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Senior lecturer narrates how she was kidnapped, raped in Rivers

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

A female senior lecturer (name withheld) in one of the tertiary institutions in Rivers State has given graphic details of her ordeals in the hands of kidnappers.

She recounted how she was raped in the forest of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers and miraculously escaped from the kidnappers’ den.

Amid tears, she told her horrific story on Friday at the 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt shortly after the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, handed over the three men who confessed to have kidnapped her to SARS.

The victim, who was accompanied by her husband and a female relative, said: “I was in my house in Port Harcourt on April 30, 2019. I was alone with my children and my husband’s cousin. They were sleeping in the room.

“I was washing with machine at the balcony. Since it was around 8 p.m., there was a programme I always watched on Zee World.

“As I was washing my clothes, I was watching the programme. The main gate was locked, but the protector was open, since I had to go downstairs to get water.

“I was in the living room, when I noticed that the protector opened slightly. I was wondering, because if my husband returned from work, he would horn and I would have to go and open the main gate for him.

“I was wondering who was there. The other person who was supposed to come back from work was sleeping. The next thing I saw was the key to the main door opened.

“Then I saw two guys first, pointing a gun at me. One of them cocked the gun and he asked after my husband but I said he had not closed from work.

“He then angrily asked why he had not closed from work at that time. I told him I wouldn’t know. He asked me to cooperate otherwise they would finish me, saying they were not playing with me.”

She went on:  “He asked of my ATM card and PIN. I gave him. He asked if I had money in the house I said no but I had gold, which could be sold for N50, 000 but they rejected it.

“One person took our television, another took the laptop. I was tying a wrapper with spaghetti top since I was in my house. They then asked me to follow them.

“One of them asked me to get a dress but they did not let me leave the living room. The dress I wore to school that day was on my room’s door. They brought it for me and I wore it.

“They asked of my car’s key, I brought it out and I gave it to them. That was how they put me in my vehicle and as they were about to drive out, they found it difficult because of the space we share with our neighbour and they were hitting my neighbour’s fence.

“My neighbour came out and I said I was in trouble. Maybe he did not see me. The kidnappers put my head under the car’s seat and they drove off. I did not know the direction they followed.

“We then got to a place that was not motorable. So, we had to come down. That was how we started the journey inside the bush. I asked them what I did but they did not respond.

“That day, they paid me salary. I told them to let me give them the salary that was transferred to me.

“One of them then gave me an account number, which I forwarded my salary N59, 000 to. As we were still going inside the bush, he called someone to confirm if the person had received the alert.

“We later saw river that got to my knees. The leader pulled his trousers but I had to carry my dress up. That night, we spent about two hours in the bush, just moving around and I was barefooted because they did not allow me to wear slippers, thereby giving me injuries.

“They later blindfolded me and we got to a place where they said that was where we would stay that night. I slept on bare ground in the open forest.

“The next morning, out of the two of them that followed me inside the bush, one of them left, remaining one who told me that if I did not cooperate with him, to allow him to sleep with me four other persons would come in the afternoon and they would have me.

“But if I allowed him to sleep with me, he would let me go. I told him I would not be able to do it. When I was still sitting on the floor, he masked himself with his dress and he raped me.

“Later in the afternoon, I stood there and I cried. If I shouted, I would not have received help. It was indeed a bush although I could hear the sound of passing vehicles.”

The woman added: “When it rained heavily, we were all under the rain. I was completely wet. They removed their clothes and had only their boxer shorts.

“After the rain, they cleaned themselves and wore their clothes. That was the only dress I had and I could not go naked. I was so cold.

“Later in the day, another one came and he asked me if I would eat but I said I was not hungry. He said I should eat in order not to die in the forest.

“He said if I died, they would still collect the ransom. They later brought packed food: fried rice with two fried meat and sachet water with orange juice for me but I could not eat because I did not have appetite. I just managed to take the sachet water and the two pieces of meat.

“The elderly one that came seemed nicer. He said they would never rape their victims but I told him the other one had already raped me.

“He was surprised and went back to ask him. He confirmed raping me. He said in their culture, it was forbidden and that before they would let me go, they would do something.

“I told them I am a Christian and I would not be part of it. I said I had forgiven him and left him to God. He said when they got to our house and if they had seen N500, 000, they would not have carried me.

“He said teachers’ money (ransom) was N5 million, but if my husband could raise N3 million, they would let me go.

“Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, they asked of what I would eat but I said I was not hungry but I asked them to call my people.

“They then called my husband, but he was calm and he said he had no money again since they had collected the over N100, 000 he had with the ATM card.

“That was when I knew that they had collected the money. I begged them to let me go but they asked me to shut up, claiming that I was talking too much.

“When they noticed that I was very cold, they said they would take me to where I could warm myself. We then went further into the bush.

“In the place, it was like a shed with fire place. We slept on three benches overnight. Early the next morning, we left the place. As we were about changing location, one of them said he was not comfortable with where he was going and to go back to where we were.

“We then went back to where we were on Wednesday. While we were there, I had strength and I knew that members of my church were praying for me. I knew that my God would not let me down.

“I told God that after all my suffering, the kidnappers would not take the requested N3 million from my husband. They said my husband promised to call them before 12 noon on that day to drop the ransom.

“So, they were happy. One went to sleep, while the other took his phone and went away. I waited for a while, the one that went to make call was not coming.

“I did as if I wanted to urinate, the one that was sleeping did not ask me to come back. I saw it as an opportunity to escape. That was how I ran away.

“God helped me in the bush and I was following the sun but I was seriously injured and bleeding. I later came out of the bush and I saw a road.

“I did not know where I was. I was stopping vehicles but the dress I wore was so dirty. So, no vehicle was stopping for me. I then saw two guys in a vehicle, they helped me.

Source: The Nation

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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How To Identify Someone’s True Personality

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There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in. 

If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for: 

Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.

How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.

During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.

Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?

Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.


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Meet 19-year old Ebube Rebecca Okeke UniLokoja Best Graduating Student – Economics

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  • In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give?  – Ebube

BY: Sandra Ani

Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.

GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue

Ebube Rebecca Okeke on her graduation day

Can we meet you

My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.

Tell us about this big win of yours

To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.

I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support

I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too.  I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.

Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.

Ebube Rebecca Okeke – brain + beauty

To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise.  The world’s changing, you should too.

How was it like growing up

I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful

Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?

Teachers; No.  Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.

In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?

In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates

Reward for working hard

What’s your next plan?

To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.

Congratulation, Ebube.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.

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Reps member donates 200-seater e-library to UNN

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BY: Ikenna Oluka

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 200-seater e-library furnished and donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu.

Inaugurating the e-library, Gov. Ugwuanyi commended Hon. Asadu for the bold initiative aimed at improving the standard of education in the university.

The e-library, which is located at Professor Paul Akubue Building, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, comprises 200 computers fully installed with internet facilities and office furniture.

Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. A.A Attamah described the donation as “marvelous” and “unexpected”, adding the gesture has uplifted the university’s quest for educational excellence.

Governor Ugwuanyi commissioned the e-library

In his remark, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, thanked the parliamentarian for “the wonderful gesture”, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state.

Shortly after the event, Hon. Asadu was honoured with a grand reception by his community, Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area alongside the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Madu.

The reception, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, according to the people of Ovoko, was in recognition of the numerous contributions of their two illustrious sons towards the development of their community, the state and the country.

The community also honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and participations of their sons in active politics and further to confer on him a chieftaincy title of “Ebubedike of Ovoko”.

Speaking, Dr. Pat Asadu, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a worthy leader and great achiever with human-milk of kindness, whose positive disposition cuts across all segments of humanity.

A section of the e-libary

He said the governor has “done so well in office and has positively transformed politics in this state”, uniting people and communities that have had issues in the past, such as Ovoko and Ibagwa-Aka after many years of enmity, “courtesy of your humility and forthrightness”.

He assured Ugwuanyi of the continued loyalty and support of his people even after he leaves office as the governor and prayed for God’s unflinching protection for him and his family.

Also speaking, Hon. Madu who extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and the fatherly role he has played in his life stated that the governor has brought smiles to the people of the area through his infrastructural development and human empowerment programme, stressing that “today’s ceremony is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s noble achievements.

“You have brought smiles to the people of Ovoko in particular and Igbo-Eze South in general. Without you we wouldn’t have been here. Your humility, Godly devotion, peace and infrastructural development are unprecedented and worthy of commendation”, Hon. Madu said.

In his speech, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, maintaining that his peace initiative and paradigm shift in developing the rural areas are commendable and unprecedented.

“Your Excellency, your approach to peace and security and your massive infrastructural developments especially in the rural areas, speak volume. We pray God to continue to bless you and your unrelenting efforts to take Enugu State to greater heights.

Earlier, the council chairman, Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo, disclosed that the governor’s recruitment of forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch groups has given succor to many families and provided security to the people of the state.

He thanked the governor for making it possible for two of their illustrious sons to represent them at both National and State Assemblies, pointing out that many of their people have been appointed into government by the present administration in the state.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the reception and reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards serving the people of the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation.

He solicited their continued prayers and thanked them for honouring him with a chieftaincy title.

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