A video circulating on social media shows passengers of a Nigerian train kidnapped by bandits, pleading for help. The footage, shared by blogger Issaiaka on October 13, 2026, has sparked widespread concern and outrage. However, investigations by Dubawa, a fact-checking organization, have revealed that the video is not new and was actually taken in 2022.
According to Dubawa's investigation, the video was recorded on March 28, 2022, during a bandit attack on a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna. The attack resulted in the deaths of eight people and the kidnapping of 63 others. The video has been widely shared, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and concern about the country's security situation.
The video features a voiceover describing the bandits' demands for ransom and the Nigerian government's inaction in addressing the security challenges. The footage also shows images of prominent Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, former Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba, and Governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufa'i.
Dubawa's investigation found that similar videos were shared on social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, in July 2022. The videos were reported by various news outlets, including Sahara Reporters and RipplesNigeria, which described the bandits' demands for ransom and the plight of the kidnapped passengers.
The video has sparked a renewed call for action against banditry in Nigeria, with many Nigerians expressing frustration and disappointment with the government's handling of the security situation. Some have called for international intervention, with one Facebook user suggesting that former US President Donald Trump should get involved.
The Nigerian government has been criticized for its response to the security challenges, with many accusing it of being slow to act and ineffective in addressing the root causes of the problem. The country's security situation remains a major concern, with banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence widespread in many parts of the country.
Dubawa's investigation was conducted under the Center for Journalism and Democracy's (CJID) project, with support from the European Union. The findings highlight the need for greater scrutiny of information shared on social media and the importance of verifying the accuracy of claims before sharing them.
Key points
- The video circulating on social media is an old footage of kidnapped Nigerian train passengers from 2022.
- The video was recorded on March 28, 2022, during a bandit attack on a train traveling from Abuja to Kaduna.
- The Nigerian government's response to the security challenges has been criticized for being slow and ineffective.
