FG Vows To Rescue Abducted Passengers As Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Resumes Monday

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

       Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by terrorists in March

 The federal government has vowed to rescue the passengers abducted by terrorists on Abuja-Kaduna bound train on March, just as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is expected to commence operation on Monday, May 23, 2022. 

In addition, the federal government also canceled early morning and night operations, two months after the facility was bombed by terrorists.

Terrorists had on March 28th bombed the Abuja-Kaduna train, killed nine passengers and abducted about 70 others during the attack.

A statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, NRC, Mr. Yakub Mahmoud revealed that the service would return with greater security measures and without the early morning and the night train operations.

It reads, "Federal government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT) has directed the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS).”

"The rescue of the abducted citizens still in captivity is a top priority of the government and their relatives should not misconstrue the resumption of train services as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight. The federal government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens. However, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.”

NRC stated that additional security measures are in place at both the train stations and the track to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard.

The corporation said that the measures were not for the AKTS alone but would be extended to all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.

“Consequently, the passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to improve service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check- in."

In addition, "Presentation of the following must be strictly complied with before boarding the train such as: Valid Photo Identification Card (ID), reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative."

The corporation added that online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data as part of additional security measures.