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Fear on the Tracks: NRC Stops Niger Trains After Vandal Gangs Wreck Infrastructure

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The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has cited rising insecurity, banditry, and vandalism as the reasons behind the suspension of train services along several of its routes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This disclosure was made by Mr. John Otivere, a senior NRC official in Niger State, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna. He spoke on behalf of Mrs. Blessing Okanezi, the District Rail Superintendent for NRC in Minna.

According to Otivere, persistent security threats and the destruction of rail infrastructure have made it impossible for the NRC to maintain operations in affected areas.

“Our rail lines have not been abandoned. Trains still originate from Lagos to Kano and return along the same route,” he clarified.
However, he noted that certain sections—particularly from Gwada through Sarkin-Pawa to Kuchi in Niger State, and extending to Gaddani near Kaduna—remain unsafe. He revealed that the Gaddani station, located along the Niger-Kaduna border, has been closed for an extended period due to heightened bandit activities. Similarly, stations in Wushishi, Pakara, and Akere have been inactive since December 2022 due to similar threats.

Mr. Femi Adewakun, District Internal Auditor of the NRC in Niger, who also spoke on behalf of the District Manager, Alhaji Suleiman Obafun, reaffirmed that the corporation carries out routine maintenance on locomotives and rail lines.
“We operate a narrow-gauge system here and ensure daily inspection and servicing of our locomotive engines and tracks,” Adewakun stated, adding that rail transport remains crucial to Nigeria’s economic development and must be protected.

Echoing the same concerns, Mr. Akin Atanda, District Civil Engineer, highlighted how the combination of banditry and vandalism has severely impacted rail services.
“In some areas, bandits have taken full control, making it unsafe for both maintenance teams and train operations,” he lamented. He pointed to Beji as one of the hotspots where vandals have frequently removed track fastenings, although several arrests have been made, with some suspects currently facing prosecution.

Atanda also mentioned environmental challenges, such as erosion and washouts, particularly in Mokwa, where sections of track have been completely swept away.

He stressed that the safety of passengers and staff remains paramount and urged stakeholders to urgently address the challenges undermining the nation’s railway network

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‘Kwankwaso Is More Experienced Than Peter Obi’ – Buhari’s Ex-Aide Declares.

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Ahmad made the assertion in a post on his X handle, maintaining that Kwankwaso’s decision to accept the position of running mate should be seen as an act of political modesty rather than an indication that he is less qualified than Obi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the former presidential aide, the relationship between the two politicians should be viewed as one of equals rather than that of a superior and a subordinate.

“To be entirely candid, the political dynamic between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi ought to be characterised as one of collegiality between peers, rather than a hierarchy of principal and subordinate,” he wrote.

He added, “The choice to assume a deputy role beneath Obi ought to be interpreted as a testament to political modesty.”

Making a case for Kwankwaso’s political experience, Ahmad recalled that the former Kano State governor served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives before Obi became a prominent figure in national politics.

He also noted that Kwankwaso governed Kano State, which he described as Nigeria’s most populous and politically influential state, for two terms and served as a federal minister.

“If we are assessing political experience, Sen. Kwankwaso probably has a longer and more impressive political background than Peter Obi,” Ahmad stated.

In contrast, the former presidential aide argued that Obi’s major public office experience was limited to his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“Unlike other candidates, Peter Obi was just a former governor of Anambra State,” he wrote.

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‘I Have Stopped Impregnating Women’ – 2Baba Makes Shocking Revelation.

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Nigerian music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has declared that he no longer impregnates women.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The singer made the statement on Saturday during a live performance at Rehab Lounge in Calgary, Canada.

While performing his hit song True Love, 2Baba paused to interact with the audience and playfully asked the women present to identify where his true love was.

He jokingly wondered whether she was standing at the back of the venue or somewhere in front of him before making a remark about his experiences with women.

The award-winning musician told the audience that he had stopped getting women pregnant, adding that he had been making the same confession wherever he performed recently.

He said, “For the purpose of this show, I will pretend like I’ve never seen anything before. Where’s my true love? Is she back there? Is she right here? Is she somewhere here? Where’s my true love? You people shouldn’t put out me for trouble.

“As I said, some ladies they fear to shout. See, everywhere I go these days, I make this confession. As I say, some ladies they fear to shout. I say, I don’t fear to shout. Because I don’t stop to dey give woman belle. Ask anyone, they’ll tell you, I don’t do such thing things again.”

The singer’s comment comes amid public interest in his personal life and relationships.

2Baba was previously married to Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia. The couple announced their separation in January 2025 after having two children together.

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NPFL Cracks Down! Abia Warriors, Katsina United, Warri Wolves Hit With Sanctions.

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Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abia Warriors were fined ₦3.2 million for failing to provide adequate security as agreed during the pre-match technical meeting ahead of their encounter with Niger Tornadoes.

The Umuahia-based club was also found guilty of an attempt by one of its officials to disrupt the live broadcast of the match by harassing a crew member of the league’s broadcast partner.

As part of the disciplinary measures, Abia Warriors’ multimedia officer, Chidera Favour Igwe, has been suspended from all NPFL match activities for five matches.

Katsina United, meanwhile, were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their home fixture against Plateau United.

The club was also sanctioned for allowing supporters to encroach onto the field of play during the encounter.

Warri Wolves Receive Heaviest Punishment

Warri Wolves have been handed the most severe sanctions following the unruly behaviour of their supporters during Sunday’s Matchday 10 clash against Kano Pillars in Ozoro.

The Seasiders were fined ₦4.2 million and docked three points and three goals from their accumulated tally. The club was also ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors.

According to the NPFL, Warri Wolves failed to provide adequate security at the stadium, resulting in an assault on match officials after the final whistle.

The league further disclosed that the second assistant referee sustained a nose injury and was left bleeding during the incident.

The NPFL stated that all three clubs have 48 hours from the date of notification to appeal their respective sanctions in accordance with the league’s disciplinary procedures.

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