metro

Why Abuja-Kaduna train victims still in captivity, by ex-negotiator

Published

2 years ago

August 5, 2022

Passengers abducted on train

The federal government’s lack of commitment is responsible for the continued detention of victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnap, the ex-negotiator, Tukur Mamu, said yesterday.

Mamu, who spoke during a live interview on Arise Television, also blamed the lack of support, commitment from the government for his withdrawal as the lead negotiator about two weeks ago.

According to him, if the government was committed to the cause, it would have taken barely two or three days for all the victims kidnapped in March to be released.

The publisher who played a key role in the release of the first 11 victims denied knowledge that ransom was paid to the terrorists, adding that they (government) adopted a “give and take” approach.

Mamu said there was no military solution to rescuing the victims.

“Government needs to do so much, I believe if they understand the reality, it is something that can be contained with government’s support,” he said.

“The outcome is not yielding positive result from the side of the government. If you can remember, I was involved actively in negotiation of the first 11 victims, that time there was so much cooperation from the government and it took us less than six days to negotiate and then release these first 11.

“After the release of the first 11, maybe the inability to understand how to go about the crisis and heed to advise, I think, caused the delay in getting to the root of the matter. No matter how you look at this situation, you have to understand that the lives of innocent people are involved and we are dealing with people who do not value the sanctity of human life…

READ ALSO:

“You will agree with me that if this situation has any military solution, it would have been resolved in the past four months.

“No matter how you try to put in your best, at the end of the day you will just get frustrated and that informs my reason to withdraw because my participation is voluntary. It is the passengers, maybe based on what they saw that we have demonstrated over the few months with Sheik Gumi to seek solution to these banditry, kidnapping…

“They suggested that I should be helpful in getting this and I took that decision to accept it on the human angle since they have that confidence and if you talk to them, at least, they make some positions as to what they should do…

“There is nothing that cannot be done within this long period of over four months as a government. I have announced my withdrawal from engaging with these troops because I have my reasons, when you’re doing something as an army of one, even if you will succeed it will be very little.

“A situation where there is no support from the government, no appreciation, a situation whereby you are also being threatened in one way or the other, I think the best way in a corrupt system like Nigeria, it will be very dangerous for me to continue this.”

On how they were able to secure the release of the first 11, he said: “We achieved that through dialogue, through negotiation and through the spirit of give and take.”

Asked to clarify what he meant by “give and thank”, Mamu directed the interviewers to the government and military, adding that “they know exactly what happened and how we succeeded in freeing those first 11 hostages.

“Already, you know, I am under serious pressure from most of them because they think that the little we are doing, shows the incapacity of the military, which is not so.

“We are not criticising the military. We are only advising them that this is the right step to take, especially in this very difficult and unpredictable situation.”

Related Topics:Abuja-Kaduna captivity ex-negotiator train

Up Next

Soldiers beat police inspector to death in Lagos over traffic issue

Don't Miss

Mass exodus hits Birnin-Gwari, as terrorists battle over Damari

metro

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

Published

6 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

prepaid meters

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

The Federal Government has recorded significant progress in Nigeria’s electricity sector with the installation of 184,507 new meters and the issuance of 50 licences, permits, and certifications during the third quarter of 2024 (Q3).

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed in its Q3 2024 report released on Friday that 184,507 meters were installed, marking a remarkable 256.01% increase compared to the 51,826 meters installed in Q2 2024.

The increased metering pushed the net end-user metering rate in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to 46.15%, up from 45.43% in Q2, a rise of 0.72 percentage points.

The installations were largely carried out under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, which accounted for 178,715 meters or 96.86% of the total. The Vendor Financed framework contributed 3,508 meters, while the DisCo Financed framework added 2,298 meters.

This development signifies a concerted effort to address challenges like estimated billing and promote consumer satisfaction across the electricity distribution value chain.

READ ALSO:

Power sector development: 50 licences issued

To complement the surge in meter installations, NERC issued 50 licences, permits, and certifications aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector infrastructure. These include:

Six (6) new off-grid generation licences with a combined capacity of 30.06 MW.
One (1) renewal of an on-grid generation licence with a gross capacity of 39 MW.
Two (2) new electricity trading licences.
Eleven (11) captive generation permits with a total gross capacity of 63.36 MW.
One (1) registration certificate for a mini-grid.
Seven (7) certifications for Meter Service Providers.
Twenty-two (22) permits for Meter Asset Providers.

These licences are expected to encourage investments, improve power supply, and expand access to renewable and off-grid energy solutions, especially in rural areas.

Key Implications for the Power Sector

The surge in meter installations and issuance of licences marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electricity sector. By prioritizing metering through initiatives like MAP, the government is tackling the pervasive problem of estimated billing, which has long plagued electricity consumers.

Furthermore, the rise in off-grid and mini-grid licences underscores a growing shift towards renewable energy and decentralized power solutions, vital for enhancing energy access in underserved regions.

A Promising Outlook: These advancements highlight the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s power sector and creating an enabling environment for both consumers and investors.

With metering and licensing activities gaining momentum, stakeholders anticipate further progress in Q4 2024, laying the foundation for a more reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy sector.

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

metro

Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi his ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi

Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has encouraged his ex-wife, Naomi Ogunseyi, and radio owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, not to be discouraged following the tragic stampede at a Yuletide ceremony for children in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed 32 lives.

The monarch also pledged support for the families of the victims and called for immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

His comments followed the arrest of his ex-wife by the police and were made in a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.

In his statement, the Ooni expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the government of Oyo State, the organisers—Agidigbo Radio, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, and former queen at the Ooni’s Palace, Ms Naomi Silekunola Ogunseyi, as well as the bereaved families of the young souls lost in the tragic incident in Ibadan yesterday.”

He also expressed solidarity with the Oyo State government and commended the governor for his swift response.

READ ALSO:

“This tragedy underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of our children across Nigeria. The House of Oduduwa pledges to support all efforts aimed at bringing solace and healing to those affected by this devastating loss,” he added.

The Ooni called for immediate action to improve safety measures, stressing the importance of adherence to safety standards and child welfare policies in educational institutions. He advised Naomi Ogunseyi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and other co-organisers not to be discouraged by the unfortunate outcome of the event, which was originally intended to bring joy to children during the festive season.

He concluded, “Rather than being discouraged, they should remain committed to organising such laudable programmes for children, but with better planning and strategies in the future. The lesson must be learned.”

Ibadan stampede: Ooni reacts after arrest of ex-wife

metro

Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola

Published

7 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola

Farotimi: Advocacy group wants UK college to break ties with Afe Babalola

A growing wave of international pressure is urging King’s College London to sever its ties with prominent Nigerian lawyer and philanthropist Afe Babalola following the controversial arrest of rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

Babalola, who is a major donor to the prestigious UK institution, has been accused of using his influence to have Farotimi arrested for alleged defamation.

In a petition dated December 17, 2024, the advocacy group Mothers United and Mobilised (MUM), representing a collective of Nigerian women and mothers, called on King’s College London to distance itself from Babalola and his actions.

The petition, signed by MUM convener Boluwaji Onabolu, urged the institution to release a statement condemning the alleged suppression of dissent and to return the €10 million donation made by Babalola in 2023.

Farotimi was detained by police officers from Ekiti State, Babalola’s home state, following critical remarks about the 95-year-old lawyer in his book.

READ ALSO:

The book criticized Babalola for allegedly winning cases with financial leverage rather than legal skill, a claim that reportedly triggered the arrest.

Farotimi was detained for more than two weeks, despite being granted bail under stringent and punitive conditions.

The group contends that the situation in Ekiti, where Babalola holds considerable influence, presents little hope for a fair trial for Farotimi.

“The defamation charge, a civil matter, should have been addressed through legal proceedings in Lagos, but instead, it was escalated to an arrest orchestrated by Chief Babalola using his home state’s police,” the petition read.

The group stressed that King’s College London, a globally recognized institution, should not be associated with actions that undermine freedom of speech and legal fairness.

The group urged the UK institution to publicly support Farotimi’s right to a fair trial and demand his release from detention.

“King’s College London must stand on the right side of history. We urge the institution to break its silence and align itself with the fight for justice, human rights, and the protection of free expression, which are fundamental to the values it represents,” the group said.