*Kaduna govt says efforts under way to convey injured passengers to hospital, as troops comb sorroundings
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
Terrorist again struck on Monday in Kaduna, launching an attack on a Kaduna-bound train.
The incident occurred barely 72 hours after a similar attack on the Kaduna International Airport on Sunday.
Sources said the terrorists detonated explosives on the rail tracks which demobilised the train.
They were said to have opened fire on the over 900 passengers said to be on board the train from Abuja to Kaduna, injuring many passengers.
Sources said the attack occurred between Katari and Rijana communities in Kaduna state, believed to be the den of terrorists.
The Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the incident in a statement late Monday night.
He said those who sustained injuries in the attack had been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention while efforts were being made to convey the passengers from the location.
The statement reads:
“Security agencies have reported to the Kaduna State Government that the military has secured the Kaduna bound train from Abuja trapped by terrorists.
“The Kaduna State Government received multiple reports of an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train service at around Kateri-Rijana general areas.
“Relevant action agencies were urgently contacted, and robust deployments of personnel were swiftly made to the area to secure the passengers on board.
“Efforts are ongoing to convey the passengers from the location and others that sustained injuries have been rushed to hospitals for urgent medical attention.
“The Government of Kaduna State will be liaising with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ascertain the list from the passengers’ manifest for efficient tracking.
“This is to acquire an accurate inventory of all passengers and their actual status.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i who has been in constant touch with the security forces, commended them for their prompt response, and thanked them for successfully securing the train and passengers on board.
“Security forces continue to comb the general area in additional rescue efforts.
“Emerging developments will be communicated to the public.”
Kaduna has come under heavy terrorists attacks in recent time.
On Sunday March 20, 2022, 36 people were killed while over 200 houses were burnt in an attack on four communities in Kaura Local Government Area of the state.
Also on Friday last week, 50 people were reportedly killed when bandits invaded nine communities in Giwa LGA.
