BREAKING: Armed bandits attack Train carrying 900 passengers, bomb rail track
A Kaduna bound train carrying about 900 passengers was last night attacked by terrorists. Many passengers were injured.
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and Kaduna State Government confirmed the incident.
The gunmen were said to have blown up the rail track, forcing lĺlĺ
It was gathered that the 6pm train that took off from Rigasa in Kaduna arrived in Abuja on schedule around 8pm.
However, the one that took off from Idu in Abuja, ran into the explosives planted by the terrorists.
A passenger on the train called for help in a tweet.
“Please this is an emergency. We are inside the train at the moment. Kidnapper’s planted explosives and the train engines have been ruined,” the passenger, identified as Anas Iro Danmusa, twitted from the train.
He added: “We are helpless on the Abuja to Kaduna train. Gunshots still being fired right around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm, we have been here, between Katari and Rijina. I am a living witness”.
In another message, the passenger announced the arrival of the security forces at the scene.
“Alhamdulillah! (Glory be to God!), the soldiers are with us. We are safe!!!” he twitted.
The Kaduna-bound train was attacked between Katari and Rijana in Kaduna State. No fewer than 900 passengers were said to be on board. This could not be officially verified.
Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan in a statement issued around 11:00pm, said: “Troops secure Abuja-Kaduna train trapped by terrorists.”
He added that, some of the passengers who sustained injuries had been rushed to the hospital, while efforts were on to convey other passengers from the location.
Aruwan 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,” he said.
