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Tag: Abuja-Kaduna

  • Abuja- kaduna rail tracks ‘ll be fixed in 10 days – Minister

    Abuja- kaduna rail tracks ‘ll be fixed in 10 days – Minister

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr Said Alkali, says the damaged portions of the Abuja – Kaduna tracks will be fixed within the next 10 days.

    ‎Alkali said this on Monday in Abuja, while addressing newsmen after inspecting ongoing development at the cite of the train derailment.

    According to reports, some portions of the rail tracks and coaches were destroyed last Tuesday after a kaduna- bound train derailed by Asham Station.

    According to him, the staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have been working day and night to ensure that the clearing and repairing of the damaged tracks are done at the earliest possible time.

    He commended security agencies and other stakeholders for their efforts in  ensuring the safety of passengers, workers and train facilities at the cite.

    “I thank President Bola Tinubu for his support since the incident occured in ensuring that we move the locomotive and the coaches and fixed the rail line in order to restart operation.

    ‎”From what I have seen, I also want to commend the Managing Director of the NRC and his team, because they are on the cite day and night trying to restore normalcy after the incident,” he said.

    The minister who said his team had done justice to the investigation, however explained that he was not in a position to pre-empt the investigation.

    “I am here with the full team from the Ministry of Transportation, Director of Railway and all his engineers and even the committee doing the investigation

    ‎”The CCECC are here, Civil Rights Organisation, all of us are here to ensure we do justice to the investigations.

    Alkali who said that the affected eight coaches would be moved out of the cite within the next two days, added that the path of the track that was affected by the accident was about 150 meters.

    ‎”So it’s not something too long. We will be able to fix the sleepers, the pallets and the rail track so that we will be back to operation.

    “It is a cardinal responsibility of government to provide welfare for its citizens. The teams are doing their best to ensure similar occurrence does not happen again.

    “However, it is the outcome of the investigations that will now reveal what actually happened. Then we look at it and ensure it doesn’t happen again by the grace of God Almighty,” he said.

  • Abuja-Kaduna train derailment not sabotage – Minister

    Abuja-Kaduna train derailment not sabotage – Minister

    Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, has dismissed claims of sabotage in the recent Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and security of rail operations nationwide.

    Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja alongside the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Kayode Opeifa, Alkali said preliminary investigations suggested the incident was due to an operational error, not a deliberate act.

    “We have fixed the point machine from here up to Kaduna, and since then, there has been no issue of derailment.

    “Investigations are still ongoing, and we don’t want to preempt the committee until it submits its report.

    “A point machine, also known as a switch motor, is a device that moves rail turnout blades, allowing trains to change tracks safely and efficiently,” he stated.

    Alkali acknowledged that vandalism continued to pose a serious challenge to railway safety, in spite of ongoing arrests and prosecutions of those damaging rail infrastructure.

    He confirmed that four out of ten derailed coaches had been recovered using specialised railway cranes and equipment.

    He also revealed that procurement was underway to extend the rail line from Warri to Ajaokuta and eventually to Abuja.

    In his remarks, NRC Managing Director, Opeifa apologised to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over a reported altercation involving the immediate past National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ladi Bala, during media coverage of the derailment.

    “If any journalist or medium felt excluded or not well treated at the accident scene, I take full responsibility and sincerely apologise.

    “We are committed to transparency and will continue to provide the press with access and information as events unfold,” Opeifa said.

    Corroborating the minister’s stance, Opeifa also ruled out sabotage, citing technical evidence from the derailment site.

    “Nationwide, rail tracks are constantly targeted by vandals and scrap syndicates.

    “But with specific reference to this incident, the track showed no signs of sabotage or structural failure.

    “Our initial findings indicate it was an operational accident at a junction point,” he explained.

    He confirmed that all 618 passengers on board the train were successfully evacuated without any loss of life or serious injuries.

    Opeifa assured that efforts were ongoing to restore full train services, stressing that passenger safety and service reliability remained top priorities.

  • Another train derails on Abuja-Kaduna route on Democracy day

    Another train derails on Abuja-Kaduna route on Democracy day

    An Abuja-bound train has derailed along the Abuja-Kaduna route for the second time in one week, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports.

    According to reports, the incident in the early hours of Wednesday between Kaduna and Abuja left many passengers stranded.

    The Nigeria Railway Corporation is yet to release details of the incident as of the filing of this report.

    It would be recalled that many passengers were stranded on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, when a Kaduna-bound train from Abuja derailed at Asha station in the federal capital territory (FCT).

    Reacting, the NRC noted that the train experienced a technical hitch, which resulted in the derailment.

     The statement reads in part: “The Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) experienced train technical hitch in our operation at Asham Railway Station in Chikun Local Government of Kaduna State. The passengers on board were safely returned to Abuja (Idu). Meanwhile, their tickets remain valid for a subsequent journey within two weeks.

    “This minor hitch is attributed to the removal of track fastening clips by vandals,” NRC said on the June 5, incident.

    Recall that on May 26, a train which departed Rigasa station in Kaduna for Abuja derailed near Jere.

  • Breaking! (Leaked Memo) DSS warns of looming attack by coalition of bandits on Abuja-Kaduna train link

    Breaking! (Leaked Memo) DSS warns of looming attack by coalition of bandits on Abuja-Kaduna train link

    The Department of State Services, DSS, on Wednesday issued a security alert stating that there’s a grand plot by bandits to attack the Abuja-Kaduna train link anytime from now.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls that on 28 March 2022, an Abuja–Kaduna train was attacked in Katari, Kaduna State, Nigeria. In response, the Nigeria Railway Corporation briefly halted operations along the route.

    But in this fresh development, the DSS has issued a security alert cautioning train passengers to be extra careful in a memo sent to MD of NRC.

    In the leaked letter signed by DSS Director FCT Command, R.N. Adepemu entitled: Security Alert: ‘Impending Threat By A Coalition Of Banditry Syndicate To Attack Abuja-Kaduna Train Service Along AKTS Corridor.

    The secret police in the statement said:”Intelligence report indicates impending threat to seamless train transportation along the Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

    “The development is sequel to the plot by a coalition of banditry syndicate to attack Abuja ~ Kaduna Train Service aimed at kidnapping passengers on board for ransom any moment from now.

    ” In view of the threat inherent and the need to forestall likely breach of security along the AKTS, it is advised that, existing security arrangements be scaled up within and along the route. In addition, the need for the under listed counter security measures be emplaced ta nip in the bud the impending threats.

    i. Air surveillance patrol; Surveillance on the rail track; Military checkpoint/ patrol; Police checkpoint/ patrol; Security raid operation be carry out around Byazhin, Jibi, as well as ja forest Enhance the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (NPMF) operatives with walkie talkie to sustain escort services on train;

    vii, Deploy more Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with walkie talkie to provide escort duty; ie contents of this correspondence are classified: Unauthorized disclostre could lead to prosecution.

    viii. Crisis response team be established in the advent of attack for quick response time; Intelligence sharing amongst all relevant stakeholders.

    “Although, the aforementioned threat is yet to be in the public domain, the development is capable of heightening fears over safety of lives and property amongst stakeholders and commuters of trail transportation along the AKTS corridor.

    “Therefore, the need to discreetly manage this intelligence provided cannot be, over emphasized.

    “This is particularly against the backdrop of fatal attacks along the routes which left casualties and victims hence, some passengers were killed as well as others abducted for several months before their eventual release.

  • BREAKING: Abuja-Kaduna train services resume

    BREAKING: Abuja-Kaduna train services resume

    Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has announced the resumption of services along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor after the suspension due to derailment on Friday.

    The corporation’s Director of Operations, Mr Niyi Alli, in a statement said the services would commence on Jan. 31.

    “The Board and Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation are pleased to announce the recommencement of the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service.

    “The service was suspended on Jan. 27, due to the derailment that occurred at Kubwa Station on the same date.

    “Subsequently, the service will resume on Jan. 31, with the following daily schedule – KA2 departs Rigasa at 0700; AK1 departs Idu at 10.00; KA4 departs Rigasa at 13.00; AK3 departs Idu at 16.00.

    “However on Wednesdays only KA2 will depart Rigasa at 0700 and  AK 3 will depart Idu at 16.00,” Alli said.

    The director expressed regret on any inconvenience the corporation’s esteemed passengers might have experienced as a result of the temporary suspension of the service.

    He however expressed Federal Government’s commitment to provide safe and better services to the public.

  • ‘No NIN, no boarding of train’, says FG as Abuja-Kaduna Rail service resumes in 7 days

    ‘No NIN, no boarding of train’, says FG as Abuja-Kaduna Rail service resumes in 7 days

    The Federal Government says train services between the Abuja and Kaduna route will resume within seven days from Nov. 27 also stating the new requirements to board the train.

    Minister of Transportation Mua’zu Sambo disclosed this on Sunday while inspecting the test running the train route.

    The minister said that this was to enable passengers to get used to the new requirements for enjoying the train service.

    He said: ”The issue of whether the train will start tomorrow or not, we have not said the train services will start tomorrow.

    ”I want to be very categorical about that. Now, we have introduced a new system before you buy a ticket.

    ”Your purchase of a ticket requires you to provide a phone number and a national identification number in order to profile, because that is the beginning of the security checks.

    ”So, at any point in time when a train moves from one station to another we know who and who are on board.

    ” If you don’t have a NIN you are not going to board our train. It is as simple as that.

    ”If you are a minor, an adult will pay for you and will register for you and an adult can only register for not more than four minors.”

    Sambo added that: ”Now, we want to give sufficient time for the Nigerian public to listen to these and assimilate this new system, because if we start tomorrow, a lot of people will be disgruntled.

    ”Definitely between three, four, five days, certainly not more than a week.”

    He assured Nigerians that 90 per cent arrangement had been completed for the smooth commencement of the services.

    Sambo added that the remaining 10 per cent measures would be achieved in a couple of days for the smooth commencement.

    ”I think we are 90 per cent ready as far as what we are set out to do is concerned.

    ” The remaining 10 per cent I am sure would be achieved in the next couple of days for full resumption of train services.

    ”Certain concrete measures that are feasible include the ticketing. Security starts from ticketing so now you don’t buy a ticket unless you have a valid phone number and you have a NIN.

    ”And if you are a foreigner you also have a means of identification you can use which is produced by the National Identity Management Commission.

    ”Having secured your ticket, you will not get access to the lounge until the machine reads the barcode in your receipt.

    ”Your details will show and your complete profile will show on the screen. Only then will you be allowed to go into the lounge. This is what we call customer profiling,” Sambo said.

    According to the minister, there will be an increased number of security personnel, some of whom may not be wearing uniform to guarantee passengers’ safety.

    He said: ”The other thing is that, for every journey the train is monitored every second and the train driver can see up to a certain distance.

    ”If there is any threats on the track, that would enable him march the break before getting to the perceived threat.”

    Sambo explained that there would be reduced number of trips on the route and as the traveling population picked, the number of trips would increase.

    ”But we will certainly not travel at night,” he said.

    He further said that some other sensitive equipment which would not be disclosed had also been put in place to ensure safety of life and property.

    On fares, he said discussions were in place and the fares could be increased.

    ”My assurance to Nigerians is that even I will be using the train, and other of my counterparts who have homes in Kaduna.

    ”Infact, from next week they will start using this train so I am giving Nigerians full assurance that a human being can give that this train is safe for them to use.

    ”There is absolutely nothing to fear. We have learnt from what has happened and life is about learning lessons and adopting measures with the lessons.

    ”As a responsible government, we have seen those lessons and we have devised appropriate measures to counter it.

    ”Like I always say that I was not going to allow this train to resume until everybody in captivity was released and to the glory of God I have achieved that.”

  • Abuja-Kaduna rail line to resume before the end of November – FG

    Abuja-Kaduna rail line to resume before the end of November – FG

    Nigeria’s government has announced the resumption of the Abuja/Kaduna rail line, eight months after it was shut down.

    The Federal Government has assured the Abuja/Kaduna rail line will resume before the end of November, 2022.

    Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, made the announcement at the second President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration scorecard (2015-2023) series in Abuja

    Recall that the rail line was shut down as a result of the bandits attack on March 28, 2022 which left many dead while some were kidnapped.

    Sambo pledged that necessary steps had been taken to forestall future occurrences. Entertaining questions on several rail projects across the federation, the minister assured citizens that government was in the process of linking the Itakpe/Delta rail service from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Earlier, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly saying the current administration has nothing to campaign in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.

    Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, described the remarks as “absurdity and a cruel irony.” He regretted that an “opposition party that presided over the affairs of Nigeria at a time of plenty, yet, could not complete a single modern rail line, could accuse a government that has completed at least, three standard gauge rail-lines of lacking in achievements.”

    Mohammed continued: “Indeed, the Buhari administration is spoilt for choice in celebrating its achievements. As I said, we have completed the Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri Standard Gauge Rail Lines.

    “We have commissioned brand new airport terminals in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. We have completed housing projects in 35 states and constructed or are constructing road projects in every state.

    “They are quick to point to some economic indices like the Naira exchange rate and inflation, but the truth is that if they were the ones confronted with having to fight a once-in-a-century pandemic, two economic recessions and low oil prices, Nigeria would have had no economy to even talk about.”

  • MURIC wants return of Abuja-Kaduna train service after attack

    MURIC wants return of Abuja-Kaduna train service after attack

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has appealed to families of victims of train attack on the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to allow the train service to resume.

    Prof. Ishaq Akintola, MURIC Director, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    “Bandits attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train on March 28, killing eight, injuring 26 and kidnapping about 300 passengers. The bandits have since been releasing their victims in batches and only 23 remain in captivity.

    “Attempts by the Nigerian Railway Corporation to resume operation on the Abuja-Kaduna route was met with stiff resistance as families of abducted victims vowed to disrupt such resumption unless the victims were released.

    “MURIC sympathises with families of the victims. We feel their pain. It has been traumatizing for every patriotic Nigerian and they have been praying for the victims. The kidnapped victims are in our thoughts every day.

    “But no one should politicise the sad development. It is time to move on. While the Federal Government must continue to work towards the release of the 23 remaining victims, we must allow the railway authorities to resume work because thousands of Nigerians who need the services are being deprived this dividend of democracy on a daily basis. Resumption of work is therefore in the best interest of a greater majority of Nigerians,” Akintola said.

    “We must base our actions on the enlightened thought of Jeremy Bentham (1907) who argued that the moral quality of an action must be judged by its consequences on human happiness. He therefore concluded that mankind must aim at the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

    “We believe that it is time to apply this principle of governance and morality to the Abuja-Kaduna train attack imbroglio. It has been a very sad and unfortunate incident and we solidarise with the victims and their families. But life must continue particularly in view of the large number of citizens who are suffering the consequences.

    “This is where the families of the victims need to do a rethink and allow the resumption of the train services. One major reason for this is that the disruption only serves the interest of the bandits and that of enemies of Nigeria. The decision to disrupt services was made in May 2022. Four months have passed since then and the trains have remained grounded.

    “That is an integral part of Nigeria’s infrastructure. If anyone thinks he is depriving President Muhammadu Buhari of the joy of achievement in the area of railway transportation by disrupting train services, such a person is making a big mistake. It was Barrack Obama who said, ‘Hoping your president fails is the same as hoping your country fails, and it is not patriotism. Patriotism is supporting your Commander-in-Chief even if you don’t agree with him on everything.”

    “Unfortunately it is another vital part of the anatomy of the North that is bleeding. Transportation facilitates ease of business and Northern economy loses crucial doses every single day that the train disruption continues. The families of the train victims should realise that only a section of the country is suffering as a result of their protestation. Train services continue to run on the Lagos-Ibadan and Itakpe-Warri routes.

    “That is selective justice. But how much of this hurts FG? We must put on correct thinking caps and only rational, creative and progressive caps can make any meaning. We need caps that can enable us to think like true and patriotic Nigerians.

    “People lose their dear ones every day. Kidnappers strike everywhere on a daily basis. The families of the victims of kidnapping and other attacks have never attempted to stop innocent Nigerians from enjoying the services of either a local or state government on account of such attacks. It is only in the case of this Abuja-Kaduna train attack that we find families of the victims turning on the government for a pound of flesh. We are therefore compelled to think there may be more to the train attack than meets the eyes.

    “Unfortunately it is other innocent Nigerians who are feeling the impact of their demand. This is why we call on those threatening to disrupt the Abuja-Kaduna train services unless the victims of the attack are released to drop the demand.”

    “It is no longer tenable. The threat has lasted too long without achieving the required result. Schools are still open and functioning in Chibok and in Borno in general despite the fact that majority of the Chibok girls are yet to be released.

    “Another bitter truth is that those who refuse to allow Abuja-Kaduna trains to resume work are not punishing FG. They are punishing innocent Nigerians. Buhari does not ride this train. Neither does Amaechi. We need to be reasonable sometimes.

    “We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, groups and institutions to speak up on this issue. We must speak the truth to the families or whoever is behind the threat. The Arabs say ‘Silence on abomination is abomination (As-sukuutu ‘ala al-munkar munkar)’. Malcolm X was thinking along this line when he said, ‘I am for truth, no matter who says it. I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against’.

    “Late Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto once said, ‘The greatest weapon is truth’. Isn’t it high time we use that weapon to find solution to the train impasse? Why are we not hearing any appeal targeted at the families of the train attack victims? Must thousands of innocent Nigerians continue to suffer like this.”

    “The continued silence of stakeholders is not the best. It is true that we can speak truth to power. But it is not to power alone. We must be ready to speak truth to the other party too. That is why Samuel Butler (1835 – 1902) said, ‘Silence is not always tact, and it is tact that is golden, not silence.

    “Permit us to reiterate that our appeal to families of the victims to allow train services to resume on the Abuja-Kaduna route should not be misinterpreted as asking us to forget the victims. FG must continue to seek ways of securing their release while Nigerians should continue praying for the safety of the remaining 23 victims.”

  • Abuja-Kaduna train attack: Families of kidnapped victims beg House of Reps for intervention

    Families of the kidnapped victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train have begged the House of Representatives for intervention on the release of the remaining 51 in the kidnapper’s den.

    Newsmen report that about 10 members of the families of the kidnapped victims visited the lawmakers who moved a motion for their release in Abuja.

    Mr Aminu Othman, a member of the families of the victims, said that the families were in the National Assembly to commend the effort of the lawmakers at ensuring the release of their loved ones.

    He said that the families would continue to plead with the lawmakers at ensuring the release of the kidnapped victims, adding that one of the victims was shot dead on June 28.

    “One of our family in captivity has been shot based on the information from the negotiator. We are here to meet the lawmakers to put more pressure on the Federal Government to fasten the release of our people,” he said

    Mrs Maltoda Kabir, another family member, said: “We are pleading again with the House of Reps because the news we are hearing is not favourable.

    “Please Nigerians, we need your help. My husband and brothers are with the kidnappers. Nigeria please come to our aid. Imagine people sitting and standing for 94 days in the bush, we are going to 100 now,” she lamented.

    Responding, Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun) said that the House had earlier moved a motion urging the federal government to do more to facilitate the release of kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna train victims.

    He noted that the families were at the National Assembly to remind the federal government that “the families of 51 of our fellow citizens are still in captivity”.

    Bamidele, while expressing sympathy, said: ” We know how it can be to have children of ages two in captivity, we even have some who are diabetic.”

    He said that the negotiator was contacted on June 28 to see what demand the government could meet so they could see if they could grant the government’s request.

    He expressed optimism that something tangible would come out of the efforts.

    Rep. Mansoro Mansur (PDP-Bauchi) said that the families of the victims had recounted the ordeal of the victims in captivity, adding that the lawmakers are disturbed by the information from the victims.

    “We share in their sorrow and pains, it is our commitment that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure they are rescued.

    “We will meet with the Speaker so we can meet with the Chief of Defence. We will do the needful as far as the Constitution is concerned, security is the business of the government.”

    The lawmaker promised to engage further to ensure the release of the victims.

  • Remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be rescued alive – Buhari insists

    Remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be rescued alive – Buhari insists

    President Muhammadu Buhari has again directed that the remaining kidnapped railway passengers must be brought home alive

    The president gave the directive in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to the presidential aide, the nation’s military and security agencies are aware of their duty to the nation and are determined to give effect to the president’s charge with increased urgency.

    Shehu said the president directed increased efforts – kinetic and non-kinetic to bring the case to a closure.

    “Upon the President’s approval, the Government is continuing on the two-lane approach, kinetic and non-kinetic to secure the passengers’ safe release.

    “The kidnappers made a demand for the release of their own children and upon the settlement of that issue, they let go eleven of the victims, even though more were expected.

    “The setback notwithstanding, the Government is not leaving any stone unturned in the efforts to bring all of the hostages back,’’ he said.

    The presidential aide affirmed that defence, security, and intelligence agencies had given assurances to intensify operational engagements geared towards securing the rescue of all hostages and restoring peace to all parts of the country.

    According to him, government is also mindful of efforts of some patriotic and influential persons and institutions that are helping in securing the safe release of the hostages.

    “President Buhari welcomes the return of the recently released passengers back to their families and loved ones, while expressing his solemn commitment to the families of those still in captivity,’’ he added.

    Shehu quoted the president as assuring that “there will be no let-up until they are reunited with their families in the shortest time possible’’.