metro
Bomb Attack: Train Operator Missing, Doctor Relocating Abroad Shot Dead
More sad tales have continue to emerge from Monday’s attack on a Kaduna-bound train.
Daily Trust had reported how terrorists bombed a section of the Kaduna-Abuja rail track and opened fire on passengers, killing some and whisking away unspecified number of people.
The driver of the train, who was simply identified as Sani, has not been reachable since the incident happened, according to sources.
A colleague of his who craved anonymity told Daily Trust that the driver left Kaduna with the train at 2pm and was expected back at 8pm.
“He is a friend and a colleague; we were together a day before he left. We tried reaching him through phone after the incident but his phone has been unreachable. We are all confused but we pray he and the others are safe,” he said.
The missing driver’s friend said his colleague, who is an indigene of Bauchi State, recently relocated his family to Rigasa community in Kaduna
Other sources at the station also said two others workers of the train were among the casualties.
Daily Trust had earlier reported that two food vendors are among those killed by the terrorists.
Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in for a medical doctor, Chinelo Megafu, who was onboard the ill-fated train.
The deceased had tweeted during the attack, calling for prayers after being shot.
“I’m on the train. I have been shot. Please pray for me,” she had tweeted.
“Just woke up to a sad news My friend just woke up to losing a close friend who was shot at the Abuja Kaduna train incident by terrorists She tweeted yesterday that we should pray for her. Sadly she didn’t make it. She was a Doctor Nigeria why..I’m heartbroken,” said Ajidahun better known as ‘The Bearded Doctor on Twitter.
Another friend of the doctor said the lady who worked at a popular hospital in Kaduna had resigned ahead of her relocation abroad.
According to her, the doctor was bound to leave Nigeria on Friday.
“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???”she tweeted.
In a statement, the Nigerian Medical Association, Kaduna branch, confirmed that the doctor worked at St Gerald’s Hospital.
DAILY TRUST
metro
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
Islamic scholars and other stakeholders have called on clerics, particularly those claiming to be Muftis, to deepen their understanding of Sharia before issuing opinions on Islamic matters.
This call comes in response to the growing concern over misleading preaching and messages spreading on social media, which have contributed to rising conflicts.
The Mufti, an Islamic jurist qualified to issue nonbinding opinions (fatwas) on matters of Islamic law (Sharia), plays a critical role in guiding the Muslim community.
However, experts warned that the increasing misinformation online calls for a more cautious and informed approach to issuing fatwas.
The call was made during the 16th Annual Islamic International Conference organised by Daaru Na’im Academy for Sharia Science of Nigeria in Lagos.
READ ALSO:
- NNPC rejected Dangote $750m offer to manage Nigeria’s refineries, days Obasanjo
- Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
- Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers
The conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of Fatwa and its Relationship with Maqasid-based Fiqh,” brought together scholars from across the globe to address the issue of fatwa misuse.
Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, Conference Supervisor and Director General of Daaru Na’im Academy, highlighted the challenge posed by clerics issuing misleading fatwas and emphasised the need for a coordinated effort to prevent such practices.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that fatwas align with the fundamental objectives of Sharia, as outlined in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, which also promote peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Awwad bin Sabti Al-Anazi, Undersecretary of the Saudi Arabian Ministry for Islamic Affairs, also addressed the issue, noting that Prophet Muhammad emphasised the importance of knowledge among clerics to avoid passing incorrect information.
He shared that in Saudi Arabia, the government regulates the issuing of fatwas, with a formal body known as The Committee of Crown Scholars overseeing the process.
He also mentioned that the country’s Grand Mufti is responsible for issuing fatwas on matters with broader implications.
Dr. Bilal ElHallak, a U.S. delegation representative, further emphasised that fatwas should not be based on personal opinions. He called for swift action from eminent scholars to address misinterpretations of fatwas and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Prof. Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro from the University of Ilorin’s Islamic Law Department discussed the dangers of allowing anyone to issue fatwas, noting that it has contributed to confusion and misinformation among Muslims. He stressed the importance of ensuring fatwas align with the core principles of Islam.
Delegates at the conference included representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United States, Oman, Algeria, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Congo, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The gathering underscored the need for greater care and coordination in issuing fatwas to safeguard the integrity of Islamic teachings and promote peaceful coexistence.
‘Deepen Shariah knowledge to curb misinformation’
metro
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and other close allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had enthusiastically informed him of the offer.
According to Ojudu, Tinubu had called him with the words, “Congratulations to me,” prompting a curious response.
“Congratulations for what?” Ojudu said he had asked, to which Tinubu replied, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”
Ojudu explained that he immediately advised against the move, warning Tinubu about the potential political risks involved.
READ ALSO:
- Fubara replies Wike: Odili right face, image of Rivers
- Why smoking cigarettes, taking alcohol not sins – Pastor Damina
- Italy-based woman’s ex-husband sets her house ablaze in Edo (video)
He reminded Tinubu of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu recalled saying.
The warnings did not come from Ojudu alone. Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also argued that accepting the position could harm Tinubu’s long-term political aspirations.
A businessman, who was part of the discussion, reportedly offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the role could benefit Tinubu and others. However, Ojudu stood his ground, warning about the dangers of the offer.
Ojudu further warned that such a move could lead to Tinubu being arrested, tried, and politically neutralized, mirroring what happened to Bola Ige.
“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu said.
Why I persuaded Tinubu to reject Yar’adua’s finance minister offer – Senator Ojudu
metro
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Daniel Onyejekwe, a 30-year-old man, for allegedly stabbing his neighbor, identified as Christian, to death during a dispute over rice.
The incident occurred on New Year’s Day in the Ogwanja area of Sapele, Delta State. Reports indicate that an argument between the two escalated into a physical altercation, leading to the tragic loss of life.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, “It is confirmed, and the suspect is in custody. The two were fighting and injured themselves badly. Unfortunately, one, Christian, died.”
READ ALSO:
- Why smoking cigarettes, taking alcohol not sins – Pastor Damina
- Italy-based woman’s ex-husband sets her house ablaze in Edo (video)
- Imo Catholic priest arrested for allegedly shooting teenager dead
Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro that the altercation started when rice was being shared along Boyo Road in Ogwanja. An argument ensued between Onyejekwe and the deceased, leading to a physical fight.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Christian and Daniel started dragging the rice, and during the fight, Daniel picked a bottle and stabbed Christian multiple times. The vigilante rushed him to the hospital, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.”
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary, while the police have launched an investigation into the incident.
SP Edafe assured residents that the suspect would be prosecuted after the investigation was concluded.
Man stabs neighbour to death over rice in Delta
-
Sports2 days agoAnthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
-
metro2 days agoWanted terrorist commander, Bello Turji, a dead man walking – DHQ
-
metro2 days agoNigeria on life support when Tinubu took office – Akpabio
-
metro2 days agoFour countries that won’t celebrate New Year
-
metro2 days agoN180m not missing from my account, it was all a plan – Verydarkman
-
metro2 days agoTinubu reveals Buhari’s role in commencement of Warri refinery operation
-
Politics2 days agoSeyi Tinubu death threat: Court fixes Jan 6 on Olamide bail application
-
News2 days agoCurrency in circulation now N4.8tn – CBN report