IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Friday suspended the resumption of train services on the Abuja-Kaduna route amid pressure from families of victims abducted by terrorists. 

Gunmen had on March 28 used explosives to kill nine passengers and injured others while kidnapping about 50 victims, the NRC suspended operations on the route indefinitely.

However, the corporation announced earlier in the week that it will resume services on May 23, a situation that did not augur well with the victims’ families who threatened to disrupt operations. But in a statement issued by NRC’s spokesman, Yakub Mahmood, the agency said a new date would be announced soonest.

“Sequel to our earlier Press Release No. 10 dated 16th May 2022 on the above caption, the General Public is kindly invited to note the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is announcing a shift in the resumption date for Abuja Kaduna,” he said in the statement.

While apologising for the delay in the resumption of train services, Mahmood assured the distraught families that it was working hard to secure the victims’ release.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on Friday said a yet unidentified body has been discovered on runway 18R/36L of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

The discovery occurred on Thursday, a statement signed by FAAN’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, said.

“A motorized cleaner, that was cleared to carry out a derruberization and sweeping of the runway discovered the remains at about 0106hours, and escalated the situation to relevant departments,” the statement said.

“As a result, between 0110 and 0343 hours, the runway was temporarily closed to allow for immediate evacuation of the remains. Flight operations resumed at 0343 hours.

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, on Friday lifted a curfew imposed on Sokoto metropolis over the unrest that followed the killing of Deborah Samuel. The Governor also banned all forms of procession in the state indefinitely.

Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, was lynched by a mob over alleged blasphemy. The police arrested two suspects in connection with the killing but a protest demanding their release soon followed.

“Acting on enabling powers under section 176 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, section 1, 2 and 4 of the Public Order Act and section 15 of Sokoto State Peace Preservation Law, the Governor of Sokoto State, Rt Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, Mutawallen Sokoto has after due consultations, lifted the curfew imposed on Sokoto metropolis with immediate effect,” a statement signed by Commissioner of Information, Isah Bajini Galadanci, said days after the curfew was imposed.

“The Governor has urged the general public to be law abiding and remain peaceful at all times stressing the need for peaceful co-existence amongst the people in the State. “He reiterated the need for peace as the necessary foundation for any meaningful development.

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger says "difficult" contract negotiations and a lack of communication are the reasons behind his departure from the club. The defender, whose deal with the Blues expires this summer, was offered a contract worth more than £200,000 to stay at Chelsea.

However, Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign the Germany international. "I leave this club with a heavy heart. It has meant everything to me," Rudiger told The Players' Tribune. "Unfortunately, my contract negotiations had already started to get difficult last fall. "Business is business, but when you don't hear any news from the club from August to January, the situation becomes complicated."

Rudiger, who joined Chelsea for an initial £29m from Roma in 2017, is expected to sign a four-year deal at the Bernabeu. He has made over 200 appearances for Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and the FA Cup. "We're not robots, you know? You cannot wait for months with so much uncertainty about your future," he said.

"Obviously, no one saw the sanctions coming, but in the end, other big clubs were showing interest, and I had to make a decision."

Police and the Football Association are investigating after Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira was involved in an altercation with a fan following their Premier League defeat at Everton. Television footage showed him being taunted by an Everton supporter as fans ran on to the pitch at full-time.

The Frenchman appeared to kick out at the fan before being ushered away by other supporters. Police say they have not received a formal complaint about the incident. "Merseyside Police is investigating an altercation on the pitch at Goodison Park following the Everton v Crystal Palace match on Thursday," the force said in a statement.

"We are working with Everton to gather all available CCTV footage and are speaking to witnesses. "No formal complaint has been received and enquiries into the incident are ongoing." Everton staged a stunning comeback to win and retain their top-flight status. "I have nothing to say about that," Vieira said when asked about the incident during his post-match news conference.

Everton manager Frank Lampard said: "I feel for Patrick. I didn't get him at the end. I would have said, 'come in with us' - although he might not have wanted that. "Of course he ran 80 yards across the pitch and it's not easy."

The Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Friday travelled to Owerri, the Imo state capital via the Sam Mbakwe Airport.

The purpose of his visit to Imo state is to woo party delegates ahead of the All Progressive Congress’ presidential primaries billed to hold later this month.

He was received by the Imo state Governor Hope Uzodimma, APC Chairman in Imo state, McDonald Amadi, other state executives of the party, Imo state top government functionaries and party supporters.

The Vice President had campaigned in Rivers State on Thursday.