FG Takes Tough Decision on Lagos-Kano, Ajaokuta Train Services After Attack on Passengers
- The security situation across the country has led to the suspension of train services along the Lagos-Kano route and the Ajaokuta station
- This was disclosed by the managing director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria on Tuesday, August 2
- Okhiria confirmed that some gunmen had launched an attack on passengers leaving the Ajaokuta station on Monday, August 1, in their private cars and other vehicles
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended the Lagos-Kano and Ajaokuta train services following threats of terrorist attacks on passengers.
The suspension followed gunmen's attack on some passengers who used the Warri-Itakpe route on Monday, August 1.
Source: Facebook
The Punch reports that sources who spoke on the incident noted that train services along the Lagos-Kano route and the Ajaokuta train station will not resume until security in that area was guaranteed.
Speaking on the incident, the managing director of NRC, Fidet Okhiria the corporation decided to not stop at the Ajaokuta state anymore.
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His words:
“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 with their private cars and buses, they had people shooting at them. So we said we will not stop there again for passengers.
“The train is still running, but 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.”
Suspension of Lagos-Kano route
Addressing the challenges faced on the Lagos-Kano rail route, Okhiria noted that the NRC had also suspended its services for that particular shuttle.
He said services on the Lagos-Kano route were suspended due to security concerns and perceived attacks from bandits.
He added:
“No, apart from the Lagos to Kano (train service) because the Kaduna route is affected by the activities of bandits; and it (Lagos-Kano route) was stopped because we have to pass through Minna and Kaduna when heading to Kano. So we have to stop it for now.”
Kaduna train attack: Victim narrates how he's living with bullets in his body
Sidi Aminu Sharif had been living with bullets in his body for months since the attack on the ill-fated Kaduna-bound train.
Sharif was among the five passengers of the train who were released by the terrorists on Tuesday, August 2.
According to Sharif, several attempts by the terrorists and other captives to remove the bullets from his body were unsuccessful.
Insecurity: Trouble for terrorists as President Buhari gives 1 major task to graduating military officers
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, July 14, urged soldiers and officers of the Nigerian military to ensure that they eliminate terrorists from the face of the earth. READ ALSO 27-year-old yahoo boy strangles lover’, buries her in his bedroom.
The president gave the directive at the graduation ceremony of 247 students of the Senior Course 44 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna state.
While celebrating the sacrifices and successes of the Nigerian military in defending the country courageously, the president pledged that his government would continue to provide the needed support required to wipe out terrorists and insurgents ‘‘off the face of the earth.’’
Source: Legit.ng
