The Lagos-Kano and Ajaokuta train services have reportedly been halted by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) because of concerns of terrorist attacks.
As a result of gunmen attack on several passengers on Monday, the NRC reportedly suspended services at the Ajaokuta train station on the Warri-Itakpe route.
According to Punch, Managing Director of the NRC Fidet Okhiria confirmed the suspension of the train services on Tuesday.
“We have not stopped (services); rather, what we said was that we are not going to be stopping at the Ajaokuta station.
“This is because yesterday (Monday), while passengers were leaving the station…they had people shooting at them. So, we said we will not stop there again for passengers.
“The train is still running…for now, we will not be stopping at Ajaokuta because they have some concerns there. We heard that they removed their traditional ruler in that location and the local government chairman there,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Railway Command, Yetunde Alonge, also discussed the shooting at the Ajaokuta train station. He clarified that it took place after the passengers had left the station.
“We are collaborating with the host Command; so that they can give us support in places too remote by extending their patrol; to enable us to meet at a point to synergise; and ensure the security of those places are intact,” Yetunde said.
Meanwhile, five of the passengers who were kidnapped by terrorists during the March 28 attack on the train headed for Kaduna have been freed.
The freed passengers were identified as Mustapha Umar Imam, a medical doctor at the Usman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUS), Sokoto; Akibu Lawal, Abubakar Ahmed Rufai, Muktar Shuaibu and Sidi Aminu Sharif.
