Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Tuesday 29th March 2022
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 29/03/22
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UPDATE: Two Bodies Deposited At Kaduna Hospital, Many Injured After Terrorists Bombed, Derailed Abuja-Kaduna Train
Two cleaners and workers of the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train identified as Loretta and Abdul have been confirmed dead, SaharaReporters learnt. SaharaReporters learnt that some security personnel and passengers have also been confirmed dead but their names have yet to be released.
A lot passengers were also injured or abducted, it was learnt, it was gathered. “Meanwhile, two dead bodies have been deposited at St. Gerald’s Catholic Hospital in Kaduna while some persons are being treated for gunshot injuries,” a source told SaharaReporters. SaharaReporters earlier reported that the terrorists who attacked the Nigerian Railway Corporation train from Abuja to Kaduna on Monday evening had abducted some of the stranded passengers.SaharaReporters had obtained victims’ accounts which confirmed that some other persons were shot dead by the rampaging terrorists who operated for hours due to the absence of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.“Some people have died, and the bandits kidnapped several persons,” a woman on the train confirmed to SaharaReporters.“The army hasn’t been able to secure the area but people are running towards them in a staging area,” another source added.In a Facebook post, another passenger, Anas Danmusa, said, “Please this is an emergency. We are inside the 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 around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here/ between Katari to Rijana; I am a living witness.”He later added, “We are safe now.”PHOTONEWS: Scores Killed, Many Injured As Terrorists Bomb Abuja-Kaduna Train Conveying Over 900 Passengers In Latest Of Train Attacks In Nigeria pic.twitter.com/nP31RIWHsu— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 28, 2022
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the NRC could not yet reach its driver nor its engineers onboard the ill-fated train, adding to the anxiety of the already distressed passengers.“The management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation claims they haven’t been able to speak with the train engineers and the driver. The train was travelling to Kaduna and was already 45 minutes from Rigasa Police Station.“Even though the Nigeria Army states they’ve arrived and secured the trains and passengers, the management still hasn’t been able to touch base with the crew. They are not sure if military secured or not.“They are on standby to send another coach from Abuja. The train tracks were bombed and the train was derailed. The terrorists derailed the whole train,” one of the sources explained.SaharaReporters also reported that the attack was still ongoing as of 9.42pm press time, while security agencies had yet to deploy to the scene.One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train and were shooting sporadically.“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.There are at least 970 passengers onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.
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UPDATE: Aspirant At Recent APC National Convention Shot By Terrorists During Attack On Abuja-Kaduna Train
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. SaharaReporters learnt 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. SaharaReporters had reported that two cleaners and workers of the attacked Abuja-Kaduna train identified as Loretta and Abdul were confirmed dead. It was learnt that some security personnel and passengers were also confirmed dead but their names have yet to be released. A lot of passengers were also injured or abducted, it was gathered. “Meanwhile, two dead bodies have been deposited at St. Gerald’s Catholic Hospital in Kaduna while some persons are being treated for gunshot injuries,” a source had told SaharaReporters. SaharaReporters earlier reported that the terrorists who attacked the Nigerian Railway Corporation train from Abuja to Kaduna on Monday evening had abducted some of the stranded passengers.SaharaReporters had obtained victims’ accounts which confirmed that some other persons were shot dead by the rampaging terrorists who operated for hours due to the absence of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.“Some people have died, and the bandits kidnapped several persons,” a woman on the train confirmed to SaharaReporters.“The army hasn’t been able to secure the area but people are running towards them in a staging area,” another source added.In a Facebook post, another passenger, Anas Danmusa, said, “Please this is an emergency. We are inside the 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 around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here/ between Katari to Rijana; I am a living witness.”He later added, “We are safe now.”SaharaReporters earlier reported that the NRC could not yet reach its driver nor its engineers onboard the ill-fated train, adding to the anxiety of the already distressed passengers.“The management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation claims they haven’t been able to speak with the train engineers and the driver. The train was travelling to Kaduna and was already 45 minutes from Rigasa Police Station.“Even though the Nigeria Army states they’ve arrived and secured the trains and passengers, the management still hasn’t been able to touch base with the crew. They are not sure if the military secured it or not.“They are on standby to send another coach from Abuja. The train tracks were bombed and the train was derailed. The terrorists derailed the whole train,” one of the sources explained.SaharaReporters also reported that the attack was still ongoing as of 9.42pm press time, while security agencies had yet to deploy to the scene.One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train and were shooting sporadically.“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.There are at least 970 passengers on board the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.
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BREAKING Terrorists Abduct Abuja-Kaduna Passengers, Kill Others After Derailing Train, Bombing Tracks
Terrorists who attacked the Nigerian Railway Corporation train from Abuja to Kaduna on Monday evening have abducted some of the stranded passengers, SaharaReporters has learnt.SaharaReporters obtained victims’ accounts which confirmed that some other persons were shot dead by the rampaging terrorists who operated for hours due to the absence of the Nigerian military and other security agencies.
“Some people have, and the bandits kidnapped several persons,” a woman on the train confirmed to SaharaReporters.
“The army hasn’t been able to secure the area but people are running towards them in a staging area,” another source added.Cleaners and workers of the train known as Loretta and Abdul along with some security personnel and some passengers have been confirmed dead.
VIDEO: Workers Dead, Many Others Injured As Track-bombing Terrorists Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train In Nigeria, Abduct Passengers pic.twitter.com/yJql1bjz9w— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 28, 2022
However, the names of some of the casualties are yet to be out. SaharaReporters learnt that a lot of the passengers were injured or abducted.In a Facebook post, another passenger, Anas Danmusa, said, “Please this is an emergency. We are inside the 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 around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here/ between Katari to Rijana; I am a living witness.”He later added, “We are safe now.”SaharaReporters earlier reported that the NRC could not yet reach its driver nor its engineers onboard the ill-fated train, adding to the anxiety of the already distressed passengers.“The management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation claims they haven’t been able to speak with the train engineers and the driver. The train was travelling to Kaduna and was already 45 minutes from Rigasa Police Station.“Even though the Nigeria Army states they’ve arrived and secured the trains and passengers, the management still hasn’t been able to touch base with the crew. They are not sure if military secured or not.“They are on standby to send another coach from Abuja. The train tracks were bombed and the train was derailed. The terrorists derailed the whole train,” one of the sources explained.SaharaReporters also reported that the attack was still ongoing as of 9.42pm press time, while security agencies had yet to deploy to the scene.One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train and were shooting sporadically.“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.There are at least 970 passengers onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.
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E2%80%99-bombing-nigerian UPDATE: Abuja-Kaduna Passengers Stranded On Derailed Train After Terrorists’ Bombing, Nigerian Railway Corporation Can’t Reach Engineers, Driver
Passengers onboard a Nigerian Railway Corporation train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna are currently stranded after a terrorists’ attack derailed the train on Monday evening.SaharaReporters learnt that the NRC had yet to reach its engineers or the driver onboard the ill-fated train, adding to the anxiety of the already distressed passengers.
“The management of the Nigeria Railway Corporation claims they haven’t been able to speak with the train engineers and the driver. The train was travelling to Kaduna and was already 45 minutes from Rigasa Police Station.“Even though the Nigeria Army states they’ve arrived and secured the trains and passengers, the management still hasn’t been able to touch base with the crew. They are not sure if the military has secured it or not.“They are on standby to send another coach from Abuja. The train tracks were bombed and the train was derailed. The terrorists derailed the whole train,” one of the sources explained.SaharaReporters earlier reported that that the attack was still ongoing as of 9.42pm press time, while security agencies had yet to deploy to the scene.One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train and were shooting sporadically.“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.There are at least 970 passengers onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.
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E2%80%99s-presidential-declaration-speech-rudolf-ogoo-okonkwo Vice President Osinbajo’s Presidential Declaration Speech By Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo
Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo
Fellow Nigerians, a few moments ago, I met with President Muhammadu Buhari. I informed him that I wanted to succeed him as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Though it is not my life-long ambition, it has become imperative that to rescue Nigeria, we need someone to build on the achievements of President Buhari. I have looked around; I do not see anyone better suited to carry on that solemn assignment than my humble self.As a great father of the nation, which Buhari is, he wished me well.I took this bold step after a wide-ranging consultation with Nigerians of various ethnic, religious, and economic hues. I listened to market women and men, I sat down with the young and old, I heard from students and intellectuals, I broke bread with the unemployed and the underemployed, I accepted the counsel of traditional rulers and kingmakers across Nigeria, and more importantly, I weighed in the opinion of my wife and children. All the signals that I got were positive. Go PYO.Unlike all those who want to rule you as their subjects, I offer myself to serve our great country, Nigeria, with utmost humility. Growing up in Lagos, I did not know that I would be where I am today – one heartbeat away from the presidency of this great country. Having been here, having seen all parts of Nigeria from a close range, having worked beside a great but humble leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for almost seven years now, having interacted with leaders at federal, state, and local government levels, I have a burning desire in me to continue with Buhari’s master-plan for Nigeria.The masterplan may not be clear to some of you, my compatriots, but there is a masterplan coming together. The worldwide economic downturn, COVID-19 pandemic, and decades of lack of investments in Nigerian infrastructure may have blurred what President Buhari has achieved. But trust me, he has taken Nigeria to a new height. Though you may not feel it, you may not honestly say that you are better off today than you were in 2015, but believe me, in things that matter most, values and sincere leadership, our country is in a better place.My fellow Nigerians, trust me when I say that no matter how dark it looks, we are on the right path. The temporary disruptions that we see today, the blurriness caused by the dust in the air should not blind us to the long time gains of our investments of this day. I share in your pains of this day of cultivation. Inshallah, we shall all smile soon as harvest time comes.The Nigeria of 2015 was an active erosion site, swallowing homes, roads, and farmlands. What we have done is to channel the floodwater away from the site. Though the gullies are still collapsing and expanding at some places, fundamentally, we have plucked the remote causes. I seek the presidency to begin the next level of the project, which is to fill up the gullies, recover our once lost land and begin reconstruction. In my time as president, you will see mansions rising in our fatherland once overrun by ugly gullies.
Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo
I have looked around the field of those aspiring to be president. Though they may be honorable men and women in their own right, none of them has what it takes to complete the job that President Buhari started. This is not the time to bring in people who were not there when the corpse was buried and have them start digging from the legs.Those of you who watched with amazement what I accomplished in those few days that President Buhari handed power to me can attest that if I get only four years to be the steward of this great nation, I will turn Nigeria into what Ronald Reagan called “a shining city on a hill.”As we know, some people are born corrupt. Some people have corruption swimming all around them. I am clothed in a bright gown of integrity. Integrity is modest, integrity is humble and integrity never fails to accomplish and excel. I never have and will never steal from the Nigerian people. Those who steal are greedy. Period. They never change. Please do not believe them when they say they are born-again.I am vast in the rudiments of nation-building and sustainable economic growth. When I come into my own as president, that skill set will make all the difference. It helps that more than all the pretenders in the political arena, I am hardworking, I am committed to my stated goals and I am determined to rise above all my enemies and my competitors. My vision for Nigeria is clear and simple. I want Nigeria that is great but just, prosperous but fair and progressive but united. Justice, fairness and unity are very close to my heart.I have never cheated to be where I am in life. We are where we are as a nation because we have allowed some people to cheat and steal their ways to what we call success. I made myself what I am today by converting challenges into opportunities. That is the philosophy that I will bring to my presidency. I will deploy this philosophy to lure back our compatriots who have lost faith in the Nigerian project. They will give Nigeria a second chance when they see my sincerity of purpose.I understand the internal factors dragging down the economy of Nigeria. I have the foreign and nationwide connections that I need to speed up the economic renaissance of our nation. When it comes to security concerns, I will take decisive actions to quell the lingering security problems across Nigeria. As someone close to the beaming youth of this nation, I know how to inspire them to deploy their restless energy into productive ventures. I have done it on tiny scales in line with my limited portfolio as vice president. As president, I will multiply my effort by 100 million folds.Those who know me well will tell you that I am like water. I have no enemy. I will carry every part of the country along in the journey of Nigeria’s emancipation. Yes, that is what PYO stands for – total and final emancipation of Nigeria. We are all children of God, and the God that I serve does not discriminate. I firmly believe that what is good for my children must be extended to the children of the lowest citizen of our country.I believe now is the time to reverse this current system where we leave a great majority of our people to wait for crumbs to trickle down to them from the table of the rich and mighty. When I am president, I will ensure that the least amongst us have the first choice before the mighty. Having run “TraderMoni” and school feeding program, having worked with young entrepreneurs starting a business, I know the potential in them. I will not let that potential go to waste anymore.I know what most of you are waiting to hear. What about my great friend and benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (aka BAT)? As you all know, I have tremendous respect for Asiwaju, Jagaban Borgu. But in matters of the fate of 200 million Nigerians, we cannot afford to let emotions rule us. The situation of Nigeria today is so critical. We need a healthy, vibrant, and untainted leader to handle the situation, now that we still can.The same goes for other aspirants from all the other political parties. We have no room to play around anymore. We have no space for people who will learn on the job. We have no patience for those carrying a truckload of toxic baggage. The urgency of our situation is palpable.For this and other reasons, I offer myself to serve our great nation by declaring my interest in running for president. It will be the greatest honor of my life to serve you all.May God bless you all. And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo teaches Post-Colonial African History at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He is also the host of Dr. Damages Show. His books include “This American Life Sef”, “Children of a Retired God,” among others.
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BREAKING Nnamdi Kanu To File Fresh Legal Actions Against Buhari Government Over Violation Of Rights, Detention
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, will be filing fresh legal actions against the Muhammadu Buhari-led Nigerian government in the coming days over his “abduction” and illegal rendition to Nigeria.The IPOB lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, disclosed this on Monday evening in an update sent to SaharaReporters after the routine visit to Kanu.
Ejiofor noted that the legal actions were carefully discussed and reviewed and there was hope that the IPOB leader would regain his freedom as soon as possible.He said, “Our full legal team ably led by the foremost constitutional lawyer, human rights activist distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Mike Ozekhome, jointly conducted today’s court-ordered visit.“Far reaching legal strategies were discussed and harmonized, and as usual, Onyendu was profoundly overwhelmed and delighted to host his full legal team, ably led by the legal Iroko of our time.“Chief Ozekhome,SAN, took time to address all areas of legal interest as they affect Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, including further fresh actions to be explored in challenging Onyendu’s illegal kidnap and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria.“In the coming days, our indefatigable legal team, eminently headed by the erudite Silk, Chief Ozekhome, SAN, will be unveiling further legal actions against the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and all parties involved and responsible in the brutal abduction and extraordinary rendition of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to Nigeria.“There must be legal consequences for the flagrant violation of Onyendu’s extant constitutional rights, which included acts of torture, mental and physical meted out to him and his continued confinement in a solitary environment.“More legal actions will be filed for the FGN to contend with in the coming days, even as we await the all-important court ruling on our preliminary objection, come 8th April, 2022.“Onyendu appreciates his teaming followers and all Ezigbo UmuChineke for still resoundingly holding the forte in his absence. He commended all those who have remained steadfast despite all antics of the enemies – within and without. Onyendu encourages Ezigbo UmuChineke to maintain peaceful conduct and remain loyal to his structures, as they have always done.“Onyendu recognises the fact that your prayers are heavily impacting positively, and urged you all not to relent. Always pray without ceasing as victory is with us already.”
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Alleged N1.4billion Fraud: Former Boss Of Nigerian Agency, NSITF, Olejeme Slumps, Absent In Court
The trial of Ngozi Olejeme, former chairperson of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), was stalled on Monday owing to the absence of the defendant.According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Paul Erokoro, counsel to Olejeme, told the court that the former NSITF boss slumped at 6:30am on Monday.
Erokoro added that the defendant was subsequently rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja.EFCC had in October 2021 arraigned Olejeme before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi.She was arraigned on a nine-count charge including abuse of office and using position to obtain over N1.4billion and $48,485,127.The EFCC said her offences contravened the provisions of sections 8, 9 (1) (b) (1), punishable under the Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offence Act 2000 and sections 17, (1) (2), 39 of EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under the same section.In one of the charges, Olejeme was accused of dishonestly receiving the sum of N350million paid into Able Jes Nigeria Limited, a company she was said to have interest in, and used her position to confer unfair advantage upon the said company by receiving various payments from BDCs.She allegedly committed the offence while being the chairperson of the NSITF sometimes between 2012 and 2015 in Abuja.Olejeme was also accused of receiving benefit to grant favour in the discharge of her official duties to (NSITF) by receiving N505 million sourced from the monies paid by NSTTF to Fountain Media Consults Ltd and Fountain Legal Services accounts as kickback.At the continuation of her trial on Monday, counsel to the former NSITF boss presented a letter informing the court about the development on his client’s health, and prayed for an adjournment.Erokoro added that he could not present a medical report as the hospital was still reviewing her case.Responding, Steve Odiase, the prosecution counsel, did not oppose the application for adjournment.“My lord, they served us with a letter seeking for an adjournment based on the defendant’s ill health, and being the defendant’s first time absenting herself in the court and for the interest of justice, we are not opposing their application seeking adjournment,” Odiase was quoted as saying.The matter was thereafter adjourned till April 13 for continuation of trial.
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BREAKING: Terrorists Bomb Abuja-Kaduna Train Conveying Over 900 Passengers
Terrorists have detonated bombs on the rail track of the Abuja-Kaduna train and successfully immobilised it.
Credible sources confirmed the attack to Daily Nigerian on Monday night, saying the attack occurred at a point between Katari and Rijana areas.
Sources also told SaharaReporters that the attack was still ongoing as of 9.42 pm press time, while calling for security agencies to deploy to the scene.
One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers had surrounded the train and were shooting sporadically.
“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said one of the panic-stricken passengers.
There are at least 970 passengers onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service.
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BREAKING: Oscar Investigates Will Smith’s Assault Of Chris Rock, Actor Risks Losing Award
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has launched a formal review into Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the Oscars and says it condemns the action.As a result, Smith risks losing the award he won over the weekend following the assault on Rock.
However, Los Angeles’ rich and famous still welcomed Smith like a hero as they partied with him on Sunday night, a report by Daily Mail said. Smith, 53, was hugged, high-fived and hallowed by guests at the Vanity Fair party in Beverley Hills even after he assaulted the comedian just minutes before being handed his now-tainted Best Actor award.Despite being accused of shaming his profession and wrecking a historic moment when he became just the fifth black man to win an Oscar for male lead, he was mobbed by A-listers desperate to celebrate with him.Critics have also pointed out that Kevin Hart was banned as host of the 2019 Academy Awards over historic unacceptable tweets — but has not punished Smith for punching someone.
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Gunmen Open Fire On Bus Passengers In Enugu Over Sit-at-home Order
An unconfirmed number of passengers have been allegedly killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be enforcers of sit-at-home order on Monday in Enugu State.It was learnt that the gunmen opened fire on the bus passengers around Colliery Hospital in Odegba area.
A source claimed that at least two persons were killed although the police said no death was recorded.The police reportedly intervened and brought in two victims who sustained gunshot wounds to the Parkland area.Confirming the incident, the spokesman of Enugu Police command, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, noted that no death was recorded.He said, “There was a shooting incident at Odegba, along Iva Valley Road, Enugu in the early hours of this morning, by yet-to-be identified armed men, which led to two persons sustaining injuries.“However, the victims are responding to treatment at the hospital where they were promptly taken to by police operatives, who swiftly responded to a distress call on the incident.“Meanwhile, investigation has been launched to fish out the fleeing miscreants, please.”
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