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Train Attack – Terrorists Threaten Government Warns That Abductees May Be Killed

train attack

In a newly released video, attackers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train have threatened the Nigerian government, describing the train attack as child’s play compared to what they are capable of.

The 80-seconds clip that quickly went viral after it surfaced on Twitter showed four of the attackers with masked faces dressed in military camouflage and heavily armed standing behind what looked like an armored tank.

The video is suspected to have been recorded shortly after the release of the Bank of Agriculture Managing Director, Alwan Ali-Hassan who was one of the passengers on the ill-fated train.

Ali-Hassan also appears in the video and is dressed in a white kaftan flanked by two of the terrorists on each side. The video begins with one who appears to be their leader making Islamic prayers in Arabic and Hausa before going on to claim responsibility for the train attack, adding that they had decided to release Ali-Hassan in honor of the season of Ramadan and because he is aged and had been begging for his release.

“We are the ones who kidnapped the people on the train. We decided to release this man (Ali-Hassan) because of the honor of the month of Ramadan and because he is old. He has been pleading since we kidnapped him,” the terrorist said in the video.

With a terrified look, Ali-Hassan in what seemed to be a forced speech spoke in Hausa saying;

“I would like to let you know that these people’s pitied me and allowed me to go because of my age. But I have left many people behind in a condition that they need help.  The government should contact the leaders of this group and negotiate their release because they are in a situation that need immediate help.”

On the contrary, Ali-Hassan is believed to have been released after his family whom the attackers contacted sent a ransom in order to regain the MD’s freedom. The amount has not been disclosed but is suspected to be to the tune of hundreds of millions of naira.

An employee of the BOA, as well as a family source, confirmed the MD’s release and return to his home in Kaduna.

Read Also: Isa Pantami’s Kidnapped Son Alamin Isa Pantami Found At Police Checkpoint

The terrorists ended their speech by asking that the government give them what they want and that the attack had nothing to do with money but a demand that the government is aware of. They also threaten to kill their abductees should the government fail to heed their demand.

“Government should hasten to meet us before we turn this place into an abattoir because killing these people is nothing to us. It’s not about money. We can’t do this for money. The government knows what we want,” he said.

Other families with kidnapped victims have revealed to the media that the terrorists have been in contact with them and are demanding huge sums ranging between 5 and 100 million naira. The families have also said that the terrorists have warned them against involving security agencies. Reports say that the affected families have begun the process of raising funds to ransom their loved ones.

Analyzing the video, Bulama Burkati, a Senior Conflict Analyst at the Tony Blair Institute who posted the clip on Twitter said that early evidence suggests that the terrorists are from the Boko Haram group of terrorists. Some are of the belief that the terrorist’s demand from the government might be a prisoner swap.

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Entertainment

Odumodublvck drops 23-track Industry Machine album

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has officially dropped his highly anticipated 23-track album, Industry Machine, featuring powerhouse collaborations with Wizkid, Davido, Skepta, Seun Kuti, and several others. Produced by Telz and P.Priime, the project seamlessly fuses hip-hop and Afrobeats, underscoring Odumodublvck’s versatility and bold sonic direction. Within hours of its release, the album soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, signaling both widespread acclaim and the rapper’s growing dominance in the music industry.

Among the standout tracks, “Big Time” featuring Wizkid debuted at No. 9 on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart, earning praise for its infectious rhythm, Wizkid’s captivating verse, and Odumodublvck’s sharp lyricism. Fans and critics alike have hailed Industry Machine as a defining moment in Nigerian music, celebrating its high production value and collaborative depth. Speaking on the project, Odumodublvck described it as “a celebration of creativity, hustle, and the evolution of the industry,” cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and influential rap voices.

For a while now, followers of Nigerian music have been keenly aware of the concept of the ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE.’ The swaggering phrase has been an integral part of the digital vocabulary of Nigerian rapper and singer, ODUMODUBLVCK, hinting at the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2023 mixtape, ‘EZIOKWU’, which spawned several hit tracks and established his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest Hip-Hop acts.

In the two years since ‘EZIOKWU,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has only grown more unstoppable, racing to the top of charts in Nigeria on multiple occasions while showcasing the full breadth of his amorphous Okporoko sound on songs like “100 Million” and “NOT ALL THAT” as well as on collabs like “JUJU,” “Funds,” and “Flako.”

Seven months after the surprise drop of ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has finally released ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ bringing a thrilling conclusion to months of anticipation with a blockbuster 23-track release that runs through the full gamut of the Abuja rapper’s fascination and beliefs across a variety of soundscapes.

Throughout ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ ODUMODUBLCK glides between euphoric party starters (“BANZA BOY, “VINICIUS,” and “GROOVING”) and gritty Rap joints (“UNAWARE,” “IF YOU LIKE GYM,” and “LAYI WASABI.”). At different turns, he reveals a new layer to his work without losing touch with the uniquely Abuja perspective that broke him through.

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Lifestyle

#SpotlightAfricaThrowBackSeries Ado-Ekiti Indigenes Celebrate the Life and Times of Late Chief Ogunremi

Ado-Ekiti witnessed an outpouring of tributes as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life of High Chief Oluwasesan Ogunremi, the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti and a respected leader of the traditional warlord chiefs in the kingdom.

The funeral began with a Christian wake and service of songs at the open grounds of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to the deceased’s compound in the Idolofin axis of the town for the main service. The ceremony, attended by top figures from within and outside Ekiti, featured prayers, thanksgiving, and eulogies in recognition of the late chief’s contributions to his community.

Following the service, Chief Ogunremi’s remains were interred at his residence, accompanied by hymns and tributes from relatives and well-wishers.

A reception later took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where guests—including family members who travelled from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—were entertained with a lavish banquet. The event featured a performance by renowned gospel and highlife singer Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, while veteran emcee Olushola Oladele, popularly known as Pa Aristoe, anchored the proceedings.

The gathering attracted prominent personalities such as Mr. Babatope Adebiyi (King Jafil), Mr. Goke Olatunji, Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the Ewi-in-Council, lawmakers, politicians, business leaders, and artisans.

Born on February 7, 1929, to Mr. Williams Akomolafe Ogunremi and Princess Abigail Ogunremi in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ogunremi began his education at St. George’s Primary School, Agere, before moving to Lagos for electrical training. He later founded the well-known Micho Electronics and worked with business figures such as Chief Lawrence Omole and Chief Ajanaku in Ilesha.

He married his first wife in Ilesha, where the ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1970, he returned to Ado-Ekiti and established Micho Motors, expanding his business interests into the automobile sector. His ventures took him across Europe, including Austria, Brussels, Italy, and Germany.

In July 1988, he was installed as the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti by Oba George Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He became widely known for hosting the Udiroko Festival at his Okeilaja palace, a major cultural event that drew indigenes and chiefs before culminating in celebrations at the Ewi’s Palace. He later served as commissioner of the Ekiti State Electricity Board during the administration of Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.

Until his passing, Chief Ogunremi remained an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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News

Fresh reaction emerges over Saraki’s peace move amid PDP crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance group has praised the reconciliation efforts of the committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, describing the intervention as pivotal in preventing the party from collapsing under internal disputes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, Bashir Sulaiman, convener of the group, commended both Saraki’s Reconciliation and Strategy Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum under Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for “restoring peace where many expected chaos.”

“I am very impressed by what Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, and PDP Governors Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, have done to get the PDP back on track,” Sulaiman said.

“They were tasked with resolving disputes and preparing the party for its convention, and they have delivered with precision and dedication.

The PDP has been in turmoil since the 2023 general election, with key figures such as Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Setonji Koshoedo, and Sam Anyanwu embroiled in a tussle for the National Secretary position.

According to Sulaiman, Saraki’s intervention was instrumental in ensuring that the long-standing dispute was finally resolved in favour of Anyanwu.

“Many had predicted that the PDP would collapse under the weight of its internal disagreements. Yet, thanks to Dr. Saraki, his Reconciliation Committee, and the backing of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party has defied those expectations,” Sulaiman noted.

“The 100th, 101st, and 102nd NEC meetings were conducted without rancour, and lingering disputes have been amicably settled.”

With preparations for the party’s convention and zoning framework now underway, the PDP Renaissance group believes the opposition is on course to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The party is now better positioned to take power back from a government that does not care about the needs of the people,” Sulaiman said.

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