By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has lamented the ceaseless attacks on its train operations along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements.
The Corporation expressed this concern in a statement made available to newsmen, saying that the latest incident occurred around Kilometer 177 along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor, where some unknown persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train, leading to damage to the windscreen of the leading locomotive.
The NRC noted with deep concern that within the last two weeks, similar attacks had also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others, saying such development poses serious danger to railway operations, passengers, and operational personnel.
According the NRC management, similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor, thereby worsening the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the Corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians.
It stated that these persistent attacks not only endanger lives and damage critical railway infrastructure, but also constitute acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.
The NRC, however, assured that despite the unfortunate development, train operations had continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who had continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reached their destinations safely.
The Management, while specially acknowledging 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, said it was currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
The NRC, therefore, called on residents and communities along railway corridors to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.
It further expressed concerns that continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery if urgent collective action was not taken to curb the menace.
The Corporation said it remained committed to ensuring safe, secure, and efficient train operations across the country and assured passengers that every necessary measure was being taken to safeguard lives and railway assets.
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