Military secures Abuja-Kaduna train trapped by terrorists

The military has secured the Kaduna-bound train hijacked by terrorists on Monday night.

Kaduna State government at 11p.m. on Monday stated that efforts are ongoing to convey the passengers from the location.

It noted that passengers that sustained injuries have been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

Suspected terrorist had on Monday night attacked a Kaduna-bound train, few kilometres to Kaduna metropolis.

No fewer than 970 passengers were said to be on board when the train was attacked.

The train departed Abuja 6p.m., and was expected to arrive Kaduna 8p.m.

But the train was attacked at about 7.45p.m.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday night.

He said: “Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that the military has secured the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja trapped by terrorists.

“The Kaduna State Government received multiple reports of an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service at around Kateri-Rijana general areas.

“Relevant action agencies were urgently contacted, and robust deployments of personnel were swiftly made to the area to secure the passengers on board.

“Efforts are ongoing to convey the passengers from the location and others that sustained injuries have been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

“The Government of Kaduna State will be liaising with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ascertain the list from the passengers’ manifest for efficient tracking.

“This is to acquire an accurate inventory of all passengers and their actual status.”

Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i who has been in constant touch with the security forces, commended them for their prompt response, and thanked them for successfully securing the train and passengers on board.

“Security forces continue to comb the general area in additional rescue efforts. Emerging developments will be communicated to the public,” the commissioner added.

The Star