UPDATE: Troops secure Abuja-Kaduna train attacked by terrorists as many feared injured, allegedly kidnapped
Vondigest earlier reported that a train conveying passengers from Abuja to Kaduna has been attacked by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Kaduna State.
An update report reaching this online platform is that many passengers are feared injured while several others were alleged to have been kidnapped by the assailants.
Although the police authorities are yet to confirm the attack, Channels Television gathered that the incident happened on Monday night.
The bandits reportedly attacked the train around Dutse axis in Kaduna, just a few kilometres to the Rigasa Train Station in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
One of the passengers on the train told Channels Television that the bandits bombed the train track with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which forced the train to derail.
Upon the stoppage of the train, the assailants were said to have begun to fire gunshots sporadically.
He added that the terrorists later forced their way into the train and kidnapped an unspecified number of people, with some others feared .
According to him, nobody could come to their rescue about one hour into the incident as the assailants tried to force their way into the train.
After about 20 minutes later, Danmusa confirmed that army personnel have arrived at the scene of the attack.
Meanwhile, Vondigest understands that Nigerian troops have been mobilised to the scene of the attack to rescue the remaining passengers.
Reports reaching this online platform is that the The Kaduna State Government has confirmed that the military has secured the Kaduna-bound train from Abuja attacked by terrorists.
“The Kaduna State Government received multiple reports of an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service at around Kateri-Rijana general areas,” a statement signed by the State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said.
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.”
