Business / News

Zenith Bank shareholders express delight over N97.33b dividend

Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc at the 31st Annual General Meeting of the bank have unanimously approved and expressed delight at the the proposed final dividend payment of N2.80 per share, which brings the total dividend for the 2021 financial year to N3.10 per share with a total value of NGN97.33 billion.

The approval and expression of delight at the dividend payment was made on Wednesday in Lagos at the bank’s AGM.

In his statement, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching loyalty, which has enabled the bank to rise to the pinnacle of the nation’s financial services industry, and assured them of the bank’s commitment to consistently deliver superior value to them.

Speaking on the bank’s performance, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said: “If you look at the bank’s history over the years, Zenith Bank has always grown, and even within the pandemic, we have maintained a reasonable positive growth trajectory. “Growth is coming from the fact that we are deploying our digital capability to grow more businesses, simplify our service processes, make our processes more efficient, and deal with customers’ complaints.

“Apart from developing new products, we are discovering new business verticals, especially within the retail segment, which have significant revenue.

“Meeting the expectation of shareholders means we have to work harder.

“The team is dodged, hardworking, resilient, and above all, we have a very supportive board that comes with superior guidance.”

Commenting on the dividend payout, the Chairman Emeritus of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu, expressed the delight of shareholders over the consistent payment of dividends by Zenith Bank, noting that the bank’s shares remain the toast of investors because the bank has never failed to pay dividends to shareholders.

Also speaking on behalf of shareholders, the President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr. Faruk Umar, said: “The bank is doing very well.

“All the ratios and indices have gone up.

“And more importantly, while we were …

News / politics

National NURTW sacks MC Oluomo, dissolves Lagos council

The National Union of Road Transport Workers has dissolved its Lagos State council under Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo.

The National Administrative Council of the union made this known in a statement titled ‘Dissolution of Lagos State Administrative Council’, jointly signed by its national president, Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, and general secretary, Alhaji Kabiru Ado Ya’u.

The union said the decision was based on the provisions of the union’s constitution.

The union’s secretary in Lagos State, Seyi Bankole, was subsequently announced as the new head of NURTW in Lagos. “MC Oluomo has been sacked as Lagos chairman. We had a meeting last night. We have replaced him,” a national officer of the union told The PUNCH.

When asked about Oluomo’s earlier withdrawal from the union, he replied, “It holds no ground. That’s unacceptable to us.”

The PUNCH had reported that there is a leadership crisis rocking the NURTW in Lagos, leading to MC Oluomo and his supporters pulling out of the union on March 10.

MC Oluomo, who had been in a running battle with the national body of the union in Abuja, was earlier suspended for alleged insubordination.

NAC explained that MC Oluomo was granted a pardon after the mediation of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other leaders but he refused to apologise.

“The National Administrative Council during its meeting of March 15, 2022, graciously passed a resolution to grant pardon to the suspended state chairman if he shows remorse and tenders unreserved apology to the union.

“However, up until this moment the suspended chairman has bluntly refused to do so; hence, the decision to take action against the Lagos State administrative council by dissolving same,” the statement read in part.

“The National administrative council in the exercise of the powers conferred on it by Article 17, section 2. subsections (i) and (ii) of the constitution of the union, during its meeting of April 5th, 2022, has dissolved the Lagos State administrative council forthwith.

“In view of the fact that nature abhors a vacuum …

Covid 19 / News

COVID-19: PSC lifts midnight curfew, movement restriction

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has reviewed the country’s response to the pandemic in view of declining number of cases.

Boss Mustapha, the Chairman of the committee and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said on Wednesday in a statement in Abuja that the decision followed reduced risk of importation of new variants.

He said the decision was also due to availability of vaccines and increasing number of people vaccinated in Nigeria and globally.

Mustapha said the social restriction recommendations were revised in line with the three established thematic areas – movement, industry and labor, as well as community activities.

The SGF stated that the safety protocols provide a baseline from which state governments could further build on to strengthen their responses based on their local circumstances.

“States should continue to consider them as the minimum guidelines required to ensure acceptable level of epidemic control nationwide,” he stated.

He said there were no more formal restrictions on movement within the country as the nationwide curfew imposed from midnight to 4 a.m. had been lifted.

He added that the advisory limiting Nigerians to essential travels had been lifted, although citizens need to refrain from non-essential movements and comply with non-pharmaceutical guidelines such as the mandatory use of facemask/facial coverings in public, given the risks involved.

“Use of face mask to be mandatory for indoor activities but at individual’s discretion during outdoor activities.

“Those aged 60 and above or with co-morbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease are advised to uphold the use of universal precaution which includes the use of face mask, avoid crowd and frequent use of hand sanitizers,” he added.

According to him, no limitation on air travels – both domestic and international flights; but both international and domestic travelers must abide by existing protocols, including the use of face mask while onboard and taking personal precaution measures.

He stated that all arriving international passengers must register with the Nigeria International Travel Portal (https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng) and abide by the travel guidelines.

“No limitations on …

Entertainment / Music / News

MI Abaga set to wed Eniola Mafe

Nigerian rapper Jude MI Abaga is set to walk down the aisle with his heartthrob Eniola Mafe

The rap icon made this known via his Instagram page on Sunday, April 3, 2022, where he shared a video of his soon-to-be bride and their journey so far as lovebirds.

“I’m a private person. But it’s time to share a little part of my joy with you. @eniolamafe and I met in Dec 2020 and straight away I knew I had found the one,” he captioned the video.

“I am excited to announce that we are getting married this year.. and we ask for your support and blessings as we embark on this journey together. ♥️.”

The rapper recounted how he was introduced to Eniola by Audu Maikori of Choccity back in 2020.

Abaga revealed that they will be getting married later in the year.

He, however, did not state specifically the date.

Eniola is the founder of New Nigeria, an organization that was formed in the wake of the #Endsars protests across the country.

Abaga used to be in a relationship with Erica Okundaye, a former beauty pageant runner-up.

…
Awards / Foreign / Music

Angelique Kidjo wins another Grammy award, praises Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi

On April 3, 2022, the 64th Grammy Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

At the event, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid was nominated for two categories: Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Album. On the night, he lost the Best Global Music Performance to multiple Grammy winner, Angelique Kidjo, who won for her critically acclaimed album, Mother Nature.

The album also features Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi and more on different songs.

During her acceptance speech, she gave a shout-out to those three artists. She said, “When I won [my last] Grammy, I said that the young musicians from Africa are gonna take the world by storm, so I want to thank them: Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Sting, Mr. Eazi…”

Watch the video below;

 

…
Basket Ball / Sports

Sixers sweep Cavs to clinch playoff berth, Embiid drops 44

The Philadelphia 76ers are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.

Philadelphia clinched a postseason berth Sunday with a 112-108 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Field House. A 44-point performance from Joel Embiid helped the Sixers hold off a late push from the Cavs.

This was a different route to the playoffs for the Sixers than it was in the previous four years.

All of the headlines coming into the season revolved around Ben Simmons’ future with the team. The three-time All-Star requested a trade in August during a meeting with Sixers management.

It took until the Feb. 10 trade deadline, but Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey took advantage of James Harden’s unhappiness with the Brooklyn Nets to add the former NBA MVP in a blockbuster trade involving Simmons.

Even before the trade was made, Philadelphia was firmly in playoff contention thanks to Embiid.

Embiid remains the center around whom everything works. He is having an MVP-caliber season, entering Sunday averaging 30.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 49.4 percent from the floor and 36.4 percent from deep.

Tyrese Maxey is in the midst of a breakout season as the starting point guard. The second-year standout entered Sunday putting up 17.2 points and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. And Matisse Thybulle has solidified himself as one of the best wing defenders in the NBA.

After missing eight straight games with a hamstring injury, Harden’s debut for the 76ers was a massive success. He dropped 27 points and dished out 12 assists in a 133-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 25.

That was probably the most wide-open I’ve ever been in my career,” Embiid joked with reporters after that game, in which he scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Bringing in Harden is supposed to be the next step in the process for a 76ers team that is trying to get over the hump in the playoffs.

The Sixers haven’t advanced past …

Gospel / News

Why we established Political, Governance Directorate — RCCG

The Redeemed Christian Church of God has underscored the need for people, especially Christians, to rise and vote during elections and not only to pray.

Pastor Timothy Olaniya, Deputy Rector, Redeemed College of Technology, Redemption Camp, made the call on Sunday.

Olaniya spoke during a seminar organized by the Directorate of Politics and Governance, RCCG, Oyo Province 1.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seminar held in Ibadan and had as its theme: “Nigeria Politics and Governance: The Church Approach.” Olaniya, also the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Provincial 12, remarked that the era was gone when the church would only pray and relax without taking further steps to vote.

He said: “The church has prayed and will keep on praying as part of its Christian responsibility for the nation.

“But after praying, we cannot just sit down.

“Prayer will not use leg to go and collect PVC and vote.

“It will take people to rise up and do so.

“Christians should rise.

“Let’s see how God will use us to rescue our country.”

Olaniya said the RCCG was following the directions of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to raise a department for politics and governance.

He added: “The Foursquare Gospel Church, Deeper Life, Redeemed Evangelical Mission and others have also started to establish the department.

“All over the 36 states, we have gotten the Directorate already under the CAN and PFN, not only the RCCG.”

He spoke on the need for the country to have leaders who are ready to serve selflessly with contentment, like Daniel in the Bible.

He said: “We need people who will make a difference, be trusted with money and power without compromise.

“Christians in politics must do the work righteously and maintain their integrity.

“More importantly, we must not leave prayers outside what we do to be divinely guided.”

Olaniya called on Christians to remove the mindset that politics was a worldly and dirty game, calling on them to participate, vote and be voted for.

Also, the Pastor …

Crime / News / Transportation

Breaking: 146 Abuja-Kaduna train passengers unreachable –NRC

One hundred and forty-six of the 362 passengers on the ill-fated Abuja-Kaduna train are unreachable six days after the train was attacked by terrorists.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, made this known in a statement obtained on Monday.

He, however, said the number of safe passengers had risen to 186.

Okhiria said 51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or unreachable since Tuesday morning and 35 phone numbers on the manifest are ringing, but no response from the other end.

He also noted that 60 phone numbers on the manifest when called, responded non-existent.

The NRC boss clarified that 22 persons are reported missing by their relatives and eight persons were confirmed dead.

Part of the statement read, “51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or have not been reachable since Tuesday morning and 35 phone numbers on the manifest are ringing, but no response from the other end. 60 phone numbers on the manifest when called, responded non-existent.

”The statement is aimed at updating Nigerians on the ongoing development regarding the clearing of the incident site (recovery of the rolling stock, repairs of the track) and status of Passengers that were on board the AK9 train of Monday, March 28.

”Of the 362 validated passengers on board the attacked AK9 train service on March 28, 186 persons on the manifest are confirmed to be safe and at their various homes (additional 14 persons confirmed safe today).

“Two coaches (SP 00016 and SP 00017) earlier re-railed have safely been moved to Rigasa Station.

”This brings the total number of recovered Coaches and safely moved to NRC Stations to be seven. Intensive work continues on track repairs. More concrete Sleepers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened.

”We remain grateful to the security agencies for all the support. We are very appreciative of Squadron Commander MOPOL 1 Kaduna’s visit to the accident site today.

”NRC will continue to update the general public of developments to …

News / politics

2023: Don’t vote for anyone claiming his form was bought for him — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has told Nigerians not to vote for any presidential aspirant “lying” that some persons bought their Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for them.

Obasanjo said during a colloquium with the theme: “The African Christian Leadership: Radical Transformation in Unsettled Times.”

The colloquium in Lagos on Thursday was to mark the 61st birthday of Pastor Itua Ighodalo.

Obasanjo said: “Today, they are paying N40 million. “Some of them (aspirants) even said it is some youths who bought it for them.

“In fact anybody who would come out to tell you such a lie, you shouldn’t vote for him.

“Which youths gathered N40 million?

“If you want to buy it, buy it and tell us.

“You don’t need to lie to us.”…

Basket Ball / Sports

Phoenix Suns tie franchise record for wins with nail-biter over Warriors

One down, one more to go to make history and make a case for the best to ever play basketball in the Valley.

The Phoenix Suns are a win a way from setting the franchise record for victories in a single season after Wednesday’s 107-103 triumph at Golden State before a sellout crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center.

“I’m unbelievably proud of our players and our staff and I’m proud to be a part of Suns history in this way,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

Devin Booker scored 22 points on 5-for-21 shooting on as his two free throws with 34.2 seconds left put Phoenix up 102-101.

Then after Draymond Green was called for traveling, Chris Paul scored to make the difference three, 104-101, with 13.1 seconds left.

“We feel like we’ve been here before,” Paul said. “Obviously, it’s an exciting environment. playing in here, crowd going crazy and all that, but we’ve played a ton of games like that this year, last year. That trust is what helps us.”

Paul finished with 15 points as all five starters reached double figures with Mikal Bridges scoring 22, Deandre Ayton posting 16 points and 16 boards and Jae Crowder adding 10 points.

“We just stayed together,” Bridges said. “We just stayed together throughout the whole thing. We’ve got CP and Book. That’s how I always feel during those times. They’re going to take us home and we’re going to go out there there and get stops and fight all the way to the end.”

Winners of nine straight, Phoenix (62-14) tied the franchise record for wins set by the 1992-93 team led by Charles Barkley and the 2004-05 “Seven Seconds or Less” squad orchestrated by Steve Nash.

“It means a whole lot,” Booker said. “Being here seven years now and just learning more and more about the franchise and the organization and the people that have came before us and now to be up there with those ones, it feels good.”

The Suns will look to break the record Friday at …

Entertainment / Movies / News

Bruce Willis confirms retirement from acting following Aphasia diagnosis

Bruce Willis is quitting his nearly three decades acting career following an Aphasia diagnosis.

The ‘Die Hard’ star’s family made the shocking announcement on Wednesday.

“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” the family wrote on Instagram.

“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him. This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. “We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that.”

The statement was signed by the actor’s wife Emma Heming-Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and their five daughters.

Willis is best known for starring in the ‘Die Hard’ franchise as John McClane. The actor has a total of three notable awards which include a Golden Globe for his role in ‘Moonlighting’ and two Emmys.

…
Entertainment / Movies / News

‘Sometimes some family members are your worst enemy’ – 2Face Idibia reacts to wife’s brother’s allegation

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia has reacted to the allegations levelled against his wife Annie by her elder brother, Wisdom Macauley.

The singer took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, where he penned a short note about the frosty relationship between his wife and her brother.

“Respect to family but sometimes some family is your worst enemy,” he wrote.

According to him, Annie turned him into a slave and refused to pay him all his dues during the period he worked for the actress.

“Hello Nigerians, my name is Wisdom Macaulay, I am the elder brother of Annie Macaulay Idibia. I’m crying out for help at this moment because my life is been threatened. I have been working with my sister for some time but she would never pay me my dues,” he said.

He also accused his sister of being a drug addict and a thorn in the flesh of everyone in their family.

“Annie introduced me to drugs, hard drugs, Annie takes drugs, she is a drug addict, she takes it every day, she is so violent, she doesn’t have peace with anyone, she fights everybody.”  In her response, the actress accused her brother of being irresponsible.

Apparently, their rift started after she refused to make him her manager, a position she wasn’t comfortable with. She also alleged that she has been responsible for the upkeep of his family for a very long time.

The actress said her brother had several times threatened to kill himself over petty reasons.

She finally advised him to stop acting like he is entitled to money and to leave her family alone.

…
Movies / News

Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s son’s marriage crashes after 3 years

The marriage between Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva’s son, Olusoji and his wife Blessing has crashed.

Blessing made this known in a now-deleted post while answering questions from her followers via her Instagram Stories.

“Are you still married? my bro who is in the UK is madly in love with you,” a follower inquired.

The UK-based mum responded by saying no.

“No. He will have to register for interview o.”

Apparently not satisfied with the response another follower pushed further with the question.

“Are you still married to your husband?”

Her response may have finally put a rest to the reports of their failed marriage.

“No. Oya make una rest,” she replied.

The couple’s traditional wedding was held in Buguma, Port Harcourt while the church ceremony on July 21, was held in Lagos where Pastor Tony Rapu of This Present House Church officiated the ceremony, overseeing the couple’s exchange of wedding vows.

What followed the church ceremony was a big celebration which had a host of celebrity names and faces such as Richard Mofe Damijo, Hilda Dokubo, Chidinma Ekile, Kate Henshaw, Monalisa Chinda, Iretiola Doyle and a host of others.

…
Entertainment / Movies / News

Alec Baldwin expecting 7th child with Hilaria Baldwin

American actor Alec Baldwin is expecting his seventh child with Hilaria Baldwin.

Hilaria made this known via her Instagram page on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

“After many ups and downs over the past few years, we have an exciting up and a huge surprise: another Baldwinito is coming this fall 💛. We were pretty sure our family was complete, and we’re beyond happy with this surprise,” she wrote.

“I’m sharing with you the moment we told the kids—as you can see, they are super excited! Our new baby is a very bright spot in our lives.” 

“A blessing and a gift during such uncertain times. I’ve missed you during my break from social media…I’m back and looking forward to continuing with you this wild journey that we call “life.” Our love to you and your loved ones ❤️”

The former yoga instructor and the “Boss Baby” star, 63, are already parents to daughters Carmen, 8, and María Lucía, 13 months, and sons Rafael, 6, Leonardo, 5, Romeo, 3, and Eduardo “Edu,” 18 months.

The news of their baby is coming a few months after Alec’s movie set accident.

In October 2021, the actor accidentally killed a woman on set.

According to several reports, the actor fatally shot a cinematographer and injured a director during a tragic accident when a prop gun discharged on the New Mexico movie set of the film ‘Rust.’

“There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of ‘Rust’ involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks,” a production spokesperson told Deadline.

The Western drama’s director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, and its director, Joel Souza, were struck in the incident, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.

Hutchins was airlifted to the hospital and died from her injuries.

…
Crime / Entertainment / News

Police visits Will Smith’s home after actor slaps Chris Rock

Men of the Los Angeles Police Department have visited the home of American actor Will Smith two days after he slapped comedian Chris Rock at the Oscars.

Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada’s bald head and got slapped by the ‘Fresh Prince of Belair’ star.

Officers were spotted driving into the gates of the Smiths Calabasas mansion in a marked patrol car at 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022, Splash News reported as they snapped photos of the police vehicle. Los Angeles County Sheriff spokesperson said they got a call that someone was flying a drone around the Smiths’ residence.

“We just sent that unit over there to try to locate the drone and see if there was a paparazzi or what was going on but when the deputies got there, they weren’t able to locate the drone. It had already left the area,” he said.

On Sunday night during the awards, Rock took to the stage where he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada’s bald head.

“Jada, I love you, ‘G.I. Jane 2,’ can’t wait to see it,” but while the “King Richard” star first laughed about the joke, he immediately turned sour.

Smith walked up to Rock and slapped him. A few seconds later, Rock responded, “Wow, Will Smith just smacked the s–t out of me” before defending what was “just a ‘G.I. Jane’ joke.”

But the Oscar-winning actor was not having it and again screamed, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f–king mouth.”

“That was the greatest night in the history of television,” Rock remarked.

Smith has since apologized over the altercation.

…
Football / News / Sports

Nigeria vs Ghana: Confusion as CAF doctor collapses, dies after fans invaded MKO Abiola Stadium

Confusion has surrounded the death of Confederation of Africa Football’s doping doctor, Dr. Joseph Kabungo.

Kabungo, a Zambian medical practitioner, was said to have died shortly after Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup on Tuesday.

There are reports that Kabungo died as a result of the stampede that occurred at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja before the commencement of the match.

However, another account blamed fans’ invasion of the pitch after the match for the doctor’s death. It was also reported that the doctor suffered a cardiac arrest.

Neither officials of the Nigeria Football Federation nor CAF have confirmed the doctor’s death.

This is as efforts to reach the officials proved abortive as of the time of filing this report.

British-Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, tweeted that the doctor’s death was confirmed after he was rushed to the hospital.

It was learnt that Kabungo’s family, the Zambia FA and the Government of Zambia had been informed.

Osasu tweeted, “Sad news: I understand that an official for the @NGSuperEagles vs @GhanaBlackstars
match (not a referee or assistant referee) died in #Abuja today.

“His name is Dr Joseph Kabungo from Zambia. He was on duty as Doping officer. He collapsed suddenly and died. Cause of death not confirmed yet. His family, the Zambia FA and the government of Zambia have been duly informed.

“If the death of #Zambian doctor Dr Joseph Kabungo at the #Abuja stadium was caused by being attacked by the #Nigerian fans who invaded the pitch, after the @NGSuperEagles lost the @FIFAWorldCup ticket to @GhanaBlackstars, @thenff would be in terrible trouble with @FIFAcom.”

A Ghanaian sports journalist, Collins Poku, who was also at the venue of the match, alleged that the doctor was beaten to death.

While replying Osasu’s tweet, he posted, “They beat him, he fell and they throded on him. He lost consciousness was rushed to an ambulance closer to the Ghana dressing for CPR. The entire Ghanaian contingent watched on as resuscitation attempts were made with oxygen mask. He was taken …

Music / News

Download “Good Girl” by Runda

Born on March 1999 and bred in Agege, Lagos.

Nigerian singer and songwriter Runda is a fast rising act who is breaking through the highly competitive music scene with each new
release. Runda decided to fully pursue his passion and recorded his first song in 2016 and officially put out his first single in 2019. Ever since, he has consistently churned out great music that has helped him garner a growing fanbase and attention from industry folks even outside Nigeria. His latest single ” Good Girl seems like the kind of tune that will take Oluwapelumi Olorunda aka Runda to that next level.

Download and listen to Good Girl Below ;

Download – Good Girl by Runda.Mp3…

News / politics

2023: Saraki, Atiku, Tambuwal, others meet in Abuja

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, alongside Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor of Bauchi, Sen. Bala Mohammed and former MD, FSB International Bank, Mohammed Hayatuddeen, last night met with former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

All five PDP presidential aspirants met to discuss the ongoing unity and consensus-building initiative being championed by Saraki, Tambuwal and Bala.

Details later.…

Crime / Transportation

Kaduna train attack: Attackers kidnapped foreigner, killed many – Shehu Sani

A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, on Tuesday, said that the terrorists who attacked the passengers on the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks abducted a “white man” and killed several others.

He also said the terrorists targeted the Business Class coach of the train.

Terrorists on Monday night bombed the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks and attacked a train filled with passengers.

Subsequently, the Nigerian Railway Corporation on Tuesday also announced the suspension of train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route indefinitely following the attacks. The train attack was coming after terrorists, numbering over 200, on Saturday invaded the Kaduna International Airport located in Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State, disrupting operation and killing one security personnel of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

The attack caused panic at the airport and reportedly grounded a Lagos-bound AZMAN aircraft scheduled to take off at 12:30pm.

But Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, through a tweet on his Twitter handle on Tuesday, noted that the attackers targeted the Business Class coach of the train.

He wrote, “I just spoke with a survivor who is a civil servant working with a public Library. She narrated that the terrorists specifically targeted the Business Class coach. They kidnapped some persons including a “white man” & killed those who resisted while she pretended to be dead.”…

Crime / News / Transportation

Breaking: NRC suspends train operation along Kaduna-Abuja rail

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended train operation along Kaduna -Abuja rail till further notice following the terrorist attack on the route between Katari and Rijana.

The NRC made this known through its Twitter handle on Tuesday morning.

NRC said, “Dear passengers, due to unforeseen circumstances, train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route have been temporarily suspended. Further communication would be given in due course.”…