Lauretta Fagbohun, Ogun

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike along with the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, on Wednesday stormed Ogun State to give their support to Oladipupo Adebutu while declaring his intention to bid for the Governorship seat of the state. 

This follows Adebutu's purchase of the expression of interest and nomination forms at the National Headquarters of the party in Abuja.

The former Federal lawmaker officially declared his intention at the Ake Palace ground  to contest for the governorship seat of the state come 2023.

Wike and Fayose who are party leaders of the Peoples' Democratic Party joined thousands of party members in Ogun State to give solidarity to one of their own.

It would be recalled that Segun Sowunmi of the same PDP had earlier shown interest to bid for the same position about some weeks ago, in an open declaration at the Panseke area of Abeokuta. 

The event is still on-going as at the time of filing this report.

More details soon

Several passengers who boarded the train that was attacked on Monday night are yet to be accounted for, according to Kaduna State government.

Terrorists bombed a section of the Kaduna-Abuja rail track, forcing the train, which departed Abuja at 6pm on Monday to derail.

After that, they opened fire on passengers, abducting some and killing others.

In the latest update on the rescue operation, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said while eight corpses had been recovered, 26 people who were injured were receiving treatment.

He said according to the record obtained from the Nigerian Railway Corporation, 362 persons boarded the train.

“Kaduna State Government has received from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), the detailed passenger manifest for the Abuja-Kaduna train service AK9 which was attacked by terrorists on Monday.

“According to the documents received, 398 passengers bought tickets for the trip, but 362 were validated as having boarded the train through the recognized turnstile.

“The passenger manifest does not include NRC staff and security officials who were on board.

“Furthermore, security agencies have reported that eight bodies were recovered and 26 persons were injured during the attack. Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the status of the passengers who were on board the train and remain unaccounted for at the time of this update. Search operations are also being sustained.”

Four persons, including a pastor of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, were reportedly killed in separate attacks on some communities in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State according to a punch report.

Two women were reportedly shot dead by suspected herders on their farm on Monday.

The Deeper Life pastor, identified as John Ajav, was said to have been killed on Tuesday by suspected herders on his way to the local government headquarters at Gbamjinba to attend a religious function.

The pastor’s murder was made known on the verified Facebook account of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tivlumn Nyitse, on Tuesday.

Nyitse wrote, “A very sad day for me and the entire Ikyen Gbuusu family. We lost John Torbee Ajav this morning to some Fulani marauders, who shot him on his way to Gbajimba to attend a religious function.

“The late John was a pastor with the Deeper Life Bible Church, Umenger. May the Lord receive his soul with mercy.”

Confirming the killings, Chairman, Guma Local Government Area, Caleb Aba, said there were separate attacks where four people were killed between Monday and Tuesday.

Aba stated, “On Monday, three persons – two females and a man – went to harvest locust beans on their farm at Nyivir and were shot.

“Also this morning (Tuesday), a pastor, who was going to Gbamjinba, was killed around Waku village.”

Efforts to confirm the two incidents from the state police command were not successful as calls put across to the Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, rang out and she did not respond to messages sent to her mobile telephone.

Suspected hoodlums have allegedly abducted a former Chairman of the Federated Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Julius Osahon, and several others.

Osahon is The Guardian correspondent in Bayelsa.

A source said the journalist and the others, numbering about 17, were abducted on Monday evening in Ewreni community on the East-West Road in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The source said the gunmen shot the driver of the vehicle in which the journalists and the others were travelling.

“The gunmen have reportedly established contact with the journalist’s wife and are demanding N5 million ransom for his release,” the source said.

Meanwhile, a survivor of the attack, Lucky Egboyi, told journalists in Warri that they were returning from Bayelsa when they ran into the hoodlums who were operating on the road.

Egboyi, a Warri-based lawyer, said the hoodlums shot the driver of their vehicle before abducting the passengers.

“It was a narrow escape for me and a few others because we had to run into the bush,” he said.

Police spokesperson in Delta State, Bright Edafe, declined to comment on the incident when contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

“I will get back to you,” Edafe, a deputy superintendent of police, said in a response to an inquiry from a NAN reporter.

Abduction-for-ransom by criminal gangs has become one of the most prevalent crimes in Nigeria, rendering most of the nation’s highways unsafe for travellers.

Nigerian fans on Tuesday attacked Ghanaian players after they knocked out Super Eagles from the 2022 World Cup finals, Punch has reported.

The angry fans also invaded the Moshood Abiola Stadium’s pitch, destroying equipment.

Smoke was seen on the pitch as the fans pelted objects at Black Stars of Ghana.

It could not be ascertained if any player was injured as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian players had left the pitch after failing to qualify when the incident happened.

The Ghanaian players citing the angry fans ran into the dressing room.

“Two fans first jumped into the pitch and others followed. Before then, the fans attacked the Ghana players with bottles.

They also threw planks and other objects at them,” a spectator said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after drawing Ghana 1-1 on Tuesday.

A battling performance came short of earning the 2022 FIFA World Cup ticket for Nigeria as the Super Eagles drew 1-1 with Ghana’s Black Stars in their playoff final battle at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Both teams had fought to a 0-0 draw in Kumasi on Friday.

The Super Eagles set out with zest and belief in front of a full house at the 60,491–capacity stadium, and Emmanuel Dennis shaded three defenders only to overhit his cross in the eighth minute.

Ghana shocked the 60,000 cheering spectators when Thomas Partey unleased a shot from 20 yards that surprisingly went past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho into the net for the first goal of the fixture.

Victor Osimhen came close to equalizing a minute after but dragged his shot too wide, and in the 19th minute, a fierce tussle in the Ghanaian box ended with Tunisian referee Selmi Sadok awarding a penalty kick to Nigeria.

William Ekong stepped up to send goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott the wrong way.

In the 34th minute, Nigeria thought they had taken the lead when Victor Osimhen ran hard on a floated ball from Oghenekaro Etebo and got past Wollacott to slot into the net, but a VAR check by referee Sadok ruled out the strike.

On the stroke of half time, a cut back by Dennis was safely dealt with by Wollacott.

The Eagles struggled to create many chances in the second half.

A floater by Ademola Lookman in the 50th minute was caught by Wollacott.

Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and Osimhen on two occasions, missed narrowly as the Eagles failed to get the goal they needed to turn the table.

Ghana qualified for the showpiece in Qatar on the away goal rule.

There is confusion presently among indigenes and residents of Ibadan, Oyo State over the promotion of two Mogajis as Jagun Balogun of Ibadan land, daily post has reported. 

The title of Mogaji is synonymous with a family head.

Each Mogaji who wished to become the Olubadan is promoted to either Jagun Balogun or Jagun Olubadan and from there, move from one step to the other to become Olubadan. 

However, it was gathered on Tuesday that two separate letters have been issued to two Mogajis from two different families to become Jagun Balogun.

The title of Jagun Balogun is meant for one person, but two people have been issued letters of appointment, the development which is causing serious confusion in the ancient city.

Investigations revealed that Chief Remi Ibrahim Babalola and Dotun Sanusi have been issued letters of appointment as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland.

The situation is currently causing confusion among the indigenes and residents.

The two letters obtained on Tuesday had sparked heated arguments.

The letter issued to Dotun Sanusi was signed by the Secretary of the Olubadan Advisory Council. Sanusi is currently the Mojaji of the Olugbade family in Oja’ba area of Ibadan. 

Another letter was issued to Remi Ibrahim Babalola and it was personally signed by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

Babalola is currently the Mogaji of Ogidi compound, Ajegede in Oke Ofa Atipe area of Ibadan.

However, one of the sources close to the Olubadan palace said the two letters would soon be withdrawn. 

“They will withdraw the two letters. Three letters have been issued, one of them do not have controversy, but the two that have controversy will be withdrawn along with the third one”.

Another close personality to the Olubadan described the development as ‘administrative’ lapses. “It is an administrative lapse. The Olubadan will soon speak on the matter”. 

Terrorists have again attacked Gidan train Station along the Abuja-Kaduna rail track.

Sources say the terrorists may have planted IEDs on the tracks forcing the train heading to Abuja from Kaduna to a stop.

This is the second attack within 24 hours along the same axis. Numbers of those injured and killed in the fresh attack are yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report. 

At least seven persons were killed when terrorists attacked a train at Dutse village on Monday.

A young medical doctor, Megafu Chinelo, who was killed on Monday in the Abuja-Kaduna train attack was meant to travel out of the country on Friday, one of her friends has told Sahara Reporters.  

It was earlier reported how bandits attacked the train which was on its way to Kaduna from Abuja on Monday night.

The gunmen were said to have blown up the rail track after which they launched an attack on the passengers.

The dentist was one of the over 970 passengers on board when the terrorists attacked the train.

Shortly after the attack, Chinelo took to her Twitter page at 9:43 pm asking Nigerians to pray for her.

“I’m in the train. I have been shot please pray for me,” she had tweeted.

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, a friend of the deceased said, “Dr Chinelo was making an honest living, she was working at St Gerald's hospital in Kaduna, she wanted more for herself and processed her papers to leave this hell-hole.

“She resigned last month to leave the country this Friday then this happened. Nigeria why???”

Another friend of the deceased said, “Yes, it’s true, though I don’t know when she was meant to leave. May her soul Rest In Peace.”

The Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, has suspended its Abuja-Kaduna train service after terrorists blew off its train on Monday night, killing and injuring some passengers in the process.

The NRC made the announcement in a terse statement on its Twitter page.

In the ill-fated train, many are feared kidnapped and two confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries during the attack.

The NRC wrote on Tuesday, “Dear passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route has been temporarily suspended.

“Further communication would be given in due course.”

A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, was among the Abuja-Kaduna train passengers who was shot by terrorists on Monday evening.

SaharaReporters learnt that Wakkala was shot on the leg and currently hospitalised.

Sources also confirmed to SaharaReporters that out of 15 patients brought to St. Gerald's Catholic Hospital in Kaduna, two had been confirmed dead, including a lady medical doctor with the hospital.

“A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara Malam Ibrahim Wakkala was equally shot on the leg. Out of 15 patients brought to St. Gerald's Catholic Hospital, two are dead including a lady medical Doctor with St Gerald.

“Two females moved to 44 Reference Hospital because of bullet wounds; they could not be treated at St Gerald's,” the source said.

On Monday night it was also reported that Muhammad Amin Mahmood, an aspirant in the just-concluded National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Northwest Zonal Youth Leadership, was shot during the attack on Monday.

The politician was on board the train and was one of those shot during the train ride which was heading to Kaduna from Abuja.

However, as of the time of filing this report, it was not clear how critical his injuries were or if he would survive.

Two cleaners and workers of the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train identified as Loretta and Abdul were confirmed dead.

There are at least 970 passengers on board the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.

Armed persons Monday evening attacked a Kaduna-bound train carrying hundreds of passengers.

The train, which left Abuja at about 6 p.m., was attacked between Katari and Rijana.

Kaduna State Government confirmed the attack but said it was successfully repelled.

One of the passengers aboard the train, Anas Iro-Danmusa, took to Facebook to solicit for prayers for those in the train.

He said the armed persons planted explosives on the rail which damaged the train’s engines.

“Please this is an emergency. We are inside train at the moment. Kidnappers planted explosives and the train engines have been ruined. We are helpless. Abuja to Kaduna train. Gunshots still being fired right around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here. Btw Katari to Rijana. I am a living witness,” he posted.

His first post was around 9:07 p.m

According to him, the bandits had surrounded the train and made efforts to enter the coaches but the doors were not opening.

“Please, spread the news. We need help. Gunshots,” he posted.

Over an hour after his first post, Mr Danmusa said soldiers had arrived and repelled the attack.

Also, one Adam Hayatu took to Twitter to, quoting a passenger onboard the train, announce that passengers had been saved by security agents.

“Alhamdulillahi! The military have secured the train. Thank you DSS, thank you Kaduna CP, Thank you Samuel Aruwan, thank you DMI and all the classified persons who answered our calls without hesitation and actually acted upon it. God bless Nigeria and everyone.”

Daily Nigerian reported that there were 970 passengers onboard the train.

“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” a passenger told Daily Nigerian.

Kaduna police command spokesman, Mohammed Jalige, did not respond to calls and SMS sent to him on the attack.

However, Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, later confirmed the development in a statement.

According to him, several passengers sustained injuries, while security operatives are currently conducting “rescue efforts”.

Two persons - a cleaners and a worker of the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train - have been confirmed dead.

The two persons identified as Loretta and Abdul are confirmed to be the only casualty for now, in the fierce late night attack on the train.

Unofficial sources said also that some security personnel and passengers have been killed by the rampaging terrorists but their names have yet to be released.

This is not the first time bandits are attacking Abuja-Kaduna train. Last October, the bandits destroyed a portion of the rail track with explosives which disrupted the journey.

Managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, confirmed that the explosives planted had damaged the track.

The Abuja-Kaduna train is very popular as it is considered safe compared to the road that has witnessed several attacks by armed persons.

The latest attack on the train may, however, cause many passengers to have a rethink.

Kaduna is one of the states most affected by banditry in North-west Nigeria with thousands of people killed or kidnapped in recent years.

Following Saturday’s incident where a local guard of the Kaduna International Airport was gunned down, Azman Airline, one of the carriers operating to the airport, has suspended its operation.

The airline confirmed this in a notice posted on its Twitter handle.

Daily Trust learnt that the airline stopped the operation on Monday, leaving many passengers stranded at the airport due to limited flight connectivity in and out of Kaduna.

The airline said the suspension of operation to the airport was to re-evaluate security at the airport.

It said, “The Management of Azman Air will like to inform the general public that we will be halting our operations into Kaduna Airport for a few days.

“We understand the security situation around the airport has been handled and normalcy has been restored accordingly, but it is imperative for the Management to re-evaluate its operational procedures into the Airport to ensure maximum safety of Equipment, Staff and Passengers are fully guaranteed.

“The bedrock of our operations is Safety and we will continue to explore every option to aid its delivery to the highest standard. Thanks for your usual cooperation.”

A Lagos-bound flight was delayed after gunmen and security operatives exchanged fire around the airport on Saturday.