By Idu Jude
The Federal Government’s battle against insecurity along the Kaduna Abuja route may have taken a new twist as the only solace and safe means to travel to Kaduna from Abuja has suffered a blow.
A devastating bomb attack rocked a train traveling down to Abuja Wednesday, causing a near derailment of the train. This according to our source was followed by a rain of bullets shattering the driver’s
windscreen, leaving passengers to scamper for their lives.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Thursday confirmed that the rail tracks for the Kaduna-Abuja train services were in the evening of Wednesday blown up by explosives planted on the tracks by yet to be
identified persons. This is even as the Corporation said efforts are ongoing to restore the train services along that route.
The Managing Director of the NRC, Engineer Fidet Okhiria explained that the explosives damaged the rail tracks somewhere between Dutse and Rijana.
According to the NRC Boss, “Yes, there was an explosive on our rail track somewhere around Rijana and Dutse last night, and this damaged the tracks.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the train services along the Kaduna-Abuja route are fully restored,”
When asked if there were gunshots aimed at the train driver and the tank of the train, the NRC MD stated that “There was nothing like that., only an explosive that went up on the track.
“Are you aware that we even ran a train service this morning? There was nothing like shooting or the train by bandits. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure full train services are restored along that route.”
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Meanwhile, the Nigeria Railway Corporation said it suspended train services along the Abuja –Kaduna route indefinitely.
The NRC in a statement on its website said the services were suspended for the safety of passengers and crew members.
According to the corporation, efforts were being put in place to ensure absolute safety along the route.
It added that further information concerning the suspension will be conveyed to the public shortly.
