NRC raises alarm over incessant attacks on train along Abuja-Kaduna highway

Following a recent incident in which suspected villagers pelted a moving train with stones along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised fresh concerns over escalating attacks on its train operations rail corridor.

Around kilometre 177 on the Abuja-Kaduna highway, the Corporation explained that the attack on the train took place where a group of unidentified persons gathered along the rail track and hurled stones at a passing train, damaging the windscreen of the lead locomotive.

Callistus Unyimadu, the NRC spokesman, in a statement, stated that the development is alarming, saying that similar incidents have been recorded in the past two weeks, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village in Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to the statement, “About six attacks have been documented along the corridor within this period, posing significant threats to passenger safety, railway personnel, and critical infrastructure.”

The statement also explained that the repeated acts are not only dangerous but amount to economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation and undermining government investments in the railway sector.

The NRC observed that train services have continued under heightened safety measures, with railway staff maintaining strict vigilance to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely despite the attacks.

The NRC said that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with security operatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to strengthen surveillance, identify those responsible, and bring perpetrators to justice with a view to bringing an end to the attacks.

It enjoined communities residing along railway lines to support the protection of railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities to authorities and discouraging criminal actions.

It warned that continued attacks could disrupt service delivery if urgent and collective action is not taken.