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We Won’t Use Force To Rescue Abducted Train Victims – Buhari

Published

4 years ago

August 12, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said Thursday that the federal government will not use force in securing the release of the remaining abductees of the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna train.

The president said they had weighed all options and concluded that the best way to bring all the victims back home safely was not to use force. He, however, said that the federal government was doing everything within its powers to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.

The President gave the assurance Thursday during a meeting with the representatives of the families of the victims at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting came two days after seven more kidnapped passengers of the March 28 train attack regained their freedom after spending 135 days in the custody of the terrorists.

Daily Trust reports that the terrorists have been releasing the captives piecemeal with credible sources saying they are extorting money from the families of the victims.

Many of the victims earlier released said their families had paid ransom as much as N100m.

While some sources close to the federal government said some of the abductees were released after “prisoner swap”, it was learnt that the terrorists have been reneging on most of the promises they made.

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One of the sources said while the government is reluctant to use force, many families of the victims have been pauperised because they have sold their houses, farms, and other assets to raise ransom.

According to the source, “Many families are still trying to raise the ransom because the terrorists are not willing to accept any entreaties; they operating from advantaged position.

“They have released most of their high profile members from Kuje prison; they have also secured the release of their children in custody of government through prisoner swap and they are using the remaining captives as human shield and at the same time collecting ransom from desperate families,” he said.

One of the victims released some weeks ago told the Daily Trust last night that not all of them were invited to the presidency.

“I was not invited…The security operatives have our numbers but only a few were invited to interact with the president,” he said.

‘Your abduction traumatic’

Addressing those who made it to the villa, Buhari, who commiserated with the families of the victims and those who lost their loved ones, said since the “terrible and cowardly attack by the criminal elements” on March 28, 2022, the nation had joined them to endure a period of difficulty and emotional pains.

He told them that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, several actions had been taken by government to bring succour to the affected families and to prevent a recurrence in the country.

The President, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, explained his reason for discarding the use of lethal military force in extracting the remaining abductees.

“I have been informed that at last count, there remain about 31 people in the hands of the kidnappers, and our determination is to work towards returning these 31 people to their families.

“It is understandable that emotions typically run high, we have received several suggestions about the deployment of lethal military force in extracting those still being held in captivity.

“This option has indeed been considered and evaluated. However, the condition to guarantee a successful outcome and minimize potential collateral damage could not be assured and therefore that course of action had to be reluctantly discarded.

“My primary concern is to get everyone released safe and unhurt,’’ he said.

The President, while speaking on his recent instruction to security and law enforcement agencies to bring an end to inhumane action against innocent Nigerians, stressed the need to take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there was no hiding place for them within the borders of the country.

He said: “Each one of them will be hunted and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand.”

Buhari said the ongoing killing of terrorists by the military would not stop.

“Judging by the available reports to me and news that have begun emerging in the last few days, I will say they (security operatives) have heard this instruction and are responding appropriately.

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“In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralized by the military, and number of hostages freed. These efforts will not stop, or reduce,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Transportation, Jaji Sambo, said in the first week of his resumption in the ministry, he met with the relatives of the victims of the Kaduna train attack and updated them of all the efforts the government was making to ensure safe return of their loved ones.

It was not clear at the time of going to press whether besides consoling the victims the president had assured them of any other support.

‘No money to pay ransom’

A representative of the victims of the train abduction, Alhaji Sabiu Mohammed, appealed to the federal government to assist families of those not yet released.

‘‘Please, we want to see our loved ones and many have found themselves in very critical situations. We do not have the money that they (kidnappers) are demanding. Please, Mr President, we know you are doing your best…please, please we want to see our loved ones,” Mohammed said.

Presidential guards killed by terrorists buried amid tears

Troops of Guards Brigade Nigerian Army who were killed by terrorists in Bwari area of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, were buried amid tears on Thursday.

The leader of the soldiers, Captain Attah Samuel and four other personnel, who paid the supreme price during a clearance operation, were buried in the nation’s capital.

The burial process started with Christian wake and funeral service in honour of the fallen heroes held at St John’s Military Church (Protestant) before their final Internment at the Guards Brigade Cemetery, Maitama, Abuja.

Daily Trust had exclusively reported in July how the armed officers were ambushed while trying to foil a planned attack by terrorists on the Nigerian Law School, Abuja.

Until their demise, the gallant soldiers were serving with 7 Guards Battalion, Lungi Barracks Maitama and 176 Guards Battalion Gwagwalada in the FCT respectively.

Reading the funeral oration of the deceased personnel, the Commanding Officers of 7 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Salim Yusuf Hassan and Commanding Officer 176 Guards Battalion, Lt.-Col. Joshua Kolawole Adisa, described the late Captain and Soldiers as thorough-bred Infantrymen.

They said that the deceased were genuinely committed to their duties in defence of Nigeria and whose contribution and services would be greatly missed.

‘‘We ask God to console the families left behind,” Hassan said.

“While the Brigade and the Nigerian Army mourns, the families should take solace in the fact that they have fought a just fight and their souls shall continue to rest with the lord till the resurrection morning,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. James Alilu Ataguba presented accoutrements to the next of kins of the deceased personnel while the remains of the fallen heroes were lowered.

Our correspondent reports that there was also the blowing of the last post and gun salute to bid the departed heroes a farewell

Those in attendance during the burial include: senior officers of the Nigerian Army; Commanding Officers; Staff Officers of the Brigade; Bwari Area Council Chairman, Hon John Gabaya; family members and the barracks community.

Related Topics:Buhari Featured force rescue

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Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

Published

18 minutes ago

May 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes

The Kaduna Police Command has uncovered a shocking case of family betrayal, revealing that an elderly man, Alhaji Rabo Jelani, was allegedly kidnapped twice by his own son and grandson. The suspects reportedly collected a total of N6.5 million in ransom and operated with multiple AK-47 rifles, one of which has been recovered by police.

The Kaduna Police Command announced on Tuesday that Yusuf Rabo (the victim’s son) and Musa Adamu (an accomplice) have been arrested following intensive investigations into the abduction of Alhaji Rabo Jelani, an elderly man from Kaduna State. Both suspects are currently in custody and have been charged with criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. According to police spokesperson DCP Anthony Okon Placid, investigations revealed that Yusuf Rabo allegedly conspired with Musa Adamu and Ali Haruna—the victim’s own grandson—to kidnap the elderly man for ransom. The motive was that the syndicate believed that Alhaji Rabo Jelani possessed substantial wealth and large livestock holdings.

While two suspects are in custody, police have confirmed that Ali Haruna, the victim’s grandson, remains at large. Authorities have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover additional weapons and exhibits connected to the crimes. The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups across the country.

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Findings revealed that the victim was abducted on separate occasions and taken to forest hideouts where ransom negotiations were allegedly coordinated by Yusuf Rabo himself. In a chilling twist, the son was reportedly negotiating with his own family for the release of his father while the elderly man was held captive in the forest. The first abduction reportedly yielded a ransom payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) , while a subsequent operation generated Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,500,000) . This brings the total amount extorted from the family to N6.5 million.

Investigations further established that the criminal syndicate procured and deployed multiple AK-47 rifles for their operations. In a shocking revelation, police allege that Ali Haruna (the grandson) supplied one of the firearms belonging to his own father —meaning the grandson allegedly took his father’s rifle to help kidnap his grandfather. Additional weapons were sourced by other members of the gang. During the police operation, authorities successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine.

The police have also linked the syndicate to several other violent crimes within Kaduna State and surrounding communities. These include the kidnapping of a trader identified as Mr. Iyke and an armed robbery attack along the Kagoma axis where commuters were dispossessed of cash, phones, and other valuables. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network operating in the area.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to tackling violent crime, stating that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in dismantling kidnapping and armed robbery networks across the country and assures members of the public of sustained intelligence-led operations against violent criminal groups. The police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect, Ali Haruna, and recover more weapons and items connected to the case.

Son, Grandson Kidnap Father Twice for N6.5m Ransom in Kaduna

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Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi

Published

34 minutes ago

May 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Reno Omokri, Peter Obi

Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi

Published: May 20, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes

Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has revealed new details from his 2022 fact-finding mission to Peru, confirming that drug trafficking allegations against Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi are completely false. Omokri’s investigation included visiting a women’s prison in Lima and meeting with Peruvian authorities.

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, political tensions are already rising. One of the most controversial allegations from the 2023 election cycle has resurfaced: claims that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, was involved in drug trafficking and sponsored a female courier arrested in Peru. But now, Reno Omokri—a prominent political figure and Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico—has stepped forward with new details about his personal investigation into the matter. His findings are that the allegations are categorically false. Omokri stated, “I went to the women’s prison in Lima, Peru, with a witness who is still alive and a video camera. I also visited authorities in that country, and confirmed that the story is false.”

Reno Omokri is a bestselling author, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, and currently Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico. Despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and supporting Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election, Omokri has built a reputation for cross-party fact-finding. In September 2022, Omokri traveled to the United States to verify President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s academic records at Chicago State University—a move that resulted in him confirming Tinubu’s attendance and graduation, even though it went against his political interests. From Chicago, Omokri proceeded directly to Peru to investigate separate allegations made by former Niger Delta militant leader Asari Dokubo against Peter Obi.

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Asari Dokubo, a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu, repeatedly accused Peter Obi of being a “drug baron” during the 2023 election campaign. Dokubo specifically claimed that a Nigerian woman named Chinenye Ezewuzie was arrested in Peru for drug trafficking, and that the woman allegedly confessed that Peter Obi sponsored, threatened, and forced her to carry drugs. Dokubo further alleged that Obi was implicated during her trial proceedings in a Peruvian court. Dokubo went as far as comparing Obi to Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian drug lord, and publicly challenged Obi to take him to court, saying: “If him be president sef, I go pursue am.”

Omokri’s investigation in Peru was thorough and on-the-ground. He revealed that he visited a women’s prison in Lima, the capital of Peru, accompanied by a witness who remains alive today, and recorded the visit with a video camera for documentation. He also met with Peruvian authorities to verify the allegations. According to Omokri, Peruvian officials confirmed that there is no record of any court case or trial in Peru that implicates Peter Obi, there is no evidence linking Obi to any drug trafficking operation in Peru, and the story of a female drug mule sponsored by Obi is completely false. Omokri granted an interview to Arise TV from Cusco, Peru, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, where he publicly shared his findings and released video documentation from the prison visit.

Perhaps the most striking revelation is Omokri’s claim that he personally contacted Asari Dokubo after completing his investigation. Omokri stated, “I thereafter called you on the phone and told you not to make the allegation anymore, because it was not true, and it is morally wrong to accuse a man of a crime he is innocent of. You may recall that you agreed with me.” Omokri added that Dokubo initially agreed to stop repeating the allegations, which is why Omokri did not pursue the matter further at the time.

Notably, Peter Obi has never visited Peru. According to Valentine Obienyem, Obi’s longtime Special Adviser on Media, “Even before he became Governor, Obi had visited most parts of the world, but not Peru. Till today, he has still not visited the country.” Obienyem also pointed out that no one named Chinenye Ezewuzie exists among the Ezenwuzie family of Agulu, Obi’s hometown—casting further doubt on the accuser’s identity.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, Omokri is urging political actors to avoid recycling debunked allegations. He wrote, “As we approach the 2027 election, please can we all refrain from recycling these allegations, which I have already debunked. I spent my money and time to establish the facts. Nobody gave me a dime. I did this because of patriotism and commitment to justice, even when it is against my political interests.” Omokri emphasized that he personally funded both investigations—the Chicago university records verification and the Peru trip—out of patriotism and commitment to justice, not political gain.

The evidence is clear: After an on-the-ground investigation in Peru, including visits to a women’s prison and meetings with local authorities, Reno Omokri has confirmed that drug trafficking allegations against Peter Obi are false. As Nigeria heads toward 2027, voters deserve fact-based political discourse—not recycled misinformation.

Omokri Exposes Truth Behind Peru Drug Allegations Against Peter Obi

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Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja

Published

4 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja

A tragic case of domestic violence unfolded in the Federal Capital Territory last Friday night, as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allegedly stabbed his 53-year-old father to death following a heated argument over money and business mismanagement.

The incident occurred at the family residence located in the upscale Guzape area of Abuja. The deceased has been identified as Mr. Adimike Godwin, a prominent businessman known for his ventures in electrical equipment importation and real estate. The prime suspect is his son, whose name has been withheld by authorities, currently participating in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme.

According to police sources and family members who spoke with our correspondent, the tragic chain of events began late Friday evening when the corps member returned home from a social outing at a local club. An argument ensued after the young man reportedly accused his father of being “unfair with money.”

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Witnesses disclosed that the suspect compared his father unfavorably to the parents of his friends, whom he claimed were more financially generous. The dispute quickly escalated from verbal accusations to a physical confrontation when the suspect allegedly brought up the issue of mismanaged business funds.

In a fit of rage, the corps member is said to have retrieved a knife and stabbed his father three times. Neighbors, alerted by the commotion, rushed to the scene and found Mr. Godwin lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately transported to Karu General Hospital, where medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival.

The FCT Police Command confirmed the incident on Saturday. In a statement, the Command’s Public Relations Officer noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate and discreet investigation into the matter. As part of the inquiry, five suspects have been taken into custody, including a relative who was present in the house at the time of the attack. The corps member is reportedly among those detained.

Further investigations revealed that the deceased had traveled from Lagos to Abuja specifically to visit his son, who had been managing some of his father’s real estate properties in the capital. Friends and business associates described Mr. Godwin as a hardworking and peace-loving individual.

The body of the deceased has been deposited in the morgue pending an autopsy. As of press time, the NYSC headquarters had not issued an official statement regarding the corps member’s status, though legal sources indicate the suspect will face charges of culpable homicide.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Guzape community, highlighting the dangers of unresolved domestic disputes and financial pressures within families.

Corp Member Kills Dad Over Pocket Money Dispute in Abuja