By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

The wife of Honourable Terwase Orbunde, former Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Benue State, and her house help, who were abducted by gunmen in Makurdi last Friday evening have regained their freedom.

Mrs Abigail Kashimana Orbunde and Ms Patience Ogute, regained freedom on Tuesday, April 16, after an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom to their abductors who had demanded N100 million.

The captives spent four harrowing days in captivity before their release.

They have reunited with their family members and taken to hospital for immediate medical attention.

The gunmen on Friday, April 12, attacked Honorable Orbunde, and abducted his wife and house help.

The attack took place along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital at about six pm.

The former Chief of Staff escaped with a gunshot on his right arm while the attackers whisked away his wife and cook.

Mrs Orbunde expressed gratitude to God for their deliverance and said they walked long distance in the bush without food and water.

Her husband, who is receiving treatment in hospital for gunshot wounds, thanked God and all those who stood with the family through prayers and financial contributions that have secured the release.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Secretary of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Alhaji Mutiu Are on his 65th birthday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Are as a seasoned administrator and committed politician.

He said Alhaji Are has made remarkable contributions to governance and politics in Lagos as a chieftain of the ruling party in the State for many years, adding that his positive impacts as scribe of the GAC are felt within the party and the State as a whole.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Alhaji Are for being a committed and passionate leader, noting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain has used his various positions for the progress and development of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole in different capacities.

He said, “On behalf of my darling wife, Ibijoke, the Government and the people of Lagos State, as well as leaders and members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress, I congratulate Alhaji Mutiu Are on his 65th birthday.

“As Alhaji Mutiu Are celebrates this significant milestone, I pray that God will increase his good health to enable him to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) otherwise known as KAI, carried out clearance operations on Wednesday, April 17, targeting pedestrian bridges located at Ikate Elegushi and Agungi along the Ajah axis.

This initiative, aimed at enhancing the safety and cleanliness of public spaces, was announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through his official social media handle.

In a tweet, Commissioner Wahab highlighted the proactive efforts of KAI operatives in conducting the clearance operations, underscoring the importance of maintaining clean and safe pedestrian infrastructure.

The clearance operations on the pedestrian bridges signify a concerted effort by the Lagos State government to uphold sanitation standards and promote a conducive environment for commuters and pedestrians alike.

He wrote, “The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial (KAI) today conducted clearance operations on the pedestrian bridges at Ikate Elegushi and Agungi along Ajah.

“12 miscreants were arrested for sleeping on the bridge and inside the opening under the bridge at Ikate Elegushi. The pedestrian bridge has been cleaned by @Lawma_gov and it is safe for use.”

This clearance is in line with the state government’s agenda to create a cleaner Lagos.