The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised serious alarm over the surging stone-pelting attacks on trains plying the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, describing the ugly phenomenon as undesirable for the current efforts by the government to enhance rail transport system nationwide.
A statement issued on Sunday by the NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, quoted the management as outrightly condemning the trend, citing a recent attack at Km 177 where vandals gathered along the tracks and pelted a moving train, shattering the locomotive’s windscreen.
Abuja–Kaduna stated that the incident was not an isolated case as similar attacks on the trains had escalated over the past two weeks in areas such as Kakau District and Gidan Busa.
The statement partly reads: “This development is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers and operational personnel.
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“Management disclosed that similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor.
”This, thereby, worsens the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians”, the spokesperson added.
According to him, the persistent attacks on the trains not only endangered lives of passengers and damaged critical railway infrastructure but also constituted acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation system.
Similarly, Unyimadu lamented that this worrisome development had been undermining the huge investments of the government in the railway sector.
He clarified: “Despite the unfortunate development, train operations have continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.
“The management of the corporation specially acknowledges the efforts and support of security operatives working tirelessly with the NRC to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers and railway assets despite the persistent attacks”, the NRC spokesperson added.
