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Family members of train attack apprehensive over where-about of relatives
Family members of train attack apprehensive over where-about of relatives
Some family members of passengers aboard the Kaduna-bound train attacked on Monday say they are yet to know the fate of their relatives.
Speaking to a journalist at the Rigasa Railway station in Kaduna on Tuesday, they said they were yet to establish contact, 14 hours after the tragic incident.
They, therefore, appealed to the state government to come to their aid to relieve them of the apprehension they were passing through.
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Mr Mohammed Barau, a resident of Ungwan Rimi area of Kaduna, said he was at the train station to have an update regarding the incident, adding that his younger brother was in the train attacked.
“We called his line several times without response, until later his friend seated with him in the train picked and told us that my brother left his phone on the seat, and that he did not know his where-about.
“When we later tried to call again, the phone was switched off, and when we called the friend, he was not picking up.
“By now, the government should have released a comprehensive list of people killed, those injured, as well as the number of people evacuated.
“At least, when this is done, it would give us some peace of mind, but we have not heard anything yet,” he said
Also, Miss Lami Gombo, a resident of Kudenden, in Kaduna, said she was yet to hear from her brother, who was on board the train.
“His telephone lines are switched off; we have been to the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, but did not see him there.
“The development is worrisomeas; the entire family is confused as to whether our brother is still alive, dead, or had been kidnaped,” she said.
Others who spoke to NAN expressed same feeling, adding that their minds were never at rest as a result of the non-contact with relatives on board the attacked train.
A staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, who was also on the ill-fated train, told NAN that some of the passengers had fled into the bush for safety when the incident occurred.
“No body can ascertain whether passengers were kidnaped or not, but the pandemonium must have caused a lot of people to run into the bush to safeguard their lives,” said the staff, who did not want his name mentioned.
NAN reports that the Kaduna-bound train, which left Abuja 6pm on Monday, was attacked by suspected terrorists around 7.45 pm, with just 15 minutes drive left for it to arrive Kaduna.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Home Affairs and Internal Security, Mr Samuel Aruwan, on Tuesday said the train had been secured by military personnel, and that government had evacuated passenger on board it.
He said the staff of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA) and Nigeria Red Cross, Kaduna chapter, conducted the evacuation.
When contacted by NAN for details of the casualty figure, an official of KADSEMA who did not want his name mentioned, said they were still working on the details.
Meanwhile, train service, including other business activities at the Rigasa Railway station, Kaduna, had been grounded as a result of the incident.
Buni is working to enhance the economic well-being of citizens
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe state has expressed the determination of his administration to enhance the economic well-being of the populace.
The governor disclosed this recently at the presentation of the year 2025 Finance and Appropriation Bills to the State House of Assembly on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in Damaturu.
In a statement issue by Alhaji Buba Garba Lawan, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, made available to newsmen.
Governor Buni explained that the gains of the preceding year 2024 will consolidate the prospects of the 2025 financial year so as to improve the income of Yobe state citizens.
He maintained that the dastard acts of the Boko Haram insurgency adversely affected the livelihood of the populace, hence the need to evolve drastic measures to stimulate economic growth.
Buni is working to enhance the economic well-being of citizens
Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD GCON, Yobe North Senatorial District, Chairman Senate Committee on Defense, on behalf of the Senate Committee on Defense, extend their deepest condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, the family of the deceased, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation on the demise of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
In a press statement issue and signed by him made available to newsmen in Damaturu. He said Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a dedicated and patriotic officer who served the country with distinction. As Chief of Army Staff, he played a significant role in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges confronting our nation.
“His leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of Nigerians will be sorely missed.” Senator Lawan said.
According to Senator Lawan, during his tenure, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja initiated and implemented several innovative strategies that significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
He was instrumental in enhancing the welfare and morale of troops, ensuring that they were adequately equipped and trained to effectively discharge their duties.
The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is a great loss to the nation. His experience, resolve, and patriotism that characterized his illustrious career will be deeply missed.
“The Senate Committee on Defense is committed to honoring the memory of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja by ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable and effective force capable of safeguarding our nation.
He prays, May his soul rest in eternal peace. Ameen.
Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.
Nigeria Seeks Support for UN security council seat from West African Countries
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has concluded a tour of West African countries, fostering bilateral relations and garnering support for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The move is part of Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize promotion and protection of national interests, African integration, and international cooperation.
Tuggar disclosed that during his
visit to Togo, discussion on investment opportunities, particularly in the phosphate industry, which is used in fertilizer production was held. He noted that Nigeria has numerous fertilizer blending plants, and Togo’s rich mineral resources present a lucrative partnership opportunity.
In Guinea-Bissau, the Minister said emphasis was made on the need for stability and harmony. He said Nigeria’s ongoing support through troop deployment and mediatory efforts is aimed at building peace in the country, noting that Tinubu’s administration is committed to ensuring Nigeria’s continued role in promoting regional peace.
Tuggar said Gambia, with its long-standing relationship with Nigeria, was another key stop. He highlighted Nigeria’s importance in Gambia’s development, particularly in education, through the Technical Aid Corp’s provision of Nigerian professionals.
He said Cote D’Ivoire, a significant economy in the ECOWAS region, was the final destination, where discussions centered on strengthening economic ties, particularly through the Abidjan-Lagos trade and transport corridor. He said the two nations also explored partnership opportunities in cashew production and other agricultural sectors.
Tuggar stressed Nigeria’s qualifications to represent Africa on the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s selfless history of promoting regional and continental interests. With 68% of Security Council decisions affecting Africa, Nigeria’s presence is crucial.
The Minister secured support from visited countries for Nigeria’s Security Council bid and its candidate, Femi Elias, for the International Court of Justice. This diplomatic tour marks the first phase of shuttle diplomacy in the West Africa region.
Regional integration is vital to Nigeria’s foreign policy, and the country’s membership in multiple regional organizations reflects this commitment. Nigeria’s role in regional security policy is significant, and its efforts in promoting peace and security in the African continent are well-documented.
As Nigeria continues to promote its national interests and regional influence, its bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council is a testament to its growing global relevance.
Nigeria Seeks Support for UN security council seat from West African Countries
China Reiterates Commitment to Promoting Cultural Exchange with Nigeria
Buni is working to enhance the economic well-being of citizens
Senator Lawan, Defense Committee, condoles Tinubu over Lagbaja’s demise.
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