The Nigerian Railway Corporation says so far it has confirmed 21 persons missing from Monday’s train attack on Abuja-Kaduna Rail corridor.
According to a statement signed by the MD NRC Engr Fidet Okhiria, the figure was gotten after numerous phone calls to relatives.
“The Corporation, in continuation of its concerted effort through repeated calls, has been able to confirm the safety of 170 passengers, while 21 passengers are reported missing by the relatives who made calls to us. The corporation is seriously collaborating with the security agencies who had already swung into action, in line with the directive of Mr. President to do everything possible to rescue all those that are still missing”.
The MD further said. repairs of the damaged coaches and rail track have started to ensure restoration of train services as soon as possible.
“The Corporation is also not resting on its oars as she has heavily moved human and material resources to the accident site to make sure that train services resumed without further delays in other to reduce the stress that our passengers are currently going through. In practical terms, a high powered restoration team, led by Directors have been working round the clock to re-rail the coaches affected by the bomb blast. There is a co-ordinated two-pronged simultaneous restoration approach. While Loco 2702 with re-railment and restoration materials departed Idu Station, Abuja to the bomb blast site, another team with Loco 2502 departed Rigasa Station, Kaduna with re-railment and restoration materials to the same site. I am happy to inform you that as at the close of work on the 1st of April 2022, Coaches SP00004, SP00009, SP00012, SP00013 have all been re-railed and safely taken to our Rigasa Station in Kaduna. Restoration of track for full resumption of normal train services will continue today 2nd April 2022”.
Okhiria said arrangements are also on to increase the security detailed to accompany the trains to prevent future occurrence .
He once more extended his condolences to the bereaved families and sympathies to families of missing persons.
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