Abuja-Kaduna train services suspended after bandits reportedly attacked train

The Abuja-Kaduna train services have been suspended indefinitely.

The suspension is due to the alleged attack on some portions of the rail tracks by suspected bandits.

To avoid people being stranded, the corporation also said it has suspended the sale of tickets to passengers.

A passenger, Senator Shehu Sani, had posted on his Facebook page he and others narrowly escaped death.

He 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 railing. The train nearly skids off its track, then we miraculously escaped.

“All Kaduna Abuja train operations need to be suspended for today until this issue is addressed”.

Reacting to the development, an official at the Abuja-Kaduna train services, who begged not to be named, said: ” The attack happened last night and we suspended the operations this morning till further notice.

“People who have been coming to book their tickets have been turned down because of the incidence.

“We have also stopped online sales of tickets pending the repairs of the affected portion of the tracks.”

However, a source at the Nigeria Railway Corporation said she was not aware of the development.

The Nation reached out to a source via telephone calls and she said: “Honestly, I am not aware of it as I speak with you but even if there is anything like that, an official statement would be issued but I have not been officially informed by the management.

“When we get details of what happened, a statement would be issued because everything right now is based on rumours.”