Suspected bandits/terrorists have detonated bombs on the railtrack of Abuja-Kaduna train and successfully immobilised it.
Credible sources confirmed the attack to DAILY NIGERIAN on Monday night, saying 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 one of the panic-stricken passengers.
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Another passenger, Anas Iro, who also confirmed the incident, said: “Please this is an emergency. We are inside train at the moment. Kidnappers planted explosives and the train engines have been ruined. We are helpless. Abuja to Kaduna train.
“Gunshots still being fired right around us. We are just under the seats praying to God while waiting for help. Since 8pm we have been here. Between Katari to Rijana. I am a living witness.”
Another passenger, Abdullahi Ibrahim, confirmed to our reporter over the phone that some passengers were shot dead, while some sustained bullet wounds.
According to him, some passengers were also taken away by the bandits before the arrival of the security operatives.
There are at least 970 passengers onboard the train.
Confirming the incident, Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said troops immediately secured the train 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 onboard.
“Security forces continue to comb the general area in additional rescue efforts. Emerging developments will be communicated to the public,” he said.
The incident occurs just hours after terrorists were stopped from attacking the Kaduna airport, with at least one person reported dead from the incident.
Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, has been battling insurgency since 2009.
