Terrorists Bomb Kaduna-Abuja Rail Track

A Kaduna-bound train derailed on Monday after explosives believed to be planted on the rail track went off around Katari area of the State.

Daily Trust reports that the 6pm train, which took off from Idu Train Station at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hit an explosive device about 30 minutes to Rigasa train station in Kaduna.

Details are still sketchy at the time of filling this report but our correspondent gathered that security agents have been mobilised to the area to rescue the passengers.

“There is no network in the area so we cannot get any information until the team we have dispatched returns,” said a top security source in Kaduna.

“What we know is that suspected IED’s were planted on the track and the train has derailed. We don’t know for sure if there is any injury or death,” he said.

It was also learnt that the attackers have surrounded the train, shooting sporadically.

Confirming the incident, Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, said villagers around the area claim the train is under attack.

“Villagers along Abuja-Kaduna road called to confirm hearing multiple gunshots and attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train by terrorists,” he wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Cooperation (NRC) Fidet Okhiria on Monday night confirmed reported detonation bombs on the railtrack of Abuja-Kaduna train.

Okhiria while confirming the incident via a telephone call said he was yet to get more information concerning the incident.

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.