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Tag: Abuja-Kaduna train attack

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack victim narrates what his kidnapper told him when they met in a mosque

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack victim narrates what his kidnapper told him when they met in a mosque

    Comrade M Muhammad, a victim of the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack, has recounted a conversation he had with one of his kidnappers at a mosque in Kaduna State.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that on March 28, 2022, an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked in Katari, just 15 minutes before it was due to reach its destination. Many passengers were taken hostage, while others lost their lives or sustained injuries due to the bandits’ bombing of the train.

    The train was said to have departed from Abuja’s Idu station at 6 pm and was expected to arrive at the Rigasa train station in Kaduna by 8 pm.

    Muhammad in a recent interview, recounted his hour-long discussion with one of his abductors, whom he encountered at the mosque.

    He expressed his sense of peace with the kidnapper, identified only as Abubakar, explaining that he had chosen to forgive him, recognising that while some did not survive the ordeal, he was fortunate enough to do so.

    Muhammad said: “Yes, it’s true that I saw the guy Abubakar at the Mosque as posted on my social media. Actually, he was shocked to see him, but I smiled at him, which made him comfortable.

    “We stepped outside and he told me that he has now repented now riding Okada. He also told me that one of their notorious commanders, Baba Adamu, had been killed by soldiers, and I was happy to hear that news.

    “Others may be surprised that I forgave him and left him to go because even before seeing him on that day, I had already forgiven them.”

    Muhammad, however, said he would not forgive the government for what happened to him on the night of March 28, 2022, “because the train was attacked due to the government’s negligence.”

    He stated that, according to intelligence reports, the government had been informed of a potential attack on the train but failed to take preventive measures.

    The victim further expressed feelings of abandonment by the government after their release, noting that they had to personally cover the expenses for the therapy sessions required during their recovery.

    “We spent 196 days, which was 7 months in captivity, and after our release, the government did nothing to support us apart from the drip and anti-malaria treatment given to us.

    “Many of us, me inclusive, battled with trauma and had to be going to the Neo Psychiatric hospital for months seeking treatment without government support,” Muhammad narrated.

  • (EXCLUSIVE) Train attack: Igueben community indigenes allege monarch aided kidnappers

    (EXCLUSIVE) Train attack: Igueben community indigenes allege monarch aided kidnappers

    …call for his removal

    … operatives arrest more suspects

    … hail Edo Deputy Gov, Shuaibu for his resilience

    There is a new twist to the kidnap incident at Tom Ikimi train station in Igueben that close to 25 passengers were allegedly kidnapped by herders.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that indigenes of of the communities close to the train station alleged that their traditional ruler(name withheld) harboured the kidnappers after he was given a cow and N20,000.00.

    TNG scooped audio account of how the Enogie had narrated to the police that he knew those who kidnapped the train passengers and gave security operatives his boys to help track the herders.

    In the audio account made exclusively available to TNG, one of the community’s hunters gave a shocking account of how the Enogie’s boys collected N20,000.00 and one cow each to aid the kidnappers.

    He explained that:” as one of the hunters in this community, I know the terrain well and without the assistance of insiders there’s no way those kidnappers could have escaped.

    “Our enogie was deeply involved in this whole arrangement though he has denied that he did not collect money or cow but we know very well that his hands are not clean.

    “This same Enogie had shot at his subjects not long ago over a minor dispute and as we speak now, security operatives at about 4am picked his boys about 20 of them to come and explain their level of involvement.

    Another audio account by one of the indigenes pleaded with all Enogies of Esanland to quickly step in to address what their traditional rulers is doing to his subjects in their community.

    He also begged the state government to remove their enogie before another calamity befalls them.

    The indigene praised the Edo state deputy Governor, Phillip Shuaibu who since the incident took place has visited their community almost on a daily basis to ensure that those kidnapped are rescued.

    “There are only two abductees left now others have been rescued, we want to really thank the deputy Governor for coming to our aid.

    TNG recalls that the Edo State Police Command had announced a week ago that an unspecified number of travellers waiting to board a train from Igueben in Igueben Local Government Area of the state to Warri in Delta State, were kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.

    TNG had also reported the story as it was breaking.

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  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Boko Haram deceived us despite meeting their demands – Presidency

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Boko Haram deceived us despite meeting their demands – Presidency

    …says pregnant wife bandit leader was even released

    The Presidency has confirmed that the abductors of Abuja-Kaduna train passengers have failed to release their captives, despite meeting their demands.

    Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, revealed this during an interview with the BBC Hausa service on Friday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls that Mr Buhari, during a meeting with families of the victims on Thursday, assured the Federal Government’s effort to secure the release of the 31 victims who are still in captivity.

    But while dismissing claims that the Federal Government did not do enough to bring back the captives, Mr Shehu said the terrorists’ demands were met by the government.

    According to him, the Federal Government has released the terrorist leader’s pregnant wife as demanded.

    He added that some other terrorists who were in captivity in Adamawa were also released to the group.

    ”The terrorist leader demanded we release his pregnant wife. The government took her to the hospital and made sure she was properly taken care of.

    “And she gave birth to twins. We showed him the pictures of his wife and the twins. After that, we handed them over to his parents,” Mr Shehu said.

    “After releasing his wife and children, he made a fresh demand that we release some children who were detained in Adamawa.

    “The government sent a plane in the middle of the night and brought the children. We were hoping that after they were released, they would also honour their promise, but unfortunately they didn’t.

    “Instead, what followed was a fresh demand requesting ransom. So, it’s wrong to say the government is not doing enough,” the presidential spokesman lamented.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Terrorists give FG one Week Ultimatum to yield to their demands

    Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Terrorists give FG one Week Ultimatum to yield to their demands

    Passengers that were kidnapped by terrorists in the Abuja -Kaduna bound train have been notified that they will be killed if their friends and families if their demands are not met.

    Recall that an Abuja-Kaduna bound train was attacked on the 28th of March 2022 with many passengers kidnapped whilst some were killed.

    The terrorist have also reached out to government to immediately release their children who are in detention camp in Yola Adamawa state.

    Malam Tukur Mamu and Dan Iyan Fika, the spokesman of Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, were spoken to on phone by the leaders of the terrorists.

    The terrorists claimed that the Federal Government suspended the resumption of the train service because of their threats in the audio of the conversations between Malam Tukur Mamu and the leaders of the terrorists that executed the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

    According to them, “We don’t need money. We have a good reason for doing what we did, until our demands are met none of the victims will come out alive even if it means we all die with them. They are well taken care of as you can see from the pictures we sent to you via WhatsApp but we assure you that this will not continue.”

    In the audio conversation, they said that they have chosen him (Tukur Mamu) to convey the important message to the government, the families of the victims and Nigerians in general because they believe he won’t alter their message and have seen him severally with Sheikh Gumi in the forest, therefore, they recognized the fearlessness in him.

    According to Abu Barra, the leader of the terrorists that it’s been two months since the abduction and anything can happen to the abducted passengers henceforth.

    The leader stated that their reason for the abduction is a retaliation for the arrest and detention of their children by the security agencies.

    He explained that their children numbering about eight between the ages of one to seven are currently being held at an orphanage in Jimeta, Adamawa State under the supervision of the Nigerian Army.

    He gave the names of their children as; Abdulrahman, Bilkisu, Usman, Ibrahim and Juwairiyyah, stressing that they were forcefully taken from their wives in Nasarawa and taken to the orphanage in Yola.

    For any continued discussion on the release of the passengers and a safe resumption of the train service, they said their children must be released unconditionally, only then they will release some of the abducted victims, especially the women while other passengers will be released on a prisoner exchange with some of their arrested comrades by the government.

    According to Abu Barra, the pictures of the passengers they sent earlier, were among some of the pictures they sent to the negotiation team of the government as proof of the well being of the victims, saying that since then the government had been lacklustre.

    Barra said that they decided to come to a GSM enabled location with one of the female victims to talk to Malam Mamu as a confirmation of their claims, adding that Mamu said he could hear her cries with a very low voice that probably indicates exhaustion pleading with him to please talk to the government on their behalf for a swift intervention on their release.

    The leader threatened that within seven days if the government does not respond to their demands, they will stop feeding the victims and will start slaughtering them one after the other and if the government doesn’t respond after that, then Nigerians should forget about using the Abuja-Kaduna rail line as well as the Kaduna-Abuja high way.

    He warned Nigerians that they would attack the railway and highway if the government does not commit to a peaceful resolution of their demands, adding that they cannot be stopped.

    According to Malam Tukur Mamu, he replied that he understands the predicament of the government in resolving the abduction imbroglio and stated that every responsible government will look into saving innocent passengers’ lives and make painful compromises where necessary even if it’s against the policy of the administration.

    He then explained that prisoner exchange with known criminals on matters of national interest is a global practice and has happened in many developed countries like the United States.

    Malam Tukur Mamu stressed the need to avoid any military action that will lead to collateral damage and the loss of innocent lives.

    According to him, “Time is not on our side, the government must understand that they are dealing with persons with a misguided ideology and tainted religious belief. These people are not scared of death, they seem to believe that they are martyrs when they die. It will be a serious mistake to take this threat lightly. I believe an opportunity has been created for us to explore to save the lives of those innocent victims.”

    He added, “For me, if these innocent will regain their freedom because of my involvement and provided that will lead to relative peace and security on our highways and rail lines I wouldn’t mind if I die in the process. We must accept the fact that security alone on the Abuja-Kaduna highway remains more fragile than ever and the solution is not militarily alone, especially in a country where impending attacks can hardly be dictated and stopped.”

  • ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN ATTACK: Late Dr. Chinelo Megafu buried today (Photos)

    ABUJA-KADUNA TRAIN ATTACK: Late Dr. Chinelo Megafu buried today (Photos)

    A medical doctor, Chinelo Megafu, who was killed in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack of March 28 2022, has been buried today, April 21st.

     

    The funeral service was held at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos while her body was laid to rest in a private cemetery.

     

    Chinelo had taken to Twitter to ask people to pray for her during the attack. Many Nigerians did not believe her and even called her a liar. Hours later, her friends confirmed that she was killed during the attack.

     

    Chinelo was 27 years old and was about to relocate from Nigeria when she met her untimely death.

  • Kaduna-Abuja Train: FG in talks with abductors for passengers’ release

    Kaduna-Abuja Train: FG in talks with abductors for passengers’ release

    Recall that bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja bound train, and killed eight persons and abducted scores.

    The bandits had threatened to kill all the victims if the federal government fail to negotiate with them.

    Although, some of the abductees have gained freedom, many are still in the custody of the bandits.

    One of the released abductees is the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, after it was alleged that a whooping N100 million ransom was paid.

    Speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Friday, relatives and friends of the abducted passengers said they have been assured by the Federal Government that a channel of discussion with the terrorists has been opened.

    “After the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, we heard from the Federal Government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed that the government is in dialogue. That government is already discussing with the abductors of our relatives,” said Dr Jimoh Fatai, who has been designated as chairman of the group pressing for the release of their loved ones.

    “We are happy about it, we note it, we acknowledge it and we appreciate the efforts of the government in that regard. What we are now appealing for is that government should speed up the process,” he said

  • New Kaduna CP visits scene of Abuja – Kaduna bound train attack

    New Kaduna CP visits scene of Abuja – Kaduna bound train attack

    The 40th Commissioner of Police to serve in Kaduna, Yekini A Ayoku, has visited the scene of the infamous incident of the attack on Abuja – Kaduna bound train to appreciate the sacrifices of the gallant officers, empathize with the victims and seek area of improvement to forestall future occurrence.

     

    Ayoku, who was newly brought to the state after series of bandits attack, took his first official tour to Kaduna-Abuja road, with a view to restoring public confidence and assuring passengers of their safety.

     

    A statement by the Police Public Relatons Officer (PPRO), ASP Mohammed Jalige said the new commissioner of Police also visited the scene of the infamous incident of the attack on Abuja – Kaduna bound train to appreciate the sacrifices of the gallant officers, empathize with the victims and seek area of improvement to forestall future occurrence.

     

    The CP equally tasked Officers and men to get themselves ready for the task ahead as there is no room for laxity under his watch and criminals must not be allowed a free operating space wherever they may be.

     

    The CP appealed to the good people of the State to extend their good hands of fellowship to his administration as the task is not a one-man show, saying that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the task though enormous, is absolutely surmountable.

     

    The new Commissioner of Police called for synergy amongst all the security architectures in the State, as his doors remained always open to all and sundry in his quest to reduce violent crime to the barest minimum.

     

    Ayoku hails from Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State.

     

    An alumnus of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, CP Ayoku was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in March 1990 and had his Cadet Officers’ training at the Police Academy Annex, Kaduna.

  • Kaduna train attack: BoA MD regains freedom after 9 days

    Kaduna train attack: BoA MD regains freedom after 9 days

    Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Alwan Ali-Hassan, has regained freedom from his abductors, after nine days.

     

    Ali-Hassan was on Monday, March 28 kidnapped after terrorists bombed the Abuja-Kaduna train with over 362 passengers onboard.

     

    Confirming his release, a senior official of BoA said Ali-Hassan regained his freedom on Wednesday.

     

    However, the official did not specify if ransom was paid before his release.

     

    Recall that gunmen blew up a section of track between the capital, Abuja, and the northern city of Kaduna penultimate Monday.

    During the ordeal at least eight passengers were killed.

    Earlier 168 people were missing after the deadly attack on the train last week.

    It is not clear how many of the 168 have been kidnapped for ransom – some may have gone home without telling the authorities.

  • Mercy Aigbe tongue lashes social media users over responses to late Dr. Chinelo’s tweet calling for prayer

    Mercy Aigbe tongue lashes social media users over responses to late Dr. Chinelo’s tweet calling for prayer

    Actress Mercy Aigbe has lambasted social media users, saying they lack “empathy” and always quick to go behind their keypad to unleash “venom”.

    Reacting to social media responses which followed after the Nigerian doctor, Chinelo Megafu, tweeted at about 09:43 p.m. on Monday, when she was shot during the Abuja-Kaduna train terrorist attack, Aigbe urged Nigerians to be more compassionate about others plight.

    She further urged social media users to suppress the desire to judge situations too quickly.

    Chinelo tweeted that she was shot and sought prayers from Nigerians.

    “I’m on the train. I have been shot. Please pray for me,” she tweeted.

    Unfortunately, Dr Chinelo’s tweet turned out to be true after her death was reported following a gunshot wound from the attack.

    According to the film star, social media users lack empathy as they are always quick to go behind their keypad to unleash “venom”.

    Sharing photos of the attacked train accompanied with screenshots of Dr Chinelo’s tweet with harsh responses that greeted it, Aigbe wrote: “I woke up with a heavy heart, completely heartbroken…. I am so drained… God, this country is exhausting… When exactly will God answer our prayers and flush out these evil leaders????

    “Seeing the replies to Dr Chinelo’s tweet further broke me… has it degenerated to this? Where is the love??? No empathy whatsoever… people just hide behind their keypads and are quick to unleash venom …. how did we get here???

    “I know we have horrible leaders but the truth is as a people, we can do better.. it doesn’t cost a thing to show love, you don’t know the actual situations people are in, don’t be too quick to judge most especially when you are not privy to events, situations, Dr Chinelo only asked for prayers, yet she was mocked, bullied, attacked, cursed.

    “With sadness in my heart, I say R.I.P to another promising, young Nigerian, whose life was cut short because of this horrible system. R.I.P to those who lost their lives, Nigeria failed you. As a people we can do better, cos we are all we’ve got…”

  • VP Osinbajo in Kaduna, to visit victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack

    VP Osinbajo in Kaduna, to visit victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, was received at Kaduna Airport by Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as he is to visit victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack in Kaduna.

     

    It was gathered that the victims of the attacks are at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital and Saint Gerald’s Catholic hospital in the Kaduna state capital.

     

    His spokesman, Laolu Akande, said Osinbajo, who was already on his way to Lagos for the 13th colloquium in commemoration of the 70th birthday of All Progressives Congress stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made a detour to Kaduna on Tuesday afternoon after receiving the disturbing report of terrorists attack.

     

    Akande tweeted: “On his way to Lagos for the 13th Tinubu Colloquium marking former Lagos State Gov’s 70th birthday, VP had to detour to Kaduna this afternoon on receiving news of the extent of human & material losses occasioned by yesterday’s dastardly attack on the Abuja-Kaduna railway route.”