Connect with us


BIG STORY

Train Attack: Negotiator Says Abducted Train Passenger Shot, Families Beg Reps

Published

on

Tukur Mamu, a negotiator and media consultant to a controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has revealed that Mohammed Al’Amin, one of the remaining 50 abducted Abuja-Kaduna train passengers has been shot by bandits.

Mamu said the incident happened on Monday based on information that was made available to him.

He said that the incident occurred during a “friendly exchange of fire in the forest between the abductors that are guarding the victims and these preventing them from possible escape.”

He said the victim was critically injured but still alive and required medical attention.

According to Mamu, who was quoted in the latest edition of the Kaduna-based newspaper, Desert Herald, the shooting of one of the hostages may have been done intentionally for the “purpose of sending a message.”

He added that he begged the terrorists to release the victim so that he could get medication, but they “vehemently refused.”

He also added that there had been constant communication but the government had yet to make a decision, adding that the government must take “painful decisions to secure the innocent victims alive.”

“I know what is in this crisis and that is why I keep emphasizing that President Buhari must be prepared to take painful decisions, painful compromises if they are committed to securing these innocent victims alive.

“With what we have succeeded in doing, the windows and opportunities we opened which there’s been none hitherto, the government has the power to bring this to an end within three to four days,” he stated.

Mamu, who had earlier announced his withdrawal from the negotiating team, claimed that the victim families had prevailed on him and his principal, Gumi, to continue to be part of the negotiation.

Meanwhile, family members of the abducted passengers, on Wednesday, visited the House of Representatives to plead with the lawmakers to ensure the rescue of the abductees.

Two family members, who spoke on behalf of others, begged the lawmakers to urgently intervene in the matter.

They were received by two members of the House, Messrs Bamidele Salam (PDP/Osun) and Mansur Soro (APC/Bauchi), who represented 11 lawmakers that have been pushing for the release of the captives.

The wife of one of the kidnapped victims, Matilda Kabir, said, “We are here to plead with the House of Representatives. The news we are getting is not favorable. We are here to beg them to help us. It is not funny again. The news we got this morning is one person was shot. We don’t know who is next.”

Another family member, Aminu Uthman, whose brother was kidnapped, said the Federal Government and security agencies should be put under more pressure to ensure their release.

Salam said the lawmakers had on Tuesday initiated contact with two persons directly involved with negotiations for the release of the victims.

Also, Soro said the lawmakers would intensify pressure in appropriate quarters to ensure the captives are freed. When contacted on the telephone, one of the leaders of the Victims Families, who is also the Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, promised to get back to our correspondent on the matter. However, as of the time of filing this report, he had yet to do so.

On the government side, a top official of the state, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that security matters, especially as sensitive as the remaining 50 abducted passengers can’t be discussed publicly.

“How can any sensible government discuss such matter on the pages of newspapers at the moment?” he asked.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

Published

on

Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Sokoto Counters Military, Says 10 Civilians Accidentally Killed In Air Strike

Published

on

The Sokoto state government says no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when a military air strike targeted suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA of the state.

Abubakar Bawa, press secretary to Ahmed Aliyu, governor of the state, wrote in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Bawa quoted Abubakar Rana, chairman of Silame LGA, as saying that the incident occurred around 6am on Christmas Day, when two military fighter jets “mistakenly” dropped bombs on the village.

Aliyu, who was accompanied by Aliyu Wamakko, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, attended the funeral prayers for the victims.

Consoling the villagers, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorising the state and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he said.

“We consider this a mistake because the same military had on several occasions successfully raided many criminal hideouts in the state.”

Aliyu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.

Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced a relief package of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs for the families of the deceased.

He also assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured.

The military had denied reports of civilian casualties in the bombing.

Reports said air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, had inadvertently killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.

However, Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for the operation, said the strikes targeted locations confirmed to be linked to the insurgents.

“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said.

“The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action.”

Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, told TheCable that the missiles were launched following credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

Published

on

As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular