Armed bandits attacked a Kaduna-bound train carrying over 900 passengers on Monday evening.
The train, which left Abuja at about 6 p.m., was attacked between Katari and Rijana.
It was gathered that the terrorists planted explosives on the rail which damaged the train’s engines.
Many were reportedly feared injured as the attackers began to shoot sporadically at the train.
However, the Kaduna State Government claims the military has secured the Kaduna-bound train attacked by terrorists.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed this in a statement.
READ FULL STATEMENT:
Troops secure Abuja-Kaduna train trapped by terrorists
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.
Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.