The Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Shindol Aaron, has cried out over the abduction of two visually impaired persons by suspected kidnappers along the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

In a statement on Tuesday, Aaron said the victims were among nine persons selected to attend a training programme in Benue State.

He added that “They were selected to attend a training in Benue State and from what I gathered, they took off from Jos, and along the way, they got information that the event had been postponed to another day and they were asked to return to their station.”

He said it was on their way back to Jos that they encountered some kidnappers who abducted them.

“They were nine in the vehicle. Seven of them escaped, and two were abducted. So, right now, we have a male and a lady in their custody,” he disclosed.

According to him, the incident occurred around 8pm on Monday in Riyom Local Government Area.

He added, “This thing happened yesterday, Monday night around 8 pm around Riyom LGA.

“I have not spoken with the kidnappers, but I was told that they were asking for ransom from somebody who spoke with them.”

Aaron said the incident had been reported to security agencies and that efforts were being made to secure the victims’ release.

Another member of the association, who also confirmed the abduction, said the kidnappers had demanded a N50m ransom.

“The kidnappers have reached out, and they are demanding N50m before they could free the two persons in their custody.

“Where do they want us to get the money from?” the member asked.

A farmer, Samson Gabriel, has been allegedly hacked to death with a machete by his neighbour, Lekan Oyebamiji, following a disagreement over money in Akinlalu community, Osun State.

The incident, which occurred at the weekend , report says, sparked tension in the community, forcing some residents living close to the two men to flee their homes.

Residents said the disagreement between the neighbours escalated into a violent confrontation when Oyebamiji allegedly picked up a machete and attacked Gabriel, inflicting several injuries on him.

A community source said the suspect inflicted multiple cuts on the deceased, severing his wrist and leaving deep wounds on his head and other parts of his body.

“Oyebamiji macheted Gabriel to death. Gabriel was a farmer. They are neighbours. Many people living close to them have fled their homes to avoid being arrested by the police. During the argument, the suspect reached for his cutlass and inflicted several cuts on the deceased,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command said Oyebamiji had been arrested in connection with the killing.

The command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary information indicated that the incident followed a disagreement over money between the two neighbours.

Ojelabi added that the police had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for the introduction of rescue techniques and emergency response education into school curricula, even as
the Federal Government is set to repeal the 1963 Fire Service Act and replace it with new legislation that will transform the Federal Fire Service into the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, at the 2026 National Fire Safety Week, the Minister who also called for the introduction of rescue techniques and emergency response education into school curricula, posited that Nigerians should acquire basic lifesaving skills.

According to the Minister,
the proposed legislation to reposition the Fire service would be presented for consideration this week.

Tunji-Ojo said the new law would expand the agency’s responsibilities beyond firefighting to include emergency medical services, search and rescue operations, hazardous materials response, disaster management and accident investigation.

He said, “For the first time in 63 years, this President has taken the bull by the horns. As I speak to you, I think we have finished defending the proposal ,It should be laid this week, Thursday, at the level of the Federal Executive Council.

“So with this new law, we are repealing what used to be the Federal Fire Service Act. What the government of President Bola Tinubu is bringing on board is the Federal Fire and Rescue Service.”

The minister explained that the existing law had restricted the agency’s ability to innovate and respond effectively to emerging emergencies, noting that the legislation was no longer suitable for the country’s present realities.

He said, “You cannot have a Fire Service Act of 1963 and think it will be near 2026 compliant. It doesn’t make sense. And if the law does not give you the power to do certain things, it makes the job of this man in uniform impossible to do

“The number one issue we had was the law. There is no right way of doing what is legally wrong. If the law does not give you the power to do something, no matter how good that action is, once you do it, it becomes illegal.”

Tunji-Ojo said the government wanted a fire service that would serve as a first responder during emergencies, including road accidents, floods, earthquakes and incidents involving toxic substances.

He added that the proposed agency would also provide first aid and emergency medical services, while strengthening fire prevention through inspections, enforcement of safety regulations and public education.

“I want to have my dream of a fire service in Nigeria that will be able to provide that first aid, that will be able to provide that rescue service, even medical rescue services.

“I want to see a Federal Fire Service that specialises in rescue operations. I want to see a Federal Service that deals with hazardous materials, what we call HAZMAT response, when there is a ceiling, when there is a helicopter, toxic gas, etc. It is the fire service that is responsible,” he said.

The minister also called for the introduction of rescue techniques and emergency response education into school curricula, arguing that Nigerians should acquire basic lifesaving skills.

He said, “What percentage of Nigerians can even do a single resuscitation process? So we must make sure that rescue becomes our way of life, because you never can tell who that next person is you will be in a position to help.

“It might be your mother, it might be your son, it might be your daughter, it might even be somebody who is very important to you.”

Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Fire Service would also coordinate policies to promote uniformity in fire safety standards across the country, while working with state and local authorities.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced the construction of a fire service academy in Kwali, Abuja, which he said was about 65 per cent completed and expected to be ready by December.

According to him, the facility, which occupies about 23 hectares, will have training classrooms, a library, a health centre and accommodation for more than 3,000 trainees.

He said the government had also expanded the agency’s leadership structure from one Deputy Controller-General to three and increased its commands from six to 18.