News

Buhari Plays Host To Relatives Of Kaduna Train Attack Victims

Published

3 years ago

August 11, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja met with representatives of the victims of the Kaduna Train abduction, assuring them that the Federal Government is doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.

Condoling the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, the President said since the “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements” on March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.

The President spoke through his media aide, Femi Adesina, where he told representatives of the families that in the immediate aftermath of the incident several actions have been taken by the government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country.

He also explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees.

‘‘I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.

‘‘It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.

‘‘This option has indeed been considered and evaluated.

‘‘However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimize potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.

”My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt,’’ he said.

On his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, the President expressed delight, saying, ‘‘Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

‘‘In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralized by the military, and a number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop or reduce.

‘‘We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.

‘‘Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.’’

The President also used the occasion to commend the bravery and gallant actions taken by members of the Police Force who were onboard the train on that fateful day.

According to the President, ‘‘It is clear that their actions saved many lives and by making the ultimate sacrifice, they must be recognized for their bravery.’’

President Buhari added that he had never doubted the ability or confidence of those who have presented themselves to defend the country and the Kaduna train incident had reinforced the belief and faith of the nation in this special group of Nigerians.

‘‘I also would like to use this opportunity to say that we are cognizant of events that have unsettled our citizens in various parts of our nation and in the Capital.

‘‘I would like to comfort those who were traumatized by these tragic events and pledge that our response is to protect all Nigerians wherever they are.

‘‘My dear country men and women, we thank God that none of the released prisoners died due to the severe trauma they passed through in the hands of the terrorists, showing that the efforts of the government in securing their release were not in vain as Government continues to do its best to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure the overall security of all citizens in the country.’’

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack, updating them on all the efforts the government is making sure of the safe return of their loved ones.

He described the audience with the President as a manifestation of the efforts by this administration to secure the release of all captives and proof that the ‘‘government is not resting on its oars.’’

A representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the families in the release of their remaining loved ones still in captivity.

‘‘Please we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones,’’ Mohammed said.

News

Edo SWAN Distances Self From Online Publication Against Enabulele

Published

20 hours ago

December 21, 2025

Editor

…demands retraction, warns member against unverified publication

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, has distanced itself from an online publication titled: ‘Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Shut Against Stephen Keshi.’

A statement signed by the Secretary of the association, Comrade Idahosa Moses, Edo SWAN said neither was it consulted nor involved in the “framing of the narrative presented by the online publication.”

Edo SWAN described the publication as misleading, sensational and grossly lacking in factual balance.

The statement partly reads: “SWAN finds the report inconsistent with the ethical standards and core values of the journalism profession.

“While Edo SWAN recognises and respects the sentiments expressed by Mr. Austin Popo, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational Training Centre (SKFTVC), concerning the challenges encountered in securing the use of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for this year’s Stephen Keshi Memorial National Under-17 Soccer Tournament, it is imperative to state that such concerns should not be reported in a manner that imputes motives, assigns blame without verification, or portrays public officials as acting in bad faith.”

On allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, in the publication, SWAN described Enabulele as a “seasoned professional with a proven track record of integrity and dedicated service to sports development in Edo State.”

“Any insinuation that he or the Commission deliberately acted to undermine the memory and legacy of the late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is not only unfair but also unsupported by verifiable facts.”

Edo SWAN, therefore, “strongly cautions the publisher of Popular News to desist from publishing unverified and inflammatory reports capable of misleading the public and damaging reputations.”

“The Association formally demands that the controversial publication be withdrawn immediately and that an unreserved apology be tendered to Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele.”

SWAN further “extends its sincere apologies to the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, who is also a Patron of the Edo SWAN Chapter, for any embarrassment or misrepresentation arising from the said publication, and assures him of its continued respect, support and cooperation.”

Edo SWAN, while stating that it “shares in the collective responsibility of preserving and honouring the legacy of the late Stephen Keshi—a national icon whose contributions to Nigerian football remain indelible—the Association, maintained that “this noble course must be pursued through constructive engagement, professionalism and mutual respect among all stakeholders.”

Edo SWAN, thereafter, warned “all sports writers in the state to avoid unverifiable reports and sensationalism, stressing that any member found culpable of professional misconduct will be decisively sanctioned in line with the Association’s statutes.”

News

Court Dissolves Petitioner’s Marriage Over Lack Of Love, Care

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

An Area Court sitting at Centre-Igboro, Ilorin in Kwara State, on Thursday, dissolved the four-year-old marriage between Aminat Mustapha and Wahab Adeshina, following the petitioner’s insistence.

The petitioner told the court that she was no longer interested in her marriage to her husband following claims of lack of love and care.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), while delivering ruling, the presiding judge, Mr Toyin Aluko, held that the respondent had written to the court, accepting the divorce application made by his wife.

Aluko, consequently, dissolved the marriage between the parties, and ordered the woman to observe one month iddah (waiting period) before she could remarry.

Meanwhile, the court granted custody of the two children in the marriage, ages one and three, to their mother.

He ordered the father to pay a monthly sum of N20,000 for the children’s feeding and maintenance.

The court also held that the respondent will be responsible for their education and healthcare.

Again, the court held that the father has unrestricted access to his children, but at reasonable time adding that he should be notified before any decision is taken on his children.

The judge ordered the petitioner to get a copy of the judgment and send same to the respondent.

News

Tinubu Embarks On Three-state Visit

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Saturday on a working visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.

While in Borno, the President will commission projects executed by the Borno State Government under Gov. Babagana Zulum, in collaboration with the Federal Government.

He will also attend the wedding ceremony of Sadeeq Sheriff, son of former Borno Governor, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, and his bride, Hadiza Kam Salem.

From Maiduguri, Tinubu will proceed to Bauchi State to condole with the state government and the family of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the renowned Islamic cleric and leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi died on Nov. 27.

After the condolence visit, the President will travel to Lagos, where he will spend the end-of-year holidays.

During his stay in Lagos, Tinubu is expected to attend several engagements, including the Eyo Festival scheduled for Dec. 27.

The festival, to be held at Tafawa Balewa Square, will honour notable personalities, including the President’s late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, former Lagos State governors Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Chief Michael Otedola.