A number of attacks on its train operations along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line have alarmed the Nigerian Railway Corporation, which has described the occurrences as increasing dangers to national infrastructure and passenger safety.
The agency said in a statement on Sunday that the most recent attack happened close to Kilometer 177, where suspected vandals allegedly threw stones at a moving train, breaking the lead locomotive’s windscreen.
The event, according to the NRC, is part of a concerning pattern of recurrent attacks that have been documented over the last two weeks at various locations along the road, including the vicinity of Gidan Busa and Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The company disclosed that over six distinct attacks have been reported thus far, escalating security worries on one of the main rail transportation routes in the nation.
The ongoing attacks put passengers in danger, harm railway property, and jeopardize the long-term viability of government investments in rail transportation, according to NRC management.
The company stated that train services are still in operation despite the frequent security breaches, with extra safety precautions and increased surveillance in place to keep commuters safe.
While highlighting the necessity of closer cooperation with stakeholders and local communities, the agency also praised security personnel for their continuous efforts to secure the train line.
It advised locals who live close to railroad tracks to exercise caution, report suspicious activity, and oppose actions that could jeopardize vital public infrastructure.
The NRC stressed that safeguarding railway assets is a shared duty and cautioned that if immediate preventive action is not taken, such attacks may interfere with service delivery.
The famous Abuja-Kaduna railway attack
ENigeria Newspaper recall that on March 28, 2022, terrorists bombed the rail tracks and opened fire on passengers travelling from Abuja to Kaduna. Dozens were killed, several others sustained injuries, and at least 61 passengers were abducted.
The victims were eventually released in batches, with the last group regaining freedom about seven months later.
