Crimes

Train attack: 16 bags, other items remain unclaimed — Kaduna govt

The Kaduna State Government says 16 bags alongside an assortment of loose belongings including prayer mats, books, and clothing items were yet to be collected by the victims of the March 28, 2022, Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

The Kaduna State Government disclosed that 62 persons claimed 94 luggage containing various items between March 3 and November 17, 2022.

The state government noted that the passengers’ luggage were handed to it by the troop, adding that other belongings identified and retrieved by their owners were certificates, documents, passports, car and house keys, cash, and mobile phones, among others.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, made this known via a statement issued on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.

Aruwan stated: “Passengers injured were successfully evacuated by the troops, staff of Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, and other humanitarian volunteers, along with the remains of the slain passengers.

“After the search and rescue, troops carefully secured passengers’ luggage and thereafter handed them over to the Kaduna State Government on 31st March 2022. Also supplied was a detailed inventory of over 100 items of luggage and several loose belongings carefully labelled. Records confirmed that nine victims had already collected their belongings directly from the 1 Division Headquarters.

“Consequently, the Kaduna State Government can now report that between 3rd April and 17th November 2022, 62 persons (victims of the attack or their relatives) came forward to claim 94 items of luggage containing a range of personal items. Other loose belongings identified and retrieved from the Kaduna State Government by their owners include certificates, documents, passports, car and house keys, cash, ATM cards, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and their accessories, books, perfumes, as well as clothing and jewellery items.

“As of the time of this update, 16 bags remain unclaimed, along with an assortment of loose belongings including prayer mats, books and clothing items.”

He noted that the Kaduna State Government will continue to maintain detailed records of all items collected, including the contact details of victims or their representatives.

“One year on, the Kaduna State Government again offers its heartfelt commiserations to all victims of the tragedy, and their families. The efforts of all security agencies in responding to the attack to secure the lives of many passengers are recognized and deeply appreciated.

“The window is still open for the collection of the remaining items at the Ministry,” the commissioner added.

The Star