Nigerian Railway Corporation has confirmed the safety of about 170 passengers that were, onboard the attacked AK9 Abuja to Kaduna train on, March 28.
The corporation’s Managing Director, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, said 21 passengers are reported, missing.
In a statement on Saturday, he said that the corporation was, collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the other passengers.
”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.
Kaduna under attack
”We are 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,” he said.
Moreover, Okhiria, stated that the corporation had also, moved human and material resources to the accident site to, ensure the resumption of train services without, further delays.
According to him, the move was, to reduce the stress currently faced by its passengers in getting to their destinations.
He said: “In practical terms, a high-powered restoration team, led by Directors have been working round the clock to re-rail the coaches affected by the bomb blast.
”There is a coordinated, two-pronged; Simultaneous; Restoration approach. While Loco 2702 with, re-railment and restoration materials, departed Idu Station, Abuja, to the bomb blast site.
”Meanwhile, another team with, Loco 2502 departed Rigasa Station, Kaduna, with re-railment, and restoration materials to the same site.
Increased security
”I am happy to, inform you, that as, at the close of work, on the 1st of April 2022; Coaches SP00004, SP00009, SP00012, SP00013, have all, been re-railed and safely; Taken to our Rigasa Station in Kaduna.
”Restoration of track for the full resumption of normal train services will continue today, 2nd April 2022.”
On safety, the NRC boss said, arrangements had been put in place for; Increased security along the track and; onboard the train to, prevent the recurrence of the unfortunate incident.
He consoled families of victims of the attack, saying; ”Be assured that the corporation is, with you in this challenging time”.
On March 28, suspected bandits attacked the last, evening train, AK9 on the Abuja–Kaduna train service with explosives.
This led to the death of some passengers, and the destruction of the train, and track.
However, due to 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.
There were 11 coaches on the train, worked by, Loco 2502; Made up of four SPA Coaches, with, 56 sitting capacity; Per coach, and seven SP Coaches, with, 88 sitting capacity, per coach.
