₦airaland Forum

Terrorists are demanding a N100m ransom for each of the 43 abducted Kaduna train passengers, who are still in their custody, The PUNCH has learnt.

The demand was communicated to the families of the hostages last week.

This is coming five days after the alleged masterminds of the abduction were freed from the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, by scores of armed men on Tuesday.

During the attack, over 300 Boko Haram fighters, convicted criminals and other inmates were released by the terrorists who overwhelmed the security operatives guarding the facility.

The Federal Government on Thursday uploaded to the Interpol database the data of 64 Boko Haram commanders who escaped from custody during the attack.

The PUNCH had reported that the terrorists attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, killing eight and kidnapping no fewer than 61 passengers.

As part of their demands, they requested the release of 15 terrorist commanders, their children detained by the military and an undisclosed amount of cash.

On June 12, the terrorists released 11 hostages after 75 days in captivity, while another seven regained their freedom on Saturday.

The victims were reportedly released through the assistance of the Publisher of Kaduna-based Desert Herald newspaper, Mallam Tukur Mamu, who has been negotiating with the militants.

Giving an update on the situation on Sunday, a family member of the abducted victims, who didn’t want his name in print, told one of our correspondents that the terrorists were asking each family to cough up N100m ransom for the release of their loved ones.

The source said the seven victims that were released on Saturday paid an undisclosed amount.

He said, “It is money that is still delaying the release of the others. The terrorists are demanding ransom now. We heard the last set paid money. They (terrorists) have reached out to us as regards the payment of ransom.

“The situation now is that if you have your money, your loved ones would be freed. They have pegged the ransom at N100m. It is just unfortunate.”



The Islamic State West Africa Province claimed responsibility for the attack in a viral video 24 hours later.

Another family member said they were told that the terrorists were no longer interested in negotiating with the Federal Government, saying that N100m was required to free those in captivity.

He said they were still pleading with the terrorists to reduce the ransom as some of them could not afford the huge amount.

He noted, “My loved one has not been released, those that were released paid N100m. I don’t have that kind of money. The kidnappers got in touch with us. They said they were no longer negotiating with the Federal Government. Getting N100m is the dilemma many of us don’t have.”

Meanwhile, the seven persons released by the terrorists have reunited with their families on Saturday evening.

They include Bosede Olurotimi, Abubakar Zubairu, Alhassan Sule, Sadiq Abdullahi, Muhammad Paki, Aliyu Usman as well as a Pakistani, Dr. Muhammad Afzal.

A victim, Sadique, who is the son of former Vice-Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, broke down in tears while thanking God for regaining his freedom.

“The soldiers were considerate enough to hand us over to Tukur Mamu, the lead negotiator after we insisted that we will not go with them. The most difficult job has been done by him. Alhamdulillah(Praise be to God).

We were all taken to his office and even before then, he has contacted all our family members to come and pick us up. I can confirm to you that this man did this thing alone because even our family members were taken by surprise. They least expected the rescue soon, more so, that today (Saturday) is Sallah day,”  Sadiq added.

He urged the Federal Government to hasten efforts to ensure that the remaining 43  passengers were released as soon as possible “because of their deteriorating health condition.”

When asked if the terrorists were demanding  N100m, the negotiator, Manu, told The PUNCH that the government was in a better position to answer that(question) as all the terrorists wanted as their demands had to be forwarded to the government.

Mamu said, “I sent the list to the government but honestly, there was nothing that was done. It was as a result of that that they (terrorists) threatened this attack (on Kuje prison) and eventually they succeeded in rescuing dozens of them(terrorists)  instead of only 10.

“I think the government should explain that because it has been communicated to the government.”

Mamu commended the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni over what he described as his “behind the scene role” in the release of the seven hostages.

He said, “Sincerely, I have so much respect for Governor Buni. From the information I have, there is no single Yobe citizen left in that forest but that governor demonstrated an uncommon concern on this issue.

“He has been in touch with me throughout, monitoring development and even reaching out to those concerned whenever there is a need to do so.

“He gave lots of support. This is a governor from the North-East far from the North-West where we have this crisis. He told me not to publicise his efforts but I had to.”

The Spokesman, Department of State Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, declined comment on the terrorists’ demand when contacted on the phone.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, simply said he was not aware of the negotiations with the kidnappers.

The leader of the victims’ families, Dr Abdulfatai Jimoh,  told one of our correspondents that after the release of the seven hostages on Saturday, 43 more hostages were still in the terrorists’ den.

But a security consultant, Mr Chidi Omeje, said the nation is in a messy situation, noting that the ransom would further empower the terrorists to further their criminal enterprise.

Another analyst, Jackson Ojo queried what he described as the government’s lackadaisical attitude to security issues, wondering why the security agencies cannot track down the hoodlums who are in constant communication with Mamu.

“It is unfortunate that we are in a country where miscreants called terrorists to dictate to our government. The maximum number of these terrorists cannot be more than a hundred thousand; so why will this little number dictate to a government that governs over 200 million people?” he asked.

Dododawa01:
Started violence for what wen other candidates are there. I'm a xtian but I don't see anything in religion whether Muslim Muslim or xtian xtian but I'm after good governance. If Tinubu choose xtian from d north but Atiku may win election. Everything is calculation. Peter obi own calculation is let me choose younger VP so far I have support of d youth. Atiku is a powerful politician that u can't underrate d voting strength in d North but Tinubu must choose powerful northern candidate to counter Atiku. Atiku as well is not getting it easy, the voting strength he got from south in 2019 has reduced gradually and that's y he choose SS VP and ignore SE cos he knew SE will vote Obi and he knew SW is for Tinubu. Everything is all abt calculation and which ever work for each of d candidates, I will say best of luck

Wali84:
obi nominate doyin okukpe and nothing happens

The Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has backed the decision of the Presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu on the choice of Kashim Shettima (another Muslim) saying the Muslim-Muslim ticket can win election.
Yakasai made this known on Sunday while reacting to the political development in the country.

He described the decision as a right decision and well calculated.


According to him, “We have had it before, MKO Abiola and Kingibe, and they won the election. It’s just that the military canceled the election, but they won. Muslim-Muslim ticket can win election in Nigeria.

“Do you think it will be right for Tinubu, a Muslim who is a minority in the South to pick a Christian who are minority in the north as his running mate and you expect him to win the election? You cannot,” Yakasai.
The elder statesman however allays fear nursed by some nigerians that the Muslim-Muslim ticket is threat to the collective well being and unity of Nigeria.

Recall that Tinubu had on Sunday announced Shettima, former Governor of Borno State to replace Ibrahim Masari as his running mate ahead of the 2023 general election.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Saturday in Daura, Katsina State, urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities and individuals to security agencies to stall terrorist attacks.

This was as he said the increased disclosure of unusual activities would expose bandits and terrorists, nudging the security apparatus to eliminate threats across the country.

“The people know them. So, let them report them to the security agencies,” he said.

He also advised those unleashing mayhem on innocent citizens to reflect on their atrocities, knowing that they soiled their own name and their family reputation.


According to a statement on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said this while speaking to journalists after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at his country home.

The statement is titled ‘Security is a collective responsibility, citizens have a role for disclosure, says President Buhari.’

He said, “We are praying that the rainy season will be good for production of the food we eat in the country.


Look at when we closed the borders for about two years, a lot of people went back to the farms and they have not regretted that decision. Now, we are feeding ourselves and exporting rice.

“My advice is that people that are organising themselves and attacking institutions and communities. The people know them. So, let them report them to the security agencies. I hope they will sit and reflect and make sure they save their names and their families.”

On his part, the Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Faruk, said the President had represented the Daura Emirate and indigenes well in his service to the nation, upholding his integrity at all times and working for the collective good of all.

“He has done well to ensure peace and turnaround of the economy, and all that is within his capacity to promote safety in Nigeria. He remains a man of integrity and we are proud of his achievements.

“For more than seven years, he has been working for the good of the country. We pray that God will surround him with people that will help him,” he said.

The Emir said the community had always been proud of the President, knowing his penchant for fairness, justice and upholding the rule of law.

“No one can accuse him of theft or any form of corruption. We, the people of Daura, are behind you, Mr President. The work you have done for the community and the country, it is only God that will reward you,” he added.

Moferere:
I doubt if you have travelled outside anambra before

Racoon:
https://www.farooqkperogi.com/2022/07/kuje-prison-attack-shows-boko-haram.html?m=1

https://www./63277488504/permalink/10159142502478505/

naija4life247:
Okay nah.

So, Mauritanians don't know their age.

smile11s:
A woman who predicted a Peter Obi and Datti Baba Ahmed ticket back in 2020 has been hailed a prophetess.

Datti Ahmed was unveiled today as Labour Party's presidential aspirant, Peter Obi's running mate.

Turns out that in this same month two years ago, social commentator Chidubem Onyejemuo had shared photos of Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed with the caption: "This should be our President & Vice President come 2023.... If to say we get sense..."

Dreal1247:
Whatsoever he is will be accepted. No more PDP or APC. The principal Man is Mr Peter Obi.

Nigerian businessman Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed was on Friday announced as the running mate to Peter Obi.

Obi, a former Anambra governor, is the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 election.

Baba-Ahmed, from Kaduna State, is the founder of Baze University in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Since the emergence of Datti’s name as Obi’s running mate in the last 24 hours, different ages of the politician have been circulating.

Baba-Ahmed’s date of birth was not found on his university’s profile page.

“Sen. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed is a 46-year-old Academician, Businessman and Nigerian politician”, the first line reads.

Also on Wikipedia, the economist is said to have been born in “1975 or 1976”.

“He was born to the Baba-Ahmed family in Zaria in the 1970s”, the ‘Early life and education’ section notes.

The discrepancy has elicited reactions and questions on and off social media.

LP opponents and critics are propagating the argument amid the growing confusion.

Other followers of the 2023 political season are wondering if Baba-Ahmed is actually below 50 years old.

They say with Peter Obi’s age (July 19, 1961) in full glare, that of his vice should not be in doubt.

After findings, DAILY POST gathered that Baba-Ahmed is 53 years old.

“He was born July 7, 1969”, a family source revealed on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed is expected to make a clarification as he joins a presidential race witnessing controversy over candidates’ age and academic records.

The LP vice presidential candidate was the Senator for Kaduna North from 2011 to 2012.

He represented the Zaria federal constituency in the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.

The former lawmaker earlier worked at the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company and First Bank of Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed obtained four degrees: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Economics (University of Maiduguri); MBA (University of Wales); Ph.D. (University of Westminster)

Nemere2020:
https://thewillnigeria.com/news/buharis-daughter-set-to-join-abubakar-malamis-harem/
Mynd44
Lalasticlala

fergie001:
Nigerian Correctional Service declare 69 persons Wanted

LordviccoDaGuru:
Source
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0ZBp9ydVcfGihQZkkenVRnW2jydVWrW1eai7UAy9LXnn1oRxcA83YrRcMuhMCPcqAl&id=100011193364134&sfnsn=scwspwa

chiamakaTV:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORgDYSjvvLI

naijakissleave:
Northern politicians are good at that

Segol:
Do not be deceived by the utterances of our politicians. Former Lagos State Government, Raji Fashola (SAN), once said, "Any serious government should be able to fix electricity problem in Nigeria in 6 (six) months. Consequently, he was appointed Minister for Power and could not do as he had said.

Same goes the present set of Politicians. Believe them at your own peril. What most people don't understand is that in the game of soccer, the spectators know how to play the game more than the player themselves. The spectators only run their mouth endlessly while the players are panting on the pitch.

A word is enough for the wise.

Harlarbiz01:
I miss eating this flying termites, gone are those days in the late 90s, we are all hunters in the area (Trenches) when it come to this flying termites called Esunsun or Iba as called by we Yorubas, Igbos call it Aku, this termites is said to be very nutritious, so rich in protein.
My childhood experience is incomplete without talking about hunting of Esunsun, snails and fruits, so funny unforgettable experience.
This insect comes out at night following light, sometimes in the early morning when it's still dark.
Esunsun are actually termites that fly, very proteinous and nutritious. Known as Macrotermes bellicosus scientifically.
I won't say much about the peptides and all other biochemical and microbiological information about this insect.

lalasticlala:
As shared by Emma Millel Jnr:



https://twitter.com/EmmaMillelJnr/status/1544747345992105986?t=7AxlQ5tb8G9MA5ugZ6IW7Q&s=08[/quote]Everyone need a Jawbone of cow!