Kidnap experience on Abuja Kaduna highway: Forwarded as received. Experience of a Snr Military Officer on Sep 1 along Abuja-kaduna express way.

I wish to share a terrible experience I had on Thursday 1 September 2016, along Kaduna-Abuja highway at about 9pm. I had good intelligence on the security situation and considered that it was still ok to move based on that knowledge. I and a family friend were travelling to Abuja and we had left by 6pm. Our car had some problems and we finished fixing it by 8pm. We then proceeded on the trip. We had just passed Redeemed Camp, by Alheri, where we saw 2 white coloured J5 buses. The last mileage I saw was 138 KM to Zuba & I saw the 2 buses along the road parked left and right on the shoulders. I told my friend that this looked like a kidnap spot, that it had all the features like a bend and a slope with the buses. My friend then screamed that they were throwing knockouts at us immediately I finished saying that. I quickly realized that it was gunfire from AK-47. Three men stood in front of the road firing at us. I slammed the brakes, the car veered right and I decided to continue right, off the road. I was able to stop the car before a ditch I saw. I tried to reverse but it didn't engage, the car engine went off and some attempts to restart it failed. Then one of them ran to me, I came out of the car with my hands up, so also my friend. Then, I turned back and started pacing. The guy that came for me looked like a foreigner, from Niger. Then we bolted. They started firing at us. Then someone came from our initial behind and started shooting at us. We managed to cross the road with nothing in sight; No cars etc. We couldn't even see the road divider. Then we both crossed the road. They chased us and kept shooting. That was how we escaped and pinned down in the bush. Immediately we were on the other side of the road we entered the bushes and kept running. During this time, for over 2hrs they came with their car patrolling in search for us. Later the police came, there seemed to been some collaboration amongst them. I lost my Fone and other valuables, but my luggage in the booth was intact as the booth didn't open since it was a 406. It happened like a movie but its real. They weren't herdsmen,They were the kidnappers along that axis. They exist in some  areas up north.
Don't travel when it's dark.
Always watch out well in bends, slopes and hills.
Be careful about any checkpoints, not all checkpoints are real.
The police helped to stop all cars when the operation started with us to enhance smooth operation by the kidnappers.
The kidnappers were operating under the cover of two police checkpoints in about a kilometre apart.
The police tried to take us back to the scene which I refused clearly and instead called on the army.
That was what forced the police to take us to the nearest army post.
Don't travel when it's dark as it increases the risk, but note also that same technique would work even in day time.
Lessons learnt:
If uve to run for ur life take the first chance and don't be afraid of the gun when ur running.
Usually, guns are effective at close range.
Most people including uniformed men are poor shooters especially when it has to do with moving targets; this fact is unknown to many including the uniformed men.
I've seen fire but not this sort of unexpected fire.
If ur car breaks down on the road and ur stranded, do not remain inside it or near it. My advise is for u to cross the road and look for a nearby village. An abandoned car would always attract anyone including criminals. If uve to flee into the bush in a pursuit, run in a diagonal axis to the road.
In a near death experience u don't bother about the things u did, u worry more about the things u didn't do.
The kidnappers were actively collaborating with the police.

Malawi's new president sells off presidential jet and 60 Mercedes

Mrs Banda said she was happy to "offload" the presidential perks, adding: "I can well use private airlines. I am already used to hitchhiking."

It means that the 62-year-old head of state – the second woman to hold the position in Africa – will fly to the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in London this weekend with British Airways.

Andrew Mitchell, the UK International Development Secretary who is currently visiting Malawi, delivered a £33m cash injection for Mrs Banda's government.

He said the move was a sign of the "seriousness Mrs Banda is applying to overturn bad decisions taken under the previous government".

The former vice-president in Bingu wa Mutharika's government, she stepped into the presidency in April when he suffered a heart attack. The jet had annual running costs of £220,000

Mark Zuckerberg shares photo of 11 year old Nigerian boy who built a game

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg shared a photo of an 11 year old Nigerian boy named Tayo who built a game called Spike Rush. Read what Zukerberg wrote after the cut...

Officer is set alight and 62 arrested in Paris as citizens take to the streets in protest at new Labour laws

For the fourteenth time in just six months, thousands of trade unionists poured into the streets to show their displeasure at new labour laws which give employers leeway to extend the working week and lay off staff. They were passed last summer with the aim of liberalising the employment market, making it easier for bosses to hire and fire. But opponents say they are an attack on hard-won worker rights, all of which are now in peril.

Protesters pelted the police with wood, stones and sticks while one officer was set alight when one Molotov cocktail hit him. At least five officers were treated for injuries, including burns and 62 arrests were made in Paris. Police had to use teargas to disperse the boisterous crowds.

Tearful Paris Jackson addresses cyber bullies

In an emotional video,Michael Jackson's only daughter broke down in tears as she addressed cyber bullies, asking why there's "so much hatred in the world right now." She said the amount of hatred directed towards her recently are unwarranted and are exactly what made her attempt suicide four years ago.
She continued :

"I mean we're human beings man, we got hearts, and brains and feelings," she pleaded. " When you say damaging things like that to people it f*cks them up." "It's exhausting."

Following her suicide attempt 4 years ago, she quit social media, however, after fans asked her to return to social media make her Instagram page private, she returned.

She got a lot of support from her emotional cry for help but also got few backlash from cyber bullies. Which made her post:

Carla Hayden officially sworn in as the first African American & female to become Librarian of Congress

On Wednesday, Carla Hayden made history when she was sworn in as the United States’14th librarian of Congress. Unlike her 13 predecessors, all of whom have been white men, she's the first African American and woman to hold such a prestigious position.

Hayden is also the third Librarian of Congress to actually have training as a librarian. She was nominated last year by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate to head the Library of Congress.

Man United arrive back from Europa League nightmare and face quick turnaround for Watford clash

Manchester United's downbeat squad have arrived back in the UK following their Europa League nightmare - and now face a quick turnaround to prepare for Sunday's lunchtime clash with Watford.

Jose Mourinho's side were beaten 1-0 by Feyenoord on Thursday and now need to get their heads screwed on to avoid a third straight defeat.

But the Portuguese coach is confident United will not suffer any hangover after their winning start was halted by galling back-to-back defeats.

After victory in the Community Shield and the Portuguese's first three Premier League matches at the helm, United fell to a 2-1 loss at home Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on Saturday.

DJ Khaled Went Undercover as a Lyft Driver and Somehow People Didn't Recognize Him

DJ Khaled is the latest celebrity to go undercover for Lyft as a driver for a day. Of course, in Khaled's case, he doubled down on his identity with the new name of Billy and a second career as a locksmith.

Many Lyft riders looked shocked as Khaled still tried to convince them that his name was Billy, despite most of them knowing that his name is definitely not Billy. "This is what happens when you're too iconic." "I got all the keys. Keys to everything."

Fortunately, Khaled was able to keep the ruse going with some unsuspecting passengers who didn't recognize the the rapper out of context. "You look just like my cousin's boyfriend!" one rider told him after getting in the car. One rider is still in the dark after Khaled namedrops his "I Got the Keys song." "Future and Jay Z's on it. And some guy screaming on there."

via GIPHY

Busted by his Instabrag: Drug dealer told police he had no money - while posting photos of his bling lifestyle with Lamborghinis, Rolexes, baths full of cash and partying with a Premier League footballer

This is the brazen drug dealer who was snared by police after bragging about his champagne lifestyle on Instagram with pictures of Lamborghinis, Rolexes and bathfuls of cash.

Levi Watson, 29, posted the string of boastful photos on the social media site – including one of him posing alongside Premier League footballer Andre Gray – while being part of a drugs ring.

He was quizzed by police about his role in the drugs gang and claimed to have no income – instead living a quiet life in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

But officers uncovered his web of lies after discovering his Instagram page, which has more than 4,500 followers, and the host of pictures which showed off his lavish life.

Levis Watson was questioned by police and claimed to have no income – instead living a quiet life in the West Midlands city - but his Instagram pictures showed his lavish lifestyle including this bragging picture which sees him sat naked in the bath surrounded by dozens of £20 notes

Grace VanderWaal, 12, captures America's Got Talent crown and $1 million prize

Schoolgirl singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal was crowned the winner of America's Got Talent on Wednesday and took home the $1m top prize.

The 12-year-old ukulele player burst into tears and sank to her knees in shock as host Nick Cannon announced the result on the season 11 finale of the hit NBC talent show.

Grace, who has been compared by Simon Cowell to Taylor Swift, beat out mind-reading duo The Clairvoyants, with NFL star and magician Jon Dorenbos finishing in third place.

The winner: Grace VanderWaal after performing an original song on Wednesday during a two-hour season finale was named the winner of America's Got Talent

Howie Mandel, who championed the singer and struck his Golden Buzzer for her, bounded up onto the stage to hug the little girl as tears streamed down her face and she had to be comforted.

'These are tears of joy right?' asked Nick as the youngster sobbed at the conclusion of the live show at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

'Yes, of course,' she managed to reply as her achievement sank in.

'You sang that every person is a shining star, well you are a shooting star. You are on your way, you are so special,' Howie told her.

Time To Act On Tobacco Act Regulations By Uchenna Okafor

When former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan signed the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015 into law four days to the end of his administration most Nigerians heaved a sigh relief.

The exhilarating feeling among Nigerians was not unanticipated as the law had gone through a tortuous road, almost declared missing at a point before resurrecting to become a reality. The process proper started more than a decade before when Nigeria joined the committee of nations that signed and ratified the first global health treaty known as the World Health Organisation – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC).

The coming into force of the FCTC on 27 February 2005 marked the first time that the WHO went as far as enacting international legal powers to address tobacco addiction and its deadly fallouts. Dr. Jonathan’s signing of the law was therefore a watershed for Nigeria as it joined the ranks of nations that have domesticated the treaty.

While the law still has loopholes such as a bureaucratic provision that the National Assembly must give its nod for implementing Regulattions to be fashioned by the Ministry of Health for implementation to begin, in the overall, the NTC Act 2015 is seen as a torchlight pointing in the right direction.

Kanye West Responds to Kid Cudi

Kanye West abruptly stopped in the middle of his concert at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. on Wednesday night to respond to Kid Cudi's comments from earlier in the day. In a series of tweets, Cudi took aim at "haters within the industry" who he was going to "crush." "Everyone thinks they're so great. Talkin top 5 and be having 30 people write songs for them," he tweeted. Cudi continued:

DEADLY SOCIAL MEDIA MISTAKES FOR YOUR BUSINESS @loritosan

by LUCY ORLOSKI

Social Media plays a vital role in online marketing. That is why all the top business establishments pay a special focus on Social Media to enjoy a greater market reach and higher traffics in their websites. According to some experts, Social Media is even important for physical mode of business too. The popularity of a brand is immensely enhanced through Social Media marketing.

Thus, the online businesses need to have an expert intervention for imparting a professional Social Media marketing. Online business owners often commit a number of Social Media mistakes that damage their reputations in the long run.

Some deadly mistakes most often committed by the organizations while undertaking promoting their businesses through Social Media are as follows –

One Chance Syndicate Busted in Roumubiakani Port-harcourt (photos)

Nemesis has cut off with this one chance people has they were cut after collecting N2 million from one innocent guy along Cottage Hospital Roumubiakani, Port-harcourt.

Comedian Koffi Writes Very Disturbing Letter Berating Kiss Daniel

Nigerian comedian Koffi has penned down a very disturbing and berating letter to G Worldwide music star Kiss Daniel.

In a very lengthy critical letter the comedian barged many music acts like D’banj, Chuddy K and many others via his instagram page.

Who will wake Daniel with a kiss?

First artiste to ever have a number 1 and number 2 video on the MTV Base countdown for weeks. First new artiste to ever drop an album without any major industry collabo. First artiste to blow up within a short period of time yet like Burna Boy hardly headlines any major shows, why? Let it be known that Mr ‘Jombo’ truly did not come into the music scene to ‘woju’, he proved his mettle ‘Laye’, and has been having a ‘Good time’ with his ‘Mama’ from ‘Sin City’. This express ride might be short lived however if our favourite fine boy does not cut the double face act. The fans see a sweet young man on the tube but behind the works the G worldwide king’s manager is killing the brand. A facade of humility is sold to the public, but the arrogance beneath is as hot as magma flowing from an expired volcano. Hot but soon becomes ash or turns solid stones that go nowhere when it cools off. I don’t know how these Actistes suddenly get the airs of “I too mush” and throw caution to the winds.