By; ALEX UANGBAOJE, Kaduna
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has reopened the Abuja-Kaduna rail services, two months after terrorists attack that led to kidnapping of 168 passengers and death of eight people, including a medical doctor.
In a statement signed by Yakub Mahmood, Deputy Director Public Relations of NRC, the train services are expected to take off on 23rd of May 2022.
According to him, “the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT) has directed the resumption of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Services (AKTS).
“Meanwhile, the concerted joint efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers being held hostage by the terrorists continues out of the public domain for strategic security reasons.
“However, the government wishes to assure the relatives of the abducted citizens still in captivity that the safe rescue of these passengers is a top priority and not to misconstrue the resumption of train services, as abandonment or nonchalant attitude of the government towards their plight.
“The federal government will never abdicate its responsibility in rescuing these valuable citizens, however, the government assures of its resolve not to succumb to threats by any faceless group.”
The statement further said, “the board and management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) wishes to inform our valued customers that additional security measures are being put in place at both the train stations and the track to ensure the safety of the passengers onboard. These measures are not only for the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) but also for all the passenger train services especially on the standard gauge railway lines.
“Passengers are hereby enjoined to cooperate with the NRC in order to enjoin improved service delivery, safety and comfort by patiently complying with additional measures that will surely be introduced for the safety of our passengers, such as requesting for passengers National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of our internal security check in addition, presentation of the following must be strictly complied with before boarding the train.
“Valid Photo Identification Card (ID)Reachable telephone number of Next of Kin (NOK) or close relative.Online and offline purchase of tickets must contain the passengers individual profile or identification data.
“The NRC management appeals to our valued customers for understanding and invites them to effortlessly cooperate with our staff at the various train stations. We further appreciate complying with these simple security measures while passengers must desist from obtaining tickets through unauthorized (Racketeers) sources.” The statement added.
