-Sixteen (16) bags, various loose items remain unclaimed.
Exactly one year ago, on the 28th of March 2022, a horrendous attack was launched by terrorists on the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja. The terrorists derailed the train at around 7pm by setting off an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to blow up a section of the track. They then opened fire on the coaches, and kidnapped scores of passengers from the train.
In the heat of the confusion, a terrified passenger finally alerted the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs on the exact location of the train, which was traced to Kasarami-Audujongom general area of Chikun LGA.
Immediately, Major General KI Mukhtar, the then GOC 1 Division and Brigadier General UT Upuene, then Garrison Commander moved with their brave troops to secure the train and rescue the remaining passengers.
Subsequent developments confirmed that nine passengers were killed in the attack, with over 60 kidnapped and more than 20 injured.
Passengers injured were successfully evacuated by the troops, staff of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian volunteers, along with the remains of the slain passengers.
After the search and rescue, troops carefully secured passengers’ luggage and thereafter handed them over to the Kaduna State Government on 31st March 2022. Also supplied was a detailed inventory of over 100 items of luggage and several loose belongings carefully labelled. Records confirmed that nine victims had already collected their belongings directly from the 1 Division Headquarters.
Consequently, the Kaduna State Government can now report that between 3rd April and 17th November 2022, 62 persons (victims of the attack or their relatives) came forward to claim 94 items of luggage containing a range of personal items. Other loose belongings identified and retrieved from the Kaduna State Government by their owners include certificates, documents, passports, car and house keys, cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and their accessories, books, perfumes, as well as clothing and jewellery items.
As of the time of this update, 16 bags remain unclaimed, along with an assortment of loose belongings including prayer mats, books and clothing items.
The Kaduna State Government will continue to maintain detailed records of all items collected, including the contact details of victims or their representatives.
One year on, the Kaduna State Government again offers its heartfelt commiserations to all victims of the tragedy, and their families. The efforts of all security agencies in responding to the attack to secure the lives of many passengers are recognized and deeply appreciated.
The window is still open for the collection of the remaining items at the Ministry.
The Government appreciates the 1 Division, Nigerian Army for the brave efforts of its officers and men, and diligent collaboration with the Kaduna State Government following the attack. The Government similarly appreciates the 453 Base Services Group (Nigerian Air Force), the Department of State Services, the Kaduna State Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service. Gratitude also goes to the Borno State Government for valuable collaboration towards solutions to common problems.
The Government pays special recognition to Major-General TA Lagbaja, the GOC 1 Division, Nigerian Army, who also doubles as the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, as well as the officers and men of both land and air components; the Commander, 453 Base Services Group, Air Commodore AA Adedoyin; the Commandant, Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology Kachia, Commodore ME Ejumabone; the Director of the Department of State Services, Abdul Enenche; the Commander, 402 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General EU Effiong and his Commanding Officers; the Commander Sector 7 Operation Safe Haven, Brigadier General TM Opurum; the Commissioner of Police, Yekini Ayoku, the State Commandant, NSCDC, CC Idris Adah, and all other heads of security agencies engaged in the battle against terrorism. Gratitude also goes to the vast network of intelligence sources.
The Government thanks doctors, health workers, support staff and civil society groups that have helped provide aid to persons injured in the attack, and psycho-social support in its aftermath.
Close and improved collaboration will be sustained with all security agencies for prompt response and effective counter-terrorism efforts in the state.
Finally, the military and other security agencies have done and achieved a lot in the campaign against terrorism in the State since this unfortunate incident. Some of these inroads will be highlighted in the 2022 Annual Security Report and the First Quarter Report for 2023, soon to be presented to the public.
As this administration winds up, it will continue to support and partner with security agencies and critical stakeholders towards security and safety of the citizenry.
Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.
OIL EXPLORATION IN MIDDLE BENUE TROUGH WILL LEAD TO GREATER PROSPERITY, ENERGY SECURITY, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES AS EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES BEGIN IN NASARAWA STATE
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday declared that the discovery and drilling of oil in Nasarawa State will lead to greater prosperity for Nigerians as well as enhance overall energy security for the country.
In his virtual message to the official spud-in of the Ebenyi-A Well located in the Middle Benue Trough, in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State, the President said the surrounding communities would particularly benefit from the value created by the exploration and eventual production activities.
The President directed NNPC Limited and its partners to take due care of the environmental consequences of these oil exploration activities and to mitigate the negative effects.
He thanked the Government and people of Nasarawa State- the host community- for their unfettered support and collaboration towards the success of this exploration campaign.
The President recalled that the official commencement of drilling activities in the Middle Benue Trough is in line with ongoing campaigns for the exploration of crude oil and gas in the Nation’s Frontier Basins.
He listed the Chad Basin, Dahomey Basin, Anambra Platform, the Calabar Embankment, Sokoto Basin, Bida Basin, Benue Trough as well as the Ultra-Deepwater Niger Delta as areas where NNPC is extending its crude oil exploration.
‘‘This is consistent with the commercial discoveries of hydrocarbons in the Kolmani Area of the Upper Benue Trough.
‘‘I am pleased to note that activities are currently ongoing to develop the Kolmani petroleum discoveries to commercial production to add to the nation’s considerable hydro-carbon assets.
‘‘I am encouraged by the enormous work done by NNPC Limited to exploit the prospects in the Middle Benue Trough, leading to the event of today.
‘‘I congratulate NNPC Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and other partners for their immense contributions towards making this day and this event possible,’’ he said, directing Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Group CEO, NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari to spud on his behalf.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 28, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS PRESIDENT-ELECT, ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU AT 71
President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he clocks 71, March 29, 2023, with history beckoning to lead the country from May 29th.
The President joins members of the President-Elect’s family, especially his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, business partners and political associates in celebrating the remarkable age, heralded with many years of experience and achievements in the private and public sectors, which prepared him for the historic win on February 25, 2023.
President Buhari believes Asiwaju’s warmth, friendliness and generosity has set the pace for a network of friends, home and abroad, that will shape his presidency with requisite expertise to guide the economy, and consolidate on the investments of past leaders, particularly in people-first development and infrastructure.
As the President-Elect prepares to take over mantle of leadership at 71, the President affirms that his political pedigree from the 90’s, active role in party politics, being elected Senator and later Governor of Lagos State, and diligent involvement in structure of leadership at the Executive and Legislative levels for many years, will serve as asset for good and effective governance.
President Buhari prays for the wellbeing of Asiwaju and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 28, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS MINISTER OF STATE, BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING, PRINCE CLEM IKANADE AGBA AT 59
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family, friends and associates of Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, in celebrating his 59th birthday, March 28, 2023, recognizing the brilliance and innovativeness of the public officer, who had served the nation in many capacities.
President Buhari felicitates with Prince Agba for dedicating his life to service of God, country and humanity, leaving his well paid job at the private sector, to take up responsibilities as a Commissioner of Environment and Public Utilities and Ministry of Lands, Survey and Housing in Edo State, where he made an indelible mark including setting up the Edo Geographic Information Services (EGIS).
As the minister turns 59, President Buhari affirms the loyal and noble roles of Prince Agba as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) since August, 2019, where he has supervised national planning, early budget submission to the National Assembly and strengthening the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation in order to effectively drive the National Monitoring and Evaluation process.
President Buhari notes the kindheartedness of the minister, who set up the The Clem Agba Foundation (TCAF) to cater for the needs of vulnerable members of society, with great impact on funding of education and health for many.
The President prays that the Almighty God will uphold Prince Agba and his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 27, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FAMILY OF 94-YEAR-OLD RETIRED POLICE OFFICER, MRS MARY IYABODE ABEBI OYEBADE
President Muhammadu Buhari shares the pain of loss with Nigerian Police Force (NPF), family members and associates of 94-year-old retired Chief Superintendent of Police, Mrs Mary Iyabode Abebi Oyebade, who was among the second set of females to be recruited.
The President notes the outstanding and remarkable contributions of Mrs Oyebade to the operations of NPF, particularly in Lagos State, where she provided exemplary leadership by chastising officers for bribery and corruption, and leading raids to ensure safety on the streets.
President Buhari affirms that the outpouring of testimonies on Mama Toyin Olopa’s gallantry in the police, her later life and legacies were worth documenting for posterity, especially unwavering loyalty to the nation, deeply religious lifestyle and the sacrifices in propagating the gospel of Christ through charity.
The President prays that Almighty God will grant the soul of the mother, grandmother and great grandmother eternal rest, and comfort her family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 27, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI PAYS TRIBUTE TO GENERAL DIYA
President Muhammadu Buhari mourns the passing on Sunday of Lt. General Oladipo Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994.
The President pays tribute to General Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigeria military and dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
The President recalls that Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills and discipline, and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.
The President salutes the former Chief of General Staff for his love, belief and loyalty to the country he cherished so much and fought gallantly on the frontlines to defend her unity.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends and colleagues.
President Buhari prays that General Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and may his contributions to the nation never be forgotten.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 26, 2023
March 28, 2023
Press Statement
PDP NWC Appoints Amb. Damagum as Acting National Chairman
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an emergency meeting today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 acknowledge the Order of the Benue State High Court, dated March 27, 2023 with regards to the Chairmanship position of our great Party.
After a careful consideration of the Court Order and in line with Section 45 (2) of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the NWC resolved that the Deputy National Chairman (North) His Excellency, Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum assumes the National Chairmanship of our Party in acting capacity with effect from today, Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members and supporters of our great Party to remain calm and united at this critical time.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary