Suspected bandits on Wednesday destroyed a portion of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track with explosives, forcing a disruption of train services on the route, while this has been confirmed by the authorities of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Penpushing reports that, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria, said the explosives damaged the rail track at a spot between Dutse and Rijana, an area that had recorded numerous bandits’ attacks along the Kaduna Abuja highway.
The Managing Director further explained as at the time of filing this report that the Corporation was making efforts to restore train services on the route, while it is recalled that, the Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC) had earlier on Monday announced the reduction of regular transportation of passengers on the route from 10 trips to four daily, citing maintenance work. .
Penpushing further reports that, a former Senator representing the Kaduna Central district, Shehu Sani,earlier on his facebook page had reported that suspected bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja train.
The former federal lawmaker disclosed that the bandits planted an explosive that damaged the rail track and shattered the windshield of the train’s engine onWednesday evening,adding that they also opened fire at the train on Thursday morning, targeting the driver and the tank of the train.
‘It happened between Dutse and Rijana stations. The Driver struggled to move towards Kaduna Rigasa station.This early morning, I was on board when our train ran over another explosive damaged railings. The train nearly skid off its track, then we miraculously escaped. All Kaduna Abuja train operations need to be suspended for today until this issue is addressed’, Sani wrote.
Penpushing also reports that, an official of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) affirmed that the attack was deadly, adding that the bandits first attacked the last Abuja-Kaduna train bearing number AK9 between Rijana and Dutse.
“The bandits first attacked the last Abuja-Kaduna train bearing number AK9 between Rijana and Dutse. The train came under heavy gunfire, but it struggled to stutter for about seven kilometres and stopped as the gunshots damaged the fuel tank’, the staff added.
“At the point of the attack, the train was unable to make contact with Abuja. Hours later, contact was made and a relief locomotive arrived past midnight. And then the morning train from Kaduna to Abuja, bearing number KA2, also ran over fractured rail tracks, but successfully completed the journey. Suspected explosives devices were planted on the track, but God in his infinite mercy saved the travellers and train” ,he said
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