Terrorists on Monday night detonated bombs on the railtrack of Abuja-Kaduna train, successfully immobilised it.
According to DAILY Nigerian, the attack occurred at a point between Katari and Rijana.
One of the passengers who confirmed the incident in a telephone call said the attackers have surrounded the train, shooting sporadically.
“All the passengers are currently lying on the floor of the train. The bandits are shooting sporadically. We are in serious danger,” said on of the panic-stricken passengers.
At least 970 passengers were onboard the train, according to official sources familiar with the train service at the time of the attack.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government said it received reports from Security agencies that the military has secured the Kaduna bound train from Abuja trapped by terrorists.
Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement that 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”.
