Following an attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train by suspected terrorists, Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, has stated that numerous passengers have been injured and that security forces are currently engaged in “rescue efforts.”
This comes just days after an attack on Kaduna International Airport.
The Monday 6 p.m. train, which departed from Idu Station in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and was bound for Rigasa train station in Kaduna, was hit by explosives around 30 minutes before its destination.
After the improvised explosive device detonated, the train was believed to have derailed.
In a statement, Aruwan said, “Security agencies confirmed to the Kaduna State Government that the military had secured the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja that was trapped by terrorists.”
Those who were injured were taken to hospitals for immediate medical assistance, he added.
According to the commissioner, the Kaduna government would collaborate with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to compile a list of passengers on the train to guarantee that everyone is accounted for.
Mr. Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday night that “there were reports of gunshots and the train derailed due to the incident.”
According to a notification on the NRC booking portal, train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna route have been temporarily suspended due to unforeseen circumstances.
Train services were suspended in October 2021 after two security incidents involving trains travelling on the same route.
The train has allowed travellers to avoid the risks connected with travelling by car, such as violent attacks and commuter abductions.
