Education
Gunmen Abduct Teacher While Harvesting Maize in Abuja
Gunmen have abducted a primary school teacher, Mr. Ishaya Ismaila, while he was harvesting maize at his farm in Tungan Maje, a community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Residents said the incident occurred around 5:28 p.m. on Thursday, sending shock and fear across the farming community.
According to a resident, Abdullahi Garba, the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, stormed the farm while the teacher was busy harvesting his maize.
He said the assailants emerged suddenly from the bush and forced the victim away at gunpoint.
Garba explained that Ismaila, who had gone to the farm on his motorcycle, screamed for help when the attackers struck.
His cries drew the attention of another farmer nearby, who managed to escape and alert villagers about the abduction.
“The teacher was harvesting maize when the kidnappers appeared with AK-47 rifles,” Garba said.
“He screamed as they dragged him away, but before help could come, they had disappeared into the bush.”
He added that the victim teaches at LEA Primary School, Dakwa 1, in Bwari Area Council, but lives in Tungan Maje with his family.
Wife Appeals for Help
The victim’s wife, Mrs. Halima Ishaya, told Daily Trust that the family has been in deep distress since the abduction.
Speaking through tears, she said her husband had gone to the farm on his motorcycle but never returned home.
“I received a call from my husband’s head teacher around 8 p.m. that he had been kidnapped,” she said.
“I quickly called my neighbours, and we contacted the vigilante group in nearby Anagada village.”
The vigilante team reportedly rushed to the farm that night, but the kidnappers had already fled with the victim.
They only found his motorcycle and a bag of maize left behind.
“We later informed the police, who visited the scene and took photographs, but since then, we’ve heard nothing from them,” she added.
Mrs. Ishaya revealed that the kidnappers have demanded ₦1 million ransom for her husband’s release.
However, the family has only managed to raise ₦185,000 so far.
“We are confused and desperate,” she said. “We don’t even know where to get the remaining money. We are pleading with Nigerians to help us save his life.”
School, Union Confirm Abduction
The head teacher of LEA Primary School, Dakwa 1, Malam Zakari Dantani, confirmed the incident.
He said he received a distress call on Thursday night informing him of the abduction and immediately notified the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) branch in Kubwa.
He also confirmed that communication has been established with the abductors, who are insisting on the ₦1 million ransom.
“We have informed the union’s state wing and relevant authorities,” Dantani said.
“We are hopeful that security agents will help rescue our colleague.”
Another teacher, who spoke anonymously, said colleagues have begun contributing money despite the economic hardship to support the ransom payment.
“It’s painful,” he said. “We’re teachers struggling to survive, yet we’re trying to raise money to save one of us from death.”
A police source at Zuba Division confirmed the abduction, stating that efforts were underway to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim unharmed.
The incident adds to the growing list of abductions targeting farmers and teachers in rural Abuja communities, sparking renewed fears over rising insecurity in the nation’s capital suburbs.
(DDM) – The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially released call-up numbers for prospective corps members of the 2025 Batch C.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the announcement was made via the scheme’s official X handle on Tuesday, confirming that call-up numbers were issued based on the order of registration.
NYSC management explained that camp capacity limitations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have restricted the number of participants that can be accommodated in the upcoming orientation programme.
The scheme disclosed that only about 40 percent of registered prospective corps members will be mobilised for Batch C, reflecting efforts to maintain manageable camp populations and ensure adequate logistics, welfare, and safety.
Participants who are not accommodated in Batch C will be automatically deferred to the next mobilisation exercise, ensuring that no eligible candidate loses the opportunity to serve.
The NYSC urged all prospective corps members to check their dashboards regularly for updates on call-up numbers, orientation schedules, and instructions on required documentation.
The management stressed that compliance with all instructions is crucial for successful registration, camp resumption, and participation in orientation activities.
Through its official social media channels, NYSC stated: “The NYSC management is pleased to announce that call-up numbers for 2025 Batch C Prospective Corps Members have been released, based on registration order.”
It further noted: “Those not accommodated in this batch will be automatically moved to the next batch, which will take place soon after the Batch C exercise.”
DDM gathered that the mobilisation process includes verification of personal details, biometric registration, medical screening, and briefing on camp rules and procedures for all participants.
NYSC management also emphasised its commitment to continuous improvement in logistics, welfare, and safety, including provision of adequate accommodation, meals, security, and medical support in all orientation camps nationwide.
Corps members are advised to prepare early for camp resumption by completing all required online forms, uploading identification documents, and ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements.
The management highlighted that the 2025 Batch C mobilisation is part of the corps’ ongoing effort to integrate Nigerian youths into national development projects while promoting unity, discipline, and community service.
Observers note that the careful staggered mobilisation aims to prevent overcrowding in camps and ensure a smooth, well-organised orientation experience for all participants.
NYSC encourages prospective corps members to monitor official communication channels and avoid unverified sources to prevent misinformation and registration errors.
This mobilisation underscores the scheme’s dual focus on efficient administration and enhancing the overall experience of corps members during their service year.
(DDM) – Stars Maritime Academy has officially announced its Post UTME screening for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the exercise is scheduled for Saturday, 13 December 2025, and will accommodate prospective students seeking admission into one of Nigeria’s prominent maritime training institutions.
Applicants are advised to select Stars Maritime Academy as their first-choice institution on the JAMB portal before participating in the Post UTME.
The screening will be conducted in two formats: physically at the main campus and online, allowing candidates from various locations to participate conveniently.
The physical venue is Ruben Hall, Main Campus, Navy School B/S, along Itele–Ota Road, Lafenwa, Sango Ota, Lagos, Nigeria.
Two batches are scheduled: Batch 1 at 9:00 a.m. and Batch 2 at 12:00 noon, to ensure smooth administration and proper adherence to examination protocols.
DDM gathered that candidates residing far from Lagos can opt for the online test, avoiding the challenges of long-distance travel.
To participate, applicants must first update their JAMB profile to reflect Stars Maritime Academy as their first-choice institution.
Candidates can then purchase the Post UTME form through the official portal and prepare for the screening exercise.
For further inquiries, applicants can contact the academy via phone numbers 08062948785 or 09038562019, or visit the official website at www.starsmaritime.edu.ng.
Students at Stars Maritime Academy benefit from a curriculum that blends classroom learning with practical maritime training, ensuring graduates are competent in safety practices, navigation, and professional maritime operations.
The academy’s structured approach aims to equip students with the skills needed for real-world challenges in the maritime sector.
DDM emphasizes that the upcoming Post UTME is a critical step for aspiring maritime professionals and encourages candidates to act promptly to secure their participation.
The screening presents a unique opportunity to gain admission into a focused learning environment with both physical and online options for the 2025/2026 academic session…
(DDM) – The Akwa Ibom State College of Nursing Sciences (AKSCONS) has officially released its admission list for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that successful candidates can now confirm their admission status on the college’s official website at www.akscons.edu.ng.
The list includes candidates admitted across all campuses of the college, as well as a special floating list for applicants whose records are still being processed through the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
Applicants seeking to verify their admission are advised to visit the AKSCONS website and select the “Check Admission List” option.
They should then review the list under the campus they chose as their first-choice institution.
Candidates whose names do not appear on any campus list are encouraged to check the floating list section.
The floating list is designed for applicants whose admission has been approved but whose records are not yet reflected on JAMB CAPS.
This usually occurs when candidates have not updated their first-choice institution to AKSCONS or completed necessary related updates on the JAMB portal.
For candidates whose names appear on the published lists, DDM learned they should log into their JAMB portal starting Tuesday, 11 November 2025, to accept the admission offer.
Within 48 hours, candidates can expect a provisional admission letter via email or by downloading it from their student portal.
They must then follow the instructions in the admission letter to pay their acceptance fee through the official portal.
After payment confirmation, students can print their full admission letters and proceed to pay school fees using the same system.
The resumption date will be included in the admission letter, and all students are urged to complete these steps promptly to secure their admission.
Candidates listed on the floating list are advised to visit the Admission Office at the main campus in Ikot Ekpene on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, from 9:00 a.m.
Admission officers will provide guidance and instructions for completing the remaining formalities for these applicants.
All admitted students must complete registration, payment, and other admission formalities within two weeks of receiving the provisional admission letter.
Failure to comply within the stipulated time frame may result in the withdrawal of the admission offer.
The 2025/2026 admission process at AKSCONS signals a new beginning for incoming students ready to embark on their nursing education journey.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to follow all outlined procedures carefully to confirm and secure their admission on time.
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