The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended indefinitely train services along the Abuja-Kaduna route due to an explosion on the rail track that occurred on the evening of October 20.
Terrorists operating in Kaduna state opened a new dimension in their operations, by attacking the Abuja-Kaduna train, being used by many commuters to avoid the dangerous highway.
Senator Shehu Sani reported the double attacks, Wednesday and Thursday on Facebook:
“Yesternight (Wednesday). Bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja train.
“They planted an explosive that damaged the rail track and shattered the windshield of the train engine.They also opened fire, targeting the Driver and the tank.
“It happened between Dutse and Rijana stations.The Driver struggled to move towards Kaduna Rigasa station.
“This early morning, I was on board when our train ran over another explosive damaged railings.The train nearly skid off its track, then we miraculously escaped.
“All Kaduna Abuja train operations need to be suspended for today until this issue is addressed”, Sani wrote.
In a statement signed by the management, the NRC apologised to passengers for inconveniences the suspension might cause them, adding that measures were in place to resume the services very soon.
“The board and management of the NRC hereby inform the general public, particularly our valued passengers on Abuja-Kaduna Train Service that there was an explosion on the rail track.
“This affected the fuel tank of the locomotive on Abuja to Kaduna last train (AK10) on Oct. 20.
“However, the situation has been brought under control by a relief locomotive that towed the train to Rigasa Station, Kaduna State.
“The affected locomotive has been sent to the workshop for assessment and repairs. We are also pleased to announce that there were no reported casualties or injuries to either the passengers or the train crew.
“The NRC intends to resume train services soonest after appropriate measures, checks and maintenance are carried out “, the statement said.
Paschal Nnorli, Manager of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) had earlier told NAN those measures were already in place to address the issue and resume services accordingly.
Nnorli reiterated the Federal Government and NRC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew along the route.
Terrorists not Bandits if PMB fails to declare them as one we already know they are terrorists. he should keep shielding evil that will certainly swallow him up.