Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has on Thursday confirmed that the rail tracks for the Kaduna-Abuja train services were in the evening of Wednesday blown up by explosives planted on the tracks by yet to be identified persons.
Speaking to newsmen, the Managing Director of the NRC, Engineer Fidet Okhiria explained that the explosives damaged the rail tracks somewhere between Dutse and Rijana.
According to the NRC Boss, “Yes, there was an explosive on our rail track somewhere around Rijana and Dutse last night, and this damaged the tracks.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure that the train services along the Kaduna-Abuja route are fully restored,”
When asked if there were gunshots aimed at the train driver and the tank of the train, the NRC MD stated that “There was nothing like that. Only an explosive that went up on the track.
“Are you aware that we even ran a train service this morning? There was nothing like shooting or the train by bandits. Efforts are currently ongoing to ensure full train services are restored along that route.”
But former Senator who one time represented Kaduna Central at the National Assembly on Thursday recounted how he and other passengers escaped death on a Kaduna-Abuja train.
He wrote on his Facebook wall: “Yesternight, bandits attacked the Kaduna-Abuja train. They planted an explosive that damaged the rail track and shattered the windshield of the train engine.
“They also opened fire, targeting the driver and the tank.
“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 railing. “The train nearly skidded off its track, then we miraculously escaped.
“All Kaduna Abuja train operations need to be suspended for today until this issue is addressed.”
