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Security Is a Shared Responsibility, Not Jonathan’s Fault Alone – Buhari’s Ex-Aide

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Security Is a Shared Responsibility, Not Jonathan's Fault Alone – Buhari's Ex-Aide

Security Is a Shared Responsibility, Not Jonathan’s Fault Alone – Buhari’s Ex-Aide

Former presidential media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has said he never held former President Goodluck Jonathan solely responsible for the Boko Haram insurgency that escalated during his administration. Ahmad stated that security is a collective responsibility that goes beyond government efforts and requires the active participation of citizens, communities, traditional institutions, and religious leaders.

In a post on X on Saturday, the former presidential aide stressed that while governments are expected to provide leadership, resources and strategic direction, the task of securing communities cannot be left to government alone. “Even at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, I did not place the blame entirely on the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan because I have long believed that the responsibility of securing our communities does not rest on the shoulders of government alone,” Ahmad wrote. “Security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation and commitment of every citizen,” he added. According to him, lasting peace and security can only be achieved when citizens work closely with security agencies and community leaders to prevent criminal activities. He noted that communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and individuals all have important roles to play in safeguarding lives and property. “Governments provide leadership and resources, but communities, traditional institutions, religious leaders and individuals all have vital roles to play,” he added.

Ahmad also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, stressing that criminals thrive when communities fail to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. “We must support our security agencies with credible information and refuse to provide safe havens for criminals,” he stated. “Only through a united effort and a shared sense of responsibility can we restore lasting peace and ensure a safer future for our communities and our nation,” he said.

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Ahmad’s statement on collective security responsibility follows a separate controversy that emerged after he attended a book launch event where Jonathan reportedly made remarks about Boko Haram and the late President Buhari. On Friday, at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), Jonathan reportedly disclosed that during his administration, Boko Haram once nominated the late President Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in negotiations with the federal government. Ahmad, who was present at the event, confirmed this on X, writing: “Earlier today, I was at the book launch of former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), where former President Goodluck Jonathan disclosed during his remarks that in one of the committees his administration set up to explore dialogue, Boko Haram once nominated the later President Buhari to represent them in negotiations with the government.” This remark sparked widespread reactions, with Garba Shehu, former spokesperson to the late President Buhari, dismissing Jonathan’s claim as “false and politically motivated” and warning Jonathan not to play politics with the Boko Haram insurgency ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Following the backlash, Jonathan issued a swift clarification through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Eze, stating that his comments were “grossly misrepresented.” The former president insisted that at no time did he suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form. According to Jonathan, his remarks were made in the course of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges and were meant to illustrate “the deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram in their early years.” He explained that his reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent the terrorist group and purported to name prominent Nigerians as possible mediators, without those individuals’ knowledge or consent. “The point Dr Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government. His comments were therefore an illustration of the group’s duplicity, not an accusation against the late former president or any individual, for that matter,” the statement read. Jonathan further posed a rhetorical question to underscore his point: “if indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously bring their evil terrorist agenda to an end when the retired General became president?” He affirmed that the late President Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence.

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Ahmad’s comments come amid renewed national conversations on insecurity and the responsibilities of political leaders, security agencies, and citizens in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country. Security analysts have long argued that the Boko Haram insurgency, which began around the early 2000s, was enabled not only by government failures but also by community-level vulnerabilities. The failure of successive governments—especially the administrations of both Jonathan and Buhari—helped the group to significantly grow, spreading from Borno to other states in the North-east. Jonathan was president when Boko Haram staged a strong comeback after the 2009 clash with the police, and when more than 200 schoolgirls were seized by the group in Chibok, Borno State. Under Buhari’s leadership (2015–2023), Nigeria made significant gains against Boko Haram, reclaiming territories the group once controlled in the northeast. However, the insurgency evolved as Boko Haram split, with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) emerging as a stronger faction aligned with the Islamic State.

Observers have noted that the exchange between Jonathan’s camp and Buhari’s former aides carries political undertones, with the 2027 presidential election already shaping discourse. There are reports that Jonathan is warming up to join the presidential race in 2027. Although the former president has not confirmed this personally, a close ally told Vanguard that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will pitch Jonathan against President Bola Tinubu. The presidency has welcomed a possible Jonathan challenge, with presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga saying Nigerians won’t “forget his dismal record in office.” Meanwhile, Ahmad’s measured stance—acknowledging that Jonathan should not bear sole blame for Boko Haram while also documenting the military defeat of the group under Buhari—reflects the delicate political calculations as Nigeria looks ahead to the next election cycle. His comments, he insists, are not politically motivated but rooted in a long-held belief that security is everyone’s business. “Only through a united effort and a shared sense of responsibility, can we restore lasting peace and ensure a safer future for our communities and our nation,” Ahmad concluded.

 

Security Is a Shared Responsibility, Not Jonathan’s Fault Alone – Buhari’s Ex-Aide

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Abducted General, Wife Beg Gov’t for Rescue in New Video

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June 6, 2026

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Retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, Abubakar Rabe, and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar

Abducted General, Wife Beg Gov’t for Rescue in New Video

A retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, Abubakar Rabe, and his wife, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, who were abducted along the Karaduwa–Matazu Road in Katsina State exactly a week ago, have appeared in a new video begging the government to come to their aid. The four-minute video shows the couple in captivity relaying their abductors’ demands, which include the release of three detained individuals and the return of seized livestock, with no ransom demand mentioned throughout the footage.

The video, which surfaced on social media on Saturday, June 6, 2026, shows the retired general and his wife standing side by side as they appeal to government authorities and community leaders to intervene and secure their release. Speaking in the video, Hajiya Amina conveyed the kidnappers’ demand for the release of three of their members identified as Sani, Aminu, and Nasiru. According to her account, two of the detained individuals were arrested in Jikamshi, Katsina State, while the third was arrested in Kano State. The abductors also demanded the return of livestock, including cows and sheep, which they alleged had been confiscated from them by authorities. “We are appealing to the Katsina State Government and leaders of the affected local government areas to help address these demands so that we can regain our freedom,” Hajiya Amina said in the video. She specifically appealed to Governor Dikko Radda and the local government chairmen of Matazu, Musawa, Kankia, Charanci, and Kusada to facilitate compliance with the demands. The wife further claimed that the abductors insisted they play a role in securing the area. “Additionally, these individuals play a vital role in protecting this area; they have informed us that they are actively securing the land,” she said.

The retired army general, who spoke briefly in the video, called for efforts to ensure peace, stating that the abductors had expressed interest in dialogue and peaceful coexistence. “The people holding us have expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence. I appeal to all concerned to work towards peace and ensure that this matter is resolved amicably,” he said. Appealing for dialogue, the couple urged authorities to pursue reconciliation with the group. “Since the primary duty of the government is to provide security for its citizens, we urge the authorities to cooperate, sit down with them, and find a lasting solution. Reconciliation is always the best path, as Allah says, ‘Al-Sulhu Khayran’ (peace is better),” Hajiya Amina said. Throughout the video, no monetary ransom demand was mentioned, a departure from the pattern typical of many kidnapping incidents in the region.

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The retired major general was travelling to Katsina on Saturday, May 30, 2026, alongside his wife and their driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa–Kafinsoli Road in Matazu Local Government Area. The attack occurred near Zakin Baure village around 11 a.m., where witnesses said armed men, believed to be bandits, suddenly emerged from hiding, blocked the road, and opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to a halt. In a statement, the Katsina State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that suspected armed bandits wielding dangerous weapons attacked a red Peugeot 406 saloon along Karaduwa-Matazu Road. The driver, Abdullahi Sa’idu, sustained a gunshot injury to his right arm. The two occupants—Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) and Hajiya Amina Abdullahi—were abducted before the arrival of security personnel. The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, visited the scene of the incident and ordered the deployment of additional personnel and assets to reinforce the ongoing search-and-rescue operation.

A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Muhammad, who operates in parts of Katsina State, has reportedly established communication with relatives of the victims. The bandit kingpin opened a line of communication with the family of the retired general on Monday, June 1, two days after the abduction. A senior local government official in Batsari, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that he personally spoke with the abducted officer during the conversation facilitated by Kachallah Muhammad. “I spoke with Major General Rabe through Kachallah Muhammad. He told us that he is hale and hearty and that his wife is also fine,” the official said. According to the source, the retired general assured his family and associates that they were being adequately taken care of by their captors. The official further disclosed that during the interaction, Kachallah Muhammad made his demands clear, insisting on the release of his relatives allegedly being held by Nigerian security authorities. “He said what he wants is the immediate release of his relatives in government custody,” the official added. The bandit leader also expressed willingness to return to negotiations, indicating openness to dialogue aimed at restoring peace in Matazu and other areas under his influence.

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The Defence Headquarters has ordered the deployment of intelligence assets following the abduction, with troops working around the clock to secure the release of the senior officer. A senior military officer, who spoke in confidence regarding the development, declined to give details of the ongoing operation but said “we are working round the clock to rescue him.” Major General Abubakar Rabe, a retired major general, served as Director of Defence Information, the media arm of the Defence Headquarters, between 2015 and 2017. During his tenure, he was one of the military’s principal spokespersons and frequently briefed Nigerians on security operations across the country. His abduction was earlier disclosed by former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who cited information from retired army spokesperson Sagir Musa.

Relatives and residents of Batsari have expressed deep concern over the abduction, describing the incident as a devastating blow to both his family and the community that has benefited from his years of service and philanthropy. A family member, Mariya Ibrahim, said the retired general, whom she described as the family’s breadwinner, was travelling to Katsina for a wedding with his wife when they were abducted. “He served this country with dedication and deserves protection even in retirement. We want him and his wife rescued unharmed,” she said. Another relative, Aisha Abubakar Batsari, described the retired officer as the pillar of the extended family and appealed for his safe rescue. A community leader, Haruna Mai Maganin Kwari Batsari, said the retired officer was expected in the town on the day of the incident to discuss community matters before news of the abduction spread. A resident, Ibrahim Mamman Batsari, said the incident had created fear among ordinary citizens. “If a retired senior military officer can be kidnapped, then ordinary citizens are even more vulnerable. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.

Security analyst Abubakar Ibrahim described the development as reflecting growing boldness among armed groups and a deepening security crisis in Katsina State. “The kidnapping of a retired Major General shows how emboldened bandits have become. It exposes the vulnerability of major highways and rural communities. If urgent and decisive action is not taken, the situation could further deteriorate,” he said. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Katsina State Government nor security agencies had issued an official statement regarding the video released by the abductors. The incident underscores continuing security concerns in Katsina State and the wider North-west region, where kidnapping and bandit attacks remain persistent despite ongoing military and police operations.

Abducted General, Wife Beg Gov’t for Rescue in New Video

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Sharia Not a Tool for Terror: NACOMYO Condemns Kidnappers’ Demand in Oyo Abduction

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June 6, 2026

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Sharia Not a Tool for Terror: NACOMYO Condemns Kidnappers' Demand in Oyo Abduction
National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO)

Sharia Not a Tool for Terror: NACOMYO Condemns Kidnappers’ Demand in Oyo Abduction

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State Chapter, has strongly condemned the reported demand by kidnappers for the implementation of Sharia law as a condition for the release of abducted students and teachers in Oyo State, describing the claim as deceptive, criminal, and a gross misrepresentation of Islamic teachings. NACOMYO stated that terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and the intimidation of innocent citizens are grave sins in Islam and have no place within the principles and objectives of Sharia law.

The council made its position known in a statement issued by its Oyo State Coordinator, Alhaji Dawood Afolabi, while reacting to reports that abductors of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area allegedly demanded the enforcement of Sharia law before releasing their captives.

According to multiple reports, 39 students and seven teachers were kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026. The attacked schools included Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School. Victims reportedly include children as young as two years old. Tragically, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher, was later killed by the abductors, with reports indicating he was beheaded. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, culminating in nationwide protests by the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and other stakeholders. A rumour later emerged claiming that the abductors had linked the release of the victims to the implementation of Sharia law, along with other demands including a one billion naira ransom to be paid into an account in the Republic of Benin, the release of bandits from Agodi and Abolongo prisons, and two Hilux vehicles. However, some media analysts have cautioned that this specific list of demands lacks firm evidentiary foundation and may have been amplified through social media without verification.

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Reacting to the development, Afolabi said those responsible for the abduction lacked the religious, moral, and legal authority to speak on behalf of Islam or Nigerian Muslims. He maintained that terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and other acts that spread fear and insecurity directly contradict the values of Islam and the objectives of Sharia law. “The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Oyo State Chapter, strongly condemns the reported demand by terrorists seeking the implementation of Sharia Law as a condition for the release of abducted students and teachers,” the statement read. “The perpetrators of these heinous acts have no religious, moral, or legal authority to speak on behalf of Islam or Nigerian Muslims. Terrorism, kidnapping, murder, and the intimidation of innocent people are grave sins in Islam and stand in direct opposition to the objectives and values of Sharia Law.” “Those who abduct innocent students and teachers and seek to negotiate with human lives in the name of Sharia are enemies of the very law they claim to advocate. Islam unequivocally denounces oppression and transgression. The Holy Qur’an teaches that whoever kills an innocent soul unjustly, it is as though he has killed all mankind, while whoever saves a life, it is as though he has saved all mankind,” the group added.

Afolabi further noted that under Islamic jurisprudence, crimes such as armed robbery, terrorism, kidnapping, and spreading fear and insecurity among the populace are among the gravest offences because they threaten public safety and social order. He added that such crimes attract severe punishments through established legal processes aimed at protecting society, ensuring justice for victims, and deterring criminal activities. The NACOMYO coordinator emphasized that Sharia is not a tool for coercion, violence, political manipulation, or rebellion against lawful authority. Rather, its implementation, where constitutionally recognised, is rooted in due process, fairness, consultation, and the pursuit of the common good.

The Muslim Community of Oyo State also issued a separate condemnation, describing the kidnappers’ actions as criminal, inhumane, and completely contrary to the teachings of Islam. In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the community, Ishaq Sanvni, and the Secretary-General, Murisiku Siyanbade, the group insisted that the criminals do not represent Islam or the wider Muslim population. “Islam forbids kidnapping, terrorism and the extortion of innocent citizens. Legitimate Sharia promotes justice, peace and the sanctity of human life, values that stand in direct opposition to the activities of criminal groups,” the statement said. The community cited Qur’an Chapter 5 Verse 32, emphasizing the importance Islam places on the protection of human life and urging security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of all those still in captivity.

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Afolabi also called on governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance security around schools and other vulnerable institutions. He urged security agencies to ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the abductions and their collaborators, while appealing to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony. According to him, criminals must not be allowed to exploit religion as a tool for violence, division, or intimidation.

The abduction has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. The Senate condemned the abduction “in the strongest possible terms” and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the immediate release of the victims. The Oyo State House of Assembly has rejected calls for negotiations with the kidnappers, warning that any engagement with the abductors could encourage further attacks and strengthen criminal networks. Meanwhile, parents of the abducted children have rejected rice and cash gifts brought by a federal government delegation, insisting that no amount of money can replace the safe return of their loved ones. Governor Seyi Makinde has repeatedly assured residents that the government is working “round the clock” to secure the release of the victims, while security operatives attempting rescue operations have reportedly encountered improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.

NACOMYO reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to peace, justice, responsible religious enlightenment, and the unity of Oyo State and Nigeria at large, while praying for the safe return of all those in captivity. The schools across Oyo State have remained shut as the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed public primary and secondary schools to remain closed pending the rescue of the abductees. As of June 6, 2026, the victims remain in captivity, with security agencies stating that rescue efforts are ongoing.

Sharia Not a Tool for Terror: NACOMYO Condemns Kidnappers’ Demand in Oyo Abduction

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BREAKING: Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

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June 6, 2026

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BREAKING: Police Rescue Adelabu's Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

BREAKING: Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, three days after they were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during the rescue operation.

The victims were rescued alive during a late-night operation conducted at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. According to police sources, two suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with operatives involved in the rescue mission. Two firearms were also recovered from the suspects. Security sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims. Security personnel have continued search operations in surrounding areas to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate. Some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.

Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while she was taking the children to school in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan. An eyewitness account described how the attackers intercepted the victims’ vehicle, a wine-coloured Hyundai Sonata, and forcefully whisked them away to an unknown destination. The witness stated that the gunmen arrived in a silver Toyota Camry occupied by two men. One of the attackers, who was armed, smashed the driver’s side window before taking away the victims. “There was a coaster bus that was passing around the time, and they (gunmen) passed it, and the next was the attack on the victims’ car. The woman locked the door, but they broke the glass, took them, and drove towards Molete express,” the eyewitness recounted.

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Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twins

Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twins

Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, aged 43, is the youngest of the five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu. She reportedly retired voluntarily from First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children. The family was preparing to join Mrs John-Paul’s husband, who had earlier relocated to the United States of America.

Confirming the incident shortly after the abduction, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Divisional Police Officer, Challenge Division, alongside other tactical teams, to proceed to the scene where the victim’s vehicle was recovered and commence intensive investigations. “The command wishes to assure members of the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this criminal act,” Ayanlade had stated.

Earlier, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on behalf of the family. “The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, wishes to formally confirm the unfortunate kidnapping of his younger sister, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, alongside her twin sons, Peter and Paul,” the statement read. “We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely. We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family’s statement added.

The abduction sparked widespread condemnation and concerns over security in Oyo State. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State demanded the immediate rescue of the victims and called for a review of the state’s security architecture. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the party urged Governor Seyi Makinde to work with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to address the rising wave of insecurity in the state, noting that the abduction occurred amid unresolved kidnapping cases involving schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the incident, describing it as further evidence of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges. He stressed that kidnapping has become a national crisis affecting citizens regardless of political affiliation or social status and called for a comprehensive intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle criminal networks. Governor Seyi Makinde visited Adelabu on Friday, assuring him that the government was working hard to secure the victims’ release.

The incident has renewed concerns over the security situation in Oyo State. The state has witnessed a series of high-profile kidnappings in recent months, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, as well as two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in the Idi-Ayunre area. The rescue operation, which ended with the successful release of all three victims and the neutralisation of two suspects, has been hailed as a significant achievement for the Nigeria Police Force. Further details about the operation are expected as investigations continue.

 

BREAKING: Police Rescue Adelabu’s Sister, Twin Sons in Ibadan

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