How terrorists bombed Abuja-Kaduna train, attacked passengers Monday night

 

• Gunmen shot at us, forced their way into the train – Passengers

An Abuja-Kaduna train was on Monday night attacked by terrorists after it ran into explosives suspected to have been planted on the rail track between Dutse and Kakau areas of Kaduna State.

The 6pm passenger train hit the explosives about 30 minutes to Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna.

This reportedly halted the movement of the train.

Some passengers said a number of people were wounded by gun bullets fired at them by the terrorists.

Security agents were said to have been promptly drafted to the area to rescue the passengers.

A security source in Kaduna said, “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.”

Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Fidet Okhiria, confirmed the attack, saying, “There was an incident but we are managing it.”

One of the passengers said some persons were abducted.

Another passenger said, “There are six people we have counted with bullet wounds, there maybe more but so far this is what I can confirm. Security agents are trying to get them medical attention.

“We also learnt that the bandits forced their way into some coaches and have abducted some people.”

Daily Trust quoted one Zainab Musa, another passenger, as saying, “Currently, we are all lying down flat and security forces have started converging to drive the terrorists away. We are grateful to be safe and not harmed,” she said over the phone.

Another passenger, Anas Iron Danmusa, said the explosives planted by the terrorists ‘destroyed’ the engine of their train.

He said, “As at 8pm, we were just lying on the seats of the train praying. The gunmen were shooting sporadically around Katari-Rijana area.”

In a statement, Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said security agencies had secured the train 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.”