The federal government has announced the resumption of train operation at the Kaduna-Abuja rail track after several months of shutdown. The Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo made this known today in Abuja while presenting the scorecard for his stewardship. Recall during the month of March 2022 the train operation came under attack from members of the Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP where they took dozens of passengers hostage leading the Federal Government to suspend its operations.
According to the Minister, his offices in collaboration with security agencies have placed a measure that will safeguard the passengers during their journey, though did not disclose the strategies and the exact date to kick-start the operations.
Sambo revealed that his ministry has learned its lesson following the attack that happened in March where the whole nation was thrown off balance by the terrorist action.
In his statement, “The Abuja Kaduna mishap was indeed a very sad one. And by the grace of God, we shall not witness anything like that again.
“Not only because we have committed that to prayer but we have also deliberately taken steps.
He added, “Like you said, yes, indeed, lessons have been learned. And these lessons will be put into place.
“What are the lessons, safety, and security surveillance, constant monitoring 24/7 and 7 days a week, 12 months a year, all around the clock, he said.
He hinted that part of the measures adopted henceforth is that the minister will be able to monitor the rail corridor right from the comfort of his office.
He explained that “this month of November, we shall resume that service. Remember, I told you for those of you who are reporters from the State House that we will not resume this service until every Nigerian held in captivity was reunited with their family.
“God has made that possible, the security agencies in this country under the able leadership and support of Mr. President have made that possible.
“And it is now history. Not one of them (hostages) was injured. Not one of them was hurt.”
