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

NAFDAC Warns On Recalled U.S. Supplements

Published

1 hour ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the recall of certain multivitamins and iron supplements in the U.S.

NAFDAC, via its official Twitter handle, stated that the affected vitamin brand is labelled as CINCINNATI (WKRC).

The agency noted that the supplements were sold across the U.S., including by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

The recall was prompted by a “risk of serious injury or death” from poisoning, especially among young children, due to improper packaging.

NAFDAC cited a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, which revealed that 60,000 units were affected by the recall.

The recalled products include Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women’s Multivitamin, and Ultamins Women’s 50+ Multivitamin.

It was discovered that the products lacked child-resistant packaging, making them dangerous if accessed by young children.

“Without child-resistant packaging, children are at risk of fatal poisoning if they ingest these supplements.

“Even a few tablets of iron supplements can cause vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, or liver damage in young children,” NAFDAC warned.

In severe cases, NAFDAC said, symptoms may escalate rapidly and could become life-threatening.

All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to monitor and remove the CINCINNATI (WKRC) products from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant to prevent the use or sale of the recalled items.

NAFDAC advised that any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines be reported to the nearest office or via 0800-162-3322, or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

News

FG Launches Phase 7 Of Kainji Mass Trials Of Terrorist Suspects

Published

2 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Wednesday officially launched Phase 7 of the Kainji Mass Trials of terrorist suspects.

A statement by the strategic communications department of the office of the National Security Adviser ONSA, said “it is part of its continued commitment to combating terrorism, violent extremism, and strengthening the nation’s criminal justice system in line with international best practices”,

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, emphasised that the trials represent Nigeria’s unwavering pursuit of justice and a reaffirmation of its resolve to confront terrorism through lawful and transparent means.

He said, “It is truly encouraging to see the convergence of the Judiciary, law enforcement, legal practitioners, and partners, once again united in purpose and duty.

“These trials are a cornerstone of our national commitment to upholding the rule of law while addressing terrorism and violent extremism.”

General Laka noted that Nigeria has recorded significant successes in strengthening its criminal justice capacity to handle terrorism-related offences.

He further highlighted that recent progress in the prosecution of such cases has played a critical role in addressing concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“Indeed, the advancements made through these trials have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s efforts toward exiting the FATF Grey List,” he added.

On behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, General Laka extended appreciation to the Federal Government, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Justices of the Federal High Court for their professionalism and dedication to justice.

He also acknowledged the valuable support of international partners, investigators, legal teams, and support staff.

Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, commended the collaborative efforts of the ONSA and various local and international stakeholders for their ongoing support and contributions to the trials.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to ensure justice is served to both victims and accused persons within a framework that respects the rule of law and human rights.

News

Lagos LG Poll: Police Restrict Movement Saturday

Published

2 hours ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has announced a 12-hour restriction on movement on Saturday across the state for the local government election.

He also ordered a massive deployment of personnel across the state.

Jimoh disclosed this in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in Lagos on Wednesday.

He said the deployment was to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

“Consultative Committee on Elections Security in Lagos State and other critical stakeholders in the election, putting into cognisance foremost public interest to enable adequate security, peaceful conduct and safety before, during and after the election, and also to effectively implement the robust security arrangements to protect and safeguard the election, the electorates, LASEIC officials and adhoc staff and electoral processes and other members of public not participating in the election, hereby wishes to announce and inform the general public in Lagos State of total restriction of vehicular movement throughout Lagos State from 3 am on Saturday 12th July, 2025 till 3 pm of same Saturday 12th July, 2025,” the statement read.

He added that elaborate security arrangements and comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure security, safety, and peaceful and orderly conduct of the LG elections.

“The command with other security and safety agencies is working together under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

“The restriction of vehicular movements will apply to all roads and waterways within the state jurisdiction,” he said.

He added that police escorts and armed security aides were strictly prohibited from accompanying their principals to polling units or collation centres.

The measure was to prevent any undue influence or intimidation during the election.

“Police escorts, covered number plates, and the use of sirens at or in the vicinity of polling units and collation centres are prohibited,” he said.

Jimoh said that only vehicles designated for essential services, such as ambulances, fire trucks, and patrol vehicles operated by security agencies in the ICCES, would be permitted to operate during the restriction period.

The commissioner added, “All other vehicles, including those belonging to any quasi-security outfit and state security agencies, are barred from movement, as no state-owned security agency is authorised to participate in the election security operations, in line with the electoral act.

“The movement restriction will not apply to essential services such as those on medical emergencies and other emergency responders and their workers, the duly accredited officials of the LASIEC and accredited election observers and media practitioners on election coverage accredited by LASIEC.

“These categories of groups and individuals are permitted to carry out their lawful duties during the election period, provided they adhere to all the relevant guidelines and regulations in the Electoral Act.”

He said that all the security agencies personnel and other stakeholders, including the media and election observers accredited by LASEIC for the election, would have and wear their identification tags certified by LASEIC throughout the period of the election.

“No one without the identification tag will be allowed to take part in the election. Anyone arrested without an identification tag will be investigated and prosecuted in line with the Electoral Act,” he said.

NAN