latest
Nigeria is 5th in world’s abduction ranking

Nigeria ranks fifth in the list of countries with frequency of abductions.
For specialty underwriters, Mexico, India, Pakistan, Iraq and Nigeria have the worst records of abductions and kidnapping cases.
The ranking is published by Control Risk, a UK-headquartered consultancy organisation which chronicles reports of abductions. It is often referred to by international reinsurers for providing ‘kidnap and ransom’ cover to both Indian and MNCs.
Insurers said this does not mean that neighbouring countries like Afghanistan or Pakistan are any safer. What it indicates is that the number of complaints about kidnapping is higher in India. Although it may not be an organised business the way it is in some South American countries, there are many incidents that take place in the north and the east. A little wonder that India is now seen as a ripe market for selling kidnap and ransom (K and R) insurance policies.
“The rankings are based not on insured events but on actual cases reported. India stands out because of the sheer numbers and the vast spread of the population in remote areas,” said Sanjay Radhakrishnan, CEO of JLT Independent Insurance Brokers, who said the Indian arm of UK’s JLT Group which has been arranging K and R cover for corporates for 25 years.
M Ravichandran, president of Tata AIG General Insurance, told TOI, “India ranks high when it comes to kidnapping. High net worth individuals, senior corporate officials and children are being targeted. In the last two years, inquiries for KRE ( (Kidnap and Ransom Extortion) policies have seen a rising trend.”
latest
APPLY: WTO opens entry for 2022 young professionals programme

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has opened applications for its 2022 Young Professional Programme (YPP).
The programme provides opportunity for young professionals to enhance their knowledge of the organisation and international trade issues.
In 2021, 14 professionals out of 2,400 candidates were selected for the programme from Bangladesh, Belize, Dominican Republic, Eswatini, Guatemala, Georgia, Indonesia, Malawi, Mauritania, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Chinese Taipei and Thailand.
WTO said “The YPP is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience which can help open the door for future professional opportunities in the field of multilateral diplomacy and global trade.
“The YPP selection gives preference to young professionals from developing and least-developed countries that are members of the WTO and whose nationals are currently under-represented or not represented in the organization’s Secretariat.
“The programme is part of the Secretariat’s overall goal to increase its diversity to better reflect the make-up of its membership.”
To be eligible, applicants must be of age 32 as of January 1, 2022, and selected candidates will work at the WTO secretariat for one year, starting from the beginning of next year.
The areas of work at the programme includes accessions, agriculture, dispute settlement, intellectual property rights, market access, media and external relations, WTO rules, trade and development, trade and environment, trade in services and investment, trade facilitation, trade policy analysis and trade-related technical assistance.
WTO said candidates must have advanced university degree in law, economics, or other international trade-related subjects relevant to WTO work; must possess relevant expertise or continued academic study in a field of interest to the work of the WTO.
Equally, candidates must similarly have a minimum of two years relevant work experience.
The trade organisation further said selected candidates will be paid $3821.66 (N1,454,141.63 million) monthly and applications can be accessed on the WTO e-Recruitment website and should be completed no later than 29 April 2021.
latest
Buhari receives briefing from Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The President had last Thursday returned to the country after a16-day medical trip to London, United Kingdom.
He left Nigeria on Tuesday, March 30, briefly after a security meeting with defense and intelligence chiefs as well as other security sector managers.
latest
Gunmen attack Imo police station, kidnap officer

A police officer has been abducted in an attack on Mbieri Divisional Police Headquarters in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo state on Thursday morning.
This comes three days after the state Police Command headquarters and Owerri Correctional Center were attacked while 1,884 inmates released.
A resident of Mbieri said the gunmen released the suspects in custody.
However, the policemen on duty were said to have engaged the attackers in a gun duel but they were reportedly overpowered by the gunmen who had sophisticated weapons.
A community leader, Nokey Ebikam, told newsmen that the police divisional headquarters was not burnt but only freed the suspects in detention after vandalizing it.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the attack on the police station but did not go into details.
It was gathered that aside the officer who was abducted, two others sustained injuries in the incident which is the second major attack on a police station since an armed gang invaded the state police headquarters on Monday.
The Police authorities have blamed the attacks on the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) but the group has distanced itself from the attacks.
-
NEWS2 days ago
Kenya election: ‘It’s good news for the church’ – Apostle Suleman congratulates Ruto
-
NEWS2 days ago
Kenya election: Buhari reacts to William Ruto’s emergence as president
-
NEWS2 days ago
ASUU: Issue of IPPIS, UTAS has been resolved – Lecturers give hope of ending strike
-
POLITICS2 days ago
INEC displays voters’ register in Lagos
-
NEWS4 hours ago
Blackout looms as IKEDC stops operations
-
NEWS2 days ago
War: Russia offers weapons, military training to Africa allies, others
-
SPORTS21 hours ago
Darwin Nunez issues apology to Liverpool fans after showing "ugly attitude" in sending off
-
SPORTS13 hours ago
Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel set for new deal as Anthony Gordon transfer stance emerges