Hundreds of passengers have been stranded at the Warri train station in Delta State for two days due to a breakdown of the free train service, which was introduced for the festive season.

The incident has caused growing frustration among travelers.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as the crowd continued to grow, with many passengers expressing dissatisfaction over the delayed response to the issue, which they blamed on poor maintenance of the service.

“This is really frustrating. We’ve been here for two days now,” one stranded passenger said. “Maybe because it’s a free service, they don’t think it deserves proper attention.”

The free train service, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the government’s initiative to make travel easier during the holidays, was originally designed to allow citizens to travel at no cost between December 20 and January 5.

Initially, the initiative was well-received, with many seeing it as a thoughtful gesture by the government.

However, the breakdown at the Warri station has overshadowed the service, leaving many passengers disappointed.

“While we appreciate the government’s initiative, this situation has caused more problems than solutions,” another passenger said.

“We need action to get the train fixed and resume our journey.”

As of the latest reports, there has been no official statement regarding the cause of the breakdown or when the service will be restored.

Passengers are calling on the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the repairs and assist those affected by the delay.

A heartbreaking accident occurred in Enugu on Friday morning, claiming the life of a 15-year-old boy and leaving others injured.

The tragedy struck around 8:30 am near the Nwanne Di N’mba Housing Estate when an articulated truck, owned by a construction company, ran over the pedestrian.

According to witnesses, the victim had just returned from church and was on his way to buy food at a nearby Mobil Filling Station on Enugu-Abakaliki Road when the accident occurred.

Witnesses offered differing explanations for the crash. Some claimed the truck driver had fallen asleep, while others said the truck swerved after a Sienna vehicle made an abrupt turn, causing the truck to veer off course.

The truck struck the boy, killing him instantly, while three other individuals sustained serious injuries, including the boy’s brother. The injured have since been rushed to the hospital, while the body of the deceased was taken to the mortuary by police.

“The boy had already bought Okpa for his parents and was returning home when the truck hit him. He was walking on the pedestrian walkway when the accident occurred. His brother and two others narrowly escaped but were injured,” an eyewitness told DAILY GAZETTE.

A 19-year-old student of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Usman Tijani, was attacked by his friend, Abdulmuqeet Musari, who allegedly lured him to a burial ground, robbed him, and slit his throat.

The victim, who also operates a Point of Sale (POS) business, was reportedly deceived by Abdulmuqeet on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and taken to the secluded location, where he was robbed of ₦200,000 before being brutally attacked.

Narrating the harrowing incident, a family member, Zainab Avosuahu, disclosed that Usman is currently undergoing surgery at a hospital in Lokoja, while the suspect initially fled the scene.

“We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. This is a call for justice for my nephew, whom his so-called friend lured into the bush, stole ₦200,000 from, and still butchered his throat.

“He is currently undergoing surgery in Lokoja, while the ‘devil in disguise’ is on the run. We are actively seeking justice, and this is all the information we have for now, as the victim can’t say much,” she stated.

However, the suspect was later apprehended by local vigilante groups and security operatives after tracking him to a neighboring community in Ekiti State.

Suleiman Abdulrazaq Acheneje, Senior Special Assistant to the Adavi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Bashiru Okatenwu, commended the swift response of the security team in apprehending the suspect.

“In the late hours of December 23, 2024, around 7 p.m. to 8 pm, an unfortunate incident occurred near the Adavi burial ground, where Usman Tijani, a 200-level Cyber Security student at CUSTECH, was brutally attacked by Abdulmuqeet Musari, who had clear intent to kill him.

“The victim was found nearly lifeless around 2 a.m. on Christmas Day in New Zango, Adavi LGA. He was immediately rushed to a hospital in Lokoja, where he is currently receiving treatment.

“Despite the suspect’s attempt to flee, security operatives tracked and apprehended him in Ekiti State, thanks to the coordinated effort of the local government security team and intelligence units.”

It was gathered that the suspect has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for swift justice to be served.

An Anambra High Court has dissolved the leadership of the Nimo Town Development Union (NTDU) in Njikoka Local Government Area, leading to the establishment of a caretaker committee.

The committee, chaired by Nduka Aguofia, will manage the affairs of the union until new elections are held.

The court ruling came after a legal challenge brought by plaintiffs Dr. Valentine Oliobi, Emmanuel Obiweluzor, and Ifeanyi Ajagu.

The judgment also ordered the former NTDU leadership, led by Ben Anakpe, to cease representing themselves as officers of the union.

In response to the court’s decision, Aguofia, who now heads the caretaker committee, called for calm and cooperation from the people of Nimo.

He emphasized the need to respect the court’s ruling, urging the community to avoid any acts of violence or disruption.

Aguofia also clarified that while there may be intentions to appeal, such actions do not equate to a formal legal challenge.

“The court’s judgment has brought an end to the leadership crisis that has affected NTDU,” Aguofia stated.

“We urge everyone to respect the decision and work together for a peaceful resolution. Any form of violence will not be tolerated.”

Aguofia pledged to run the NTDU with transparency and accountability, ensuring that all members’ interests are protected.

He also cautioned against any further occupation or lockdown of NTDU offices, labeling such acts as unlawful.

Wishing the people of Nimo a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, Aguofia called for unity in the community, urging everyone to work together for the development of Nimo Town.

He stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law and supporting the caretaker committee’s efforts to move the union forward.

The court’s judgment, which effectively places the NTDU under the control of the eight-member caretaker committee, follows the NTDU constitution and aims to restore peace and order.

In addition, the Royal Stool of Nimo has called for the suspension of all NTDU activities until further notice to maintain peace during the holiday season and beyond.