The Nigeria Railway Corporation said on Friday that efforts were being made to obtain the passengers’ release since the terrorists had been contacting their family members.
Security services are now managing difficulties surrounding discussions for the release of abducted passengers who boarded the Abuja-Kaduna train that was bombed by terrorists on March 28, 2022 in Kaduna, according to a report by The PUNCH.
The Nigeria Railway Corporation said on Friday that efforts were being made to obtain the passengers’ release since the terrorists had been contacting their family members.
Fidet Okhiria, NRC’s Managing Director, also told The PUNCH that 12 of the 14 coaches from the attacked train had been retrieved and brought to NRC’s stations.
He claimed that the half-capsized carriage had been brought back to a standing position after the explosion of a bomb set on the train line by terrorists.
“The security guys are handling that,” Okhiria said when asked if the NRC was participating in the negotiations with the terrorists for the release of the abducted victims.
“Our men pass on whatever information they obtain” (security agencies). We don’t communicate with those individuals (terrorists). When the victims’ families contact us, we send their information on to the security agencies.
“This is because we are unable to communicate with them” (terrorists). The security agencies are dealing with the situation.”
The NRC’s CEO provided updates on the event, stating that considerable rolling stock recovery had been accomplished.
“Specifically, at the end of today’s work (April 7, 2022), the half-capsized coach (SP 00003) was pushed back to a standing position, and the coach (SPA 00002) was re-railed and pushed to the Rigasa Station,” he stated.
“A total of 12 of the 14 coaches have been found.” This includes all 11 coaches of the AK9 train that was attacked, as well as one coach from the rescue train. All 12 coaches have been securely transported to our stations.
“Efforts to retrieve the remaining two carriages and Loco 2809 are ongoing.” At the incident location, more extensive and intensive track repair work was also completed.”
According to Okhiria, the situation of the 362 passengers and 20 railway crew members on board the train has not changed since the last update, and the corporation will continue to keep the public informed of new developments.
He expressed gratitude to the security authorities for their continuous assistance and added that the NRC will continue to work tirelessly until all abducted passengers were reunited with their families.
On Thursday, members of the family of a seven-month pregnant lady joined other relatives at the Radio House in Abuja to organize a peaceful demonstration demanding her release.
Aliyu Mahmud, a relative of the woman, led the demonstrators, who held placards with various messages.
The protesters demanded that the Federal Government step up its efforts to save the victims.
Ms Gbemisola Saraki, Minister of State for Transportation, said security agencies were working tirelessly to ensure the victims’ liberation.
“The Ministry of Transportation is cooperating with security agencies,” she stated at a ministerial briefing. We will not be able to say too much until the exercise is completed.
“I assure you that this is a comprehensive exercise, and we ask each and every one of us to be patient while we await the results.”
“We are deeply concerned about individuals who have been kidnapped, and we promise you that security services are doing all possible to protect them.”
