The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has given full account of its 20 crew members on board the Kaduna train, attacked by terrorists on 28 March.
NRC’s managing director, Mr Fidet Okhiria said 11 of the staff are safe, while eight can still not be traced and are probably with the terrorists, while one is certified dead.
“Of seven NRC staff, five are safe and two missing. Of 10 janitors, six are safe, three missing and one dead. Also one caterer is safe while two are missing,” he said.
The managing director stated that 191 out of the 362 validated passengers on board the train had been confirmed safe and were in their various homes.
“Five others were confirmed safe on April 4. About 46 phone numbers on the manifest are still either switched off or not reachable.
“Thirty-three phone numbers are ringing but not answered and 62 phone numbers are responding to be non-existent,” he said.
Okhiria said that so far 22 persons had been reported missing by their relatives while eight persons had been confirmed dead.
He said the corporation would work relentlessly with security agencies to ensure the rescue of those kidnaped in the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna-bound passenger train.
“We are committed to the rescue of our passengers and staff who were on board the ill-fated Ak9 train service.
“We shall continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that all persons being held are rescued unhurt and reunited with their families.
“Our heart goes out to those who lost loved ones and those injured in the attack who are now recuperating,” he said.
The managing director said that an additional coach, SP 00020, had been re-railed and moved safely to Rigasa Station.
“This is bringing the total number of recovered coaches that have been safely moved to NRC stations to eight.
“Intensive track repair works have been ongoing to enable the recovery of the remaining coaches and locomotives,” he said.
Okhiria promised to regularly give updates on the incident to avoid speculations and misinformation.
