeria

The death toll in weekend attacks in the central Nigerian state of Plateau has risen to 113, a local official said on Monday, in a region where clashes between herders and farmers are common.

It is the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May when more than 100 people were killed in farmer-herder attacks.

AFP News Agency had cited the Nigerian army on Sunday as saying 16 people were killed in the latest attacks.

The acting chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Monday Kassah, said 113 people had been killed in the attacks on Saturday and Sunday.

"The attacks were well-coordinated. Not fewer than 20 different communities were attacked by the bandits," he said.

"We have recovered 113 dead bodies from those communities. We have recovered more than 300 injured."

Kassah did not say who was responsible for the attacks. He added that the injured had been taken to hospital.

Plateau police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

Plateau is one of several ethnically and religiously diverse hinterland states known as Nigeria's Middle Belt, where inter-communal conflict has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years.

The violence is often painted as ethno-religious conflict between Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers. But climate change and expanding agriculture are also major factors.

The death toll in weekend attacks in the central Nigerian state of Plateau has risen to 113, a local official said on Monday, in a region where clashes between herders and farmers are common.

The death toll in weekend attacks in the central Nigerian state of Plateau has risen to 113, a local official said on Monday, in a region where clashes between herders and farmers are common. It is the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May when more than 100 people were killed in farmer-herder attacks. AFP News Agency had cited the Nigerian army on Sunday as saying 16 people were killed in the latest attacks. The acting chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Monday Kassah, said 113 people had been killed in the attacks on Saturday and Sunday. "The attacks were well-coordinated. Not fewer than 20 different communities were attacked by the bandits," he said. "We have recovered 113 dead bodies from those communities. We have recovered more than 300 injured." Kassah did not say who was responsible for the attacks. He added that the injured had been taken to hospital. Plateau police spokesperson could not be reached for comment. Plateau is one of several ethnically and religiously diverse hinterland states known as Nigeria's Middle Belt, where inter-communal conflict has claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. The violence is often painted as ethno-religious conflict between Muslim herders and mainly Christian farmers. But climate change and expanding agriculture are also major factors.

At least 113 killed in attacks in central Nigeria, says local official

The death toll in weekend attacks in the central Nigerian state of Plateau has risen to 113, a local official said on Monday, in a region where clashes between herders and farmers are common. It is the worst outbreak of violence in Plateau since May when more than 100 people were killed in farmer-herder attacks.

Nigeria: At least 113 killed in attacks in central Nigeria, says local official

Nigeria's horror attacks: Attacks kill at least 160 in Central Nigeria

Nigeria's former Central Bank Governor is under scrutiny over siphoning millions of dollars. A report accuses Godwin Emefiele of stashing $690 million in UK accounts and stealing some $6 million from the Nigerian Central Bank.

Nigeria: Former bank chief Godwin Emefiele accused of stealing $690 million

Nigeria's former bank chief Godwin Emefiele accused of stealing $690 million

Armed groups attack villages in northeast Nigeria

The last French troops deployed in Niger to help fight a decade-old Islamist insurgency in the Sahel left the country on Friday, sealing a withdrawal that has dealt a further blow to France's influence in West Africa.

Last French troops leave Sahel as military cooperation officially ends

Last French troops leave Niger as military cooperation officially ends

Nigeria is bracing for a pretty harsh winter amid High inflation in the country. President Bola Tinubu has responded to the situation with several economic measures including the slashing of public transport prizes on several routes by half as well as free train rides for the Nigerians.

Nigerian currency loses 41% value

The price of some medicines has risen almost tenfold in nigeria in the past few months, forcing patients to cut doses or turn to traditional alternatives.

Drug prices soar in Nigeria

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen crowned African men's footballer of the year, his compatriot Asisat Oshoala bags the top women's prize for a record sixth time. Indian Wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant is set to return to cricket after a near-fatal accident and why are all Turkish leagues suspended, take a look at this report for all the headlines from World of Sport.

Sports morning wrap: Osimhen reigns supreme, Pant set to return

Currency crisis in nigeria: In official trade, the value of the nigerian naira fell to its lowest level ever. That is driven by a scarcity of u.S. Dollars even as the government assured that supply will be increased.

Nigeria's Naira crashes 23% amid dollar shortage in Nigeria

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Ukrainian President Zelensky who will be travelling to US this week to meet President Joe Biden, will plead his case before Republicans who are opposed to sending more money for Ukraine's fight against Russia.

Zelensky to plead his case in Washington | Milei sworn in as president Argentina

nigeria

Nigeria, News on Nigeria, stories on Nigeria, articles on Nigeria, Nigeria stories at Wion, Nigeria news, Nigeria latest news