Updated: Confusion over reports of gunmen attack on Abuja-Kaduna train

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly attacked Abuja-Kaduna train, which was said to have forced the train to stop midway.

Different accounts and purported pictures of the attack were shared online by people, creating panic and confusion among train passengers and their relations along the route.

It was learnt that the bandits first attacked the train on Wednesday night and that the driver could only move it for about 7km after the attack.

The bandits were said to have returned on Thursday morning, and reported planted explosive device on the rail track.

“The bandits first attacked last Abuja-Kaduna train bearing number AK9 between Rijana and Dutse. The train came under heavy gunfire, but it struggled to stutter for about 7km and stopped as the gunshots damaged the fuel tank,” the source said

The source also said, “At the point of the attack, the train was unable to make contact with Abuja. Hours later, contact was made and a relief locomotive arrived past midnight.

“And then the morning train from Kaduna to Abuja, bearing number KA2, also ran over fractured rail tracks, but successfully completed the journey. Suspected explosives devices were planted on the track, but God in his infinite mercy saved the travellers and the train.”

A passenger on the Thursday morning train, Shehu Sani, a senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly,  on his Facebook page, wrote: “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 railings. The train nearly skid off its track, then we miraculously escaped. All Kaduna-Abuja train operations need to be suspended for today until this issue is addressed.”