By Kola Adeyemi
Abuja – The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said it has confirmed the safety of additional 14 passengers in the Abuja-Kaduna bound train that was attacked by terrorists on Monday , March 28.
A statement issued by the NRC on Sunday in Abuja said that the number brings to 186 the total number of passengers that are safe in the attack
In the statement signed by its Managing Director, Mr Fidet Okhiria, the NRC said the number of missing passengers has also increased from 21 to 22.
It said that the 22 passengers were the ones reported missing by their relatives.
“The phones of 35 people on the train manifest were ringing when called but no-one responded; just as the mobile phone numbers of 51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning,” he said.
According to Okhiria, 60 phone numbers, when called, are said to be non-existent.
“Two coaches earlier re-railed were safely moved to Rigasa Station. This brings the total number of recovered coaches and safely moved to NRC stations to seven.
“Intensive work continues on track repairs. More concrete sleepers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened,” the statement said.
The NRC had earlier said that eight passengers died in the attack while it also suspended the Abuja-Kaduna railway service.
The full statement is presented below:
In our quest to keep the general public informed with on-going development regarding the clearing of the incident site (recovery of the rolling stock, repairs of the track) and status of Passengers that were on-board the AK 9 train of Monday 28th March 2022, the Corporation hereby provide the following updates as at end of work today 3rd April, 2022:
Two (2No.) Coaches (SP 00016 and SP 00017) earlier re-railed were safely moved to Rigasa Station. This brings the total number of recovered Coaches and safely moved to NRC Stations to seven .
Intensive work continues on track repairs. More concrete Sleepers were moved to site while some section of twisted tracks has been straightened.
Of the 362 validated passengers on board the attacked AK9 train service on 28th March 2022,
186 persons on the manifest are confirmed to be safe and at their various homes (Additional 14 persons confirmed safe today).51 phone numbers on the manifest are either switched off or not reachable since Tuesday morning. 35 phone numbers on the manifest are ringing but no response from the other end.
60 phone numbers on the manifest when called response non-existent.
22 persons are reported missing by their relatives.
8 persons confirmed dead.
We remain grateful to the Security Agencies for all the support. We are very appreciative of the Squadron Commander MOPOL 1 Kaduna visit to the accident site today.
The NRC will continue to update the general public of developments to prevent misleading information and falsehood.
Thank you and God bless Nigeria. (vitalnews)
