The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has suspended the Lagos-Kano and Ajaokuta train services over to fear of terrorist attacks as the insecurity in the country continues to rise.
The train services would not resume until the security along the Lagos-Kano route and the Ajaokuta train station was guaranteed, The Punch reported. The high level of insecurity in Niger and Kaduna states, led to the suspension of the Lagos-Kano train services which resumed operations on August 13, 2021.
Services at the Ajaokuta station along Warri-Itakpe route were also suspended by NRC due the attack on some passengers by gunmen on Monday.
The NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, confirmed the suspension to The Punch. He said, “We have not stopped (services), rather what we said was that we are not going to be stopping at the Ajaokuta station.
“This is because yesterday (Monday), while passengers were leaving the station with their private cars and buses, they had people shooting at them. So we said we will not stop there again for passengers.
“The train is still running, but for now we will not be stopping at Ajaokuta because they have some concerns there. We heard that they removed their traditional ruler in that location and the local government chairman there.”
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Okhiria said that apart from the Abuja-Kaduna route, the corporation had also suspended services on the Lagos-Kano route because of security concerns.
“No, apart from the Lagos to Kano (train service) because the Kaduna route is affected by the activities of bandits; and it (Lagos-Kano route) was stopped because we have to pass through Minna and Kaduna when heading to Kano. So we have to stop it for now,” he stated when asked if there was any other train service that was not operating aside from the Abuja-Kaduna service.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
