The Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed that 170 passengers are safe while the whereabouts of 21 passengers is still unknown.
On Monday, 28th of March, 2022, suspected bandits attacked the last evening train, AK9, on Abuja – Kaduna train service with explosives, leading to the death of eight passengers and 26 others injured.
In a statement issued on Saturday by NRC Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, NRC restated that only 362 passengers were on the manifest, not 970 as circulated in some news blogs, and security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue all those that are still missing,
“The Corporation, in continuation of its concerted effort through repeated calls, has been able to confirm the safety of 170 passengers, while 21 passengers are reported missing by the relatives who made calls to us. The Corporation is seriously collaborating with the security agencies who had already swung into action, in line with the directive of Mr. President to do everything possible to rescue all those that are still missing.
“You would recall that on the 28th of March, 2022, suspected bandits attacked the last evening train, AK9, on Abuja – Kaduna train service with explosives, leading to the death of some passengers and destruction of the train and track. Because of the level of damage on the track and in honour of those that lost their lives, the Corporation suspended train operations on the affected route.
“While in this mournful mood, it is also important to inform members of the public about the latest development and what the Corporation is doing to restore train services.
“For the records, there were 11 coaches on the train worked by Loco 2502, which is made up of four SPA coaches with 56 sitting capacity per coach and 7 SP coaches with 88 sitting capacity per coach. Thus, the total seat capacity of the train is 840 seats. You may also recall that the Train Manifest contained 362 validated passengers aboard the train.
“The Corporation is also not resting on its oars as she has heavily moved human and material resources to the accident site to make sure that train services resumed without further delays to reduce the stress that our passengers are currently going through.
“It may also interest you to know that arrangements have equally been put in place for increased security along the track and onboard the train to prevent the recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
“Once again, our hearts go out to the families of those that lost their loved ones and that of those that are still missing. Be assured that the Corporation is with you in this challenging time,” the statement read.
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