News / politics / Security / Transportation

Afenifere decries kidnapping on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has reacted to the recent kidnappings on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and worsening security in the country.

The group spoke in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, on Wednesday in Lagos State.

Afenifere said the kidnapping of seven people around Isara Remo on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway last Sunday was evidence that the governments have failed in their primary duties of providing security to the people and seeing to their welfare.

Ajayi said in the statement: “Reports had it that some displaced terrorists in the northern part of the country led by one Belo Turji are making an incursion into Yorubaland in the western part of Nigeria. “We recall the incessant kidnapping of and attacks on innocent people in Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States. We also recall the sacking of certain villages in the Imeko area of Ogun State last week.

“These are unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith by all means.

“The lamentations by Governors of Niger, Zamfara, Benue, Nassarawa, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto and Katsina states on how terrorists seem to be dictating the pace in their areas ought to serve as a wake-up call for the governments and the security agencies.

“Afenifere acknowledged that President Muhammadu Buhari was aware of the security situation going by his recent expressions on the issue. For instance, the President ordered for a ‘robust’ military intervention in the wake of terrorists’ take-over of some local government areas in Niger State just as he asked Nigerians to put their prayers for security before God. The latter he said in a message delivered on his behalf when Governor Ganduje of Kano State hosted the head of Tijanniyah organization worldwide in Kano last week.”…

News / Transportation

Sokoto, FRSC unveil speacilised ambulance services for accident victims

The Sokoto State Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) unveiled a specialized ambulance to improve emergency service delivery across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Mr Salisu Tureta, state command FRSC Public Relations Officer, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto.

”The FRSC in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health launched the Ambulance Services Scheme and three fully equipped ambulances have deployed to major routes in the state.

”By this, we will provide both emergency response and transfer of patients when the need arises. “The ambulances will serve as primary providers of a-24/7 response to medical and trauma related emergencies.

”A central communication unit has been set up at the State Specialist Hospital to coordinate the ambulance services for easy interface and direction.

“The three ambulances have begun operation along with paramedics from the ministry and about 384 FRSC personnel were deployed during Yuletide.

He further said that joint Yuletide safer road operations were conducted by officials of Red Cross Society, National Emergency Management Agency and state government.

”This year’s Operation Zero Tolerance to Road Crashes covers from Dec. 17, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022.

” Persons reasonably suspected to have violated any road traffic regulation are being arrested, prosecute and sanctioned appropriately,” Tureta said.

He noted that the cardinal objective of FRSC was to educate the public on safe use of roads.

He said that FRSC promoted the ideals with the aim of creating safer roads for all and environment in line with the provision of the law to reduce to the barest minimum the risk of deaths in road traffic crash.

Tureta urged people to adhere to traffic rules, avoid overspending and dangerous driving.…

Crime / News / Transportation

Nigerian Pilot, another found guilty in US of cocaine trafficking by air

A Nigerian pilot, Jibril Adamu, and a Gabonese, who is also a citizen of the United States of America and a pilot, Jean-Claude Okongo Landji, have been found guilty of conspiracy to use a US-registered aircraft to fly tons of cocaine between South America, Africa and Europe.

The United States of America Department of Justice announced the development in a statement on Wednesday.

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Wendy C. Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the US Drug Enforcement Administration, announced that a jury returned guilty verdicts against Adamu and Landji on the charge of conspiring to traffic five kilograms and more of cocaine on board an aircraft owned by a United States citizen and registered in the United States.

US District Judge Paul G. Gardephe presided over the two weeks trial. US. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As a jury found, Jean-Claude Okongo Landji and Jibril Adamu sought to exploit their abilities as pilots and use Landji’s private jet to smuggle multi-ton loads of cocaine from South America to West Africa and on to Europe and elsewhere.  Presuming they would be able to make regular runs to Europe, figuratively flying under the radar, Landji and Adamu were instead arrested in Croatia at the end of an initial test flight.  Now they await sentencing for their crime.”

The statement stated: “As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial: Beginning in or about October 2017, LANDJI, ADAMU, and others agreed to use a United States-registered Gulfstream G2 private jet owned by LANDJI, a United States citizen, to distribute multi-ton quantities of cocaine in South America, Africa, Europe, and elsewhere.  LANDJI and ADAMU, who are both pilots, planned to use the G2 and other aircraft to fly unregistered and untraceable ‘black flights’ with multi-thousand kilogram loads of cocaine from South America to West Africa to be unloaded at clandestine airstrips, including landing sites in the Sahara desert.  After the cocaine was off-loaded in …

News / Transportation

Transporters demand palliatives from enforcers of IPOB sit-at-home order

Transporters in Abia State have appealed to the enforcers of the weekly sit-at-home order in the South East to give them palliatives to cushion the effects of the lockdown on them.

The drivers made the appeal in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria Correspondent in Umuahia.

Speaking in the state capital on Monday, they said the development was making things difficult for them.

They complained that the transport sector was the worst hit by the directive as their vehicles were usually attacked or vandalized, while passengers on the other hand hardly come out of their homes for fear of attacks. NAN reports that residents of the five South East states have been groaning under the frequent order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

The residents have continued to comply with the Monday weekly order in spite of its suspension by IPOB, which directed that it should be observed only on the days its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is to appear in court.

Kanu, who in the custody of the Department of State Services, is being tried for treason and among other charges.

Residents expressed worry that the weekly exercise would cripple the socio-economic activities in the region, known for commerce and trade.

Henry Okezie, Chairman, Abia State Drivers’ Welfare Union, said the exercise had dealt a deadly blow on the transport sector.

Okezie said: “This frequent sit-at-home is really affecting us because we can’t operate if we don’t see passengers.

“Most of our members have their vehicles on hire purchase, which means that we must work every day to meet the target.

“We are appealing to the enforcers of this exercise to give us some palliatives in order to cushion the effect.

“We have over 200 members at this Isigate Park in Umuahia whose buses are operating on Umuahia-Ikwuano and Umuahia-Ubakala routes.

“Each of us make a minimum of N10,000 daily.

“So any day we don’t work, we lose over N2 million on average.”

Okezie said they would continue to comply in fear with the directive because “some of …

News / Transportation

FRSC confirmed 11 dead in Kwara road accident

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed that 11 persons lost their lives in a Road Traffic Crash on Sunday.

The Kwara State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Jonathan Owoade, confirmed this to newsmen in Ilorin.

He said the crash occurred on Jebba-Bode Saadu Road.

Owoade said the crash involved a private Toyota Corolla with registration number AAA 250 CB and a commercial Toyota Hiace bus with registration number LAP 179 XA. He said while 26 people were involved in the crash, 15 persons were injured and 11 persons lost their lives.

He said: “This evening we received a distress call of a crash which happened around 4pm at Onipako village, along Bode-Saadu-Jebba Road.

“The RTC occurred as result of wrongful overtaking; 26 persons were involved, 15 were injured and unfortunately 11 others lost their lives.

“This is another unfortunate crash we pray not to witness again.

“I plead with motorists, especially commercial drivers, to be patient when they are on the wheel.

“Life has no duplicate.”

The Sector Commander said the injured persons have been taken to Jebba Medical Centre and Emmanuel Hospital, Jebba, while the corpses have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

Owoade said the obstruction caused by the crash had been cleared and there is free vehicular movement.…

Education / News / Transportation

Varsity students protest over poor state of road

Some Students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike in Abia state on Monday embarked on a peaceful protest against the deplorable state of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the students, numbering at least 100, carried placards with different inscriptions.

They included: Fix Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene road; Enough is Enough; I want to graduate and be a corper not a corpse.

The marched through major streets of Umuahia, the Abia state capital.

They expressed their displeasure over the inability of the Federal Government to fix the road and blamed the state of the road for the road accidents that had claimed lives of road users, especially students of the school.

They called for immediate action to alleviate the sufferings of road users and stop the occurrence of road accidents.

Speaking at the Akanu Ibiam Road, Chukwuma Ugochukwu, President, Students’ Union Government of MOUAU, said the state of the road had plunged road users into untold hardship.

Ugochukwu said: “Yesterday, a student of MOUAU was killed in an auto crash that involved an SUV and a Truck, which occurred on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road.

“We are no longer comfortable with that road.

“We are asking that this road should be looked into with immediate effect.

“This road has caused the school so much loss and we seek immediate government attention on the road.

“We are giving four days ultimatum to the state government to commence the palliative works on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road.”

Also, James Daniel, a student of MOUAU, said the deplorable state of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road had led to loss of many lives, especially those of students of MOUAU.

“In 2019, we were told that the road has been awarded, but the only work that we have seen is the construction of drainages, leaving the road undone,” Daniel added.

Somto Chukwu, another student of MOUAU, said the incessant occurrence of accidents on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road was a call on the government to match its words with action.

Chukwu said it was …

News / Security / Transportation

Death toll in Kaduna attacks rises to 40

With the killing of four persons in Kacecere and Ungwan Taila villages of Zangon-Kataf Local Council, Kaduna State, the death toll in recent attacks in the state has risen from 36 to 40.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in statement, yesterday, disclosed that two bodies were discovered in Kacecere village, while the other two were discovered in Ungwan Tilla.

“The military has reported to the Kaduna State Government the discovery of two more bodies in Kacecere village. This discovery was reported by Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), as it continued with search-and-rescue operation in the area, following the September 27, 2021 attack. The dead bodies were identified as Idris Mairiga and Yunusa Dangana, both residents of the village.

“Kacecere village was attacked in reprisal to earlier attacks in Jankasa village in Zangon Kataf, and Madamai in Kaura, as reported to the government by the security agencies. The latest discovery of two bodies brings the death toll from the Kacecere attack to 12, while that of Madamai stands at 38. Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing in both locations.”

The commissioner, in another statement he issued, said troops of OPSH had reported an attack by unidentified persons at Ungwan Taila village, in which two residents were killed.

According to a report to the Kaduna government, the troops arrived at the location to find that the assailants had killed two residents, Helen Lucky and Hananiah Elijah

“Receiving the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed deep regret at the further loss of life from such attacks in the area. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to their families.

“In the meantime, the troops will continue search-and-rescue operations in the area. Citizens will be briefed on further updates,” he added.…

News / Transportation

Independence anniversary: FRSC assures of free flow of traffic

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed personnel to ensure free flow of traffic during and after the nation’s 61st Independence Day celebration on Friday.

FRSC’s Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, gave the assurance in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, on Thursday in Abuja.

Oyeyemi called on motorists and other road users to imbibe decent and safe driving habit during the period.

“I have ordered the full deployment and participation of the corps’ personnel throughout the duration of the celebration, including active participation in the combined military and paramilitary parade in solidarity for the unity of the country,” he said.

Oyeyemi also said that the FRSC would use the period to intensify its ongoing ember months’ campaign, adding that aggressive sensitization had begun across its formations nationwide.

The theme of the 2021 ‘ember months’ campaign is: ‘Maintain Safe Speed, Avoid Night Travels and Enjoy Quality Road Experience’.

Oyeyemi urged motorists to report traffic situations such as gridlocks, congestion, obstructions and other emergencies, using the corps free toll free number 122 or 08052998090 and 0906700001.

He also urged them to celebrate within the ambit of the law, avoid drunk and reckless driving.

The corps marshal warned that the anniversary is not an opportunity for lawlessness as the corps would not spare anyone caught violating traffic laws.

He congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his steadfastness, exemplary leadership and commitment to issues that border on safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.…

Law / News / Security / Transportation

CP charges motorists, police officers to obtain their driver’s licences

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Hakeem Odumosu, has reiterated that obtaining a driver’s license is a civic responsibility of all drivers, including police officers, plying Lagos roads.
This was contained in a statement by the Route Commander, Federal Road Safety  Corps and the Public Education Officer, Olabisi Sonusi.
The statement in Lagos on Thursday said Odumosu made the disclosure after his physical capture for driver’s license renewal at the FRSC Ojodu Driver’s License Centre in Lagos.
Odumosu was quoted as having said: “Once you are above 18 years of age, it is expected that the person interested in driving must apply through accredited driving schools for their electronic driving school certificate which is a prerequisite for applying for fresh driver’s license.
“Also, applicants for renewal are expected to appear physically to be captured or through bypass. Any process devoid of this is fake.”
He encouraged Officers of the Nigerian Police who drive, to get their driver’s license in order to serve as good examples for other motorists.
The Sector Commander, FRSC Lagos Sector Command, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, was impressed with the leadership quality displayed by the CP and handed over the temporary driver’s license to Odumosu personally.
Ogungbemide promised that the CP’s permanent license would get to him shortly.
He pleaded with other security agencies to emulate the exemplary style of the CP.
Ogungbemide charged all motorists to always maintain safe speed and obey all traffic rules and regulations at all times as we enter the last quarter of the year.
…
News / Transportation

Bridge construction: Lagos announces one-year traffic diversion

The Lagos State Government has said that it would divert traffic at Iyana-Era Road for rehabilitation and construction of a 20metre bridge from September 24 for one year.

The state Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that the road work would commence midnight of September 24 for a duration of 12 months.

Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, Commissioner for Transportation, explained in the statement that the construction was pertinent to address the factors responsible for the rapid and frequent deterioration of the section of the road.

Oladeinde said the portions before and after the existent culverts submerged into the surrounding swamp, hence the need for a bridge. The Commissioner further explained that motorists heading towards Shibiri, Ajangbadi and Igbogbo axis would be diverted at Era-Adaloko Roundabout into a contra flow on the Badagry bound lane to minimise the inconveniences during the course of the repairs.

Oladeinde further stated that the state’s Traffic Management Agency would be fully on ground to direct traffic in addition to traffic guides, which will be strategically placed to guide vehicular movement during the stipulated period.

The state government, while seeking residents’ cooperation for the successful commencement and completion of the project, reiterated its continuous commitment towards the development of transport infrastructure across the metropolis.

Oladeinde maintained that it was vital for the Multi-Modal Transportation System of the state government, which would turnout to boost the economic prowess of the citizenry.…

News / Production / Transportation

Four die as flood overruns FCT, damages 26 vehicles, 166 houses

Four residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have lost their lives to floods.

The FCT Emergency Management Agency on Monday said it established this in the course of its rescue operations.

The operations was from September 12 to 13, 2021.

“Following long hours of heavy rainfall on Sunday, September 12, Trademoore, Light Gold and Wisdom Estates, as well as Lugbe community were heavily flooded, resulting in the loss of lives,” FEMA Director-General, Alhaji Abbas Idriss, said in a statement on Monday in Abuja. Idriss added: “FEMA has established, in the course of rescue operations which began from 9p.m. of September 12 up to September 13, that four persons lost their lives to the floods and the recovered bodies have been taken away by family members for burial.

“Also, over 26 vehicles, including an articulated towing van, were swept away by the flood, besides a tarred road in Trademoore Estate which was completely washed away as a result of the strength of the flood water.“

The FEMA boss said a total of166 houses were affected, noting that the agency was still estimating the losses suffered by residents as a result of the floods.

Idriss conveyed the deepest sympathies of the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammed Bello, to the residents and families of those who were killed.

He appealed to FCT residents, especially developers, to desist from violating the approved building codes.

“We are also appealing to them to stop erecting retention walls to protect storm water from flowing. By doing so they are causing more havoc to the community,” he said.

Idriss advised that as the FCT enters the final phase of the rainy season, in which the rain is at its peak, residents should avoid dumping refuse in drainages.

He also advised them to clear all surrounding drainages and other blockages that obstruct the free flow of water.

The D-G enjoined residents to avoid driving or walking through flood waters.

He also called on those living along  river banks to relocate to higher ground when threatened by floods.…

Crime / News / Security / Transportation

We have 28 checkpoints on Katsina-Jibia Road, but only five legal — Customs

Retired Colonel Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, has ordered the immediate removal of all illegal checkpoints along Katsina-Jibia Road.

Ali gave the order when he paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir, on Monday.

The CG, represented by ACG Uba Mohammed, Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Kaduna, said the Service had approved only five checkpoint along the Katsina-Jibia Road.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the ACG had in a similar visit to Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State disclosed that there were about 28 checkpoints along the road. The ACG said: “On behalf of the CG, I have ordered for the immediate removal of all checkpoints along the road, except the approved five.

“Henceforth, only five checkpoints should remain along Katsina-Jibia Road.

“The police operatives along the same route should also look into the issue.

“Our visit to the state is to condole the state government, the Katsina Emirate Council and the people of Jibia Local Government Council over the recent accident involving our border drill operatives.

“This visit is occasioned by the ugly incident of August 9, 2021 where a near crisis was averted, resulting from an unforeseen vehicular accident, an incident which claimed lives and incapacitated a host of others.

“Unfortunately, that mishap, though an operational hazard, should have been averted with the deployment of the requisite safeguards.”

Mohammed said the CG had set up a committee to investigate the cause of the incident, adding that the Service would also take responsibility for the medical bills of those wounded in the accident.

While condoling the Emir, Ali reiterated the Service’s readiness to adopt proactive measures to forestall future occurrence of the incident.

In his response, the Emir said the incident, which claimed many lives, was unforgettable as it had been happening for a very long time.

Kabir said: “I always have sleepless nights over this issue and that of banditry in our communities.

“I believe that lack of proper information dissemination between the public and the security operatives is one …

News / Transportation

Police confirm death of 21 persons as Jigawa culvert collapses

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of 21 persons in Sunday’s road mishap that occurred in Gwaram Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesman of the command, ASP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Dutse on Sunday.

Shiisu said the incident occurred after a Hummer Bus, conveying 18 passengers from Kano State to Adamawa State, and an unregistered lorry with three passengers fell into a broken culvert covered with flood water.

He said: “Today, at about 6am, we received a distress call from Radabi Village that an accident occurred on the Gwaram-Basirka Road. “The accident occurred after one Hummer bus with Reg. No. FYK 406 ZA, and a Canter lorry fell into broken culvert full of water.

“Victims were evacuated to Basirka Hospital, where 21of the passengers were confirmed dead by a medical doctor.”

He said one of the passengers, 26-year-old Simon Chinapi from Mubi in Adamawa State, survived.

According to Shiisu, the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Tafida, has visited the scene and directed prompt and discrete investigation into the incident.…

News / Transportation

FG reopens Eko Bridge, begins repair of airport flyover

The Federal Government has announced the reopening of Eko Bridge, which had been under repairs, to traffic on from Friday (today).

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukayode Popoola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Popoola said the 10-week rehabilitation works on Eko Bridge was completed on schedule.

He also said traffic would be diverted for the rehabilitation of the burnt Lagos Airport flyover from August 13. He said: “The Alaka to Costain section of Eko bridge which was closed to traffic since 4th June, 2021 will now be opened on Friday 13th August 2021.

“The Honorable Minister of Works and Housing thanks the motoring public for their cooperation while the rehabilitation work was ongoing.”

Popoola added that additional works to be carried out on the Eko Bridge would not require closure.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Eko Bridge was shut on June 4, with traffic diverted for the second phase of the rehabilitation of the Costain-bound section of the bridge.

Popoola also said traffic diversion towards the rehabilitation of the burnt Airport flyover bridge in Lagos would be from Friday until September 22.…

News / politics / Transportation

NASS urges transport ministry to regulate fares during Sallah

The National Assembly (NASS) has urged the Ministry of Transportation to evolve strategies to check arbitrary hikes in transportation fares during the festive period.

Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Eric Orjiekwe, the Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry on Friday.

Saraki made the remark during a meeting with stakeholders in the road transport sector in Abuja.

She said the meeting was at the instance of the House of Representatives, following deliberations on the arbitrary increase in transport fares during festive periods, particularly for land transport.

Saraki, who was represented by the Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration of the ministry, Mary Ejembi, said an in-depth look at reasons for fare hikes which cause the citizens pain and affect the economy adversely was the thrust of the meeting. Ejembi said the lawmakers were concerned that well-meaning Nigerians were already viewing the situation as a gross exhibition of greed and a monumental corruption on the part of transporters who capitalize on high commuter traffic to exploit the people.

She said: “The stakeholders, after due deliberations, called on the federal government to prioritize road construction and maintenance to reduce damage to vehicles.

“They called on the government to reduce park duties while also enacting traffic laws backed up with technology.

“They also advised that the activities of unions be monitored and regulated to reduce the hardship on passengers.

“They equally suggested that road transport unions should be compelled to organize periodic training for drivers to curb incessant road mishaps.”

Earlier, the National President, Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Mr Jide Owatunmise, in his remarks disclosed that “recovery factor” was one of the elements responsible for the hike in fares during festive periods.

Owatunmise said this was because road operators see festive periods as an opportunity to recover lost grounds during off-festive seasons.

The Deputy National Secretary-General, Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr Henry Ugwu, said double taxation from bodies and establishments like the state governments and …

News / Security / Transportation

Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 3,5000 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances

To ensure safe travels for all road users, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed a total of 3,500 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles and over 200 motorcycles for the 2021 Eid-el Kabir special patrol before, during and after the celebrations.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, who disclosed this said that the Corps is embarking on the special patrol operation to ensure that motorists and other road users have a hitch-free celebration, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prevailing security challenges and the rain season.

He also said 120 ambulances and 25 tow trucks would be on the road during the special operation that would commence on 16 to 25 July 2021 nationwide.

He urged motorists to endeavor to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes.

He added: “The mission of the special operation is to ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during and after the festive period as well as reduce Road Traffic Crashes, Road Traffic Fatalities and Road Traffic Injuries; enforce strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols by motorists and road users, and ensure high visibility of the corps on the highways.”

Kazeem said the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the period of the operations.

He appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying Mobile Courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The Corps Marshal, also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus to effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, drivers license violation, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, …

News / Transportation

Passengers trapped in the bushes for hours after a Kaduna-Abuja train broke down

The train reportedly left Kaduna shortly before 7am.

Daily Trust reports that five minutes after the train departed the Rigasa Station in Kaduna, it developed a mechanical fault.

Midat Joseph, an Assistant National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who was one of the passengers, said the train creaked to a halt around 7am.

“I left my house as early as 5:am to join the 6:40am train but unfortunately I have been trapped here in this forest. This is not the first time I will be experiencing this mess,” Joseph told the newspaper.

Another passenger said he had a similar experience last Saturday, saying it took them five hours to get to Abuja.

An engineer of the NRC (Nigeria Railway Corporation) who addressed the passengers, told them that it would take them two hours to fix the train.

“We are very sorry, the locomotive is faulty. We have contacted the Idu Train Station for another locomotive. It would take them two hours to be here,” he said.

The passengers have been evacuated from the forest at the time of filing this story, latest reports say.

The President Muhammadu Buhari administration is erecting critical rail infrastructure across the country, in a bid to stimulate an economy hard-hit by dipping crude oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most of the completed train terminals have recently been commissioned with plenty of fanfare and political-speak.

…